MEMBERS of Worcestershire Martial Arts Taekwon-Do collected six medals with some amazing results at the 2019 International Open ITF Championships.
The event marked the first international championships for the students in front of almost 700 people at Sports Connexion in Coventry.
Kieran Hodgson won silver medals in patterns and only missed out on the gold by one point and scooped a silver in sparring after some fantastic fighting and a very close match in the final against competitors of higher grades.
Junko Steptoe won gold in patterns after an outstanding performance and bagged bronze in sparring after only nine months training with Worcestershire Martial Arts
Rising star Kirsty Denlow took gold in sparring after beating competitors who have been training a lot longer than her. Her fights were so technically clear cut she left the judges in no doubt she was the best fighter in the category.
In his first-ever competition Mike Fudger won bronze in pattern. He was very nervous and did an amazing job overcoming this and showing off everything he’s learnt.
Eight-year-old Rois Perkins and Zaria Fudger, seven, both competed but did not win a medal this time.
Speaking after the competition, Sally Gleaves from Worcestershire Martial Arts said: “They were up against tough competition but have gained experience. They are only young and have plenty of time to win international titles.
“I am really very proud of everything the team has achieved this year so far, WMA give them the tools and the coaching, but their winnings are down to their own hard work and perseverance.”
Visit www.worcestershiremartialarts.co.uk for more information.