Martial artists from Bristol are celebrating after members took home a medal haul from the European Championships this summer.
Members of Thornbury Taekwondo Academy and Fishponds Taekwondo Academy, known collectively as UK ITF Region 7, competed in the International Taekwondo Federation (ITF) event.
The competition, held at Sports Wales National Centre in Cardiff [from July 18 to 21], hosted a range of categories, including power breaking, patterns and sparring for juniors and adults.
Instructor Master Vaughan Buxton, a 7th degree black belt and a British, European and World title holder, said he was proud of everyone who took part.
He said: “The students trained hard in the run-up to the competition and gave it their all. I’m proud of their dedication and it’s an amazing achievement to take part in the European Championships.”
There were 160 participants from 15 countries at the event, which is held every two years.
To qualify, competitors must be national champions in their own countries and registered black belt holders. Competitions for Kup (coloured belts) takes place on the last day of the championships.
Medal haul
Esme McCarthy, a second-degree black belt, who is studying law at London South Bank University and works part time as a legal assistant with Co-op, won gold medals for second-degree black belt patterns and sparring.
She was also part of the women’s team representing Great Britain, winning gold, silver and bronze medals in the different categories.
Ben Turner, a second-degree black belt, who studied sports rehabilitation at University of the West of England (UWE) and now works as a neurological physiotherapist, took home gold for patterns and silver for sparring. He was awarded best overall male – having gained the most points.
Kieran McDermott, a third-degree black belt, who is a first-class law with business graduate from (UWE) and works as a trainee solicitor, achieved gold for sparring.
Stuart Leppard, a sixth-degree black belt and former World silver medallist, fought for silver in sparring and patterns.
Joel Cassar, a fourth-degree black belt, came away with gold for sparring, while Sam Cole, an engineer with Airbus, won silver for first degree black belt patterns. The men’s team won silver in patterns and breaking.
Elliane Reader was awarded two silvers in individual patterns and sparring, as well as two silvers and two gold medals in team events.
Lewis Lambern reached the quarter finals in sparring where he put in a strong performance, initially reaching a draw, then losing out at extra time.
Fishponds Taekwondo Academy instructor Gavin Reader, a third-degree black belt who has been a sports coach for over 20 years, congratulated the students on their hard work.
Dad-of-three Gavin, who is a project manager with the NHS, said: “The students have trained hard and it’s great to see their progression. To reach this level of competition takes years of dedication.”
Joel, who has trained in Taekwondo since the age of four, thanked the instructors for their support.
He said: “This would not have been possible without the hard work, time and effort from our instructors. We count ourselves lucky to have such skilled and supportive coaches.”
Five per cent compete
Only five per cent of ITF Taekwondo students are said to take part in competitions. But the team at Region 7 regularly competes both nationally and internationally.
They all attend black belt clinics and squad training every other Saturday, as well as their weekly classes with their club.
Taekwondo emphasises fast kicking techniques and is said to promote physical and mental strength.
Health benefits of Taekwondo include improved balance, flexibility, stamina, strength and posture. Psychologically, it is reported to help develop confidence, self-esteem and resilience.
ITF Taekwondo promotes inclusivity and Barbara Wood is among their students -earning her Black Belt at the age of 75.
