Rayners Lane Taekwon-do Academy

On the 17th September, 11 members of Rayners Lane Taekwon-do Academy competed in the LTSI Invitational Taekwon-do Tournament, held in St Albans.

The day started with the junior divisions and our only two junior competitors did really well. Saphwat Simab went out in the 3rd place play-offs in his patterns division but later stormed to gold in the sparring. His big sis Saphaa held her own against a newly promoted black belt (still competing as a red belt due to just passing) and again showed tons of spirit as she gave him a great fight gaining the bronze medal. It's a real shame more juniors do not compete as both Saphaa and Saphwat show just what can be achieved.

Following the junior sections we saw the black belts compete. In the black belt divisions Mr. Anslow won the 3rd, 4th and 5th degree patterns, whilst Mr. Ahmad gave a good performance but unfortunately forgot just at the end (it happens sometimes) but I'm sure would have won his round if he had completed the pattern. Mr. Sultan however fared much better, passing each round and going into the final against a very good patterns competitor, unfortunately a moments lost concentration in the final meant he had to settle for silver, but still an excellent performance for only his 2nd black belt tournament. Both black belts gave good accounts of themselves in the sparring but were beaten by more experienced competitors on the day.

The black belt destruction was extremely tough and although none of the BBs won any medals here, we all did okay with some good breaks and extremely high jump kicks.

In the adult divisions Kate showed great determination but was unlucky to win her sparring after 2 extra rounds. She also gave a great performance in her pattern and showed a lot of support to other members from the club. Lyndsey worked her way up through her patterns division achieving an overall bronze medal, with Sharad closely in front gaining a silver, and Fayaz did well earning the gold. Paras was unlucky to finish in fourth place, but as you can see, it was only our club in the semi-finals in the division. Omid gave an excellent performance in his patterns division and went on to win first place to win his first gold of what was to be an outstanding day for him.

Coloured belt sparring was very challenging but even then we gave some good fights and gained a few medals against some excellant competitors. Omid fought his way up and earned his second gold of the day, whilst Fayaz, who brought his shin pads but didnt wear them (despite a shin injury already), suffered a shin injury in his second battle, but still went on to win 3rd place. Lyndsey Sainsbury, a huge role model to all girls, went on to win 1st place in sparring. Well done to her. Sharad and Paras, who were in one of the top divisions for sparring, put in a great effort but unfortunately were not in the judges favour.

Finally, Omid thinking he could fly won the flying high kick competition and made us all very proud. Again adding a third gold to his collection.

Overall it was a very enjoyable day and a great experience. Great thanks to Mr. Snow and the LTSI for organising the event.