Taekwondo v14i07

Combat1009

14/9/09 17:12

Page 123

TAEKWONDO & KOREAN MARTIAL A RTS MAGAZINE

VOLUME 14 ISSUE 07 OCTOBER 2009

POOMSAE An Introduction to Black Belt & Beyond

SEISHAN II

By Master David Allerton

MATTHEW CADLE ITF World Champion

Gold Medal Success For

TKD Team GB Visit the TKD-KMA magazine website at www.taekwondomag.co.uk

Combat1009

14/9/09 17:12

Page 124

Poomsae An introduction for beginner to black belt and beyond

By Grand Master Tony Vohra 8th Dan. Photographs by Master Jeff Scott-Smith 5th Dan.

In the August issue, we covered Taegeuk EE Jang, which is the second poomsae that is used in the basic development of Taekwondo techniques. This pattern has 23 movements counted as 18 consecutive counts with one Kihap at the end, performed over 18-23 seconds. This month we take a look at Sam Jang, the third form. Sam Jang has 34 movements counted as 20 consecutive counts with one kihap at the end and should take between 20-25 seconds to be performed, from sijak to baro.

Taegeuk Sam Jang is the pattern essential for progression from 7th KUP to 6th KUP (green belt). If we consider the new movements in this form we have the following. * Momtong Dubeon Jireugi (midsection, double punch). This is delivered in similar motion to Momtong Jireugi and follows the front kick in this form. It is a continuous motion performed whilst maintaining balance where two strikes to the mid-section are performed consecutively, the target area being the solar plexus. * Sonnal Mokchigi (single knife hand strike). In this form, this technique is performed in ap seogi (walking stance) with the reverse hand, and delivered by bringing the sonnal (knife-hand) to the height of shoulder and strinking the neck. When executing Chigi (strike) the opposite fist starts at the level of the shoulder and is held in front, whilst covering the midriff and vital organs, it is then drawn back to the waist at impact. * Hansonnal Momtong Bakkat Makki (single knife-hand outward block). The defending hand should be facing upwards whilst the opposite fist crosses at the height of the shoulder. As the defending hand 124 COMBAT WWW.COMBATMAG.CO.UK

moves away from the body it twists and the opposite fist should be brought to the waist. The blocking area is “Sonnal� meaning: the little finger side of the knife-hand, from its tip down to the wrist.

Speed and consecutively delivered movements In Taegeuk 3 jang, the consecutively delivered combination movements follow. * Apchagi-Momtong Dubeon Jireugi: front kick, double punch.

When delivering this the procedure should follow the same order every time; kick, pull back, balance, step forward into ap kubi seogi (long stance) and double-punch. If the left foot kicks, the left hand makes the first punch. These three movements are delivered consecutively. Please note that these are delivered four times in this form. * Araemakki-Momtong Barojireugi: which means low block, reverse punch to body, which is delivered twice. * Apchagi-Araemaki-Momtong Barojieugi which is front kick, low block, reverse punch. When kicking it is important to cover the vital

organs with the arms in a foreguard and centreguard position. After the kick it is important to balance and to step forward to execute the lowblock, followed by reverse punch.

When executing this form the new stance is Dwitkubi Seogi (back stance) which can be revised by referring to previous articles. The body weight should be distributed such as 70% of the weight is on the back leg and 30% is on the front leg.

When doing this form it is important to ensure that you have symmetry and balance in techniques so that left and right side techniques are shown as mirror images. Visualisation of a real fight should be utilized when performing Poomsae. Attack and defence should be executed to centre line of your body. Please remember that defence is angular and circular. Attack is direct and straight.

Power generation and force at deliverance of technique is generated by mass times acceleration and we are looking at being relaxed with tightening of core muscle groups occurring at the moment of impact.

From commencement to termination of a form it is important to remember that all movements balance out. This is shown through analysis of the forms, that the starting and finishing positions are the same. We are training to develop

Combat1009

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.

19.

14/9/09 17:13

Page 125

Relax Attention Bow Back to attention Feet open, hand’s by your side Open hands Breathe in, whilst raising to solar plexus Clench fists, then lower, whilst exhaling Ready position Ready for lower block at shoulder level (inhaling) Turn, look to left side.

Execute low block (exhaling) Raise arms to cover centre line of body Raise knee ready for front kick Front kick Pull back foot whilst balancing upright and cover vital organs Step forward, executing Ap Kubi Seogi (long stance) Momtong Jireugi, mid punching directed at solar plexus Execute reverse punch.

Ready for low block

1 2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

WWW.COMBATMAG.CO.UK COMBAT 125

Combat1009

14/9/09 17:13

Page 126

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

31

32

33

34

35

36

37

38

39

40

41

42

43

44

45

46

47

48

49

50

51

52

53

54

55

126 COMBAT WWW.COMBATMAG.CO.UK

Combat1009

14/9/09 17:13

Page 127

20. Turn over right shoulder, whilst turning body 21. Execute low block 22. Raise arms, to cover mid section 23. Bend knee up, whilst covering mid section 24. Front kick 25. Pull back and balance 26. Recoil left hand to side, ready for punching 27. Long stance, mid left hand punch 28. Reverse punch, right hand 29. Hand back to shoulder level 30. Turn, ready position for chopping 31. Chop side of neck 32. Ready position for next technique 33. Chop with left hand 34. Prepare for next technique 35. Move to back stance 36. Cover midriff from shoulder level 37. Execute back stance, block knife hand 38. Cover, ready, prepare 39. Move left leg forward, reverse punch with right fist 40. - Ready position 41. - Move back stance 42. Execute mid knife hand 43. Cover 44. Reverse punch, left fist 45. Ready position for block 46. Ready block, move left foot to walking stance 47. Reverse mid block with right arm 48. Prepare for next block 49. Step forward, executing left block with left arm 50. Ready for low block 51. Pivot over left shoulder on right ball of foot.

52. Execute low block 53. guard for front kick 54. Knee bend prepare for front kick 55. Front kick

56.

57.

58.

59.

60.

61.

62.

63.

64.

65.

66.

67.

68.

69.

70.

71.

72.

73.

74.

pull foot back to balance Land whilst covering Punch Reverse punch ready for low block Turn and low block cover knee bent ront kick bend knee back move to long stance left punch right hand reverse punch ready for low block turn walking stance low block reverse punch ready position for low block move low block reverse punch

56 57

58

59

60

61

62

63

64

65

66

67

68

69

70

71

72

73

74

WWW.COMBATMAG.CO.UK COMBAT 127

Combat1009

14/9/09 17:13

Page 128

75

76

77

78

79

80

81

82

83

84

85

86

87

88

89

90

91

92

93

94

95

96

97

98

99

100

101

102

103

104

105

106

107

108

109

110

128 COMBAT WWW.COMBATMAG.CO.UK

Combat1009

75.

76.

77.

78.

79.

80.

81.

82.

83.

84.

85.

86.

87.

88.

89.

90.

91.

92.

93.

94.

95.

14/9/09 17:13

Page 129

cover mid section bend knee in preparation front kick front kick bend knee back after kick with good balance ready position for low block move low block reverse punch bend knee ready for front kick front kick ready for low block low block reverse punch kihap move over left shoulder pivoting on right ball of foot hands lightly clenched open hands and start raising to solar plexus level inhaling clench at solar plexus lower to ready stance move to relax position with open hands behind. move left foot to attention bow back to attention

111.

112.

113.

114.

115.

116.

117.

118.

119.

120.

121.

122.

123.

front kick right foot Pull back to ready position ready for low block low block reverse punch kihap move over left shoulder pivoting on right ball offoot hands lightly clenched at sides open hands and start raising to solar plexus level inhaling lower back to ready position whilst exhaling back to attention Relax position hand at behind Move left foot to right to attention Bow

Returning angle shots from coming back to start position from different angle to techniques better 96. ready position for low block 96. move low block 97. reverse punch 98. ready for low block 99. low block 100.reverse punch 101.prepare cover for kicking 102.Bend knee for kicking with the left foot 103.bend knee in preparation front kick 104.front kick 105.bend knee back after kick with good balance 106.ready position for low block 107.move low block 108.reverse punch 109.cover body for preparation to kicking 110. bend right knee ready for front kick

111 112

113

114

115

116

117

118

119

120

121

122

123

inner mental, physical and spiritual balance. Breathing and breath control is good for power development, relaxation and concentration, which will enhance performance.

Chigi: if an attack is enacted by the use of spinning force of the body or the fist moves in a circle with the elbow, either inflicted or stretched to impact on a target, it is called Chigi (hitting).

Master Tony Vohra is always pleased to advise individual students, instructors and clubs and can arrange demonstrations, courses & seminars to suit any individual or groups both at home and abroad.

For further details please contact: President Grandmaster S. S. Vohra (8th Dan), International School of Martial Arts UK HQ,

Nottingham School of Tae Kwon Do, Ilkeston Rd., Nottingham NG7 3FX, England. Tel: 00 44 (0)115 9780439; Fax: 00 44 (0)115 9785567 www.martialartsvohra.com Emails: info@martialartsvohra.com Photography: Master Jeff Scott-Smith 5th Dan (info@thecauldronweb.com)

Combat1009

14/9/09 17:13

Page 130

TANG SOO DO

By Master David Allerton (5th Dan)

Seishan II I am pleased to continue the second part of the Seishan series. You can recap on Part One in last months issue. This time around I shall look at the historical side a little more which gives further insight into how the hyung should be performed.

Seishan is believed to originate from White Crane Chinese Boxing in Southern China . It was likely brought to Okinawa by Master Bushi Matsumura (c1800-c1890) following his travels to China. It is one of the few forms which was practised by all 3 streams of Okinawan Karate (albeit with different versions) and can also be linked to the Sanchin kata of Goju (Hard/Soft) which shares a common ancestry. The “Bubishi” is known as the Bible of Karate and in it is contained information on White Crane boxing which states : “Foot movement, both in a forward and backward direction should correspond to the crescent shape of a quarter moon...with the big toe of the rear foot aligned with the heel of the other - shoulder width apart”. This is the precise foot move-

130 COMBAT WWW.COMBATMAG.CO.UK

ment taught in Seishan. It should be noted in particular by those who perform this hyung for competition with very low, highly impractical stances that Seishan is not for show, as you will see. Furthermore, the Bubishi advises that “anyone learning the fighting tradition must always make sure not to place too much emphasis solely upon physical training . True power and wisdom come from within and are reflected without... One must counter force with pliability and vice versa .” This would be good advice from any Tai Chi Master indeed it is believed that Chen Seng Feng the purported creator of Tai Chi Chuan was adept at White Crane boxing. The style evolved when a young girl, Fang Qiniang, witnessed 2 cranes fighting.

She was amazed to see how they

evaded piercing attacks and decided to create a fighting system based on what she had seen. After much training she became extremely proficient and beat all challengers including Zeng who was a hard style boxer thought to be invincible. Afterwards he remarked that he had mistakenly relied too much on physical strength and asked to become Fangs disciple.

Are we a little closer to accepting that Seishan may originally have been created with internal principles in mind ? We shall now continue with our Ho Sin Sul using the Sip Sam Seh (13 influences) as our guide.

Sequence 3 may be applied to attacks from the front or the back.

From a front choke the natural reaction is to move away from the attack as shown in the first picture but this

Combat1009

14/9/09 17:14

Page 131

throws the hips and shoulders out of alignment. It is necessary to retrieve this position by bringing the hips into line as shown in the second photo so that we can break the hold using reaction force from the ground together with leverage from both arms rising swiftly up and out (one old Okinawan version shows double finger strikes to both sides of the throat which may assist the process). Stick to the opponents arm as you pull down to the side to unbalance. A word of warning here as his energy may still have some forward momentum so keep your chin tucked in and be prepared to use your head. Step in applying a sharp ridgehand technique to the back of the neck which flows into a turn and throw as the hip is snapped back. Training partners often report they see 7 stars resulting from the strike even before the throw is completed . If you are backed against a wall the rapid turn could utilise the wall as a head strike.

This rotational power can be applied in a wide crescent as in a throw or from just a few inches with a devastating hooking motion. I would regard this to be a Level 2 application (close range grappling) however, it could be progressed to a Level 3 by striking the opponents temple with your

forehead whilst simultaneously applying a ridgehand to the occipital nerve.

An example of a very effective um/yang combination strike. There are 8 different striking techniques in Seishan all of which should be directed to a Kup So point as described in the Bubishi. The form also contains the following 5 stances : horizontal seishan; forward seishan; horse stance; forward cross step and dropping cross stance Following on with Sequence 4 we have open hand movements which are used with a forward Seishan stance. In most Okinawan schools all the fingers are used, either for parrying, hooking or striking , however, in Gichin Funakoshi’s 1925 book “Rentan Goshin Karate Jutsu� he is pictured using the extended index finger only with the thumb in a bent position. This is precisely the technique adopted by the Moo Duk Kwan and leads me to believe that it was this book which KJN Hwang Kee made reference to at the Seoul Railway Library in 1939, though it has never been specifically stated.

The usual explanation for this technique is a one finger eye poke but this is likely to be very difficult to achieve under stress unless you trained at the Laurel & Hardy school of self defence. A more practical close range application is to use the index finger to slide along the temple where the bent thumb can easily locate the eye. It could equally be applied to the inside of the mouth in a ripping motion. Another interesting interpretation is a circular parry followed by a downward hooking motion returning with an upward strike (perhaps a plier hand to the throat) - all in one continuous movement. Furthermore, note how the same hand position can be used to turn the wrist from a lapel grab. A very versatile technique !

In Sequence 5 we find inside out parrying movements in 3 different directions combined with quick fire double punch. The variation between the opening dynamic

Sequence 1

WWW.COMBATMAG.CO.UK COMBAT 131

Combat1009

AIM001/01

14/9/09 17:14

Page 132

Combat1009

14/9/09 17:14

Page 133

tension and these fast combinations is likely owed to Gichin Funakoshi who probably learned several versions of the form from different teachers and then amalgamated them into his own style which we now know as Shotokan . He also renamed the form “Hangetsu” which translates as “half moon”. Notice how the moon is getting bigger compared to the original White Crane ?

KJN Hwang Kee advises that “this form requires extra attention in the control of stance , breathing, balance and relaxation/tension of the body”.

Once again Moo Pal Dan Khum comes to our aid as it helps promote these attributes and is the perfect complement to Seishan. It should also be clear how important postural alignment is in terms of generating force. In the sequences covered in this months column we have demonstrated explosive power driven upwards from the ground to break a hold followed immediately by downward pulling to unbalance the attacker before striking. Rotational power requires good grounding, while forward energy relies on weight transference and

finally, rapid twisting of the hips generates massive torque. Repeated practise of Seishan hyung will develop all of these qualities but do not neglect partner drills and impact work for effective Ho Sin Sul. So that concludes the middle portion of Seishan . I shall complete the remaining sequences in a future article and describe some of the hidden lessons provided by this most interesting of forms. Kindly address any comments to my email below.

Yours in Tang Soo !

Master David Allerton (5th Dan) Email: allerton@cytanet.com.cy If you wish to train with Master Allerton combined with a holiday on the sunny island of Cyprus there will be two Tang Soo Do training courses next year. Interested parties should email for further information stating approx numbers and preferred dates.

WWW.COMBATMAG.CO.UK COMBAT 133

Combat1009

14/9/09 17:14

Page 134

Matthew Cadle ITF World Champion

By Philip Hawkins

All of us have wonderful hindsight but few of us have foresight. Many years ago a good friend of mine, Simon Harrison, remarked that he had a talented youngster training with him named Matthew, who, if nurtured correctly, could be a successful TaeKwon-Do tournament competitor - even a world champion! Normally I would not have paid too much attention. However Simon was not one to make outlandish statements. Fast forward 10 years and I picked up a phone message from that very same Matthew - he had just become ITF world champion.

BEGINNING Like many parents with a young energetic boy, Matthew’s parents encouraged him to be actively involved in sports (primarily football) and although Matthew enjoyed the training, he recalls that on match days he spent more time sitting on the subs bench than actually playing.

He therefore decided to try other sports, one of which was martial arts.

He began training along alongside his father at a local independent TaeKwon-Do club. The instructor was Simon Harrison a man with a strong ITF TaeKwon-Do back ground.

Matthew recalls: “I was eight years of age when I started training with Simon. He was amazingly fast. He had powerful kicks combined unbelievable agility and flexibility. Simon encouraged me endlessly. He became my idol. My father and I continued to train with him for a number of years until unfortunately the club closed due to Simon’s work commitments and the fact that the hall was no longer available. I learned a lot technically - especially how to train and spar. Simon put me on the right path, for which I will always be grateful. He also continued to give me good, sound honest advice in the years that followed.

After this, I then began training at the local TaeKwon-Do club, instructed by a Mr Delaney, which I enjoyed.

Eventually, I graded for my black belt with the UKTF/ITF. During my time as a coloured belt I still wanted to compete as I remembered watching 134 COMBAT WWW.COMBATMAG.CO.UK

Simon compete”.

Matthew began competing regularly in both sparring and patterns, winning numerous events and recalled winning his first ever competition, the BTC championships in the blue belt division, as well as UKTF and other titles.

Having achieved his black belt Matthew continued to compete, but concedes it was a big jump from coloured belt to black belt competition. He admits that in all honesty, after his first competition experience, it took a while to make the transition before success came along. To further broaden his knowledge he was also competing in semi-contact kickboxing, but was continually disqualified for excessive contact! He admits that this was good experience, however, he realised that to fulfil his dream he would need to focus primarily on TaeKwon-Do.

DEVELOPMENT At this point Matthew concedes he had to make a decision: “I realised that if I was to achieve my dream of being an ITF world champion then I needed to broaden my training within the spheres of ITF TaeKwon-Do. I therefore looked for instructors who had not only competed in competition but could also coach me and assist with my development” Matthew began to train with Master Jim Hogan and Tom Dennis.

He did alongside the training and gym work he was already doing. All of this hard work and effort was to be later

rewarded.

Now training solely in TaeKwonDo - his desire took Matthew to TaeKwon-Do summer camps in both Slovakia and Poland, where he trained under Master Jerry Judet.

Matthew explains: “Mr Judet teaches you to not only use your hands and feet but also your brain, these camps were great for my development. I would train alongside the other students, three times a day over a period of two weeks. I thrived on it! The learning curve was steep but I loved every minute!”

Matthew had also started to compete internationally at this time. His first competition was at the 2006 Polish Cup, which was by invitation only. He competed alongside competitors from Poland, Sweden, Russia and the Ukraine. This was great experience and although he did not get out of the group stages he again felt that he had undoubtedly progressed. Matthew’s only regret at the time was that he had not had the opportunity to compete as a junior black belt internationally.

HEARTBREAK In 2006 he felt he was in with a chance of selection for the ITF England team, competing in the ITF world championships, which were to be held in Germany. Having always fought at - 63kg, he was finally selected at -71kg, for the individual sparring. As Matthew explains: “At all the big tournaments you weigh-in, usually one to two days prior to your event.

Combat1009

14/9/09 17:14

Page 135

So in reality the fighter who weighs in at -71kg on the day, are in fact fighting at 75/76kg. I was about 66kg, which was a disadvantage and I felt I didn’t do my self justice.”

On Matthews return home he was given an honest appraisal of his performance by Simon (his first instructor) who had travelled to Germany, to watch Matthew compete. Simon pointed out 2 main problems, firstly, that Matthew was allowing his opponents to dominate the fight, and second, and more importantly, he was losing his concentration when he was winning and he had ultimately paid the price. The advice was heeded.

Then in 2006 Matthew was selected for the European Championships held in Romania. In the second round he was drawn against the Romanian, F Birlut. Matthew unfortunately lost out to his opponents on this occasion. Birlut went on to be the European champion.

Again Matthew analysed his training and again added to his already heavy routine, which he did in an orthodox way. As well as attending the usual TaeKwon-Do classes, gym sessions and regular squad sessions

under Philip Lear and Tom Dennis he started to train regularly with his friend Soyfur Rahmann who was training one on one with his father.

They would spent hours together sharpening their speed and practicing techniques with different sparring drills under the guidance of his father Habib Rahmann who would regularly be padded up for them to hit. What makes this unusual is the fact that Habib had never trained in TaeKwonDo before, but as Matthew explained ‘it was his eye’ for what they were doing together, as well as his enthusiasm and belief that helped.

Obviously this raised a few eyebrows, but Matthew was comfortable with this extra training and by now had enough experience to know that it was benefiting both of them. This seems to have been confirmed by the fact that Soyfur became Junior -58 World Champion in Canada. Matthew points out, that they also have a developed a close friendship between the three of them.

If this seems strange then just think of Seb Coe/Joe Calzage, and their fathers’ experience prior to training them and the end result.

SECOND CHANCE When the time for selection for the 2007 world championships arrived the selection for the ITF England team was to be decided on placings at the world cup, held in Spain and the English selection competition held in Crawley Sussex. In Spain, Matthew went out in the second round to a Polish fighter.

He admits he was caught in the final seconds by a turning kick to the head.

Next, in the English competition, he reached the finals where Matthew believes he dominated the fight.

However, it went to an extra round, as Matthew explains diplomatically: “I honestly believed that I had won, but I guess people see different things “ Then with just two months to the World Championships to be held in Canada he was told he would again be in the -71kg division, as well as in the team for sparring and patterns.

However, after much soul searching, he decided to decline the -71kg slot, as he believed that someone else could better justify that weight division. However he still believed that he could make an impact at -63kg and felt that he had more than proved himself at that weight as he had won or

WWW.COMBATMAG.CO.UK COMBAT 135

Combat1009

14/9/09 17:14

Page 136

been placed at numerous competitions. His only disappointment was the 2007 Viking Cup held in Sweden, where he had battled his way to the final - only to miss out on taking part in the final itself - as his return flight to the UK left before the final took place.

But there was a turn of events as Felix Kelly who was originally chosen to fight at -63kg but had to pull out due to university commitments. So Matthew was finally selected at his preferred weight and he firmly believed he could finally do himself justice.

DREAMS COMES TRUE Finally the time arrived for the World Championships in Canada. Matthew arrived with the rest of the ITF England team and he felt both joy at having been selected and also a debt to all those who had invested their time in him over the years. He did not want to let any of them down.

On the day of the weigh-in Matthew felt confident in both his weight and preparation. When the draw was made it was pointed out to him that he had been drawn in the harder section but as Matthew said: “I had to meet them at some stage if I was to win”

ROUND ONE

SEMI FINAL

Matthew was drawn against the former Polish 2001 world champion M Moskaluk and although they had fought three times before, with Matthew winning twice, Matthew was still considered the underdog.

The first round was fairly even.

England coach Philip Lear told Matthew to step it up for the second round, which he duly did. Matthew remembers: “I felt that I had dominated the fight. I could see his frustration growing as he continued to rush in and then in the final seconds I caught him cleanly with a winning shot. It’s always good to get the first fight out of the way as it helps calm your nerves! I felt good - sharp, focused and conditioned.”

The semi-final saw Matthew up against F Birlut from Romania. This time Matthew made no mistakes. He was driven on by the memory of his defeat at the European Championships in 2006: “Concentration was the key - it had been my Achilles heel for the last few years”.

Again, as would be expected, it was a hard fought affair. However, Matthew picked his opponent off with plenty of headshots and was awarded the decision.

Some of the finals had been held back until the evening - “Luckily my final fight was not delayed until that evening. I felt confident and ready to go. I didn’t want to have to leave and then come back later that day.”

ROUND TWO Matthew fought J Zuger from Switzerland, a strong fighter and another former world champion. At 54kg, Matthew recalls: “Again, he seemed to rush forward a lot of the time. I felt relaxed after the first win against Moskaluk. I also felt I controlled the fight - picking up points with strong kicks. Keeping both relaxed and concentrating throughout.

However, in the last few seconds I fell and jarred my elbow, but was again awarded the decision, which was a great boost to my self-confidence!”

ROUND THREE This time the opponent was C Hancock from Wales. Matthew states: “In his previous round Hancock had looked really strong. I again used my lead leg sidekick to control the fight, together with plenty of hands. I tried to create a threat and then capitalise on it. I believe that it was not a particularly exciting fight to watch - but hard nevertheless. I was again awarded the decision.”

THE FINAL In the final Matthew found himself drawn against the tallest competitor in the division, B Furtado representing Brazil, Matthew recalls: “This was by far my hardest fight. He used his sidekick for reach. I responded with strong turning kicks to his body, immediately followed by another technique - be it hands or feet. It was a fairly close 1st round but I felt I edged it. In the second, I was picking up many points throughout, then, in the final seconds he scored with a turning-kick, however I believed that I had done enough to win. “ As his hand was raised in victory, Matthew said: “It felt surreal.

Amazing! My dream had come true. I jumped into my coachs arms, Philip Lear ! My emotions are hard to explain, it was the climax of everything I had worked towards and I wanted to savour the moment.”

Matthew wishes to thank his parents and all those individuals who have helped him fulfil his dream.

As the interview drew to a close Matthew said: “Philip, every time I fight I think of Simon. Above all he was my biggest inspiration” Matthew is a polite, good humoured and hard working young man. At present he is training hard for the ITF World Championships, which are to be held in Argentina in November 2009. Matthew can be contacted at mattitf@yahoo.co.uk This article is dedicated to the memory of the late Simon Harrison, who sadly passed away before Matthew became world champion.

136 COMBAT WWW.COMBATMAG.CO.UK

Combat1009

14/9/09 17:14

Page 137

WWW.COMBATMAG.CO.UK COMBAT 137

Combat1009

14/9/09 17:14

Page 138

SAM DO T R A D I N G

L I M I T E D

速

adidas

WE ARE THE SOLE UK DISTRIBUTORS OF adidas TKD UNIFORMS, TKD SHOES & EQUIPMENT. 速

557 Chester Road, Old Trafford, Manchester, M16 0QW, England

Tel: 0161-848 7426 Fax: 0161-848 0436 E-Mail: twshin@btinternet.com Website: www.samdo.co.uk Show room open Mon-Fri (10 am - 4 pm)

SAM001/02

Footware Uniforms Protection Kick Targets and more!

Combat1009

14/9/09 17:14

Page 139

THE FUTURE'S BRIGHT THE FUTURE'S YOURS!!!

For the first time EVER the doors of access to the UK’s most senior graded WTF Master are NOW OPEN!!! ●

Would YOU like to train with the UK’s most senior WTF graded exponent?

●

Are you looking to study WTF style Taekwondo without getting involved in politics?

●

Are you looking to grade up to Kukkiwon 7th dan kup and dan Certification?

●

Would you like to receive help and advice without losing your independence?

●

Are you looking to have your current grade acknowledged

by Kukkiwon?

●

Available for; Gradings, Courses, Seminars, Presentations, Training camps, Referees courses, Advice, Help and Support.

●

Also available; Summer school camps for the UK and abroard.

If you study WTF style Taekwondo, are sick and tired of the politics and restrictions placed on you and your development then contact me NOW!!!

Lets work together to develop WTF and Kukkiwons presence throughout the World WITH THEIR SUPPORT!!!

Please contact me on the numbers below or arrange to visit my full time school, I would be most pleased to meet you and help you in any way I can.

Grand Master Tony vohra. 8th Dan. Kukkiwon registered.

Nottigham School of Martial Arts, Ilkeston Road, Nottingham, NG7 3FX

Tel: 0115 9780439 Mob: 07980041864 E-mail: info@martialartsvohra.com Fax: 0115 9785567

Web: www.martialartsvohra.com I LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH YOU! SSV001/01

Combat1009

14/9/09 17:14

Page 140

Gold Medal Success For

Taekwondo Team GB! Buoyed on by three gold medals, Team GB, can reflect on a successful British International championships, which took place at the Manchester Arena. Olympians Sarah Stevenson and Michael Harvey were joined by Bianca Walkden, in taking gold in their respective: -73kg, -63kg and +73kg weight categories.

Sarah Stevenson took the first of the medals, beating Spanish opponent Sandra Rodelas Lorenzo 9 - 2 as she dominated the final. She said, “My ankle feels fine now and I’ve been fit and training for a while.

I’m really happy that my return to major competition has been successful and I feel really good after that final. The first couple of matches were more difficult and I couldn’t quite get going. With the new electronic scoring pads, it is a bit harder to score and we all need to adjust our technique slightly. The most important thing is to make the sport as fair as possible.”

Michael Harvey (Hyde) impressed throughout in a particularly competitive -63kg event, ultimately taking the gold medal against French opponent Stevens Barclais 7 - 3.

Commenting on his victory, Harvey said, “He beat Martin [Stamper] in the semi-final so I was given a few pointers which helped me out.

Everything went to plan in the final

and luckily I didn’t have to deviate too much from the tactics we had set out. I felt pretty comfortable with the new electronic scoring and it didn’t effect me too much. Obviously there will be a few kicks that don’t register but I think it’s the same as before when some things weren’t seen. I’m looking forward to using them again at the Worlds’ in October. I enjoyed competing in this tournament again and it’s nice to have a home crowd. I seem to do pretty well in Manchester so let’s hope it continues next year!”

Bianca Walkden (Liverpool) faced Stephanie Allen (London Regional Team) in an all British +73kg final, Walkden taking gold after winning 4 2 in a replica of the 2008 showpiece.

Walkden said, “Stephanie has definitely improved since we met last year and whilst I was attacking well in the first and second rounds, she came back a bit in the third.”

Elsewhere in the senior competition, -58kg athlete Tyrone Robinson (Great Britain National Team) took a

bronze, as did fellow Brit Caroline Fisher (Scorpion TKD) in the -53kg class. British juniors were well represented throughout the morning sessions of both event days, achieving several podium finishes.

In the male competition, Kieran Young (Ultimate Taekwondo) topped the all British final four in the -44kg whilst Niall Gibson of the same club beat French athlete Lepape Alexandre (Traditional Taekwondo School) in their -55kg final encounter. Ryan Hennessey (OTC) took the final male British victory in -78kg as he beat German opponent Timo Von Schmeitling to win the gold medal.

Sophie Dickson (Lightning TKD) led the way for British junior females, taking top prize after a tightly contested final against Ingibjorg Gretarsdottir of the Icelandic National Team which she won 8 - 7.

Lily Leotardi (Spitfire TKD) and local athlete Jade Jones (Manchester Aces) also scooped gold after win-

Senior finals: Male -54kg: Jung Yo Han (KOR) 8 - 6 Eryk Rodzik (POL) Male -58kg: Levent Tuncat (GER) 0 - 0 WD Boris Winkler (GER) Male -68kg: Jean Francois Sarr (FRA) 0 - 0 WD Daniel Manz (GER) Male -63kg: Michael Harvey (GBR) 7 - 3 Stevens Barclais (FRA) Male -74kg: Lee Seung Hong (KOR) 4 - 3 Alparslan Kantar (GER) Male -80kg: Kim Jae Hak (KOR) 6 - 0 Nicolas Hemme Garcia (ESP) Male -87kg: Dae Bae Eol (KOR) 13 - 4 Bjorn Thorleifsson (ISL) Male +87kg: Ulvi Kaya (GER) 3 - 1 Mickael Borot (FRA) 140 COMBAT WWW.COMBATMAG.CO.UK

Female -46kg: Rukiye Yildirim (TUR) 12 - 0 Francine Lahely (FRA) Female -49kg: Yasmina Aziez (FRA) 6 - 1 Natascha Mitrovits (AUS) Female -53kg: Suvi Mikkonen (FIN) 17 - 15 Sibel Yildirim (TUR) Female -57kg: Batel Gatterer (ISR) 8 - 4 Jennifer Köpf (GER) Female -62kg: Jun Eun Kyung (KOR) 10 - 3 Stephanie Ollive (FRA) Female -67kg: Gwladys Epangue (FRA) 4 - 1 Nikolina Kursar (NOR) Female -73kg: Sarah Stevenson (GBR) 10 - 2 Sandra L. Rodelas (ESP) Female +73kg: Bianca Walkden (GBR) 4 - 2 Stephanie Allen (GBR)

Combat1009

14/9/09 17:15

Page 141

British junior awards: Gold: Male -45kg: Kieran Young (Ultimate TKD) Male -55kg: Niall Gibson (Ultimate TKD) Male -78kg: Ryan Hennessey (OTC) Female -46kg: Lily Leotardi (Spitfire TKD) Female -55kg: Jade Jones (Manchester Aces) Female -59kg: Sophie Dickson (Lightning TKD) Silver: Male -45kg: Jamie Abley (Chi Taekwondo) Male -48kg: Zia Sateri (TKD Tigers) Male -59kg: John Steele (Ultimate TKD) Male -63kg: Levi Goodridge (Spitfire TKD) Male -73kg: Abtin Zafarani (TKD Tigers) Female -44kg: Shannon Kincade (Heart of England) Female -46kg: Rachel Dougherty (TKD Tigers) Female -63kg: Jade Slavin (Chi Taekwondo) Female -68kg: Sarah Linnell-Stocks (Spitfire TKD) Female +68kg: Jodie Simpson (Puma TKD) ning their -46kg and -55kg categories respectively.

Andrew Link, Operations Director of Sport Taekwondo UK and Chairman of the ETU A-class committee said, “After two days of great taekwondo action in Manchester, I’d like to congratulate the medallists and thank all those attended for

Bronze: Male -45kg: Tom Walters (Khang Han TKD) Male -45kg: Jack Herring (Lightning TKD) Male -51kg: Amin Badr (London Regional Team) Male -63kg: Elliott Coatsworth (Chi Taekwondo) Male -68kg: Ryan Uren (Chi Taekwondo) Male -73kg: Ruebyn Richards (Ultimate TKD) Female -55kg: Shannen Dunn (Ultimate TKD) Female -55kg: Kirsty Toone (Ultimate TKD) Female -59kg: Maisie Large (Sport TKD Plymouth) Female -59kg: Chloe Herbert (Ultimate TKD) Female -63kg: Kayleigh Wray (Ultimate TKD) Female -63kg: Chelsea Hallas (Pulse TKD) Female -68kg: Alexandra Thomas (BTS)

Major Forthcoming Sport Taekwondo Events 2009: October 9th - 19th WTF Taekwondo World Championships - Copenhagen Denmark November 6th - 8th ETU European U21 Taekwondo Championships - Vigo, Spain

making the event a success once again. We saw the high quality of matches that we had expected from a strong international field and the experience will have been beneficial to all of our British athletes. With the World Championships coming up in October, it was an important part of our preparation for the team to feature in a tournament as competitive as the British Championships.”

The World Championships in Denmark (9th - 19th October) will use the same new electronic scoring system which was employed at the British Championships.

Sarah Stevenson on her way to Gold

WWW.COMBATMAG.CO.UK COMBAT 141

Combat1009

14/9/09 17:12

Page 122

UKT003/07