European Masters Games – Army World Taekwondo Team – Finland
The Army World Taekwondo (WT) Team participated in the European Masters Games (EMG) in Tampere, Finland over the period 2-6 Jul 23. There were two WT events and these consisted of technical presentations (Poomsae) and full contact sparring (Kyorugi).
On arrival it was clear that the competition was professionally set up and that competitors from 21 nations were focussed and ready to compete. Army WT would have to bring out our A Game to break down vastly more experienced competitors.
Day 1 consisted of Poomsae and Army WT received an unfavourable draw with both colour belts (Kup) and black belts (Dan) having to conduct advanced Dan grade Poomsae. With indomitable spirit and just 12 hours notice of the Poomsae selection draw, Army WT used every spare moment to learn new patterns in an attempt to credibly present to a large audience and to several Grand Master judges. Army WT were commendably awarded six from six of the available medals from the different age categories.
Poomsae Results:
- Cpl Ghimire (Gurkha) – Gold
- Sgt Guba (RA) – Silver
- Maj Gibbons (R Signals) – Bronze
- WO1 Loghmani (RLC) – Bronze
- Sgt Hall (REME) – Bronze
- Sgt Njuguna (AGC) – Bronze
Day 2 focussed on Kyorugi and this was Army WT’s more favoured discipline. Army WT coached and competed to the highest standards which saw an excellent medal return of four golds and two silver medals from the six competitors. This easily surpassed the pre-competition expectation management and the results demonstrated that Army WT is highly competitive at full contact sparring. Individual results are listed below from the different age and weight categories.
Kyorugi Results:
- Maj Gibbons (R Signals) – Gold
- WO1 Loghmani (RLC) – Gold
- Sgt Hall (REME) – Gold
- Cpl Ghimire (Gurkha) – Gold
- Sgt Guba (RA) – Silver
- Sgt Njuguna (AGC) – Silver
All Army Taekwondo players were podium placed and double medalled from the various categories. Team spirit, agility and focus were omni-present as the Army WT battled against some excellent national teams and competent martial artists. Army WT achieved an outstanding 12/12 medal return and also won the hearts and minds of fellow competitors.
Army WT were visited by Col Smith, Chef de Mission and we also met up with several other Army teams when not competing. Post competition and with a slight relaxation on calory intake, Army WT enjoyed a celebratory meal and Karaoke warm down.
Army WT thanks Army Sport, Army Martial Arts Association and our Units and cap badges for sponsoring and providing permission to represent the Army at high level international competition.
