CROWN Taekwondo Federation (CTF) took a squad down to Burgess Hill for the third stage of the national All Styles tournament last Sunday, writes Stuart Holliday.
There are three phases to the competition being held across the South East and the Midlands and those contenders who achieve at least two trophies - whether it is gold, silver or bronze - get to qualify for the grand final in December, when the champions from those two English regions will then compete.
As the tournament has gained its momentum, so - encouragingly - have CTF and the interest throughout the club has been contagious.
While the coaches and instructors were given a quick team briefing before the action began, Master Dave Crump gave one of the black belt challengers an instruction to warm up the team.
During the health and safety briefing, a loud rumbling noise rang throughout the arena as "Team CTF" ran on the spot in an effort to adhere to Crump's directives.
The rest of the assembled gathering just looked on at the 30-strong squad, all in their new black suits donated by the club's sponsor 2 direct, as they continued to draw everyone's attention.
Throughout the day, every student exceeded all expectations and a real buzz was had by the team and their well-wishers.
CTF did not only achieve nine golds, 12 silvers and eight bronzes - an impressive total of 29 trophies across the three disciplines of continuous sparring, points sparring and traditional forms), but - during the event - students from other clubs were asking about them and where they trained.
At one point even, one of their black belts was approached by another club and asked if he would join them. However, luckily for CTF, he politely declined.
The club will now wait to see who will be receiving an invitation to the final later this year.
Nonetheless, they remain fairly confident of being able to field another strong squad.
CTF have classes in Bromley, Biggin Hill, Sidcup and Halstead.
For more information about CTF, visit their website at:
www.crowntaekwondo.co.uk.
Taekwondo: Crown achieve impressive tally in battle of Biggin Hill
