Dublin, Ireland October 21st
Results:
- Driss El-Hmoud: gold sparring
- Axel Vincke: gold sparring
- Tyra Ragnar Keppler: silver sparring
- Glenn Maes: bronze sparring
Report by Nico Tunyck:
After a long time, Chon-ji has once again decided to participate in a championship in Ireland. Arriving in Dublin, we were able to discover the city in a beautiful sun. The next day we had a visit from the foothills of storm Babet, which meant we spent longer than expected in the gym to prepare ourselves even better. A little afternoon walk and a very light meal for some, as there were no scales in the entire hotel. Saturday morning the time had come. by taxi to one of the largest sports halls Ireland (and Belgium) has to offer. After a warm welcome, a successful weigh-in and a coach and referee meeting later, we were able to start hard. We started with red belt junior pattern, where we couldn’t have gotten a worse draw. Tyra straight out against the gold medal winner, Ragnar in the second round against the silver medalist. At almost the same time Axel starts his sparring blue belt junior. He takes gold as a relaxing solution. Immediately change clothes to be able to coach, because it was immediately up to Tyra to spar again. After some heavy attacking, Tyra won the silver medal after a split decision.
Immediately afterwards, Glenn was allowed to compete in the black belts sparring against a member of the national teamof Ireland. After a good fight between the two, the opponent appeared to outsmart Glenn a number of times by being able to assess him more quickly and ultimately won Glenn bronze. Driss came immediately afterwards and fought two very nice rounds against a strong opponent, but was able to dominate him after all the experience he had gained in the past. That’s how he got gold. Thanks to coach Ragnar.
Meanwhile, ring 1 was ahead of schedule with Sabum Nico as center referee. We took over some groups from other rings there. In the evening another festive meal after the achievements and back home in the early, very early morning… What an experience! Great achievements and being able to make new friends…
Hopefully see you back next year Ireland!