The A.I.M.A.A Traditional Championships took place on Sunday the 30th of May in Dublin. This annual event is one of the major events within the A.I.M.A.A calendar and is hosted by the A.I.M.A.A European Director, Master John Darcy. Everyone in A.I.M.A.A loves attending this traditional event, as it emphasis and shows off the traditional skills that all students learn!

The day kicked off with all the Black Belt divisions. First up was the Black Belt Patterns, which highlighted 1st to 2nd Degrees, and then 3rd Degree and above.  Our very own Lisa Aitken took to the floor and did an outstanding job in this section and took Silver. Unfortunately Mr Kirkwood Jnr had to retire from the competition due to injury, so was unable to compete in the 3rd Degree above division.

There was many outstanding Instructors on the floor at the event, and both Hassan, Gerry Long and Declan Dermordy did an outstanding, powerful pattern. Ms. Doreen Byrne also performed an exquisite pattern, showing grace, flow and power! However the winning pattern was performed by Andrew Butler and was fantastic to watch! and Mr Will Power took Silver in the division, much to the delight of everyone watching.

We quickly moved onto the one-step division for Black Belt, which saw many powerful teams entered. The Farrell brothers was one of the highlights, as was Mr Long and Hassan. Our very own Lisa Aitken took her position on the floor with Miss Asyling Ryan, and did a great job. Both Lisa and Asyling took Bronze in the ladies division of one-step.   Within the men's division both Mr Ryan and Sean O'Donnell stole the show with their one-step performance, which was simply breathtaking to watch and which took the Gold on this occasion!

Our last division for the Black belts was the team pattern division, which saw some fantastic displays of coordination, power and technique. Many teams battled it out for first place, and we had Lisa, Asyling and Amy O'Driscoll compete together in this division.  Although not placed at this time, they did a great job and were wonderful to watch! Our winners of the Black Belt division was Gerry Long, Hassan and Amy O'Driscoll, who outshone their adversaries in team event! Their pattern was technically faultless, totally in sync and wonderful to watch!

Whilst the Black Belt divisions had been going on, other areas had started the junior divisions in patterns.  Our squad had students competing in individual patterns, one-step teams and team patterns. Mr Kirkwood young prodigy, Scott Ritchie was our first on the floor for patterns, this was quickly followed by Kirsty Gough, Mark Russell, Kara Gough and Tammy Sutherland! All where exceptional in performing on the floor, and even though they had some stiff competition to contend with, they went on to be placed in their divisions! 

As there was so many competing, the divisions where split up by belt and sex. Young Scott found himself in the Red belt male division, with other students from A.I.M.A.A Ireland. Whilst Kirsty and Tammy found themselves together in the female Black belt division.

Scott did really well, and although he was very nervous, he took Bronze in this division.  Kirsty and Tammy did a fantastic job on the floor and took Gold and Silver in their division. Our young Mark Russell had a hard division however, he executed his pattern with power and technique and was placed, taking the Bronze medal! Young Kara and Jack did well in their event, and won Bronze and Silver, much to the delight of their Instructor, Master Kirkwood.

Quickly we moved onto our one-step divisions and the teams witnessed on the day where phenomenal! Students as young as 6yrs old executed one-step with such precision and power and it was truly inspiration to watch! Our two junior teams competition was Kara & Jack and Kirsty & Mark! Although they had very large divisions and the competition was hard this year, they out performed their counterparts and both teams took Gold! Everyone was ecstatic about these results, especially for Jack, who had been very ill over the weekend and was not fully recovered when he took part in the championships! Our last division saw team members Kara, Tammy and Jack perform in the team event, again they did an outstanding job on the floor, but lost out to being placed within this large division.

In all our National Team members did another outstanding job on the day, everyone had a wonderful time at the Traditional Championships, and it is truly an exceptional event to participate in.

Master Kirkwood and Mrs Kirkwood would like to commend the team for their outstanding technical ability, and for making A.I.M.A.A Scotland proud! We also want to thank the following parents and students who attended the weekend to support everyone. A big thank you to: Billy & Jaquie Reid, Lesley Sutherland and David & Jeanette McCaig.

A special thank you to all of A.I.M.A.A Ireland Instructors for their love and support, and to our friend and family, Master John Darcy. A truly inspirational Master and the rock of A.I.M.A.A Ireland and Europe.  Also a huge thank you to Mr John Darcy Jnr who organised the whole event and dealt with all the administration! A momentous task and one that was well done!!

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