MUNSTER CHAMPIONSHIPS 2009

Students from Master Kirkwood's school of Cho's TKD in Blantyre, attended the Munster Championships in Limerick on Saturday the 28th of February 2009. The students, who are part of Master Kirkwood's National Squad had flown in with Master Kirkwood and Mrs Kirkwood on the Friday evening for an exciting weekend of competition and a 2 hour training seminar with Master Kirkwood on the Sunday.

All three A.I.M.A.A Masters where in attendance, Master John Darcy, Master John Kirkwood and Master Peter Byrne. Master Darcy had attended the event in support of Mr Power, but also to support and coach his own students who where taking part. This local championships offered the competitor a chance to show their skills not only in sparring, but also in breaking and kicking! 

The Saturday event in the University of Limerick kicked off with the Black belt divisions in sparring, breaking and then the High Kick, which was a new experience for the A.I.M.A.A Scotland students. First on the floor was A.I.M.A.A Scotland Instructor Mr John Kirkwood, who had not only entered his own division but also had entered the next weight division up, and the heavy weight division. The rounds were fought over 2 x 1.5 minutes per fight, with a 30 second rest in between.  Mr Kirkwood did A.I.M.A.A Scotland proud and not only won his own weight division of <75kg, but also the middle weight division of >75kg.

However the heavy weight division was called at the same time as he was fighting for the final in the +75kg. Unfortunately he had to step out of the heavy weight division, so he could continue in the current division he was already in. Mr Gerry Long of the Navan school of Cho's TKD in Dublin took the Gold and Title in the heavy weight division. He fought hard and used some fantastic techniques in his bouts.

Next on the agenda was the Black Belt breaking, followed by the High Kick! As previously stated a new experience for the students from Scotland. Mr John Kirkwood was up against some serious kickers, however he took the Gold and Title when he managed to jump and kick the pad, which was over 8 feet off the floor.  At this point the Junior Black Belts undertook the High Kick. Miss Tammy Sutherland and Miss Kirsty Gough had entered this event, which was a first for them! Both girls done well and kicked the bag the first time, however after it was raised to over 7 feet high, it became more difficult for everyone in this division to touch. The only person who managed to kick the pad was Tammy Sutherland who won a beautiful high kicking trophy and the Title.

Mrs Cecila Gough was next onto the floor in the ladies Black Belt sparring. Cecilia did exceptionally well up as she battled against Aisling Ryan, who has terrific kicking techniques and was getting high scores with them. It was a long and hard fight for both ladies, and Cecilia did exceptionally well and took Silver in this division. Cecilia also went on to take the Silver in the ladies Black Belt breaking division.

The juniors started with the lower grades, and worked up through the ranks. Our first student on the floor was young Adam Wilmot, who had a large category and some hard fights. However Adam did well in this division and took a 3rd in the sparring, he was unfortunate in the breaking category and did not manage to break the boards.  Our next two girls was Tammy Sutherland and Kara Gough, both girls where the only female Black Belts and ended up fighting each other in their division. Both girls did exceptionally well, but it was Tammy who managed to get some high kicks to the head and won the fight! Both Girls then went straight into the breaking division in which saw Tammy take the Gold and Title and Kara taking Silver. Master Kirkwood was delighted with both girls achievements in these divisions. 

Our last student to take to the floor was Miss Kirsty Gough. Kirsty fought hard in her division, but was unsuccessful this time in achieving the Gold, however was pleased to take Silver against a worthy opponent. Kirsty then went onto her breaking division and won outright! taking the Gold and Title. Well done Kirsty!

During the day we saw great fights from Sean O'Donnell, Ashling Ryan, Gerry Long, to name a few! Again this was another successful A.I.M.A.A event, well run and organised. Master Kirkwood and Mrs Kirkwood would like to extend their gratitude and thanks to Mr Will Power, Miss Aisling Ryan, Miss Tess Duffy and Mr Nick Gleeson who took shuttled the students from Scotland to and from the event and everywhere else.

Master Kirkwood and Mrs Kirkwood would also personally like to thank Mr Power and Miss Ryan for turning their beautiful home into a temporary B & B for the weekend and putting up with the A.I.M.A.A squad ! It was fun and highly enjoyable and we cannot thank you enough for your friendship and hospitiality.

Master Kirkwood is now preparing his National Squad for a trip in March, when they attend two events back to back. Firstly is Master Kirkwood's seminar in Dublin, this seminar is for Master Patrick White of the TAI Association. Also the squad will be attending the A.I.M.A.A Ireland Traditional Championships, which is hosted by Master Darcy. Both events run on the 21st March (Seminar) and 22nd (Traditional Championships).

After this the squad will be attending the TAI Taekwondo Championships, which is over a 2 day period in June.

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