National All Styles Tournament Continues to Draw Interest
Forms champion David Rush was defeated in his title defence during the NSW National All Styles tournament at the Ryde Aquatic Centre last weekend despite a passionate display of strength and skill.
Round two of the tournament saw thirty five clubs compete in sparring and forms disciplines as the three hundred plus crowd cheered those from various martial arts.
David Rush, who some described as a performer of the perfect pattern, was beaten by Denise Fung, and only managed to hold on to second place by 0.01 of a point.
Gary Palmer, the NSW tournament co-ordinator was happy with the day’s events and said he was impressed with the attitude that all competitors took into the competition.
“It doesn’t matter how old or how young you are, everybody seems to be very keen to get in there and have a go,” he said.
Go Kan Ryu martial arts took out the black belt open sparring division’s first six places but the results do not reflect accurately the standard shown by all.
“It was a great example to all competitors that you can fight hard and still be ‘quick and clean’” said Mr Palmer.
First time National All Styles competitor Julie Jones won first place in the open veteran’s ladies sparring, subsequently doing her part to boost United Taekwondo onto the NAS scene.
United Taekwondo were represented for the first time at the tournament. Chief Instructor Randall Jones, who was placed fourth in the men’s veterans sparring, said that they would be back again next round in greater numbers.
“This will now see United Taekwondo preparing students in a range of age and belt divisions for next round.”
by Keiran Deck
