On Sunday 29th June 2008, Vision Taekwon-Do Association hosted its first team championship. The venue was the Angel Centre in Tonbridge.

With 120 competitors in a total of 75 teams from 8 clubs, across patterns and sparring events, the competition was a huge success, especially for its inaugural year. Also, to give the teams more chances to compete the very popular re-qualification system was used, allowing all the teams to have a second chance in their events and making it a very enjoyable day for all.

Special guest and founder of Vision Taekwon-Do, Master Tan from Malaysia was present watching over proceedings with his family throughout the day.

The competition started at 11.00am with patterns, then sparring followed an hour later, before a lunch break in which the audience watched a demonstration by Master Tan’s son Lyonel Tan 3rd Degree and bronze medallist in the 2005 World Championships performing one of the toughest patterns in Taekwon-Do, Juche tul, then a spectacular demonstration of his incredible kicking ability by kicking at his opponent (Nathan Robinson) with precision towards the head in 15 seconds of some of the fastest kicking and control of leg muscles that could be witnessed. From turning kicks to side kicks, downward kicks to hooking kicks all consecutive and non stop without his leg touching the floor, he then performed a jump reverse turning kick to kick a drinks bottle off the head of Nathan Robinson. He then finished off breaking a board with a flying high kick to the crowd’s enjoyment.

The tournament resumed at 2.00pm and finished on time at 4.00pm. With the final results showing Tonbridge coming out on top of the medal tally with 3 Golds, 5 Silvers and 4 Bronzes, Crowborough coming a close second with 3 Golds, 2 Silvers and 4 Bronzes and Hastings in third place with 2 Golds, 1 Silver and 2 Bronzes.

VTA also launched their new range of merchandise which went down really well with some items selling out almost straight away. More merchandise will be available to order through your instructor soon.

The competition was a resounding success and a good preparation and practise for the upcoming ITF-England team championship on 20th July.

Click here to download the results for the 2008 Vision Taekwon-do Team Championships (in spreadsheet format).

Go to the galleries to see more photos. If you have any photos please feel free to email them to photos@visiontkd.co.uk