June 2000 National Championships
Report on the day
By Master Chris Cook (who left himself modestly out of the with thanks to section...)
"As an acknowledgement of and a tribute to Master Goward for all his hard work in successfully promoting and expanding his region, the Grandmaster decided this year to hold the Championships within Region 2 .Consequently on Saturday June the 10th 2000, the hordes descended upon the Dolphin Leisure Centre in Haywards Heath in West Sussex.
By 0900 all (or most anyway) were lined up for the group photograph with the late arrivals entering the hall by the minute as many had inadvertently taken the 'pretty route' to the venue. Remarkably well organised, the photographs were soon taken and done with and having already grabbed their competition numbers, the contestants moved to whichever of the nine rings they were allotted to and the days business began in earnest.
The Forms competition was soon well under way with performances ranging from brilliant to the classic "Oh no, what move comes next…?" where many of us have been before once the nerves kick in and I daresay many others will follow over the years. All instructors will tell you of students who know their forms inside out and back to front in class, freezing in competition whereas others who possibly are not over fond of the forms and tend to give sometime lacklustre performances in class, suddenly put on a show of a lifetime to get the coveted gold medal. One of the latter trains at Grays and I will not embarrass her by putting up her name but she knows who it is, don't you "E"?
I must also mention here Robert Jenner (1st Ji Grays) who unfortunately missed out on a forms trophy due to the very high standard in that group but who to my mind as his instructor, put in a fantastic performance and showed a huge personal improvement. Well done Robert, you can be proud of yourself.
Finishing on time and as planned (We are getting good!) the trophies were then distributed by the Master grades and having this wealth of extra time permitted the following demonstrations to the delight of all present:
Robert Little (1st Duan), Brett Sydney-Smith (1st Ji) and young Sam Peniston (1st Ji) performing a synchronised Luohan One form.
Ryan Debenham (3rd Duan) demonstrating Luohan Three.
David Lyons ( 1st Duan senior) - jump side kick over two standing people to break a Celcon block being held aloft behind them.
Adam Blakemore ( 3rd Duan) executed a jumping double front snap kick against roof tiles.
3rd Duan Ryan Debenham performing a jumping round house kick over the head of Steve Earle (2nd Duan).
After a decent lunch break in some glorious sunshine (It does so make a change to have the competition this time of year) the sports hall quickly filled up again as the gathered (or rather the 'ungathered') ensemble returned for part two of the days proceedings and the usual cacophony of shouts and whistles swiftly built up as the year 2000 sparring competition got under way.
Hopes and dreams were either realised or shattered as the afternoon wore on but whatever the outcome for the individual, the students as a whole did not fail the Federation as the wide variety and high standard of techniques used, clearly demonstrated.
As usual there was a marked difference between the rampaging enthusiasm of the children, the solid determination of the adult colour belts, the skill and agility of the Duan belts and the considered and calculating shots of the veterans, all of which variety and versatility made for an extremely pleasurable and entertaining afternoon in front of a highly appreciative crowd.
The sparring competition also finished in good time which is a mark of credit to all the organisers and officials involved, many of whom were also competing and therefore had a double 'work load' on their minds. Well done all.
Once again the trophy presentation took place, this time for the sparring and winners eagerly raced to the rostrum when their names were called to climb up on to the appropriate 1st, 2nd or 3rd section of the podium.
Much laughter ensued when Master Goward also ran forward but to assist veteran Duan belt George Ward up on to his section of the stage. (Which being the no.1 was obviously the highest.) (As if he needs it?!)Talking of gold medals, Master Goward was pleased to see Liz Curtis (2nd Ji ) who had only recently returned from a long spell at University promptly go on to take first place - on home ground too!
As is our custom, the Referee and Judges of each ring are requested at the beginning of the events, to select from all the students who compete in front of them throughout the day, the one who in their opinion showed the most spirit, character or ability and from what were very difficult decisions I am pleased to confirm those winners as being:-
Cullum Jones, Rainham
Paul Higgins, Colchester
Stephen Starr, Strood
Marie Andrews, Benfleet
Sylvia Norton, Cranleigh
Rhys Meade, Grays
Loud applause greeted these announcements as Grandmaster Loke duly presented these special trophies and even more so when "The Bill Edwards Award" (above) for the most promising U/16 student of the year was won by Sam Peniston (1st Ji) of Rochford, who received a large trophy and a new uniform.
(WILLIAM 'BILL' EDWARDS for those who are unfamiliar with the name, was a 3rd Duan black belt, one of Master Loke's original students and a close personal friend of the Grandmaster. Unfortunately Bill passed away in July 1988 and his loveable and laughable antics are much missed by all those who were fortunate to know this larger than life character. This roguish Scotsman was very popular with all the children who trained in those days hence the conception of the Award to help keep alive his memory and a photograph of him performing a jumping front snap kick still hangs to this day at Headquarters.) (Perhaps we should also hang that same picture on this web-site - it would amuse Bill no end to think he was in cyberspace!) (watch this space - webmaster)...
Anyway, further demonstrations followed with:
Master Susan Merrell and Master Adam Goward performing the new Luohan Form Four
Ian Morley (3rd Duan) knife hand attack against roof tiles
Master Joe Page short range 'back wrist' attack on roof tiles
Master Adam Goward, forefist punch on a free standing Celcon block.
The President then thanked all for coming especially those who had to travel long distances and also thanked those who put in, in some cases, many hours of hard work to make the day so successful and with rousing cries of TANG SOU! from the massed ranks, the day's proceedings were brought once again to a weary but happy close.
Our grateful thanks go to:
All the Parents who got up so early to bring their children to participate
The Manager and staff at the Dolphin Sports Centre,
Mrs Loke for all her behind the scenes work (and on her birthday of all days - that is dedication!)
Mr Richard Boland ( 3rd Duan) for many long hours of computer arranging/rearranging/arranging etc.
Mrs Mandy Short and Mr Joe Short (1st Ji) for Door Security
Ms Tina Matania ( 1st Duan) for all her assistance and help and such things on the officials refreshment table as 'Chu Shi Coffee', 'Tang Sugar', Tang Sou Tea' etc.etc. - Yes Tina, we did notice your little labels and it did give us a smile. (For non practitioners to get the joke, you have to speak Mandarin I'm afraid)
Mr David Brown for the photography
Mr James Hicks (3rd Ji) who operated the digital camera on the day
Sylvia Norton for First Aid (Not that she had too much to do fortunately)
Kevin Sandell (1st Duan) who very kindly supplied the refreshments for the officials
Master Goward - for getting the flowers!!!!And NOT forgetting, Mr Steve Merrell, our invaluable Championships co-ordinator!!
Quote of the Day
Ms Samantha Barnet age 8 years old, (8th Ji) Grays:"LookMasterCookIGotATrophyAndEmmaGotOneTooAndThere
WasThisRedBeltGirlWhoGotAScoreOfTenFromOneJudgeSoShe MustBeReallyGoodAndIAmGoingToGetAScoreOfTenOneDayAnd TheBoysAreMessingAboutUnderTheStandsAgainTheyKeep
DoingItItNoMatterWhatITellThemAndI'mMakingLotsOf FriendsAndI'mReallyHavingASmashingTimeAnd……!!!!!!!!!"Whooooooaaaaaaaa - Steady On Girl! (I think I need a lie down or an aspirin or something!) Thank you everyone for a most enjoyable day. See you all next year and perhaps in even greater numbers than ever before.. "
Master Chris Cook
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