Philipa Barnes (Blue)
It’s never easy entering a Taekwondo Tournament, it is especially nerve wrecking if it’s your first time. This is our second year doing this “Novice” tournament held by Overton & Basingstoke Taekwondo, which is meant for newbies or for those who haven’t fought in a tournament in a while.
First eager to fight for Portsmouth University was our only female entrant to this competition, Philipa Barnes. With good hits and distancing, she didn’t disappoint the team; a great 7points clear of her opponent, Philipa won before the first half! That’s quite an achievement for a fresher.
Simon Tidbury (Red)
Only his second tournament since he joined us this year, Simon Tidbury had 2 fights lined up for him in this tournament. His first fight was against a giant Southampton City fighter! The height difference didn’t put Simon off – with moments of great aggression, counters and one heck of a great punch, which knocked his opponent off guard and out of the ring during the second half, he put up a good fight but lost 4 – 7 in the end.
Tom Hutton (Red)
Another eager fresher stepping into the ring is Tom Hutton. With some previous experience, Tom did very well with well timed offensive techniques, dummies and counter, winning his fight 7 points clear in the middle of his second half, 9-2 on the score board. Good one!
Colin Jones (Red) Vs Simon Jell (Blue)
More often than not, in a small, non-nationals tournaments such as this, some of our team mates are bound to meet in the same ring... in this tournament; it was the meeting of the veteran novices. Both Simon and I haven’t done a tournament for over a year and a half – making use of this tournament as a warm up before June’s bigger tournament.
After Colin threw many dominating combo kicks and a good couple of back kicks, the judges ignored these shots, where Simon kept coming at me with his onslaught of right leg round house kicks. With undefeated attitude and saying sorry too many times, Simon won the bout at 9-2.
(Colin: The score didn’t reflect the bout, I think the corner judges forgot they’ve got a red trigger.) (Simon: That’s what they always say! :D)
Jason Wells (Red) Vs Simon Tidbury (Blue)
Jason Wells met Simon Tidbury in yet another same team bout. Jason, a fresher to Taekwondo tournament, did well with great aggression and attitude. Since this was Simon’s second fight in this tournament, he was understandably tired and Jason made full use of it by working Simon around the ring. Initially losing to Simon, who did some great counters; Jason came from behind with a handful of great round house kicks and ended the bout at 9-8 to Jason.
Guy Mullins (Red)
Guy Mullins, the only fresher to have double graded this year has shown much potential in Taekwondo. Whilst being selective of his kicks when in the ring, he didn’t disappoint the team and worked his way up the score board, ending his bout 9-2 to Guy. Great job and I’m sure this will not be the last time we’ll see him winning fights.
Simon Jell Vs ITF 2nd Dan?
(Apologies, no fight picture)
The last fight of the tournament ended with a last minute arranged fight between Simon Jell and Gavin “the white belt”. Do not be fooled though; he is in fact a 2nd Dan (2nd Black Belt) in ITF style Taekwondo looking to get back into doing tournament after a long period of rest.
In the ring, wounded from his previous fight with me, Simon had to pull a trick and a half to score a point or two against this White Belt. The fight ended 5-1 to the white belt after Simon spent the fight in pure defence.
Overall, I’m quite pleased with the number of Freshers for taking their first step into the world of a Taekwondo Tournament Fight and I’m happy to announce we’ve earned 5 Gold and 4 Silver medals!
Gold Medals:
Philipa “7-0” Barnes
Simon “right-legged” Jell
Tom “dummy & counter” Hutton
Jason “aggressive” Wells
Guy “selective” Mullins
Silver Medals:
Simon “runner” Tidbury (x2)
Colin “no worthy points” Jones
Simon “right-legged’ Jell
UoP TKD Man of the Match: Philipa Barnes (First fight, first gold, way to go girl!)
Special Thanks to: Lee Mason (for always being there for us! J)
