A small but mighty team from Moray has made a significant mark on the European martial arts scene, showcasing their skills at the EMTF Open European Tang Soo Do Championships held in Hagen, Germany. The athletes, representing DKMA and Evolution Martial Arts, returned home with a remarkable collection of medals, solidifying Scotland’s reputation in the sport.
A Stellar Performance
The Moray team, which included members from Forres, Hopeman, Grantown, and Nairn, competed fiercely against a host of international contenders. Their efforts culminated in an impressive tally of 11 gold medals, 3 silvers, and 4 bronze medals, highlighting the depth of talent within the squad.
- Medal Breakdown:
- Gold: 11
- Silver: 3
- Bronze: 4
Among the standout performers was Myles Wilson, a black belt from Forres, who dominated the competition. He secured four gold medals in various categories, including Chil Sung Forms and Bo Staff, and was crowned the grand champion in Bo Staff. His teammate, Ronnie Ross, also shone brightly, clinching gold in Hyungs and Open Weapons, along with the grand champion title in Forms.
Rising Stars and Team Spirit
The success of the Moray team was not limited to the seasoned competitors. Young athletes also made their presence felt, contributing to the overall success of the squad. Toby Searle, another Forres representative, earned gold in Forms and Bo Staff, while Lottie Parkes added a silver in Team Forms to the team’s medal haul.
From the Evolution Martial Arts club in Lossiemouth, Ella Macgillivray showcased her talent by winning silver in both Bo Staff and Team Forms, along with a bronze in Forms and Sparring. Tia Graham from the Ryse club in Elgin also made headlines, taking home gold in Bo Staff and silver in Forms, as well as the grand champion title in Bo Staff.
Coaching Excellence and Future Aspirations
The team was guided by an experienced coaching staff, including Master Kelly Murphy, a 7th Dan from Inverness Tang Soo Do, and Master Michelle Raisborough, a 5th Dan from Evolution Martial Arts. Their leadership played a crucial role in preparing the athletes for the challenges they faced in Germany.
Master Murphy expressed immense pride in the team’s performance, stating, “We could not be prouder of our team, even the younger members performed brilliantly in some very tough categories.” The positive atmosphere and camaraderie among the athletes were evident, as they returned to Scotland with smiles and a wealth of European medals.
Looking Ahead
With the success in Hagen, DKMA’s senior instructor Dominique Stephen is optimistic about the future. She noted that the club has an exciting competition season planned for the upcoming year, with events scheduled across Europe and beyond.
- Upcoming Goals:
- Build on the success from Hagen
- Continue training hard for future tournaments
- Aim for more medals and recognition on the international stage
Stephen believes that this is just the beginning for the Moray martial artists, as they strive for excellence in every tournament they enter. The momentum gained from their achievements in Germany will undoubtedly fuel their passion and commitment to the sport.
Category: News
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