The 29th Senior & 20th Junior AETF European Championships were held in Riccione, Italy from 24th – 27th April. Nineteen Black Belts from across Scotland were selected to represent Scotland at this prestigious event, including Megan Brown and Kieran Cain of our Wishaw school.
For both it was their first venture on the European Stage, both participating in Individual events, as well as Team events. They trained hard on the run up to the event, with both training between 6 – 8 house per week as well as four hour squad session each Sunday. As part of their preparations they also competed in Ireland in February and at the beginning of April.
Throughout the competition we tried to keep our social media up to date with their progress. Excerpts can be found below.
Patterns
Megan took part in Junior Female 1st Degree Patterns, she was drawn against Ireland first round. The first pattern was Po-Eun. With decision split at 3-2 after a very good performance from both competitors. The second pattern was Kwang-Gae, again a strong start with the experienced Irish competitor edging out and taking the win.
Kieran also participated in the Junior Male 1st Degree Patterns. In his first round against Belarus, he performed well keeping his timing, and performance strong to take the match 5-0. The second round Kieran was drawn against England, both boys were sharp, with Kieran leading after the first pattern, in the second pattern he continued his form taking the bout 4-1.
Third round was up against Russia. Again good pattern with 3-2 after first, and narrowly losing at the quarter final stage to the Russian who went on to take silver.
Sparring
Megan was sparring in the Junior Female -60kg Sparring category. Up first round was Germany, Megan started strong, picking clean points, into the second round, again standing ahead in the points for the majority of the bout, the German fighter picked up an injury, which stopped the bout until she received treatment. As the match restarted with 1 minute to go, the German girl scored a turning kick, meaning points switched to her favour. In the last 30secs to go Megan was unable to find the points and the German girl used the opportunity to evade out the ring and take the win.
Fantastic euro debut for Megan, lots to take and practice for the next event.
Kieran was sparring in Junior Male -68kg against Ireland first round. He was out of the blocks fast against the taller opponent. A great bout from both competitors. Kieran unfortunately losing after dropping points to warnings.
Great spirit and effort once again.
(Flexibility training begins Wednesday Kieran)
Power
On Saturday morning Kieran was up in individual power test first competitor, on some untested boards. Unfortunately Kieran was unable to take points.
In the afternoon Megan started in junior female power, breaking the turning kick, missing the side and knife hand. Good effort.
Team Events
Both Megan and Kieran were part of the Junior Teams competing in Patterns, Sparring and Power Test. The teams performed exceptionally well however were unfortunate to narrowly miss out on medal’s.
A special mention to Kieran also for taking his Bagpipes and playing throughout the event, rallying the moral of the team during their competition and to play whilst Katrina received her European Title.
Scottish Results
Congratulations to the following Scottish Medalists at the event;
GOLD – Katrina Carr – Junior Female -45kg Sparring
SILVER – Caitlin McGhee – Junior Female Power
BRONZE – Stephanie WIllis – Senior Female Power
BRONZE – Alexander Gray – Senior Male -63kg Sparring
BRONZE – Stephanie WIllis, Rachel Morning & Rheannan Brown – Senior Female Team Power
The overall result for Scotland was 14th from 31 Countries.
These championships were a great experience and start for both young competitors and we have no doubt they will be looking to build on these performance’s over the next 12 – 18 month in preparation for the next up and coming European events;
European Cup (Budapest, Hungary) – October 2014.
World Championships 2015 (Jeslo, Italy) – May 2015.
European Championships 2015 (Glasgow, Scotland) – October 2015.
Please see your instructor if you wish to take part in any of these events. The European Cup in October is open to students aged 10 years+. With the European and World Championships being for Black Belt holders over 14 years old.
The next European’s are also on home soil, we can’t wait for these 🙂 It could be you representing your country. The work starts now 🙂
