Saturday 25^th January 2020

All competitors to arrive by 9.30 a.m.

The following divisions will apply.

** Please note: There are NO divisions for cadets or executives at this event.!!!!!

Juniors:      Up to and including 15 years old.

Adults:       16 years old and above

Closing date for entries will be Saturday 18th January 2020.

Entry fee’s: Competitor: £15 per event (i.e. 3 events = £45).  Spectators: £10.00

TAG team: £15 per 3-person team. To be paid and entered on the day.

**PLEASE WEAR YOUR OFFICIALS WRISTBAND TO GAIN ENTRY**
Officials: Officials must register before the event. Stating their qualification.
Officials Uniform: Officials t-shirt, grey or black pants and sports shoes.

** You must arrive by 9 a.m. otherwise you will be asked to pay to enter. Bring your black belt licence book for stamping to record your attendance.

NO VIDEO CAMERAS PERMITTED ON THE AREA’S.
NO SPECTATORS ALLOWED ON THE AREAS.

PATTERN DIVISIONS:

Juniors: (boys and girls separate)           Adults: (male and female separate)
Yellow:       9^th Kup to 7^th Kup                  Yellow:       9^th Kup to 7^th Kup
Green:       6^th Kup to 5^th Kup                  Green:       6^th Kup to 5^th Kup
Blue:          4^th Kup to 3^rd Kup                  Blue:          4^th Kup to 3^rd Kup
Red:           2^nd Kup to 1^st Kup                  Red:           2^nd Kup to 1^st Kup
Black:         All grades together                Black:         All grades together.

The post T.A.G.B. Midlands Championships – Saturday 25th January 2020 appeared first on West Midlands TAGB Tae Kwon-Do.

It was a proud day for Taekwondo across the region on Sunday 22nd October when the British Taekwondo Council (BTC) hosted their national taekwondo tournament. 750 members of affiliated organisations gathered to compete in a variety of events to prove their skill in their art.

Among them then local instructors from the area gathered their teams together to vie for the coveted medals pulling together as one unit to represent their organisation – the Taekwondo Association of Great Britain (TAGB) and their local areas. Here in the midlands the Wyre Forest, West Midlands, Bromsgrove and Stourbridge groups joined forces to compete in team events and win a very impressive total medal haul of 24 medals, 6 gold, 11 silver and 7 bronze.

The teams Gold medallists of the day were Charlie Collyer who narrowly missed out on medals in his 2 previous events but fought hard to make sure he didn’t go away empty handed by winning the Team Sparring; Amelia Myers, fresh back from an outstanding performance at the Scottish Nation Championships also won her Team Sparring event and took a silver medal for her collection in individual sparring; Jessica Giles, Danka Chorowstowska and Laura North competed in the Team Pattern event together and were the easy winners of the division, and Bewdley & Hagley Instructor Katie Billingham won the team’s 6th Gold medal of the day in Individual Patterns.

Silver Medals were won by Alex Kennedy in both Individual Sparring and in Team Sparring, where he partnered his former opponents Matt Bryant and Arran Campbell to fight together and win more medals for the team. In his first competition in over a decade, Matt Bryant did well in all his events, bringing home Bronze in Individual Sparring and Bronze in Individual Patterns giving him a trio of medals for his new collection. Seasoned competitor Arran Campbell was also happy in his individual sparring event to take bronze.

Mother and daughter taekwondo duo Helen and Jessica Giles both collected silver medals for their Individual Patterns performance. Bewdley’s Assistant Instructor Chris Rayment-Bishop joined forces with his team from across the country to perform a world class standard team pattern in the Black Belt division. In a play off for the gold they narrowly missed out on reclaiming the title but were very proud to beat tough competition for the silver medal.

Molly Ashen had her tournament debut after doing so well in her first Taekwondo grading recently. She wowed the judges and was presented with a silver medal for her efforts. Also in their first competition were sisters Mya, Roma and Bella Garcha, the groups youngest competitors. Oldest sister Mya won Silver in Individual Sparring, and Bella a bronze in the smaller height division of the same event. Roma fought very bravely and only just missed out on a medal herself.

Congratulations to super dad Alex Sobainsky who fought hard to take bronze in the Mens Black Belt Sparring event; to ‘Katie’s Angels’ the sparring team consisting of Jessica Giles, Danka Chorowstowska and Laura North who came 3rd in their second event as a team on the day. Danka also won Silver in her Individual Patterns giving her a third win of the day.

The scoring was tough, and the competition was high. Credit and recognition goes to those who worked hard, tried their best, but took just the lessons and not the medals this time. Well done to Ylva Althoff, Robyn Middup-Jones, Arti Shah, Rhianna Sobainsky, Tom and Charlie Smith, Craig Mason, Finlay Evans, Natasha Weston, and Molly-Mae and Emeliana Clarke.

Helping run the tournament were the local Instructors Vince Farquharson, Paul Chesterton, and Terry Davis who worked in an official capacity running the areas. The team was supported on the floor by coaches Georgia Elwell, Arti Shah, Rhianna Sobainsky who’s efforts were invaluable to the team on the day.

Instructor Katie Billingham said “It was such a hard competition. Scoring was very tough, our opponents were very well prepared, so we feel honoured to have come away with so many medals.”

Area Senior Instructor Vince Farquharson said “The team spirit from our group of schools was inspiring and empowering. It was an extremely proud day for all instructors.”

There’s no resting for the diligent students now as the regions clubs now prepare for the North Midlands Championship, Coloured belt and Black belt gradings over the next few months. For more information please contact Vince Farquharson on 07375 119483.

Total Group Medals

Gold 6

Silver 11

Bronze 7

The post BTC Championship Success appeared first on West Midlands TAGB Tae Kwon-Do.

Its that time of year again – September 2019 Colour Belt Grading is here!

Grading Examiner: Grand Master Paul Donnelly (9th Degree Black Belt)

Grading Venue: Portway Lifestyle Centre, Newbury Lane, Oldbury, B69 1HE

Start Time: 12:30 – please arrive from 12:00 and start warming up / practicing in the warm up room provided.

Speak to your instructor to ensure you are eligible to grade. Remember it is 3 months between gradings 10th kup – 5th kup and 6 months between gradings for 4th kups and above.

The post September 2019 Colour Belt Grading appeared first on West Midlands TAGB Tae Kwon-Do.

AREA BLACK BELT GRADING PRE-TRAININGSESSIONS

OCTOBER 18th/19 th /20th 2019
BLACK BELT GRADING
Any student who wishes to attend a training session in a different area must apply (via their Instructor) to the relevant Area Co-Ordinator of the area they wish to attend.

Please note:
ALL BLACK BELTS AND 1 st & 2 nd KUP STUDENTS WHO ARE NOT GRADING MUST ATTEND ONE TRAINING SESSION EACH 6 MONTHS.
A FEE WILL BE PAYABLE ON THE DAY FOR THESE TRAINING SESSIONS.
Please refer to your Black Belt grading pack for information regarding handing in Black Belt grading forms and payment.

Only TAGB sparring equipment and white doboks are to be worn at these sessions.

Below are the details for Pre Black Belts for Central South Area –  West Midlands Tae Kwon-Do students who need to attend should come along to these dates unless previously discussed with your instructor.

GM Paul Donnelly
Tel: 07836 619233
Email: donnellypaul@btinternet.com

All forms & payment are to be handed in on the first session.

All sessions to be held at:
THE PORTWAY
LEISURE CENTRE,
NEWBURY LANE
OLDBURY
B69 1HE

1st Session – Sunday 8th September 2019
1 st and 2 nd Kups 9.30am
All Black belts 10.45am

2nd Session – Sunday 15 th September 2019
1 st and 2 nd Kups 9.30am
All Black belts 10.45am

3rd Session – Sunday 29 th September 2019
1 st and 2 nd Kups 9.30am
All Black belts 10.45am
Including all-star gradings 12pm

The post Pre Black Belt Sessions – October 2019 appeared first on West Midlands TAGB Tae Kwon-Do.

BTC CHAMPIONSHIPS 2019

Worcester Arena
Hylton Road
Worcester
WR2 5JN
Sunday 22nd September 2019
ALL Competitors to arrive by 9.00 A.M.

Please speak to your instructor ASAP for details on how to enter! Entries due soon.

The post BTC CHAMPIONSHIPS 2019 – Sunday 22nd September 2019 appeared first on West Midlands TAGB Tae Kwon-Do.

West Midlands Tae Kwon-Do sent off 19 competitors from 4 different clubs to compete in patterns, sparring, destruction and power strike tests.

National TAGB competitions see over 1000 competitors in the range of divisions with the TAGB England, Welsh and Scottish squad also taking part. West Midlands Tae Kwon-Do coach, Dan Oldman from the Dudley Club said “national competitions become harder every year, and our squad today have done fantastic work, winning medals and learning plenty of new skills. It might be cliché; however, it is not just about winning, taking part is important. Entering competitions gives you many new skills and pits you against the best in the country aiding our student’s development. I am especially impressed with the range of students we had enter today, everyone is playing a part and it is amazing to see.”

Dudley TAGB Entries
• Warren Didlock – entered black belt hand destruction
• Toré Lamont – entered red belt patterns and red belt light weight sparring
• Daniel Oldman – entered black belt heavy weight patterns and achieved silver in black belt tag team
• Amelia Myers – achieved silver in girls’ yellow belt light weight sparring

Willenhall and Bilston TAGB Entries
• Georgina Walters – entered black belt hand destruction
• Jake Walters – entered black belt boys’ patterns
• Ben Moore – entered black belt boys’ patterns and achieved bronze in the Todd Wurr power strike test
• Jon Moore – entered black belt hand destruction and achieved gold in the Todd Wurr power strike test
• Georgina Moore – entered ladies red belt patterns and achieved bronze in the Todd Wurr power strike test
• Jade Winstone – entered cadets red belt light weight sparring
• Jordan Winstone – entered mens’ red belt light weight sparring
• Stuart Stanway – entered executive mens’ black belt heavy weight sparring

Tipton and Bloxwich TAGB Entries
• Jenna Bailey – achieved bronze in girls’ yellow belt tiny tot sparring
• Jaidev Patel – entered sparring categories
• Daryn Ahmed – entered sparring categories
• Nadia Ahmed – entered sparring categories
• Arran Campbell – achieved bronze in mens’ red belt welter weight sparring

West Bromwich TAGB Entries
• Emilie Bedenham – entered girls’ red belt lightweight sparring
• Gracie Bedenham – entered girls’ red belt pee wee sparring

Coaches / Officials
• World Master Vince Farquharson – Senior Instructor of West Midlands Tae Kwon-Do & International TAGB referee
• Daniel Oldman – West Midlands Tae Kwon-Do Coach
• Georgia Elwell – West Midlands Tae Kwon-Do Coach & National referee
• Craig Mason – Welfare Officer
• Louise Didlock – Welfare Officer

All West Midlands Tae Kwon-Do instructors and coaches want to say a big well done to all students who entered. Our squad is only getting stronger and we cannot wait until the next competition!

The post English Championships 2019 – the squad keeps growing appeared first on West Midlands TAGB Tae Kwon-Do.

We have all been there haven’t we? Sat on the sofa, watching TV having a chilled Sunday and before we know it 2 packets of crisps, a block of cheese, a cup of tea and 3 packs of biscuits have disappeared. Hunger is a natural sensation – but how do you differentiate hunger to general boredom? The hunger scale.

The Hunger Scale:

Yep, we have all been in that miserable food coma stage – which isn’t bad for special occasions – however not something we should be experiencing on a weekly (or even monthly) basis. The food coma should not be wasted on the cheeky Saturday night Chinese.

The hunger scale is great for those people who can’t control when they should or should not be eating. This doesn’t mean you have to be overweight though, many individuals who are considered “healthy” often over indulge on unhealthy foods and by using this scale everyone can stop eating in time to feel satisfied and full.

Using the scale for Weight Loss:

This scale distinguishes the body’s physical needs of hunger in comparison to the body craving food to satisfy emotions such as boredom, depression and anxiety. By using this scale for weight loss, you would be looking at eating comfortably between the numbers 3 and 6 consistently – finishing eating when your body is full and satisfied, not when your plate is empty.

That’s one of the worst habits we teach from a young age. “You can have desert if you finish your plate”. This old-fashioned way needs to change. Tell your kids, and tell yourself “finish when you’re full.”  Some people look at this as wasting food, however given a bit of time your eating and cooking habits will change to represent this, and smaller portions can be given at mealtimes.

As well as this, comparing the hunger scale with a food diary will enable you to understand fully your eating habits and emotional controls. By making a note in your food diary of how you felt when you ate can be a powerful reflection of influences of your eating.

What should I do if I get REALLY hungry?

The aim of the hunger scale is to follow 3 simple steps in order to control and maintain sensible eating:

Step 1) If you are feeling Level 1 or 2 hunger start by eating a little bit of something such as a cracker or piece of fruit to reach Level 3 on the scale.

Step 2) Wait 10-15 minuets and see how your hunger feels now.

Step 3) If you’d rate your hunger a Level 3, then eat your planned meal. Eat as normal until you reach Level 5-6 on the scale. The stop eating.

It tends to happen that we drop to Level 1 or 2 quite often when you ignore the hunger signs or skip meals – this may be due to you having an overly busy day. However, when you reach Level 1 or 2 this is where the body has the urge to “eat absolutely everything now” – this is where the control and simple steps help. By stopping eating at a Level 5 – 6 shows how we can keep our body maintained in homeostasis and constant control.

Changing you habits:

Before you eat: Close your eyes and focus on your stomach. Set aside any thoughts about food or when you last ate – give yourself a number. Your body should naturally feel hungry (Level 3 Hunger) every 3 – 5 hours after a meal. The most important tip here is don’t lie to yourself, this information doesn’t need to force you into a diet – this is just information, if you’re going to try to change your habits, then try – you’re only cheating yourself.
If you want to eat or feel hunger for any other reason than your stomach this may be eating for an emotional reason or out of habit – try to find an alternative way to comfort yourself rather than eating.

During a meal: Eat slowly, allow yourself to see how full you are getting. Listen to the body signals that tell you that you are no longer hungry (check back to the hunger scale as appropriate). Look out for these signs and try not to get to the point of feeling “stuffed”. Stopping halfway through a meal to check your fullness is a good way to make sure you don’t overeat.

Finishing a meal: Stop eating when you are around 5 or 6 on The Hunger Scale, even if that means leaving food on your plate. Stopping at a higher number or convincing yourself that you need to leave a completely clear plate means you have probably taken in more food than your body needs.

Through research we have found there is no point in dieting if the habits have not been changed, following this simple chart will ensure a change of habit.

The easy and simple way to a healthier you! The first step! No more food comas, no more boredom snacking – healthy meals to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Source: NHS Derbyshire Features Service

The post Are you Hungry or just Bored? – The Hunger Scale appeared first on West Midlands TAGB Tae Kwon-Do.

The TAGB Midlands Championship hosted in Kettering on Sunday 3rd February saw some of the best fighters around the Midlands region, with some squad members travelling from across the country to compete in the first event of the year.

Yesterday on Sunday 3rd February 2019, West Midlands Tae Kwon-Do students entered the Midlands championships with a very successful outcome! Over 500 competitors entered this regional event to achieve Midlands Champion 2019 in patterns, sparring, team patterns, team sparring and destruction.

Senior instructor World Master Vince Farquharson said; “This year we have decided to dedicate more time to put a West Midlands Tae Kwon-Do competition squad together as well as preparing for gradings and confidence growth. It was wonderful to see the amount of support at this competition, for some being their first ever competition. I am very proud of each and every one of West Midlands Tae Kwon-Do students for entering, we are only getting bigger and stronger – West Midlands Tae Kwon-Do is and forever will be a force to be reckoned with.”

The results are as following;
• Arran Campbell from Tipton and Bloxwich Club achieved Bronze in Red Belt Welter Weight sparring.
• Toré Lamont from the Dudley Club achieved Bronze is Red Belt Light Weight sparring.
• Gracie Bedenham from the West Bromwich Club achieved Bronze in the Red Belt Pee Wee Tag Team sparring.
• Daniel Oldman achieved Bronze in Heavy Weight Black Belt Mens Tag Team sparring. Dan also went on to be the only person to break boards with a hand technique, despite not officially entering. Unfortunately, due to this Dan could not collect a medal, but it was still a proud moment for him.

World Master Vince Farquharson, senior instructor of West Midlands Tae Kwon-Do and local instructor at Dudley and Kidderminster clubs would also like to add an additional mention to Dudley TAGB member Amelia Myers who competed in her first ever competition. Even though not officially winning a medal, Amelia showed great confidence and technique to be able to take the first step in her competition journey. Amelia also showed great integrity and courtesy to her follow competitors and we could not be prouder of the youngster.

Competing is always so hard to do and entering is just as much as achievement as winning a medal. Entering is always the first step, with our students being able to do this makes each instructor at West Midlands Tae Kwon-Do unbelievably proud! The first competition of the year was a huge success for West Midlands Tae Kwon-Do, here’s to the next one!

The post Success for West Midlands Tae Kwon-Do Squad at 2019’s first competition appeared first on West Midlands TAGB Tae Kwon-Do.

Organised by West Midlands Tae Kwon-Do instructor Katie Billingham (5th Degree Black Belt), the event raised money to support Kemp Hospice.

Tipton and Bloxwich students joined their instructors 3rd Degree Black Belt Craig Mason, and 2nd Degree Black Belt Assistant Instructor George Mason, in a range of competitive events, gaining a number of well-deserved medals in the process. The highest medal of the day for the team was won by nine year old blue belt Aaron Lewis, competing in his first ever event. Alongside a silver medal in sparring, the youngster impressed by beating all his opponents in the World Master Todd Wurr’s tough power competition. Coming away with a gold medal for his weight category, Aaron’s excellent technique allowed him to show off maximum power, despite his slight frame.

Also gaining medals for the Tipton and Bloxwich team:
– Arran Campbell: Bronze in Sparring
– Serena Lewis: Runner Up in Sparring
– Isobelle Edwards: Silver in Sparring. Silver in Patterns

The club instructors also had a rewarding day, with Craig and George Mason both competing in musical patterns for the first time- George achieving a bronze medal in the black belt section, and Craig’s dance moves receiving a special mention in the awards ceremony! Family pride was further at stake in the team patterns events, with instructor Craig joining his son and daughter, George and Hattie Mason to perform a superb Hwa Rang tul, receiving 3rd place in the black belt event. George Mason went on to shine in sparring, gaining a bronze medal, and in the best kick categories, bringing back two unexpected silvers in the standing kick and spinning kick events.

The event was fun and friendly, allowing novice competitors from Tipton and Bloxwich to cut their teeth in a positive atmosphere, and credit is due to the volunteer officials and helpers for encouraging and supporting the competitors in their care. Congratulations to the organisers for a great day in support of such a good cause, and congratulations to the Tipton and Bloxwich students who represented their clubs so successfully.

Roll on the next one!

The post Success for Tipton at local Charity Event appeared first on West Midlands TAGB Tae Kwon-Do.

Among all the amazing competitors and the UK Squad team entering, West Midlands Tae Kwon-Do have walked away with some very impressive medals!

Arran Campbell from the Tipton and Bloxwich Club is now British Champion in Blue Belt Welter Weight Sparring!
Lauren Pope from the Dudley Club achieved 2nd in Patterns & 2nd in Green Belt Heavy Weight Sparring!
Toré Lamont from the Dudley Club achieved 3rd in Red Belt Middle Weight Sparring!
Stuart Stanway from the Bilston and Willenhall Club achieved 3rd in Black Belt Heavy Weight Sparring!

All the West Midlands Tae Kwon-Do instructors were at this event cheering on our competitors and friends accross the UK and witnessed a truly spectacular event and competition to end the year!

We would like to say thank you to the TAGB for hosting the amazing events this year and a huge WELL DONE to all West Midlands Tae Kwon-Do students who have competed all year! We will be continuing our winning streak in 2019!

The post Success at the TAGB British Championships! appeared first on West Midlands TAGB Tae Kwon-Do.