South Dublin Taekwondo

South Dublin Taekwondo Club made their annual trip to Northern Ireland for the NI International Poomsae Championships in Queens University, Belfast last week. Poomsae is the korean workd for patterns / forms and is a non-combative competitive divison in WTF taekwondo. A team of 30 players attended performing in individuals, pairs [one male and one female], and team [3 same gender]. SDTKD had participation from all ages & grades, many of whom attended their first technical competition. Some of the medal highlights of the day include a bronze for Mariusz Malecki who attended alongside his 2 daughters Samantha & Natalia, the SDTKD senior male team and senior female team also picked up bronzes in their respective divisions, Jed Rena took the 2nd tier of the podium taking silver in an immensely competitive cadet male black belt division, and the gold medal exploits of trio Eoin Rosales, Sean Byrne and Dany Rusu [pictured] who won their team event.

This year’s event welcomed 390 players from 13 countries, from 9thKup to 7th Dan, and from 5 years old to 76 years old.  They competed across six rings under the watchful eyes of 34 judges from 11 countries, 24 of who were highly respected and experienced International Referees, travelling from as far away as the US to be part of the Championships.