1st Annual BSTF University of Birmingham Taekwondo Open— 4th February 2006 by Ryan Fisher

The university's old gym was packed to the brim with Martial Artists from various universities across the midlands area. With two fighting rings, separate university camps and head tables, the old gym has never scene so much Taekwondo Action.

Over 60 competitors took part, from across England to take on the mighty force of Birmingham. Birmingham successfully cemented there victory through great team spirit and commitment throughout the entirety of the day, winning the team trophy not only by sheer numbers, but medals per fighter.

Birmingham performed consistently throughout all grades and weight divisions showing that the introduction of 'Fight Camp' to the clubs training regime was defiantly improving the competitive skills of all grades, including instructors.

Beginner grades proved that there was much natural talent within the club by medaling in almost every weight. Also, a solid performance from the middle and higher grades, dominating the medal table, and making sure that Birmingham took the win. No major accidents occurred, St' Johns where only called into action once for a dislocated toe (pain inflicted by Birmingham Fighter).

Club Captain Jon Spratley was very pleased that the day when much like his dream, and breathed a sigh of relief when the day ended with not one person being kicked through the glass wall of the old gym!!

Thank you to all instructors, committee, competitors and spectators for helping out on the day and making the tournament possible and so successful.

We hope that next year we can make the competition even bigger and better by moving to a larger venue with more spectator space and many more players, making it a landmark on all universities competition calendars. Good luck to all players who are training hard for the Student Nationals on the 12th March at Southampton University to make sure the club success continues.