The EITF classified the the UKTA UK Open 2022 as a Class A Tournament this year.
This meant that the level of competition was likely to be of an even higher standard than was usual for this national level event, with teams from mainland Europe attending to compete.
The home countries competitors from England, Scotland and Wales were joined by competitors from France, Belgium, Spain and the Czech Republic.
Universal TKD had three competitors taking part, me (Reuben Thorley IV Dan), Jacob Thorley III Dan and Matthew Stockton II Dan.
It was a successful tournament for all three.
Matthew Stockton came away with a Silver medal 16-17 years Junior Males II Degree Patterns, and a Bronze in 16-17 years Junior Males -69kg Sparring. Thanks needs to go to Master Steve Millis, the England National Team Head Coach, who kindly stepped in to coach Matthew when his sparring matches were on at the same time as both mine and Jacobs matches.
Jacob Thorley performed exceptionally well in the Adult Male 18-34 years III Degree Patterns, coming away with a Gold medal and some appreciative nods from a number of international coaches and competitors.
Both of Jacobs sparring matches in his -78Kg group were close affairs, with one going to extra time and golden point against Hubert Skala from the Czech Republic, but Jacob did not quite come out on top.
Jacob Thorley performing Yoo Sin Tul in the 3rd Dan Patterns Final at the UKTA UK Open 2022
Jacob Thorley v Hubert Skala -78kg Adult Male Sparring UKTA UK Open 2022 (image care of Sonkal.cz)
I had a very successful tournament, with two Gold medals.
Shaun Parkin (Silver) and Reuben Thorley (Gold) 45years Veterans 4th Dan Patterns UK Open 2022
I met fellow England international, Shaun Parkin, in the final of the Veterans (45+ years) 4th Dan Patterns.
The last time we met on the mat in competition was in the semi final of the 2017 European Championships.
Both of us performed Ul Ji Tul as our chosen pattern, and the designated pattern came out as Won Hyo Tul.
The decision was in my favour, so the day started with a Gold medal.
In the sparring I met Jiri Faltin of the Czech Republic in the final of the 45= years -80kg sparring.
This was always going to be an interesting match with Jiri achieving Gold at the recent European Championships for 40-49 years -80kg sparring and me winning the 50-59 years -80kg sparring.
It was a very tight affair that was even after two rounds. During extra time the lead changed hands numerous times with me coming out on top with 3 corner judges to 1 in the final seconds.
Jiri Faltin (Silver) and Reuben Thorley (Gold) 45+ years Veterans -80kg Sparring
Even though both Jiri and I have been at numerous international competitions at the same time, we had never had to the opportunity to face each other on the mat.