The 14th INTA Open took place on the weekend of the 9th and 10th of March in The Watershed Gymnasium, Kilkenny. The event has a long history of catering for national and international competitors and this year was no different. The INTA were delighted to welcome competitors, umpires, VIP’s and spectators from clubs all over Ireland, Scotland, England and Norway, in particular, Master Sheena Sutherland from Scotland.

The event commenced on Saturday morning at 10am where the five rings hosted the junior colour belts. Colour belts offered spectators a very entertaining first two hours where pattern and sparring techniques reached exceptional levels. The junior black belts took to the floor before lunch. These junior competitors, many just recently promoted adapted fantastically to the high level of competition. Sparring bouts and special technique were the focus of the afternoon. The younger age groups embraced their spars and supporters and spectators spurred their juniors through each bout. The atmosphere around the rings was fantastic. Towards the end of the evening, the teenage age groups had the opportunity to display their capabilities and very promising spars were witnessed.

The second day focused on colour and black belt seniors in addition to the remaining junior categories. It was very promising to see an increase in the number of colour belt seniors opting to take part in the tournament. The INTA Open was also used as a selection tournament for those competing for a place on the Irish Squad for the World Championships in Benidorm 2013. Patterns positions were highly contested with some very close decisions in the male 2nd degree category. The new rules system was in place for the black belt sparring categories. The slight changes to the rules meant that competitors had to be extra vigilant in their use of the ring and in close tactics. As always senior black belts had spectators at the edge of their seats and some very skilful spars were witnessed.

The tournament drew to a close on Sunday at 4pm with male special technique and destruction. The tournament committee would like to thank all the umpires that attended and enabled an enjoyable and efficient 14th INTA Open. The Committee would also like to thank the staff at the Watershed for their hospitality. Photos are available through the INTA Facebook page and will soon be on the INTA website.