The Swedish National Championship was held in Jönköping the 30th of November. This championship usually takes place a bit earlier during the fall but due to the World Championship it was put back a couple of weeks. No problems for the participants unless the extra time that all had to spend on the icy and slippery roads travelling to Jönköping, but that is no obstacle for a true TKD-fighter.

The Swedish National Championships has a slightly different shaping from other competitions. Firstly it is organized almost solely by the Swedish Taekwon-Do Federation ITF which offers the opportunity for all Swedish cities to host the championships. Secondly all fights in sparring are carried out using the “pool-system” which guarantees many fights. There are also only one gold and one silver to fight for. No bronzes are awarded. There can only be one winner and one second runner up marking her or his place as the one wanting to taking over the throne.

The day started with team pattern, an event that has been on the agenda in Sweden since the year 2006. To make an opportunity for as many teams as possible to take part the teams may consist of both juniors and seniors both female and male. The winner of the gold and also the title as Swedish Champions was once again Skövde Taekwon-Do Club for the eight year in a row.

The championship then went ahead with individual pattern and also with power breaking and special technique. There were no big surprises in these categories.

After the lunch break the qualification in sparring began. It was quite obvious that the national team have had a though season with both the Euros and Worlds. There was no lack of spirit but some tiredness in the bodies. On the other hand the fighters that hadn’t the opportunity to fight for the national team this time were on their toes to make their way to the finals. Many newcomers as well as the oldies marked their territory and this opens for an interesting selection for next year’s “Team Sweden”.

The finals in senior sparring took place in a gala with nice setting including such as music and lights. Most weight categories were won by those who beforehand were tipped to win but there were also some surprises. It was nice to see some up comers not far behind the more experienced competitors.

Ahead is a short break for Christmas and New Years but then the Swedish National Team for the Euros 2014 will be gathering and start training right after the new-year-bells stop ringing.

Best clubs during Swedish Championships 2013:

1. Skövde TKD Club
2. Frölunda TKD Klubb and Jönköping TKD ITF

For more photos and results please visit www.itfsverige.se and www.facebook.com/itfsverige.

Best regards
Master Swavek Dydiszko
Swedish TKD Federation ITF