The forecast for this week is exceptionally rainy for Israel, so much that this morning was accompanied with hail. But as usual, the Taekwon-Do family is always happy to leave everything and join in for the yearly event – the regional pattern competition, organized by Sabum-Nim Leonardo Oros Duek, director fo the Israel Academy of Taekwon-Do ITF.

Many students from the towns Zichron Ya’akov, Yoqneam and Haifa came to participate in the competition, held in Yoqneam city, together with their parents in the crowd.

This was the second year on which we’ve added, after last year’s success, two new categories to compete in: Parents and children competition, and special technique competition (high flying front kick).

On Ring 1 took place a special competition in which participate parents and children performing a frontal punch forward and backward (in Korean Ap Jumok-Jirugi). In this competition participated over 30 families! The parents have shown much patience but unity as well, and have shown a will to win together with their children.

Some of the parents by the way, are already regular practicioners. The high-jump technique competition (Twimyo Nopi Chagi in Korean), had gathered pace – 30 students participated in 5 different categories! This competition creates a unique tension accompanied with high spirits.

At the end of each category the participants received the Gold, Silver, Bronze and Participation medals, and a diploma for participating. At the end of the event a show was put up, where two team patterns were performed simultaneously, and a traditional sparring performed by Yana Feldman and Shani Vlodabsky from Haifa, the same which they performed in the European Cup in Hungary last month. Also a II dan black belt was handed over the Hagai Fridman, Sabum-Nim Leonardo’s most veteran student. A senior II dan black belt was handed to Shaked Cohen, who has reached age 18. Shaked is also responsible for the development of the Taekwon-Do smartphone application, which was introduced in this event.

The competition ended on time with no delays. Special thanks to Sabum-Nim Leonardo Oros Duek (V dan), Sabum-Nim Mario Cosacow (VI dan), Sabum-Nim Sergei Harchenko (V dan), and to all referees and helpers without which the competition could not have been executed.

Among the cities, Zichron Ya’akov came in first with 14 winners, then Haifa with 8 and Yoqneam with 6.

Thanks to all, see you in classes and in the regional sparring competition in February!