2 Golds at Eastern Canadian TKD Championships

I have to say it felt a bit different competing this weekend. When I walked into the judging and umpire seminar on Friday it was awesome seeing so many people that I haven’t seen since New Zealand and other competitors and instructors that I haven’t seen since last November in Vancouver. It was like a big family reunion. I was surprised how many of the senior instructors, and my peers congratulated me again on being a World Champion. It’s one thing for my school friends to say it but it means so much coming from my seniors since they truly know how much is involved in achieving it.

judging certification 078 — Jonathon Martel at the Judging Seminar

judging certification 081 — It was great to see Maxine Noel again

I was also so proud of Ms. Kathy Trigger since she tested for her 5th degree. It was officially announced at the tournament.

eastern canadian championships 051 — Ms. Triggers was promoted to 5th degree - Congratulations!

I wasn’t feeling well at all on Saturday. The gym was so full and hot and the air was stuffy. I coached coloured belts for about 5 hours and then I had to start getting myself focused to compete. I knew I had to get my act together in a hurry so I went out for a quick run. It felt amazing to breathe the fresh air and clear my mind from the busy and noisy gym. I found a little field behind the school and went through the motions of my patterns. My dad came out looking for me and helped me warm up for sparring. I really just needed to listen to my favorite ‘warm-up’ music and get in the zone.

eastern canadian championships 004 — Reviewing some of Cameron's goal setting before he competed

eastern canadian championships 074 — Making sure all the kids knew where to go since the parents aren't allowed on the competition floor

eastern canadian championships 196 — It was hard running from ring to ring to make sure everyone was ready

eastern canadian championships 192 — The kids get so excited

eastern canadian championships 217 — Coaching back to back with my best friend Stephanie

eastern canadian championships 383 — Grandpa was there to give me props 🙂

eastern canadian championships 397 — Finals in Patterns

eastern canadian championships 522 — Finals for Sparring - Red Helmet

There was a different kind of pressure today. The points towards the next worlds were important to me but more importantly I wanted to perform well in front of all my peers and even the kids that I coach since they’ve never seen me compete. It was more my pride than anything else.

eastern canadian championships 551 — 2 golds

Pleased to say that I came home with a gold in each category – patterns and sparring

That is the last sanctioned tournament until the Fall so now I can relax a bit and continue with my regular training. I really need a mental break from all the competing so the summer will just be perfect!

eastern canadian championships 556 — Having fun with my friends are what makes these tournaments so special for me

eastern canadian championships 555 — I was so happy that my friends Alexandre and Stephanie did so well too. I hope to train with them in Montreal some time over the summer.

The after party was a nice way to end the weekend. We had a whole restaurant to ourselves with a buffet and Karaoke. My family didn’t get home until until 2:00 am. My parents liked spending time with all the parents of my friends too. It’s great that we were all together.