As usual, an impressive display of weapons started the day on the centre ring with Daniel and David Nguyen taking first place in the Creative Weapons group competition and Duong Nguyen third place in the Senior Weapons. These three from the Lam Son Kung Fu showed an impressive display of weapon skills.
Plenty of young competitors showed off their skills in the junior divisions and the strength in numbers and high standard of competition auger well for the future of martial arts in South Australia and future NAS competitions.
The day's competition really hotted up when the seniors hit the floor. The Female Intermediate Point Sparring competition was fiercely contested with Tamsin Stanton from Go Kan Ryu Karate winning through for first place. Tamsin's 'not backing down' approach earned her the points in a very close competition.
The Female Black Belt Open Point Sparring saw eleven competitors take to the floor, promising the audience some good bouts and they were not disappointed. The quick action and agility of the fight saw competitors gradually bow out one by one. Strong performances from the top three in the finals made the competition tight with Zarina Greenburg from Adelaide Tang Soo Do Academy emerging the winner, with second place Kolynda Reyers also from Adelaide Tang Soo Do Academy and third place Heidi Stechway from Zanshin Freestyle Karate close behind.
The Male Black Belt Open Point Sparring also attracted eleven competitors and the fight was no less disappointing. High kicks from many competitors attracted maximum points and lots of bouts ran into extra time in order to find a winner. Alan Gillert from Go Kan Ryu Karate was impressive coming back time and time again to out fight his competitors with quick moves and well placed punches. Vocal audience support lifted during the final rounds which saw Jeremy Thompson from Go Kan Ryu Karate, persistent kicks and punches win him the State Title over Daniel Tregrenza also from Go Kan Ryu Karate in second place. This final bout being decided in a well placed right to the head from Jeremy. Ryan Humphreys from Adelaide Tang Soo Do Academy was a well placed third.
Scoring remained tight in the final men's competition of the day, the Male Continuous Advanced Open. The single-minded approach to each bout by all competitors was matched by skilful fighting that won the audience's appreciation. Jason Couzner, an independent, once again showed the winning success of his solid punches and kicks and his consistency in the ring. The final bout between Jason and Daniel Tregenza was a spirited fight with Jason's well placed kick winning him the State Title. The bout for third place between Corey Burnside from Go Kan Ryu Karate and Matthew Stevens from International Karate-Do Shobukai was also closely contested. Matthew's persistence with his punch winning him a place.
In the final round of the day, the Female Continuous Advanced Open, Heidi Stechway was a clear winner outclassing and out fighting Jessica Dubois from Go Kan Ryu Karate in second place. Heidi's quick feet and agility enabled her to get around the strong fists of Jessica.
The success of the day was a credit to the organisers, judges and officials - all of whom were kept on their toes by the high standard and fiercely contested bouts.
Onward now to the National Championships in Melbourne. Good luck to all of our competitors who will make the trip over the border to do our State proud.
1. Club/Organisation – Profile
Instructor Name: Master Michael D'Ambrosio
4th Dan Master Instructor. Law enforcement officer (ret) Security trainer and consultant and personal bodyguard to major artists.
Style: Tang Soo Do
Originating from Korea Tang Soo Do is dedicated to the provision of high quality Korean martial arts training. Its ultimate goal is for students to possess excellent technique, but more importantly, to develop and perfect one's character. Tang Soo Do is a foundation which prepares students in a way to meet challenges that we have to face in our busy lives. Tang Soo DO is the harmonious training of body, mind and spirit.
How long have you trained?
26 Years in the Korean Martial Arts. Having trained in Europe, London and Malaysia with Grandmaster Kang Uk Lee 10th Dan. The highest member of the Moo Duk Kwan association.
Location of club & nights you train?
Adelaide Tang Soo Do Academy Located at 16 Stradbroke Rd Newton South Australia, where we strive to provide the best Tang Soo Do education available. With a philosophy for students to become strong and well balanced, developing strength, discipline and humbleness.
How did you find out about the NAS competition?
I have been aware of the NAS competition for over 15 years. But more recently involved due to the direction that Mr Nick De Cristofaro is taking the NAS here in Adelaide. His professional approach and dedication to providing a fair and unbiased tournament is to be commended as I am sure you cannot please all of the people all of the time.
What do you like about the NAS competition?
The camaraderie and willingness to share techniques, and of course the location and venue.
Your comments on the refereeing, do you find the NAS to be fair and none biased?
This is a subjective area, but I am sure that having confidence in the State Director we will see more of the above.
Name some of your up-coming champions from your club and how they are placing in the NAS competition.....
We have always placed well in NAS competitions with competitors Like Andrew Rushton, Tahlia Rogers, Zarina Greenberg, Ryan Humphreys Koylinda Driehuis and Tim Gatley, all who placed well in the State Titles winning 1st 2nd and 3rd's, and who are all dedicated Tang Soo Do practitioners always giving 100%.
What are your future goals for your organisation?
Our goals are to continue to provide students with the skills and knowledge required in having a positive attitude, better health, a method of self protection and to continue to their best, and for us all to move together in a positive direction.
With the 13th World Tang Soo Do Championships looming around the corner. We are privileged to be holding this competition here in Adelaide. It will be held at the Adelaide Convention Centre on November the 1st 2009.
This competition is being hosted by the Adelaide Tang Soo Do Academy where we will be welcoming 10 countries to our city to compete.
It has been two years of preparation and fundraising for our academy and we want to showcase Adelaide to the rest of the World as a wonderful city in which to host such an event.
I would like to thank the South Australian Tourism Commission, and the Australian Convention Tourism Authority whom with our other sponsors assisted us in achieving the funding for the championship.
Spectators are welcome; entry is free with a gold coin donation going to the Women's and Children's hospital. For enquiries please phone 088337 4744.
Health and Happiness
Tang Soo
Master Michael D'Ambrosio
2. Competitor – Profile
Name: Duong Nguyen
Style: Lam Son Kung Fu
How long have you trained?
I have been training in Lam Son Kung Fu under Master Toan Ho for the last 7 years. I also assist Master Toan Ho with instruction for the new members of the club.
Where do you train?
Currently, our club trains at the Park Community Centre in Angle Park and at the St John's Anglican Church Hall in Salisbury.
Can you tell us what you like about the NAS competition?
The thing I like the about the NAS competition is the exposure to the different martial arts styles and being able to see the different styles in practice. It provides an opportunity for different styles and martial artists to be able to come together and share ideas with each other as well as pitting their skills up against each other in a friendly environment.
Best moment/memory in competition with the NAS?
Having only been involved in the NAS competition for a relatively short time, I think the best moment for myself would have to be just being given the opportunity to be able to compete and demonstrate the unique forms of Lam Son Kung Fu in front of other martial artists and styles.
Have you a favourite technique in competition?
My favourite technique would have to be the front kick. Its such an easy technique to perform yet it is extremely effective for use in both attack as well as defence.
Favourite martial artist...
My favourite martial arts would have to be Bruce Lee. His dedication to the martial arts was second to none. For myself, Bruce Lee's ideology of retaining what was effective for oneself and discarding what was not effective for oneself is the core to the training and development of all martial artists regardless of what style you learn.
Name some of the Officials in the NAS that inspire you...and why
The most inspiring NAS official would have to be Nick De Cristofaro. He has an excellent appreciation for all martial arts styles and always encourages all competitors to have and go, especially the pee wees and younger kids.
What are your future goals in the NAS?
My future goals in the NAS would be to simply just be able to continue to compete at future NAS events.
