Caithness Tang Soo Do Students Excel at world Championships, Securing 15 Medals
Inverness, Scotland – eleven students from the Halkirk-based Caithness Tang Soo Do club demonstrated exceptional skill and spirit, returning from the seventh Worldwide Tang Soo Do Family (WWTSDF) World Championships with an remarkable haul of 15 medals. The competition, held at Inverness Leisure from August 8-10, drew martial artists from across the globe.
A global Gathering of Martial Arts Excellence
the WWTSDF World Championships brought together grandmasters, masters, and practitioners of all ages and skill levels from the United States, South Africa, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Germany, Greece, and throughout the United Kingdom. Participants competed in a diverse range of Tang soo Do disciplines, including traditional forms, Chil Sung forms, sparring, and weapon forms utilizing bo-staffs, nunchucks, knives, and swords.
Did You Know? Tang Soo Do, meaning “the way of the hand,” is a Korean martial art with roots in ancient korean fighting systems and influences from Okinawan Karate [[1]].
Medal Tally and Individual Achievements
The Caithness Tang Soo Do students showcased their dedication and training, achieving the following results:
| Student Name | Dan/Belt Level | Medal(s) Won |
|---|---|---|
| Eoghan Speirs | 2nd Dan | Bronze – Traditional Forms |
| Kerry Speirs | 1st Dan | Gold – Chil Sung Forms, Gold – Knife Forms |
| Robyn Speirs | 1st Dan | Bronze – Knife Forms |
| Rebecca Nightingale | Brown Tag | Silver – Traditional Forms, Bronze - Sparring |
| Thomas Donogher | Green Belt | Gold – sparring, Bronze – Traditional Forms, Bronze - Bo-Staff Forms |
| Abby MacDonald | Green Belt | Gold – Traditional Forms, Bronze – Bo-Staff Forms |
| Scott Henderson | Green Belt | Silver – Traditional Forms, Bronze – Bo-Staff Forms |
| alfie MacGregor | Green Belt | Bronze – Bo-Staff Forms |
| Georgia Donogher | Orange Tag | Bronze – Bo-Staff Forms |
Pro Tip: Consistent practice and disciplined training are fundamental to success in Tang Soo Do, fostering not only physical prowess but also mental fortitude and self-discipline.
Instructor Praises Student Dedication
Stephen Mezals, the 4th Dan club instructor, expressed immense pride in his students’ accomplishments. “This has been a tremendous possibility for our students to compete on the world stage so close to home,” Mezals stated. “They have been working extremely hard over the past few months to prepare themselves for this competition and they left nothing on the mat.”
He further emphasized, “Medal or not, they should all be extremely proud of their performance. They delivered exceptional martial art skills and spirit against equally exceptional martial artists from across the world.”
Future Championships and Local Training
The WWTSDF World Championships are biennial events, with upcoming championships scheduled for Malaysia in 2027 and South Africa in 2029. Caithness Tang Soo Do students currently train on Monday evenings at the Ross Institute in Halkirk, and further details about the club can be found on their Facebook page, Caithness Tang Soo Do.
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The Enduring Appeal of Tang Soo Do
Tang Soo Do’s emphasis on self-discipline, respect, and physical fitness continues to attract practitioners worldwide. Its blend of traditional techniques and modern training methods makes it a relevant and effective martial art for individuals of all ages and abilities. The art’s focus on character development,alongside physical skill,distinguishes it as a holistic practice.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tang Soo Do
- What is tang Soo Do? Tang Soo Do is a Korean martial art emphasizing self-defense, discipline, and character development.
- What are the benefits of learning Tang Soo Do? Benefits include improved physical fitness, increased self-confidence, enhanced mental focus, and self-defense skills.
- Is Tang Soo Do suitable for all ages? Yes, Tang soo Do programs are often tailored to accommodate students of all ages and fitness levels.
- what is the ranking system in Tang soo Do? The ranking system utilizes a belt system, progressing from white belt to black belt and beyond, with various degrees (Dans) awarded to black belts.
- Where can I find a Tang Soo do school? Organizations like the WWTSDF maintain directories of affiliated schools worldwide.
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