Oxford Alpine Taekwondo shines
The Oxford Alpine Taekwondo Club is on the rise.
Instructor and second Dan Black Belt Graeme Kettle said the club they started seven years ago with just seven students, now boasts 40.
‘‘We are starting to pick up well.
‘‘We are a small club and try to keep the numbers as low as we can manage but we have certainly increased.
‘‘Going to seminars to learn different things and getting the right people involved has certainly helped the club grow.’’
As well as growing in number the club is enjoying plenty of success.
In the annual Top of the South Taekwondo tournament held in Blenheim recently, the club collected an impressive 19 gold medals.
The club took its largest representation of members to the Labour weekend competition this year, with 19 members competing in poomsae and sparring.
The club was one of the largest in attendance and every one of the members entered won at least one medal, with the club winning a total of 52 medals including the 19 gold.
As well as a good medal tally, many of the senior belts stepped up to coach, referee and be line judges for the competition.
Kettle said everyone worked really hard and their training and efforts made a significant impact on the podium results.
‘‘The club has been growing rapidly and I am proud of the results at Blenheim, the way we supported each other and com- peted with such passion.’’
Kettle has also had a personal success, being given permission to go for his third dan grading.
He started out at the Hororata TKD club 12 years ago where he gained his black belt, but always had the intention to set up his own club in Oxford.
The club is currently working towards grading for all members as well as continuing to grow and compete.
‘‘With the growth and participation, we are looking at maybe doing a tournament in the North Island next year.
‘‘We usually do a minimum of three tournaments with nationals, South Island and the top of the south being the main ones.’’
Oxford Alpine Taekwondo trains on Mondays from 5.30pm and Wednesdays from 6.00pm at the Oxford GP Hall. New members are always welcome.