STARS of Limerick-based Munster Martial Arts have won an impressive nine medals at the UK Championships at the National Indoor Athletic Arena Cardiff.
The championships represent the largest Tang Soo Do competition and a dozen countries were represented in Wales.
In the words of the club’s master and instructor, Pat Forde, “the event attracted amazing competitors from all over the world and our medal haul (three gold, silver and bronze) was far from guaranteed”.
“Our team members did amazingly, and the technical work we carried out in preparation really paid off. Our team spirit at the championships was out of this world. Everyone who attends our classes are part of these victories, and we continue to help, inspire, and motivate each other.”
The local team was that of mother-and-son Hazel and Ben Baznet-O’Doherty, brother-and-sisters Tristan and Zofia Finc-Curtis, Shane and Claramane Logue, Eoin Adams, and Billy O’Connor.
At the earlier American All-Korean Karate Championships, Limerick won trophies courtesy of Joey O’Riordan and Stephen Cullen, who were encouraged on site by Master Forde.
Munster Martial Arts teaches the traditional Korean martial art Tang Soo Do and kickboxing.
The club is highly respected internationally with Master Pat Forde recently having been awarded ITO (International Tang Soo Do Organisation) Man of the Year award for Europe.
The ITO is one of the largest bodies of the sport, with members spread across the world.
Munster Martial Arts holds classes in the city (Rollerjam, City East Business Park, Ballysimon), Newcastle West Community Centre, Hospital Town Hall, and Glenbrohane, and can be contacted on munstermartialarts.ie.
