Published: 7 March, 2013
by STEVE BARNETT

A HARD hitting team of martial artists picked the perfect time to peak as they got their hands on a mighty medal haul at the Bristol Open Taekwondo Championships.

More than 200 fighters from around the country convened at the Sir Bernard Lovell Sports Centre for the prestigious annual event.

And it was the triumphant team from Hwarang Taekwondo Club who sharpen their skills during weekly Peak Performance training workouts, that really stole the show.

Under the watchful eye of master Daniel Kobbina, the squad of 13 all won medals as they captured seven golds, four silvers and two bronzes between them.  

The flawless fighters who all powered their way to the top of the winners’ podium in their various weight and class categories were Shania Sergeant, Alex Wright, Ammar Satia, Ivy Johnson, Noah Faruque, Joshua Ovie and Econ Abraham.

Club-mates Luca Khukaleishvili, Daniel Bramah, Ali Satia and Sonny Glazer all scooped silver, while Vikram Ramaswamy and Kian Morgan-Sullman both bagged bronzes.

Master Daniel Kobbina, who regularly holds martial arts sessions in Camden and Islington, was overwhelmed by just how well his super squad performed.

“I believed in the training and knew all our fighters would do well and at least reach the final stages of the competition,” he said. “But for all of them to medal was outstanding.

“Ivy Johnson’s victory certainly came as a surprise as she only joined the club in December and as a white belt beat higher ranked opponents to strike gold.”