Inverness Tang Soo Do hosted the Highland Championships on 10th September 2022. The Championships was organised and run by head of Scotland Tang Soo Do, Master Kelly O’Connor. This was only the second in-person competition to be held since the easing of the Covid restrictions. Master Kelly was pivotal in keeping Scotland Tang Soo Do motivated and active during the pandemic; hosting two online competitions over the course of the almost two-year period of lockdowns and limits to the number of people that could meet up in person.
Even though restrictions are now lifted in the most part, there were still hurdles to overcome in order to host the Highland Championships! Due to a limit to the number of Competitors, Spectators and Officials that could attend the event and be in the hall at the same time. This resulted in more refined planning and separating the Black Belt and Coloured Belt categories. However, those that did attend, showed the best display of Martial Arts and most of all; the spirit expected of a Martial Arts practitioner.
There were 81 Tang Soo Do practitioners taking part in the event from all over the North of Scotland and Edinburgh. This was a record number of competitors for this usually smaller event. The ethos of the Highland Championships is encouraging newer, less experienced and more nervous students to take part in their first Championships before moving up to larger events.
This year there were 40 categories across the different Tang Soo Do areas; Bo Staff, Nunchaku, Knife, Sword, Traditional Hyungs and Sparring. Unfortunately as a result of separating the Black Belt and Coloured Belt categories the usual Champion of Champions category was not possible, but it will hopefully be back for next years event.
The event is marked by the awarding of the Highland Club Shield; which is awarded to the club that has the highest number of 1st, 2nd and 3rd place medals, using a points system of 10 for each 1st place, 5 for each 2nd place and 2 for each 3rd place.
This year the Shield was awarded to DKMA, competing with 31 competitors, winning 41 medals across their team.
Master Kelly would like to extend her thanks to everyone who made the event possible, the Masters and Black Belt Judges who volunteered their time and expertise, the Cho Dan Bo’s who assisted on ringside and runner duties, the Hilton Community Centre staff, Scotia Medical Practice for providing First Aid Cover, of which the event was incident free, the Competitors and the Spectators!
Scotland Tang Soo Do 