TKF Squad trials took place on Saturday 18th January at Breckland Hall, Costessey. This was an opportunity for TKF members to gain their place in the 2020 TKF Squad where they can develop competition skills and potentially represent TKF at external competitions around the country.
The squad is split into TKF A Squad and TKF B Squad with those being selected representing in kata, kumite or even both. The afternoon started off with everyone preparing themselves and warming up before the kata selections began. For those who were attempting to trial for the first time, was always going to be nerve racking but everyone pulled off some impressive, calm performances throughout the trials. Students were asked to perform either two or three katas as the coaches wanted to keep it as close to a competition experience as possible. Most competitions require a different kata must be performed each round. The coaches were impressed with the level of confidence that was shown throughout the kata trials.
It was not long before the kata trials were over and moved on to the kumite selections. Some trialists opt to just trial for kata, others opt to just do kumite. Those who opt in for the kumite trials were given the option to show the coaches what they were capable of through a set of drills before having a ‘fight off’ in front of the coaches where technique, skills and points were also taken into consideration.
Finally, after a solid two hours of great performances by all the students who trialled, the TKF Coaches were happy to announce the new, updated squad for 2020. You can see the list of TKF A Squad and TKF B Squad listed below. Massive well done to all of you!
On another positive note, the TKF Squad trials gave the opportunity to announce a new squad coach. Henry Pegge has joined Danny, Jake and Matthew as part of the coaching set up for 2020. Henry brings with him a vast amount of kumite competition experience with several years of competing at the highest level. Henry has been on the JKS England squad for the past 3 years and recently been selected onto the EKF National Squad, Henry has several National and International titles and brings plenty of knowledge and experience to share amongst the TKF Squad to further develop their qualities. Welcome to the team Henry.
TKF A Squad
James Leveridge (Kata)
Katie Middleton (Kata)
Douglas Middleton (Kata)
Henry Pegge (Kumite)
Freddie Saunders (Kumite)
TJ Greene (Kumite)
Martyna Majeska (Kata and Kumite)
Ellie Rose Fyfe (Kata and Kumite)
Cody Gedge (Kata and Kumite)
TKF B Squad
Olly Howell Hoye (Kata)
Edward Copsey (Kata)
Dylan Harvey (Kata)
Luca Sorcoiu (Kata)
Adrian Colcer (Kata)
Gabriel Colcer (Kata)
Sammie Howlett (Kata)
Oliver Curtis (Kata)
Edward Cushing (Kata)
Freddie Saunders (Kata)
Brody Farrow (Kumite)
Kitty Pegge (Kumite)
Katie Bonfield (Kata and Kumite)
Marek Wright (Kata and Kumite)
Ruby Mills (Kata and Kumite)