The event kicked off at 10:30am with ninja games first on the agenda, all ninjas took part in three games  each,  these games included a Balance game, focus game, and a speed and technique game, these games are designed to develop the skills of a ninja before becoming a junior TaeKwon-Do Student. With three rings been run by very experienced TaeKwon-Do Ireland black belts these sections were run very smooth and efficiently as all ninjas enjoyed themselves!
At 11:40am the 9 years and under sections were about to begin, in these sections we had clubs from all across Cork including, Bandon, Ballincollig, Blackrock, Carrigaline, Crosshaven, Frankfield, Innishannon, Midleton, Macroom, Timoleague and more. These sections were very enjoyable to watch as the students performed their patterns and sparring. Even at this young age there are sign of great talent ahead of us it the future of Tae Kwon Do as Chloe Mc Grath just 7 yrs old from Blackrock took first in both patterns and sparring. Liam Quinn of Innishannon performed excellently, just a white belt winning out his very tough section. But the fight that stood out the most was the girls white to green  8-9yrs where Maeve Slattery and Courtney Collins both from Innishannon faced off for the final. Meave just 8yrs and the smaller opponent was not willing to leave this one go as she forced her way through some excellent kicks and punch’s to become the winner of this section!
These sections were finished at 1230pm to make way for the older sections, there were some fabulous performances throughout the day. Just to mention a few finals; Natalia of Midleton taking on Kelly of Innishannon – this was an epic final of two very fine competitors with Natalia winniing gold; Gavin O’Brien of Bandon who defeated all that came his way showing great skill and determination, and there was the final that could have went either way against Ryan O Connell and Danny Collins two black tags who will grade for blackbelt on the 19th May, this was an action filled bout as Ryan stepped up to the mark to take victory.
This was a very special event for Bandon TKD and also Tae Kwon Do Ireland because it marked Bandon Tae Kwon Do schools 16th year running, but that’s not all, it also had the celebration of 2nd degree black belt Ms O Brien’s (outgoing instructor) move to Blackrock TKD and the return of 5th degree black belt Mr Gerard Allen who had originally opened up the club back in 1996 before handing it over to Ms O Brien in 2008, and also the return of 4th degree black belt Mr Steven Nyhan who had previously been one of the first students to join Bandon TKD 16 years ago and also became an Instructor at Bandon when he reached black belt, He went on to open a very successful club at Innishannon and now has returned to his childhood club.
This was an extremely well run competition, thanks to all TKDI instructors and blackbelts that helped out,  all competitors were finished within 1.5hours from when their sections begun most of this thanks goes to Mr Mannings famous organisational skills. Thanks to all Clubs and members who supported we hope to see you all again next year!

This was a memorable year not only for Steven but for Cork Indoor Sports Awards association as it marked its 50th year in succession. Along with this, I believe, they are the oldest awards association of their type running in Ireland.
Steven felt very privileged to receive this award as many great Instructors, Masters, World champions, and great competitors had previously picked up this award including one of his very first instructors Ms Brenda Greene and TKDI chairman Mr Micheal Burke. Steven would like to thank everyone who nominated him, he also congratulates all other nominees.
Thanks to all Members of CISA, Hilser Brothers jewellers (CISA Sponsors), the deputy lord Mayor of Cork also to Ms O’Boyle and Mr Denis Daly and everyone else who made this a wonderful event.

Amy O’ Sullivan (12) and Rebecca Mc Grath (12) represented Carrigaline, with Amy taking the first gold of the day winning out the patterns category, and later taking bronze in sparring. Rebecca then got TKDI’s second gold for the day winning out the sparring category.

Midleton colour belts Kamil (17) and Thomas (31) both won their sections then in the -18 and +18 green-blue continuous sparing sections respectively, with Daniel (37) taking 2nd place in sparring.

Then it was the battle of the instructors as Midleton and Blackrock went head to head in the blackbelt patterns, sparring and destruction categories. Blackrock took first blood with Mr. Manning beating Mr. Dwyer in patterns, with Mr. Manning winning 3rd place and Mr. Dwyer failing to place.

Midleton fought back then as the sparring sections were split as under and over 75kgs, putting both Mr. Manning and Mr. Dwyer in the same category of -75kgs. Both TKDI examiners made it to the final of the section, and after a hard fight the heavier Mr. Dwyer won out, but only just.

That left the clubs at a draw with Blackrock winning patterns and Midleton winning sparring, leaving only destruction to decide the winner. Blackrock instructor Mr. Tony Casey stepped up to take on Mr. Dwyer, and after beating him previously in Mr. Dwyer’s own Midleton Tul Tournament – where Mr. Casey also beat off fierce competition from Mr. Allen and Mr. Nyhan, when he won both the hand and foot destruction sections – everything was set for a close showdown.

In the end the result was down to the turning kick technique where Mr. Casey broke two red boards, but they didn’t break completely, only giving him a score of 2 for partial break out of a possible 4 for a full break, and it was those 2 points that made the difference. Mr Dwyer won the destruction and Midleton won out in the friendly rivalry between the Midleton and Blackrock clubs.

A good time was had by all who were there and it was a good day for TaeKwon-Do Ireland. We look forward to the next Redking event.