GTI British Open 2019
In a very busy month for T-UK Stratford’s juniors it was time to travel back down the road to Cheltenham. On the 17th November, Harry Hancox and Billy Barnett were registered and ready for the GTI British Open.
Recently promoted to Green Belt Harry was grouped together with Billy for a large patterns division, the ages were from 7yrs to 15yrs !!!
Harry up first deciding to try out his new pattern Won Hyo, he drew a 15yr old to compete against. Taking his time he beat his opponent by 2 points. Billy up next, performing Do San, again Billy drew an older boy and also scored higher, but not enough on the day.
The medals went to older GTI members on this occasion but vital mat practice for the boys.
Next Sparring... Because of low numbers Harry age 7 and Billy age 9 were put in the same sparring group with two other boys. For this age the GTI points fighting was the preferred discipline. Harry completed his match, he won 5 – 2 showing good hand and foot techniques which sent him to the final. Billy then took to the mat, he also outclassed his opponent and won comfortably 9 – 3 showing great technique.
Then onto the final no one wanted to see - Harry Vs Billy!
The boys showed great respect for each other, especially Billy by controlling his technique and reducing the contact. Billy took Gold, and Harry, who made use of his footwork to try and stay out of range took the Silver!
Well done both boys !!!
Many Thanks for Article by Jamie Hancox
