National title triple for Kang Han

Mansfield Woodhouse-based Taekwondo club Kang Han are celebrating three national champion successes, with two of the champions having competed for the first time, and one earning his third title at the British Taekwondo National Championships at Manchester Velodrome.
By The Newsroom
Published 9th Nov 2014, 13:00 BST

Coach Tony Grisman said: “We knew we would be in with a few medals again this year, though to get three golds is very satisfying.”

For a small club the achievement is outstanding and senior instructor Master Adrian Tranter said: “Once again we achieve better than we expected.

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“To be placed 16th overall in the team standing, is a remarkable achievement, especially with only six athletes.

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“We are only a small club in comparison to those from the major cities. Some clubs take between 30 to 40 athletes or more for the Nationals, so to achieve what we have is just amazing. It shows just how good our coaches are and the dedication of our athletes.”

Danny Brewer, once again became National Champion for the third year in succession after moving up to 73kg junior.

“This was the hardest of my titles so far, the competition was fierce,” he said. “I want to thank my coaches, Tony and Kiel.

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“I have been training hard at the National Academy in Manchester so I can set my sights on a Great Britain team position in 2015.”

In their first ever National Championships, both Alfie Walker and Olivia Holmes secured gold medals.

After having to watch in the stands last year due to injury, it was a fitting end to a long intense year of training for Alfie, who competes in the 43kg child category.

He said: “I can’t believe it. I never thought I would be a national champion, though my coaches always said anything is possible if you work hard enough. I loved every bit of the day.”

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Olivia has only been at the club less than a year and competes in the 55kg cadet. She said: “I was not expecting this, it’s great.

“I love this sport and especially the training we get at our club. This was my biggest ever competition and I want to go even further now I have tasted success.”

Coach Kiel Tranter added: “Our team were just great all weekend. They have put so much effort into their preparation it’s good for them to see that hard work and dedication will bring rewards.

“We have so many youngsters now having a go, our club is in a good place at the moment.”

Kang Han Taekwondo is based at the Manor Sports Centre on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday - contact [email protected] or call 01623 656025 for more information.