Dragons off to a flying start in 2024

 

Kin Ryu dragons have got off to a flying start this year with the team flying to Glasgow for the Scottish Open. 

This event is the 1st major tournament of the new year with players from all over the UK and international teams from around the world competing in of the UK's biggest tournaments. Kin Ryu had great representation with our national squad making the journey.

The masters team started the weekend with current national champion Joshua Boxell staying on winning form taking gold in the u81 M1 section. 

In the cadets Sebbie Robottom put on a great performance taking 7th in u55kg. Following was Alex Mckee in the u42kg and he continued his British championship podium form, winning bronze with some long contests. 

 

 

In the tough u60kg category Sam Tang took all his early contests with superb winning throws to get into the semi-final. Despite a technical and exciting fight he lost to a strong Scottish opponent and dropped into the repecharge to fight for bronze. In true Sam style he won the contest with some brilliant ne waza to take the bronze medal.

The final cadet to compete was Peter Crawford in the u90kg category. Peter again fought strongly as he establishes himself firmly in this group and he also won the bronze and took his 10 points towards his next black belt. 

On Sunday it was the turn of our u21 athletes and Aidan Tang was joined by Sam and Sebbie as they competed in the next age band up. 

Aidan is returning from a 2yr break in competition but was on incredible form taking out the no2 seed in u66kg in his opening round. With 3 further wins and 2 losses it was a 9th place finish for Aidan which is superb on his 1st event back. 

Sam also fought well in u60kg winning 2 and losing 2 contests to take 7th place. 

The final athlete of the weekend was Sebbie Robottom in u55kg and after his 7th place in cadets he went all out winning a place in the semi-finals. After a tough fight he lost this to drop into the repecharge to fight for bronze. Like Sam the previous day Sebbie went for it winning the bronze and the 1st points for his black belt. This is Sebbies first medal at this level of competition.

Well done dragons!