The proud TUNZ team with their medals and trophies.
The Taekwondo Union of New Zealand's national development squad had a successful outing at the Tan's Open International held in Surfers Paradise during May 2005. The Host is Michael Tan, 6th Dan Black Belt and Internationals Referee who holds this as an annual event for the development of Taekwondo in both Australia and New Zealand.
Christchurch's world championships team member Danny Cartlidge led from the front as the TUNZ team won 13 gold, 6 silvers and 3 bronzes.
Cartlidge, 25, completely outclassed his Australian opponents beating Edward Carroll 11-0 in the semi-final before easily accounting for Tyson Knapp by 12-4 to take gold.
Club mate and fellow black belt Corey Shaw, 17 also brought home gold beating Brannon Haycroft 10-2 in their final. Aaron Mansfield from Auckland took bronze.
Kawerau black belt Clement Richmond, 17, had two close wins, beating Scott Curtis 4-0 in the semi-final before winning the gold with a 5-3 win over Joel Harding.
And young Taurnga black belt Cory James, 16, won gold on superiority from Anthony Belde.
Team manager Mike Hannah won another veteran gold medal with an easy 10-1 win over Piehler Werner
The TUNZ depth was highlighted by its red belt fighters who brought home eight more gold.
Youngsters Josh Lamb, 12, beat Justin Donovan Parke, 3-1, Cody Jeffrey, 14, beat Albert Tang 3-0 and Fontaine Joyce, 13; beat Theresa George 6-0.
Kahu Angour, 17, beat team-mate Jason Scourer, 16, 9-1, after Scourer had won his semi-final 2-0 over Aussie James Devit.
Nadia Van Vliet, 15, beat Jacqueline Comello 10-9 in a high scoring bout while Auckland's Nicholas Dorman, 16, had a strong 13-3 win over Daniel Nilsen before beating Luke Steers 7-3 in the final.
And in the senior ranks Courtney Bridges, 18, beat Kirijao Jeti by 7-6 and Kimberley Rose, 18, Beat Catherine Upton by 5-4.
Silver medallists were black belts, Mei Zi Ho, 22, Jozien Hannah, 14, Tracey Colman, 17, James Bryant, 14, and red belt Amy Banks, 13.
And to round off a terrific tournament TUNZ's Jason Scourer and Jana Hannah, 15, both won gold in the jumping high kick.
Team managers Mike Hannah and Wendy O'Neill along with team coaches Danny Cartlidge and Vanessa Beel did a great job preparing and coaching the team on the day. The experiences gained by the younger fighters in particular will be invaluable as they now prepare for the TUNZ National Championships in September.
