Once again the TUNZ extended the olive branch to members of all WTF organizations in the spirit of unification and to support the establishment of ‘Taekwondo New Zealand’ by inviting participants from outside of the TUNZ to compete in this years Nationals.
Held for the first time ever in Blenheim at Stadium 2000, on the 24th September, 300 competitors from the Taekwondo Union of New Zealand, New Zealand Taekwondo Federation, Aotearoa Taekwondo, Chans Martial Arts, and Zen Do Kai competed collectively under WTF rules at the TUNZ 2005 New Zealand Taekwondo Championships.
Spectators and competitors settle in for a big day of action at the TUNZ Nationals.
Clubs traveled from as far north as Auckland and as far south as Invercargill and the tournament was very well run and hosted by the Blenheim Olympic Taekwondo Union and TUNZ management. The one-day event was held in three rings and proved to be a highly successful day for the competitors and organizers.
The TUNZ adopted the newly reformed WTF competition rules of the competition area being reduced to 10 X 10 square metres, three two minute rounds for black belt fights and in the event of a draw, both fighters going into a sudden death fourth round play-off where the first to score a point is the winner.
Once again a high standard of fighting emerged from around the regions in the colour belt and junior divisions and the awards for the Best Fighting Region and Best Forms Region went to Canterbury/Marlborough. It was also very encouraging to see a higher number of veteran divisions being contested and an increase in the number of Forms Divisions.
The TUNZ also introduced it’s popular Jumping Kick Competition which it has held in it’s regional tournaments over the last few years. This was a fun activity, which had all age groups and ranks competing against each other in a crowd pleasing, and at times spectacular, competition.
The adult black belt divisions saw an even spread of gold medals around the regions and amongst the different organizations on the day, and to top off a great days competition a North Island versus South Island fight-off proved to be a huge hit. A mixed team of players from both Islands were matched up and the crowd rallied behind both teams with the South Island beating the North Island. This event is now being called upon to finish off all Nationals!
Competitors in the rings, united in friendship out of the ring. NZTF member Diana Kasad (left), with TUNZ member Leanne Stoutley. Both competed in the Womens Black Belt Lightweight final with Leanne Stoutley winning the Gold.
The TUNZ would like to thank Jon Wallace, Vaughn Stewart and the members and supporters of the Blenheim Olympic Taekwondo Union for organizing this successful event. Also a big thanks to all of the volunteers and officials that helped out with the running of the 2005 New Zealand Taekwondo Championships.
