Some 20 years ago on a brief visit to a back street nightclub in Birmingham (UK) I was convinced the City did not wish to welcome visitors. It felt like a place where it was difficult to comprehend the local dialect, and chat up lines failed to impress the local girls.

Through the years the City has been transformed and one can appreciate the beauty of its waterways, shopping Centre's and acceptable blend of old and modern architecture. A central canal runs through the City and on its banks stands the National Indoor Arena (NIA).

For 5 days the NIA became the I.T.F. gladiatorial arena, representing all 5 continents from 47 countries. Couches, competitors and officials assembled anxious to perform and take away a championship prize. An assortment of tracksuits and National flags adorned the NIA balcony as spectators and competitors increased the level of chanting.

Day 1 and 2 set a very high standard for the remaining events to follow. Radzh Melikof ( Russia), Adam Gardner ( England) and Silvina Sacchi ( Argentina) were all impressive through the early heats, and it was no surprise when they successfully became World champions on finals day. Ben Jarmin (USA) demonstrated very good technique in power breaking which won him 2 Gold medals.

By Friday evening most team events had been completed. All credit should go to Master Galarraga, his assistance and those hard working umpires and referees whose endurance and discipline seemed endless.

Saturday was a rest day for most competitors, but it was also an opportunity for young cadets to get involved with the Championships. It also meant coaches could spend a relaxing day coaching up and coming future champions.

Although a number of finals were completes on previous days, Sunday became ‘finals Day’. Unfortunately for the hosts, England, it soon became clear our players would not be lifting the Champions trophy. This was disappointing after a great result in Australia last year.

The great sprinter Michael Johnson once said “to win any medal is a good result, to win one gold is outstanding, to win more than this is the greatest”.

Control, timing, gracefulness are attributes which make a beautiful pattern. The silky rhythm of Sheena Lee Spencer Smith (can), the grace and power of Natilie MaColl ( England) is testimony of what it takes to become overall World Champion.

There is no doubting the ability of out ITF players; both juniors and seniors have the skill and determination to win with dignity. Winning is one of our goals we hope to achieve and everyone loves a winner, but of the losers?

We must congratulate all winners and losers for their significant part in making this event one, which all Tae Kwon Do teaches and students were more than happy to be part of.

Sunday’s final stirred up more passion than previous days with a mass of National flag waving supporters and competitors. Some Champion performers in patterns were:

Artisitides Palopoli (Argentina), Diego Marrero (Argentina), Taknori Tsukiji (Japan), Alexandra Kan (Russia), Kerry Burridge (Wales) and Lucy Wolf (England).

All fights in the finals were well contested and players such as: Axel Vagas (Argentina), Richard Bell (England), Ariel Alemmango (Argentina), Cory Cain (England), Natalia Mauas (Argentina), Nina Duong (Australia), Stacey Weather (England) succeeded in winning in their divisions.

Congratulations to Argentina for winning overall male and overall Country. The Japanese female team also performed exceedingly well to take home the overall ladies title.

Everyone in England hoped you all returned home safely. We enjoyed your stay and hope to see you in Canada, when England will win overall Country.

Our thanks to Grand Master Choi Jung Hwa and his officials for giving us all this opportunity to meet old and make new friends.

Master Harry.