Forres club dominates at martial arts contest

COMPETITORS from Forres dominated in a nation-wide martial arts tournament held in their home town.

The 20th European Moo Duk Kwan Tang Soo Do Federation (EMTF) Scottish Championships at Forres House Community Centre attracted entries from associations all over the north. However, local club Dominique’s Korean Martial Arts (DKMA) battled best on home turf, winning a clutch of awards.

“The quality of the competition was of a very high standard,” said former Forres Academy pupil and Fifth Dan Master Instructor of Inverness Tang Soo Do, Kelly O’Connor. “It was good to see so many quality martial artists from the north of Scotland area, and most of all Forres!”

The team’s haul numbered 19 gold, 22 silver and 20 bronze trophies. DKMA faced opponents from Inverness, Hopeman, Lossiemouth, Aberdeen and fellow Forres club, Fusion Tang Soo Do.

The squad included Miya Gordon (6) and Jacob Lawrence (7) from Applegrove Primary School, Avivah Lowe (11) from Dyke Primary and Benjamin Schwartz (17) from Forres Academy.

“They did extremely well,” said Dominique Sutherland. “Jacob, Miya, Avivah and Benjamin all bagged Scottish titles at their first ever tournament.

“I am very proud of all the team members especially those who did well in their first competition. It does not matter that some didn’t win anything as long as they had a great day.”

DKMA prize students Carey Flavell (9) and Alex Grant (9), both of Applegrove Primary School, also impressed during their contests. Alex took home two second places and a third. Carey grabbed three Scottish titles, a silver and coloured belt, and was named Youth Grand Champion of the tournament with the best results from all of the coloured belts.