MARTIAL ARTS: MARTIAL arts stars gave high-powered performances when the heat was on.
Hooks Institute of Tae kwon-do sent 12 exponents to the Anglo-Welsh Cup and each of them struck gold.
Dave Hook, fifth-dan master of the art and the club's senior coach and instructor, said it is often difficult for youngsters to perform at the highest level in competition as nerves and pressure kick in.
But he said: 'These young upand-coming stars have a natural talent and are a pleasure to work with.
'With more experience and a little more belief in themselves, these players should go a long way.
'Playing to the best of their ability is all I ask from them all and they certainly did that, always pressurising their opponents and fighting with true grit and determination. They all did me proud.
'A special mention goes to all the first-timers who performed extremely well - surprising all the spectators, parents and other coaches in the way they dominated their matches.'
But Master Hook, six-times former British and twice European champion, added: 'Even though we got 12 gold medals from 12 players, they will need to step up their training for the rest of the season if they want to maintain this high level.'
Hooks Institute members striking gold at the championships in Wrexham were:
Liam Benali, Age: eight, Weight: 31kgs, Standard: 1st timer, Grade: 7th kup; Natasha Mc-Gimpsey, 11, 11.30kgs, 1st timer, 6th kup; George Whiston, eight, 31kgs, 1st timer; 7th kup; Beth-any Darcy, five, 18kgs, 1st timer, 8th kup; Ben Dunning, 10, 40kgs, novice, 5th kup; Michael Dunning, 12, 35kgs, novice, 6th kup; Rachael Stokes, 11, 55kgs, novice, 6th kup; Amy Tyghe, 11, 29kgs, novice, 3rd kup; Carl Darcy, 11, 38kgs, novice, 1st kup; Josh Richardson, 14, 60kgs, novice, 1st dan; Phil Iliffe, 39, 118kgs, 1st timer, 5th kup; Ronnie Edwards, 14, 49kgs, elite, 1st dan.
Dave Hook thanked other members of the coaching staff, Barry Stokes, Liz McKibbin and current British team member and recent European gold medallist Daz Stokes for their support and guidance at the event.
