A local martial arts academy will travel to the UK this week with support from the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company to take part in the 14th Taekwondo England Autumn Open Championships.
Flying Phoenix Taekwondo teaches martial arts and self-defence tuition on the island. The club will be sending representatives to compete in the event, which takes place at George H Carnall Leisure Centre in Manchester, on Saturday 10th November. They will be competing against national teams of the highest level from England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Italy, France, Spain, Greece, Morocco, Oman, Pakistan, India and China.
The event is set to be an action-packed weekend with some of the world’s finest Taekwondo contenders from across the globe preparing for the competition. Over the two days, competitors can choose to participate in a number of traditional Taekwondo categories, including poomsae, kicking technique, pre-arranged sparring and kyrougi.
The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company is supporting the trip by assisting with the cost of return travel for the team.
The senior instructor of Flying Phoenix Taekwondo said: ‘The Taekwondo England Autumn Open Championships is a fantastic event which offers competitors a great opportunity to compete against experienced fighters from all over the world.
‘Everyone at the club is extremely grateful to the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company for its generosity - the trip just would not have been viable without its support.’
Isle of Man Steam Packet Company Chief Executive Mark Woodward said: ‘Martial arts teaches discipline, confidence and self-defence. Young people and older people alike can learn a lot from the sport. We are pleased to support Flying Phoenix Taekwondo on their trip and wish them the best of luck.’
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Photograph: Senior instructor Christopher Lawlor (back middle) with students at Flying Phoenix Taekwondo