The date: Saturday 15th September 2007.
The place: The Huyton Sweet, Huyton, Liverpool.
The event: KIND Charity Fight Night

On Saturday September 15th, 3 players representing the Welsh WTF Taekwondo Association travelled to Liverpool to compete in a fight night, organised by our very own Master Jo Draper. The event was organised to help raise funds for Kids In Need and Distress (KIND), a Liverpool based charity that helps local kids in need. And there was nowhere better to stage a Taekwondo fight night than Liverpool. Liverpool is notorious for producing top callibre WTF Taekwondo players, the city playing host to over 8 Taekwondo clubs all within a very short distance. And with the majority of these clubs in attendence, the competitive atmosphere was ripe, and anyone entering the venue knew something big was afoot. After acquaintances had been made and old friends caught up with, the night began, with no less than 20 high-quality bouts to entertain and impress.

First up was our very own Jacob Draper-Stone, coached by Alastair against a highly skilled opponent. The fight commenced, and after a flurry of kicks to both body and head, Jacob emerged from the first round up on points. A quick piece of advice from his coach, and Jacob continued to dominate the 2nd round. Back leg shots, front leg shots, whatever Jacob threw seemed to score, his accuracy clearly impressing onlookers. The whistle sounded, Jacob scoring his 1st hands down victory.

Jacob's next opponent was one of Liverpool's own, and came with his own mini support group, who were more than happy to show their support and encouragement! Never phased by such things, Jacob faced up to his opponent, despite his opponent standing a good few inches taller and a good few kilo's heavier. Once in motion, Jacob's superior footwork and timing outclassed his larger opponent, with Jacob scoring one clean point then avoiding to maintain his lead, allowing Jacob to emerge victorious once again. Well done Jacob!

Next up was John Cregg, who's accumulating WTF experience stood him in good stead against a fellow blue belt. The fight began, and John's opponent, strong and forward, put John on the back foot. John still held up well, letting his WTF techniques come through, and finished the 1st round down 5 - 3. The second round, however, proved to be a different story. Flamboyant as ever, John let his legs fly, catching his opponent with a front leg hook kick to the face. This brought the score to a nail biting 6 - 5, which John made up in the last seconds of the round with a well-timed body shot, the round ending 6 - 6. A 3rd round of Golden Kick was scheduled (1st to score wins), and both players faced up, looking prepared. The ref started the round, and both fighters edged cautiously, waiting for their moment of opportunity. Suddenly it exploded into a fury of kicks, only to have the score board display 7 - 6, to John's opponent. Nevertheless, another fantastic bout from John, who continues to show signs of development in the WTF style of Taekwondo.

Last up for Wales was Alastair. Alastair had been training hard the past few weeks for this event, and was determined to let it show! Al and his opponent were both experienced players, and with his opponent coming from Liverpool, he was backed by a huge crowd of loud and passionate supporters. Never phased, Al focused on the job at hand and prepared for the intense bout that awaited. The 1st round started, and Al was hot off the blocks, firing in back leg body shots clean into his opponents armour, each one picking up a point. His opponent fought back hard, collecting a couple of points of his own, but Al fought on, uping his game to secure a definitive 1st round lead of 4 points. With the 2nd round came an even more forward crowd, but it wasn't enough to turn the tables, Alastair maintaining his lead through intelligent footwork and countering, the bout ending 10 - 4 to the Welsh! Both players then congratulated each other, and limped off the mat to share a pint! It was for Charity after all!!

Once finished, the mats were cleared leaving a disco and bar, where the fighters and friends all relaxed and danced the night away. A truly successful night that raised over 1000 pounds for KIND, and the Children in Need and Distress throughout Liverpool.