After more than six years without a local Poomsae event, Northern Ireland proudly welcomed back competition with a well-organised and uplifting day of Taekwondo at the Northern Ireland Poomsae Development Championship on Saturday 5th April.
With over 200 entries from across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, the event saw a fantastic turnout that highlighted the growing strength and enthusiasm for Poomsae in the region. Held in front of a supportive crowd, the competition ran seamlessly from start to finish, thanks to the incredible effort of organisers, volunteers, and referees. Perfectly timed rounds, clear transitions, and a great atmosphere ensured both athletes and spectators had a day to remember.
One of the standout features of the day was the introduction of the new “P-Score Pro” scoring system, developed by Northern Ireland’s own Master Thomas Needham. It was used to run a new elimination-style format for demonstration purposes in combined categories of U17 and U30 Male and Female divisions. This modernised system added an extra layer of excitement and clarity to the proceedings, delivering fast and fair results with ease. Feedback from both referees and coaches has been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the efficiency and user-friendly nature of the technology.
The event also welcomed a fantastic team of guest International Referees. Master Jesper Pedersen (Denmark), Master Kambiz Ali (England), and Master Gerry Reilly (England) joined seven of Northern Ireland’s own certified IRs to ensure the highest standards of judging throughout the day. Their presence, professionalism, and enthusiasm were greatly appreciated by all involved.
In addition to the action on the mats, attendees were invited to support a charity cake sale in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support. With a fantastic selection of home-baked treats, the fundraiser was a heart-warming success and a lovely reminder of the community spirit at the heart of martial arts—raising over £400 on the day.
With the success of this event, plans are already underway to make Poomsae competitions a more regular fixture in the Northern Ireland Taekwondo calendar. This marks not just a return, but a new beginning—with more events, more opportunities, and more development to come in the future.
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