The 2010 USA Taekwondo open, Las Vegas, Nevada

In February Paul Bingham of Wellington ventured off to Las Vegas for the US Open. He entered in both the senior division (18-25, ) and the ultra division (over 40 years) in which he won the silver. Here is a quick account of his experience. There is a more in depth account in the next UNION Times (It's a good read- the extended version, so when the UNION Times comes out make sure you read it- Ed.).

The Open is really big with 12 rings operating simultaneously, servicing 3000 black belts from 61 countries, over 5 days. The weigh-in is done the day before you’re due to fight.  Everyone seemed to strip and weigh-in in their jocks, which was just weird – so I weighed in in my track pants.  The organisers didn’t seem to mind, mainly because they were too busy laughing at my cowboy picture.  The draw is done after everyone has made weight.

All scoring was electronic using the La Just system (you had to buy the electronic socks, the body shields were provided) so everyone was looking for the head kick (3 points) and blocking like crazy, and most fights were very low scoring.  

The standard was very high.  These were some of the best fighters I have ever competed against.  My first fight went almost a full four rounds, I only won because my opponent ran out of steam before I did.  The other fights weren’t any easier.

The divisions tend to be pretty big, averaging 15 to 25 competitors in each.  So if you keep winning you’re guaranteed a few fights.  I fought first in the ultra division (the Americans are kind enough to call old people ultra) over 40 years and had five fights, which took me into the final and got me a silver medal.  It was a privilege to compete against players from Norway, Sweden, Mexico, and the USA (2 fighters).  

The 2010 USA open was one of the great TKD trips I’ll remember.  One thing would have made it even better – a team to share the experience with.  Give it some thought, 2011 is just around the corner!