Cardiff University Tae Kwon-do (TKD) travelled to Leeds to compete in the National Universities Competition, where nine universities were represented. Swansea was one of the larger teams competing, providing a great opportunity to weigh up their strengths before Varsity. 
Cardiff fought well, with the eight members on the team picking up 20 medals between them, scoring 45 points. The day was a two-horse race, with Cardiff taking the early lead but LeedsÔÇÖ bigger squad quickly overhauled, them when the sparring started.
Leeds finished the day on 47 points, leaving the smaller Cardiff team to lick their wounds and receive the runners-up trophy. Nevertheless, this was a massive achievement in itself. Leicester came in 3rd with 27 points, with Swansea somewhat lower down the rankings, a good indication to another successful Varsity year for TKD.
Over the day, CardiffÔÇÖs high level of coaching shone through. The technical discipline of patterns was dominated by Cardiff students, with Sarah Nethercott, Oli Mather and Michael Perks all winning gold medals. Crystal Yang and Jonathan Lewis came home with silvers behind their club-mates, showing the strength in depth of the Cardiff club. Jon Beer also won bronze in what was a tough black belt division.
The highlight of the sparring events was Lewis Hill’s head kick that left his helmet-wearing opponent needing an ice pack for the rest of the day.
Michael Perks won double gold medals showing the form that recently won him a silver medal in the British Open.  Sarah Nethercott and Jon Beer both won gold in impressive style, showing clinical finishing and the controlled aggression needed to score crucial points.
A notable mention must also go out to Tom Harris who won silver despite having to fight in a higher weight category.
Towards the end of the day, the destruction rounds took place, where the competitor attempts to break boards with a given technique. Jon Beer won two golds, one for a flying kick over smashing through three boards. Oli Mather also won gold for an accurate back kick.
With two more competitions scheduled before Varsity, there are plenty of chances to get battle-hardened before the big event.
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