ETF NEWS Report POLAND
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"Swidnik Cup 2007"
The 9th edition of the yearly Polish ETF junior tournament was hosted on December 1st and 2nd.This year, there was almost 160 entrants from 18 teams and three countries - Poland, Moldova and Armenia, making it one of the biggest - if not THE biggest - edition, despite the fact, that some of the strong teams from the previous years were missing.
As usual, there was a good mixture of styles including Taekwondo (ITF, WTF, ETF, GTF, PUT), Kickboxing, Karate, Voievod and Tangsoodo. There were many hard bouts and good patterns performances.
The Best Team trophy went to OKT Opole led by Lukasz Rewienski. Overall Grand Champion prizes (Samurai swords) went to Sebastian Chudzik (Polish Tang Soo Do Federation) and Paulina Bielicka (OKT Opole).
The youngest competitor was Konrad Bargenda from the home team, participating while only 5 years old. A special praise must go to some competitors from the home club.
Jakub Kret was outstanding in fighting, taking gold in not less than four fighting divisions, including the prestigious open category, but also Marcin Gupta made a fantastic appearance. After only 15 months of training, he took three golds in sparring and finished 3rd in the open division weighing only 50 kg and losing the semi-finals to Dominik Jednous out-weighing him for 34 kilos!
Kamil Smoli?ski was number one in technical divisions taking three well-deserved golds. One of the most interesting events were synchronous patterns, rarely hosted on the events in Poland - almost 20 teams competed divided into three categories!
As it was the last event of the year, we also had some additional trophies and souvenirs to hand out. Samurai swords for their hard work and loyalty to the school were given to Joanna Jozefczuk and Kamil Smolinski.
Both have been with us since several years now, working hard and usually staying out of the spotlights - this time we made them a surprise!Also the leader of the Moldovan team, Nicolae Pascaru, presented honorary certificates to instructors who have been active on the field of the Polish-Moldovan cooperation since several years.
ETF coloured belt grading took place on June 22nd in Leczna. This time, there were 28 testees, with 27 of them achieving the promotion. The highest
grades - 1st Kups - were awarded to Michal Danko and Rafal Duklewski.
Both of them have been training for over 2 years since last grading!
The grading was conducted by Piotr Bernat 5th Dan, with Grzegorz Targonski 1st Dan, Rafal Rudzinski 1st Dan and Dariusz Mitula 1st Dan as assistants.
The next grading will be held during the 11th Summer Training Camp in Rajgród in August.
6 Polish E.T.F. fighters were the force to be reckoned with during the Polish WAKO Kickboxing Championships for cadets and U-21 division. They brought home 11 medals, 8 of them were gold. In point-stop, gold medals went to Michal Danko, Iwona Duklewska, Lucjan Bosak and Dominik Jednous. They all won the final matches pretty clearly, with Michal and Iwona achieving "technical KO" scoring both 11:1, Lucjan winning 10:1 and Dominik 5:0. Rafal Duklewski took bronze after a very narrow defeat in semi-finals.
In continuous contact, gold went to Iwona Duklewska, Michal Danko, Dominik Jednous and Jakub Kret, silver went to Lucjan Bosak (who fought his final match with hand injury) and Rafal Duklewski (who lost to his team-mate Michal Danko).
On June 10th & 11th a small E.T.F. squad from Poland participated in the
Polish Taekwondo Cadet & Senior Championships hosted by the Polish Taekwondo Union in Skawina near Cracow.
The patterns specialists who recenly won medals during "European Masters" tournament in Hemer again did a great job taking 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in the 6th-3rd Kup ITF/GTF style division,
with Kamil Daniel becoming Polish Champion, Kamil Smolinski being a close runner-up and Bartek Daniel winning bronze in addition to the gold medal from the open patterns division! Adam Brzozowiec took double gold in
sparring and Patryk Mitula and Wojtek Pasierb finished 3rd in point-stop.
On June 3rd, club LKSW "Dan" hosted the 2nd E.T.F. Open Lublin Region Championships for youth and juniors.
The event was expertly prepared by Pawel Giszczak, who is the leader of the local branch of "Dan".Almost 200 competitors representing 18 clubs and branches took part, including two teams from Moldova.
The event was supported and sponsored by the local authorities. A very special moment was a team match (7 persons teams)
between Poland and Moldova, with the home team taking a narrow victory 8:6.
(Photo: family.jpg - Fighting Family: WAKO Polish & European Champion Iwona Duklewska and her brother Rafal)
E.T.F. club LKSW "Dan" placed 3rd in team standings during the Polish WAKO Kickboxing Junior Championships. Double gold went to the current European Junior WAKO Champion Iwona Duklewska. Michal Danko, E.T.F. World Cup winner achieved gold in continuous contact, beating the title defender clearly in the finals. Adam Brzozowiec took silver and bronze and Rafal Duklewski bronze.
E.T.F. fighters from LKSW "Dan" received special awards from the Mayor of Swidnik, Mr Waldemar Jakson on a ceremony in the City Hall.Out of 9 sportsmen receiving the money prizes, 7 were from the E.T.F.: Pawel Grzesiak, Jakub Kret, Michal Danko, Bartlomiej Daniel, Joanna Józefczuk, Marcin Gawryluk, Lukasz Stainski.
ETF Swidnik-Cup POLAND Dec 17-2005 Great tournament in Eastern Europe - at the 7th ETF Championships in POLAND hosted by Club Dan Swidnik Piotr Bernat (near Lublin)
we saw very good technical presentations & interesting light contact sparring fights.
Team Champion Title for RUSSIA, 2nd Place MOLDOVA and 3rd Place POLAND
Special event at the ring:
Viatcheslav Skotnikov, 6th Dan
from Volgograd was promoted
new ETF-Representative RUSSIA
On December 5th E.T.F. Club "Dan" from Swidnik, Poland, hosted the 6thTraditional Taekwondo Tournament "Swidnik Cup". The event was supported bythe City of Swidnik and attended by 150 competitors from Poland, Russia and Moldova. Competition was held in sparring, individual and synchron patterns and special techniques.
Russian kids
with their trophiesNew generation of E.T.F. in Poland: Brothers Kamil and Bartek Daniel both took gold in patterns in their age divisions Both spectators and participants were impressed by the skills of Russian E.T.F. competitors from Euro-Asian Federation Global Taekwondo, led by Vyacheslav Skotnikov 6th Dan, who won the most medals,
including 12 golds. 2nd place in team standings went to Taipan TKD Walbrzych-Mieroszow (4 golds), 3rd place to LCT "Sirocco" (3 golds). The home team who also took 12 gold medals didn't count for the Best Team trophy. The Grand Champion awards went to Russian competitors Ayrat Shaydullin and Natalia Ofitscerova, both 1st Dans. Ayrat received also two umpires' awards - "Best Fighter" and "Best Patterns Performer"!
Best competitors from home team were Iwona Duklewska and Jakub Kret, who managed
to defeat the Russian fighters after very hard bouts. Iwona, the reigning Polish and European Champion, placed in all four divisions, winning gold in sparring and synchron patterns, silver in individual patterns and bronze in special techniques. It was the biggest edition of "Swidnik Cup". For example, 21 teams participated in the synchron patterns division! It was also nice to see competitors from the E.T.F., ITF, GTF, ICTF, WTF Taekwondo groups, Tang Soo Do and Vicsi-Do enjoying this open competition.
With 2 TV stations in attendance, the event was a good promotion of E.T.F. in Poland.
The 7th "Swidnik Cup" is going to be held in December 2005.
Russian competitors, Ayrat Shaydullin and Elmir Safuanov
in synchron patterns (1st place)Vyacheslav Skotnikov 6th Dan (E.T.F. Russia) and Piotr Bernat 4th Dan (E.T.F. Poland)
Members of club "Dan" led by E.T.F. Polish representative Piotr Bernat competed in the Polish Taekwondo Union's Polish Cup hosted on June 6th in Olesnica by another E.T.F. club, "Koryo" led by Cezary Trzcinski. Over 220 fighters from all of Poland entered in youth, cadet and senior division, in ITF style patterns, point-stop and continuous sparring. The cadet division was once again dominated by the fighters from "Dan" who took home 14 medals and a well-deserved Best Team trophy. Iwona Duklewska proved to be number one in Poland again winning both point-stop and continuous sparring. In the semi-final, she knocked out her opponent within 28 seconds after she sent her flying across the area with a powerful right punch.In point-stop -160cm division, boys from "Dan" took all the medals, witch Michal Danko taking gold, Adrian Klajda silver, Jacek Pasierb and Rafal Duklewski bronze. Michal and Adrian met again in the finals of the continuous contact -42 kg division, and this time victory went to Adrian after a very close bout. In the same category, we had a great display of sportsmanship by Jacek Pasierb, who declined a chance to win by default after his opponent came late for the 3rd place match. Jacek agreed to fight although his opponent's disqualification will give him a medal and lost after a fast and furious match against more experienced fighter from Jastrzebie. He was awarded a honorary bronze medal as recognition of his fair play attitude. Gold in continuous (-54 kg) and silver in point-stop (-170 cm) sparring went to Jakub Kret, Lucjan Bosak took gold in point-stop up to 150 cm, Magda Wojcicka was second in yellow belt patterns and Adam Brzozowiec finished 3rd in continuous sparring -48 kg.
E.T.F. grading in Swidnik was held on June 7th. This time, the famous "Pokemon Team" gathered to fight for their coveted new grades. The young Taekwondoists did a great display of skill. Members of this group often do demonstrations during local shows, they also recently had an oportunity to train under Master Mark Klinger during their visit to Swidnik. On the very next day, there was an advanced group grading in Leczna, again with some spectacular displays given by the squad members. The best performances were given by Dariusz Mitula (33) testing succesfully for his 1st Kup and Michal Danko (13) who passed his 2nd Kup. Among other requirements, they had to pass an intense test of 9 to 12 rounds of one-minute sparring rounds against
different opponents, including some Polish and International champions.
3rd E.T.F.Dan grading in Leczna- Poland...Report
On 17th and 18th of April E.T.F. Club "Dan"led by Piotr Bernat hosted the Polish Open Youth and Junior Taekwondo Championships of the Polish TKD Union. The event was attended by 224 competitors representing 20 teams from Poland and Moldova.
With the 50th anniversary of our town and 10th anniversary of the club this year, the championships were hosted with support of Mr. Waldemar Jakson, Mayor of Swidnik. The best team trophy in both age groups went to SKT Strzelin-Oborniki Slaskie, followed by "Keyko" Jastrzebie and KCT Cracow in youth division, and by TKKF "Orient" Czestochowa and the home team in the juniors.
Another good display of skills was put by Pawel "Pitbull" Grzesiak who won silver in point-stop narrowly losing to an experienced fighter from Szczecinek and then got gold in continuous contact.
The Grand Champion trophieswent to Marcin Stachowicz
from Strzelin and Iwona Duklewska from "Dan". Iwona dominated her catgories in both point-stop and continuous sparring winning all fights clearly.
He fought so aggresively, that his opponents in both semi-finals and finals lost on minus points as they were forced out of the mat by this small-size tornado. Pawel received also a well-deserved Best Fighter trophy awarded by the umpires.
Silver and bronze went to Jakub Kret and another bronze to
Lukasz Stainski. Another category dominated by our competitors was the open patterns division won by Lucjan Bosak, who was followed by Pawel Grzesiak and Joanna Jozefczuk. Sadly two of our best fighters, Lukasz Stainski and Cezary Adamczyk, had to pull out due to injuries after the first day, thus
losing the chance for two more medals.During the opening ceremony demonstrations were given by the members of E.T.F. Moldova and E.T.F.Poland, as well as Karate group from "Enso" Krapkowice, including E.T.F.European Champions from last year's "Euro-Cup".
There was also a very nice moment when the founder of "Dan" was presented with a Samurai sword by his students as an appreciation of 10 years of continuous work for the school.
The event was covered by a local cable TV station which aired a 1 hour report from the opening ceremony and final matches.
Polish Cadet & Senior Taekwondo Championship 2004
On March 13th-14th, members of E.T.F. Club "Dan" participated in the Polish Cadet & Senior Taekwondo Championship, organised by Polish Taekwondo Union in Bedzin. The event was held in Bedzin (south of Poland) and attended by 277 competitors from 24 teams. Once again the E.T.F. fighters from Poland demonstrated their skills winning the Best Team award in cadet division. Two
final matches were fought between the members of "Dan": Michal Danko defeated Lucjan Bosak in the point-stop division up to 150 cm and lost to the E.T.F. European Champion Adrian Klajda in the continuous sparring division up to 42 kg. Adrian was definitely the best technician in cadets'
sparring, winning his matches with impressive combinations of kicks and punches. Jakub Kret won the -54 kg division, Iwona Duklewska got gold in -50 kg and Marcin Gawryluk narrowly lost his final match in -66 kg. Bronze medals were won by Adam Brzozowiec in -160 cm point-stop and by Rafal Opoka in +66 kg continuous. With the absence of E.T.F. European Champion Cezary
Adamczyk, the winner in the -66 kg senior division was his teammate Lukasz Stainski.
Victory Team E.T.F.Poland !
Congratulations to Chief Coach
Piotr Bernat, 4th Dan
E.T.F. Report Poland Februar 2004
Members of club "Dan" from Poland participated in the Open Berlin Taekwondo Championships WTF. The event was attended by 370 competitors from 39 teams.
As usual, Polish competitors came home with medals. E.T.F. European Champion
(WTF & Pointfighting), Adrian Klajda, did a spectacular display of his fighting skills knocking out his Turkish opponent with powerful head kicks.
He out-scored the 2nd opponent 10:0 and in the finals he won against a strong competitor from Gehrden 3:0 after a very technical fight - none of Adrian's opponents managed to score a single point against him!. Together with his team-mate Lucjan Bosak (E.T.F. European vice-champion) they got
another gold in one-step sparring demonstration. In patterns, Adrian was once again defeated only by Lucjan, who gave a nice display of Koryo getting the only score above 9 points in his age division. Iwona Duklewska (E.T.F.European vice-champion) won gold in patterns and bronze in fighting, and her younger brother Rafal won silver in fighting in his first international competition. Joanna Jozefczuk was the best among female senior competitors - black belt patterns. The famous "Pitbull", Pawel Grzesiak, won silver in junior patterns narrowly defeated by the local WTF exponent.The least experienced yellow belt members of the team also did well, especially the girls' team. Iwona Leszczynska won the patterns, followed by Wioletta Skoczylas and Magda Wojcicka tied for the 2nd place. Team Wioletta Skoczylas and Magda Wojcicka placed first in one-step sparring demonstration, followed by Iwona Leszczynska and Marta Szot. The remaining medals were won by Adam Brzozowiec (bronze), Rafal Opoka (gold and bronze), Jakub Kret (bronze). The "Dan" team wishes to thank Master Pyo Rak Sun 7th Dan WTF from Berlin for his help and hospitality. During the tournament, new contacts were made and new teams announced their interest in E.T.F. events.
Next competition for Polish E.T.F. students will be the Polish Taekwondo Union's international cadets & seniors championships, scheduled for March 13th & 14th in Bedzin.
Lucjan Bosak and Adrian Klajda - both number one again!
E.T.F.Kup Test in Poland 2004 
The 1st E.T.F. Kup testing in Poland in 2004 was held in Leczna on January 24th. Ca. 70 students of the club "Dan" took part, with majority of them being succesful in achieving their new grades.
The spectators were especially impressed with the performance of the "Oldies" group, with the
oldest participant being Jaroslaw Sosnowski (37) testing for his 4th Kup.
Another brillant display was given by Iwona Duklewska, current Polish Champion and E.T.F. European silver and bronze medallist, who received her 2nd Kup. This small-sized girl bravely fought the boys during sparring tests, giving them a very hard time. The testing was conducted by E.T.F. Polish representative Piotr Bernat 4th Dan.
Event report 2003
Charity Taekwondo demonstration 
Demo team of the E.T.F. Poland with some of the "fairies" of the charity showThe demonstration team of E.T.F. students from Poland, including Euro-Cup medalists, participated in a charity action "Winter Help for Children", collecting food and Christmas gifts for the children in need. Taekwondo team led by Piotr Bernat gave a spectacular demonstration for those who decided to offer a chocolate as an entry fee. Additionally, a Polish Championships trophy was offered for a charity auction and sold for 25 chocolates and 10 kg of sugar!
E.T.F. students won medals at WTF competition
from left Lucjan Bosak, Iwona Duklewska, Adrian KlajdaPolish E.T.F. students participated in the biggest WTF children tournament in Poland, the "Bielany Cup" - International warsaw Championships, with over 600 participants from Poland, Russia and Belarus. Adrian Klajda, double E.T.F. European Champion (in both WTF and light-contact sparring) won gold in technical competition, as there was no sparring category for kids under 14 years.
Iwona Duklewska placed 3rd in sparring and Lucjan Bosak 3rd in patterns.
International Taekwondo Tournament "Swidnik Cup '2003"
Grand Champions of the day
Maxim Grama (Moldova) and Iwona Duklewska (Poland)Martial Arts Club "Dan" hosted the 5th edition of the traditional club championships on December 13th in Swidnik. The event was attended by over 140 compatitors aged 6 to 18 from Swidnik, Lublin, Leczna (2 teams), Lopiennik Gorny, Zamosc, Lodz, Piaski, Puchaczow and for the first time
national team of E.T.F. Moldova led by Serghei Stoler 5th Dan. The competition was sponsored by the City Council of Swidnik and was held in traditional patterns (individual and pairs), high jump kick and light-contact sparring. There were many categories and many happy kids at the end of the day holding their medals and beautiful 1st place trophies custom made by the local artist. E.T.F. Moldova placed first in the team standings followed by teams from Piaski and Lodz (the host team who won the event 3 times in the row and again had the biggest group of participants didn't count for the team trophy). 8 years old Maxim Grama from Moldova received the Grand Champion trophy with one gold and 3 silver medals, and among the girls the Grand Champion Cup went to Iwona Duklewska from "Dan" who placed 1st in sparring and twice 2nd in patterns and high jump kick.
With several national and international champions taking part, including E.T.F. European Champions, the event was interesting. The local cable TV aired a 45-minutes report with final matches and interviews with the fighters and articles were printed in Polish and Moldovan newspapers. All non-E.T.F. schools participating in the championships expressed their interest in future co-operation with the E.T.F. in Poland.
Some of the youngest participants during the opening ceremony
Winner of the youngest category in high jump kick (125 cm)
Alan Zakrzewski from Swidnik receiving his trophy
Winners of the synchron patterns category - joint first place for Poland and Moldova
E.T.F.Kup Test in Swidnik-Poland May-2003reppol
