Wolf Pack Enter The Lions Den!

Report by Mr Michael Belle, 3rd Degree


Seven students of Master Wolf’s Taekwon-Do Academies (MWTA) were invited Master Galarraga and the TAA (Taekwon-Do Association of Argentina) to compete in the 4th American Cup, the prestigious International Taekwon-Do Circuit and the Special Team Event - England Vs Argentina, in Buenos Aires, over the weekend of the 10th and 11th of November.

The Competition was brimming with world class, seasoned fighters, including many world champions three of which were from MWTA!

The Master Wolf’s squad consisted of Lucy Wolf, Kevin Guy, Richard Belle, Michael Belle, Jamaine Hemmings, Corey Cain and Gavin Williamson.

Our journey started on Wednesday the 7th November 2007 at London Heathrow Airport where the team met. Master Wolf and Mrs Brenda Wolf also made the 18 hour flight to Argentina. With a short 2 hour stop other in Washington DC, by the time we landed at 11am local time on Thursday 8th November we were all very tired to say the very least.

We were greeted at the airport by Master Galarraga, Master Maidana and Ezequiel Unzien (our soon to be tour guild). With a short trip to the hotel, there was time to confirm the division and some well need rest. The day flew by, then there was time for a meal with MWTA Squad, Master Galarraga, Master Maidana and Ezequiel. Over dinner there was a chance to have a look at video footage of the televised, International Taekwon-Do Circuit. Then it was early to bed for all.

Friday started with a late breakfast and a day of site seeing. Ezequiel was kind enough to show us the sites of the city as well as a visit to local village. Friday also saw the arrive of some friends from Ireland Mr Don Dolton, Moria McElligott and David O’Sullivan. That evening it was time for a meal and then early to bed, as the Team Even the following day.

Saturday saw the Team Event England Vs Argentina, quite literally the best against the best, as both teams were brimming such talent it was going to be an entertaining battle. With Argentina wining the coin toss, it was down to MWTA to send on a fighter first. Kevin Guy was chosen first to fight Matias Garcia. With Kevin’s great movement and speed he out classed his opponent to give England the early lead.
Next up was Gavin Williamson against Sebastian Luraschi. This was a very close fight for Gavin - the WAKO World medallist, however time ran out and the decision went to opposition.
The Heavy Weight World Champion Richard Belle was up next for the third bout against Gaston Hourcade. This was a very skilful fight, with a vast range of techniques being displayed. This was an easy win for Richard giving England the lead once again.
With the score at 2 to 1 there was still every thing to fight for as Jamaine Hemmings took to the floor. Jamaine was up against Ariel Alemmano – the Middle Weight World Champion. Jamaine fought extremely well and with a split decision, narrowly missed out, bring the score level again at 2 all.
With the deciding fight to go it was the turn of Corey Cain the Light Heavy Weigh0t World Champion to take to the ring against Gonzalo Hauri. With Corey scoring several clear points with great speed lead him to win the fight and giving England the overall Win with a score of 3 to 2.
This team event was truly inspiring, and was an amazing crowd pleaser!

Following the medal presentation by Master Galarraga and paying respects to the Argentinean team there was time to meet with some of the spectators who had come to watch the Event. With pictures and autographs being done by the MWTA team, it was a great atmosphere. With some enjoying it more then others … Mr Guy!

After a great medal tally in the American Cup, it was time for Lucy Wolf, Michael Belle, Jamaine Hemmings and Corey Cain to compete in the International Taekwon-Do Circuit. This was to be a new and quite surreal experience for all fighters. Only contacted, focused techniques scoring over the three, two minute rounds.

With a very late finish and at the end of a long day it was time to eat and let our hair down. After around half an hour trying to find an open restaurant, which is difficult at 2am in the morning. After the customary toast and a meal, it was back to the hotel for some. While for the rest it was to Buenos Aires hottest night club ‘INK’, it was time to dance until the early morning, have a few drinks and make some new friends.

With not much sleep it was time to pack and get ready to leave, with time for some last minute shopping it was time to say good bye Argentina and the 21 hour home.
We would like to thank Master Galarraga and Master Maidana for the invitation to this competition, as well as Ezequiel Unzien for the time he spent showing us the sites of Buenos Aires, and the competition spectators for making us feel so welcome. Not to forget Master Wolf for his support and guidance at and in preparation for this Competition.

We look forwarding to returning.


See MWTA Gallery for Photographs from this event and check back soon for exciting Video footage!




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