#14: Maltese Grandmaster Bags Gold In Belgian Poomsae Open

In Belgium, one of Malta’s longest-standing practitioners made a return to the competitive stage and walked away with a first-place finish. This time, in the Ilyo Open.

Grandmaster Chris Vella is no stranger to poomsae, having for a time served as Malta’s chief technical director. He also holds a seventh-degree black belt; the highest rank of all Maltese.

Vella competed in the Poomsae Masters II category (51-60 years age group) of the Open, held in Aarschot under the auspices of the Belgian Flemish Taekwondo Association. On that day, he hit the mat with four other competitors. Two from France, one from Belgium, and one from Bulgaria.

Representing his club (Junglinster Taekwondo), he and all others performed two black belt forms with a 30-second break. Performing Koryo and Jitae, it was Vella who topped the scores with the highest points (in aggregate) and reached first place.

“The forms included several kicking techniques,” Vella said in a statement. “From what I could see, it looked that perhaps the height and form of my kicks gave me an advantage over the others.”

Fellow practitioners hailed his performance and encouraged the veteran athlete to take part in the European Championships this coming November. A prestigious endeavor that would command the support of all Maltese nationals. Vella, however, does not feel the time is right.

“I feel that such a high-level competition is a little too early for me,” Vella said, in response. “Perhaps after participating in several other international opens.”

News of Vella’s success abroad has added a fourth medal to Malta’s tally, with cadet athletes Nathan Degiorgio (Dragon Academy), Michela Scerri (Iron Taekwondo League) and Jean Schembri (Iron Taekwondo League) each bagging silver medals in Kyorugi (fighting) competitions abroad.

What is Poomsae?

Unlike Kyorugi (fighting/sparring), poomsae (patterns) are a non-contact aspect of taekwondo, practiced individually. The non-contact setting is perfect for people of all ages and abilities.

Poomsae comprises sets of pre-arranged defense and attacking movements that gradually become more complex as you progress your development in Taekwondo.

In most countries (including Malta), there is one new Poomsae to learn and master for each belt level. And there are eight Poomsae to learn for colored belts and a further nine Poomsae to learn for Dan grades (black belts).