The level of Spanish taekwondo competition stands very high, and during the Spanish Clubs Championship the atmosphere was electric at the Alicante Technification Center from December 3 to 6. About 4,000 competitors represented 300 clubs from across Spain, taking part in diverse modalities such as combat, poomsae, parapoomsae, and freestyle, across several age and experience groups from preliminary candidates to Masters. The pavilion buzzed with spectators, and the event offered more than sport. A women’s self-defense course drew over 90 participants, while an international hapkido seminar connected with the South Korean team and the federation’s leadership.
The most moving moments included Daniel Quesada, newly crowned world champion in the -74 kg category at the World Cup in Mexico, and Jon Andoni Cintado, world runner-up in the -80 kg class. Both signed autographs and posed for photos for well over an hour with a large and enthusiastic group of young fans from all over Spain.
“Participating in these events is an honor,” said the world champion. “I see the excitement and joy in the faces of the kids, and it is reflected in them. Autographs and photos matter to every child. Demonstrations are an amazing experience.” Cintado added, reflecting on the positive energy that filled the arena.
In the fighting divisions, the senior category saw top performances by Alfaró, followed closely by Taekwondo Olympus Sedavi and CDE TKD Villaverde. In juniors, Hankookin led the way, ahead of CD Taekwondo Aljamar and IX Centenary of TC. In the under-21 category, Hankook repeated its success, with TKD Mairena and Natural Sport Ribeira also performing strongly. Cadets secured victories for teams including Tae-kwon-do Y Hapkido Finestrat and Natural Sport Ribeira, with a solid podium showing for others like Mss06accompanied and Tenerife-based squads. In the younger Cadet and Pre-Cadet divisions, winners included Taekwondo Alcala in Category A, Taekwondo Villafranca in B, Samguk Tenerife in C, CT Phoenix Jim-Jo Alzira in D, and Temple in F. Seniors saw Kyoyo claim top honors in B, while veterans titles went to Cos Olympic Gymnastics in A, Temple in B, budspot in C, and Gym Studio Fran Martin in D.
Alicante became the focal point of Spanish taekwondo during the event, drawing praise from everyone involved. On the final day, sports councilor José Luis Berenguer attended the Technification Center to watch bouts that showcased skill and bold strategy. He highlighted the strong participation and the exceptional atmosphere in the city, made possible by the championship. He also expressed gratitude to the Royal Spanish Taekwondo Federation for selecting Alicante as the championship venue, noting the presence of numerous academies and a slate of outstanding champions. The mayor stressed that events blending sport and tourism are warmly welcomed in the city.
The Spanish Club Championship delivered success beyond the scoreboard. The stands at the Alicante stadium were almost always filled with a lively, family-friendly environment that harked back to pre-pandemic times. In short, the event underscored the robust health of Spanish taekwondo and the community spirit that sustains it.