The Open Dutch!
The Open Dutch tournament started over 20 years ago under the name Open Brabantse Taekwondo Kampioenschap. As Saseong Willy van de Mortel felt that there weren’t enough tournaments with an international character, he took it upon himself to organize a new tournament in the Netherlands where people from all over the world would be able to compete against the best. Although the very first editions were not anything like what you experience today, there was a clear vision and strategy to grow the tournament and increase the level of competition. After many editions of the tournament in Best, the Open Dutch moved to a new venue in Helmond, the hometown of Saseong Willy van de Mortel. This new, gigantic, sports hall is capable of accomodating 700 competitors on 10 different rings in the same hall! On top of that, for international competitors (and spectators) it brings the convenience of a hotel right above the sports hall! The tournament has sold out (maximum of 700 competitors) for the last 3 editions, and is visited each year by top atlethes from over 25 countries.
Grand Master Willy van de Mortel
Saseong Willy van de Mortel began practicing Taekwon-Do in 1976. He currently holds the 9th dan and, as one of the few in the Netherlands, carries the title of Grandmaster. As a competitor, he was a 16 times Dutch champion and has won more than 140 prizes at national and international tournaments. He was also a member of the national team that became European champion and won silver and bronze medals at the World Championships in Budapest and Athens.
As a trainer and coach, Saseong Willy is known, among other things, for the many successes he achieved with Tomaz Barada (Slovenia), Julia Cross (Scotland), and Bianca Tapilatu (the Netherlands). As a trainer and coach working with the Netherlands, Italy, Slovenia, New Zealand, and Norway, he is responsible for more than 50 podium finishes at both European and World Championships. Saseong Willy is a highly respected and sought-after guest at national and international Taekwon-Do training sessions and competitions.
Contact Details:
Grand Master Willy van de Mortel
Mobile: +31621500360
Mail: info@open-dutch.nl