#105: Kicking Together: My Journey at the Swedish Masters Training Camp
Earlier this month, I had the privilege of attending the Swedish Masters Training Camp, held in the beautiful town of Höllviken from the 3rd to the 6th of September.
As a Malta-based Masters athlete, this was more than just a training opportunity for me — it was a chance to connect with fellow practitioners from across the world, push myself to new limits, and celebrate the spirit of Taekwondo that unites us all.
The full complement of athletes at the Swedish Masters training.
We were around 80 athletes in total, representing countries as diverse as the USA, Colombia, Spain, Sweden, the Netherlands, Morocco, Nepal, the UK, and France. The mix of cultures, experiences, and fighting styles created an atmosphere that was both inspiring and humbling.
4th September – Outdoor Conditioning & Technique Training
We kicked off the camp with outdoor strength and conditioning in Hyllie, led by Näset Bootcamp. Under the sun, surrounded by rolling green hills, we pushed through kettlebell and running work. It was raw, tough, and energizing—a great way to set the tone. But like warriors in the slog, we pushed each other forward and crossed the finish line together.
Outdoor S&C training.
That evening, we had our first Taekwondo training session with camp organizer Johan Lenander and renowned athlete Moustapha Kama, who guided us through a fantastic session focused on techniques. It was intense and highly technical; and I felt it really sharpened my mindset for the days ahead.
5th September – Power Pilates, Spinning & Volume Sparring
The next day’s conditioning came in a completely different form: power Pilates and spinning. It was a fresh and exciting way to challenge the body, working strength and endurance in ways that complement Taekwondo perfectly.
That evening was one of my favorite moments of the camp—volume sparring. I had the chance to go toe-to-toe with some incredible athletes, including all members of the USA Masters Team led by Trinity Tongg Osbourne, World Champion Edu Moreno Lozano, Michel Dona and his team from the Netherlands, Gabi Kabrial, and, of course, the legendary “Swedish Viking” Tobias Eriksson. The rounds were hard and intense, but the respect and energy on the mats were unmatched.
We also participated in a fun PSS scoring challenge, teaming up with athletes from the USA and Sweden. I’m proud to say our team placed second, but it was not just about winning, but about the collaboration and laughter that came with it.
6th September – Test Matches & Final Day
The final day was dedicated to test matches. I sparred with members of the Dutch team and other international champions, pushing my limits and learning at every exchange. A special highlight was sparring with senior athletes like Simon Pavin, a respected member of Johan’s club.
By the end of the camp, my body was tired, but my spirit was absolutely renewed.
More Than Just Training
Beyond the dojang, Höllviken itself was breathtaking. With its picturesque beaches, lush forests, peaceful parks, and even a Viking village, it was the perfect setting for such an unforgettable experience.
Most importantly, this camp reminded me of what makes the Masters community so special. The atmosphere was built on camaraderie, mutual respect, and encouragement. We pushed each other to give our best, but we also shared laughs, supported one another, and created memories that will last a lifetime. We weren’t just athletes from different countries—we were one team, united by our love for Taekwondo.
Taking It Forward
What I took from Höllviken stayed with me well beyond the camp. The very next day, I competed at the Whiston Open in Liverpool and secured victory — driven by the confidence, focus, and experience I had gained in Sweden.
Gratitude
I want to thank Johan Lenander and Marcus Ribbing for making this incredible camp possible and for making me feel like an integral part of the team.
I also want to personally thank all athletes attending the camp for pushing me and helping me tap into my final reserves of energy, even when I thought I was all out.
And finally, I also want to give a special shoutout to my friend Saad Rochd from France, who came along after much encouragement from me and gave a stellar performance.
This camp proved once again that Masters athletes all over the world should continue pursuing their dreams, staying fit, and practicing the sport they love. Taekwondo is for life, and experiences like this show that the fire burns as strong as ever.
