British Taekwondo Applauds April’sOverseas Grading Success

Last month saw members of the Martial Arts Technical Team (MATT) pay overseas visits to clubs in Gibraltar and the Isle of Man.

7th Dan Master Neil Guest delivered Dan Grade examinations as well as a seminar to students based in Gibraltar, while 8th Dan Master Ian Lennox put Manx Taekwondo through their paces.

On Friday the 4th of April, Master Guest was impressed by the thoroughly high standards shown at the examinations in Gibraltar throughout the day.

Head Instructors of Gibraltar Taekwondo, Masters Edward and Ernest Garcia, have thirty years of experience in the art and sport.

The two

Masters both achieved their 6th Dan Promotion at grading, and were exceptionally proud of all their students on the day, as well as their own success. Both have faced many years of hard work, but their dedication and ardent perception of the art most certainly paid off.

Master Neil Guest commented: “We are very proud of the grades achieved by all. It’s easy to see the hard work and preparation that went into grading.”

Dan Grading ResultsMaster Edward Garcia promoted to 6th DanMaster Ernest Garcia promoted to 6th DanDana Garcia promoted to 3rd DanAlexandra Lara promoted to 2nd DanMegan Ruiz promoted to 2nd Poom

On the Saturday Master Guest held a Seminar at the Victoria Stadium Sports Hall. It consisted in learning new Kyrogui (Sparring), self-defence and knife techniques. A presentation was also given to

all of the junior students who attended.

British Taekwondo Gibraltar takes the opportunity to thank:“Master Neil Guest for having taken the time to visit. Also special thanks to all the instructors, members and parents for their constant support, British Taekwondo, the Gibraltar Government, the GSLA, Mr. Francis Ferro and the local media in particular to Mr. John Sheppard Senior and Mr. John Sheppard Junior.”

Meanwhile, another large and successful grading was kicking off overseas on the very same weekend. Similarly as impressed with the grading performances, Master Lennox observed and led Dan Promotions throughout the weekend during his stay in the Isle of Man.

The students thrived on the business of the weekend, which kicked off on the Friday with a Kup Grading. The participants varied from ages 8-40 +, and each and every one of them were successful on the day.

Saturday saw a black belt seminar lead by Master Lennox, it included: self defence, one-step sparring and, for the older members, breaking techniques. Thirteen-year-old Josh Haswell and Jacob O’Boyle, aged nine, were two successful candidates of the Black Belt Promotion.

The weekend was concluded with the higher Dan Promotions on Sunday. Master Lennox led the group through patterns in preparation for upcoming promotions and other events.

Manx Taekwondo are quick to highlight what a fantastic weekend all the students had, and thank their diligent and very proud Chairman and Instructor Rod Nielsen, as well as the parents for their continual support. Manx Taekwondo would also like to extend a special thanks to Master Ian Lennox: “ We greatly appreciate Master Ian Lennox's passionate dedication and invaluable contribution towards the growth of Taekwondo on the Isle of Man".

British Taekwondo would like to extend congratulations across seas to both Gibraltar Taekwondo and Manx Taekwondo, we are exceptionally pleased to hear of their progression and success at the recent Dan Promotions.

 

For further details contactAdrian Tranter PresidentBritish Taekwondo

Mike Mckenzie Development OfficerBritish TaekwondoOr:Bethany Bishop Media Officermedia@britishtaekwondo.org

British Taekwondo, Office 6, Park Road, Mansfield Woodhouse, Nottinghamshire, England, NG19 8ERT: 01623 656025W: www.britishtaekwondo.org.ukF: www.facebook.com/BritTaekwondo Tw: www.twitter.com/BritTaekwond