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National Training Day
On 28th January, the UK ITF held its annual
National Training Day and Awards Evening. Looking to be our most supported and
successful to date, with 130 members training and over 200 attending the
evening black tie event, we were all eager to get the day underway.
To kick start the training, Master Nicholls, along with
support from Master Horan, Master Gassor and Master Rauli led an ‘instructors’
training session. Dedicated to our Senior and International Instructors this
was a great opportunity for members to step outside their teaching remit, kicking,
punching and find enjoyment in training together as students of Taekwon-Do.
Covering traditional line-work, patterns Chon Ji-Tong Il and striking
techniques on the pads, all students left tired yet invigorated and positive in
their training, teaching and the support offered from Grand Master Nicholls and
the UK ITF.
After a short break, it was time for the training day to
commence. With the room flooded with member’s blue belt and above, it was a
great opportunity to meet old friends and spark new friendships forged through
a mutual love for the art. Following a warm welcome and introduction from Grand
Master Nicholls, we were ready to begin. Looking in-depth at striking and
blocking techniques, Master Nicholls encouraged members to enjoy the movements and
engage the body’s natural hip twist along with an effective reaction hand to
exert the maximum amount of force possible.
To complete the morning session, students were offered the
chance to take part in group workshops led by Master Horan, Master Gassor and
Master Rauli. Covering Leg strength, stretching, self-defence drills and
Taekwon-Do’s training secrets, this was a great opportunity to learn different
training methods from the Masters and gain knowledge from their wisdom.
Following a short water break, students were instructed to
‘pad up’ and prepare for sparring drills. Led by Mr Buxton, Mr Brunger, Mr
Nicholls and Mr McAvoy the afternoon session entailed a series of punch
combination, counterattack kicking and effective sparring drills. Bouncing ideas
of one another, the 4 world champions of past and present offered the students
a variety of sparring drills which we are sure will benefit those competing in
the upcoming National Championships.
Before calling the day to a close, Master Nicholls finished
the session by explaining the importance that the UK ITF is greater than just
one person and that we must all work together, learn from one another and enjoy
in our training together. After respects paid and photos taken it was time to
relax and prepare for the evening festivities.
Awards Evening
Champagne, Live music and good friends. The awards evening
was set to once again be a great celebration and reflection of the successes of
2016……And we had a great deal to celebrate!
After a lovely three course meal Master Nicholls took to the
stage to express his gratitude and thanks to all those that have helped to make
2016 such a successful year. With hosting the ITF World Championships, 2 National
Championships, Finals Day and countless seminars and Regional events run
throughout the UK, 2016 was certainly a very busy and positive year.
On to the National
Awards 2016…….
Competitor of the year- Mr Jamie McAvoy
Competitors Competitor of the year- Mr Matthew Brunger/Mr
Reece Nicholls
Student of the year- Mr Brad Robertson
Most Improved Student of the year- Mr Joel Cassar
Coach of the year- Mr Vaughan Buxton/Mr Mark Richards
Umpire of the year- Mr Martin Skews
Contribution of the year- Ms Kerry Burridge
Along with National awards, Regional presentations were made
to highlight and congratulate hard working and dedicated students within the Region.
Echoing the words of Master Nicholls throughout the training day, it is only
with the support of ALL its members that the UK ITF has been able to flourish
and expand as a professionally run and credible organisation, and to celebrate
these members is a true privilege.
This was also a great opportunity to highlight and
congratulate our World Champions as well as those who went beyond the call of
duty to help make the event the true spectacle it was. This included
presentations to Simon Oakes and Geoff Silva for their generous sponsorship
toward the event, as well as Mac Attram, Umbreen Khan and Gav Sidhu for all
their efforts on the build up to/ and throughout the event. To end the awards
ceremony, students were presented with their 10/20-year service awards. This
was perhaps a fitting end to the day as this year marks the 50th
Anniversary of Taekwon-Do in the UK.
Congratulations must also extend to Mr Mac Attram for his
successful promotion to 5th Degree black belt which was officially announced
at the awards evening as well as Master Hogan for receiving his official
promotion certificate and belt to 8th Degree Master.
Click Here for Photos
Written by: UK ITF Admin - 13th February 2017
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