On 17th November the UK ITF National GB squad met for their first training session for the new Tournament season (2013/2014). Joining our experienced current European & World Champions were a number of faces new to the UK ITF Elite Athlete path, most notably in the cadet group due to the recent change in the ITF cadet age categories. Perhaps Champions of the future?

The UK ITF Coaching Team (Dr Hayley Parker, Mr Grant Churchward, Mr Reece Nicholls, Mr Michael Cude) began the session with a Welcome & Congratulations. It is a huge achievement for all who have received their official invitation to attend the National GB Squad. These competitors have the potential to represent the UK at future International Tournaments if selected for the Elite GB Team.

Touching on patterns, fitness, pad drills & sparring, this was a ''taster'' session with the emphasis on getting to know the team. Future sessions will begin to focus on ''goal'' setting with a number of mile-stone goals throughout the year leading up to the next ITF International, the Europeans in Barcelona (July 2013).

The mile-stone goal is the ranking UK ITF English Tournament (Feb 2013). Current Squad members will need to defend & maintain their place in the Squad to keep their chance for selection open.

Future mile-stone goals include the UK ITF Scottish (March 2013) & Welsh Championships. These will be open to all British Taekwon-do Council member organisations, introducing different competing styles & thus producing new challenges.

The UK ITF Coaching team are looking forward to working with the National GB Squad over the coming months leading up to the first International. Training hard, working together as a team, developing & improving. Whether ultimately selected for the Elite GB or not, every competitor at the National GB Squad can be assured they have already gained a huge achievement. Training with the best to best to the best!
See you all at the next National GB Squad (15th Dec) & keep training hard!!

Miss Kerry Burridge VI, UK ITF Coaching Chair
Coaching Team: Dr Hayley Parker V, Mr Grant Churchward V, Mr Reece Nicholls III
Coaching Assistant : Mr Michael Cude IV