Saturday 31st January saw the much anticipated UK ITF Training Day & Awards Evening arrive.

Students from Stoke Gifford TKD travelled to Brunel University Campus to participate in a packed Taekwon-do training event led by Mr Hollingsworth 6th Degree Chair of the UK ITF Technical committee. The training started with a vigorous warm up & some demanding leg strengthening exercises. Then session then moved onto the execution of the technical tuls & finished with some sparring drills inspired by our current World Champions. Grand Master Nicholls completed the session in his usual inspirational style by giving a very wise talk on rank, experience & history of the instructor/Student relationship.

Students were then pleased to retire to their hotel to relax & prepare for the UK ITF awards evening.

With over 150 sitting down to the black tie dinner, the atmosphere was mixed with excitement & anticipation. As Students, Instructors, Masters, Friends & Family enjoyed the three course meal we were treated to a live band which created a relaxing ambience.

After dinner Master Rauli Chair of the UK ITF development committee started the presentation part on the evening by establishing the evenings line up & introducing UK ITF President Grand Master Nicholls. After Master Nicholls introductory speech the UK ITF Regions presented their awards to students from their area. Stoke Gifford TKD were very proud to have three members of the club presented with Regional Awards. Instructor Miss Burridge was given a Region 7 Contribution to TKD award, Phoebe Grandfield was given a Region 7 Student of the Year Award & Callum Brown was given a Region 7 Most Improved Student Award. Next was the Service Awards & once again Stoke Gifford TKD had many presented with these unique awards;
Miss Burridge 20+ years service
Miss White 10+ years service
Ms May 10+ years service
Mrs Lear 10+ years service
Miss Grandfield 10+ years service
Miss Looij 10+ years service 

The programme then moved onto the pinnacle of the evening where the National awards were presented. Stoke Gifford TKD had nominees in three categories, Contribution to TKD, Most Improved Student & Student of the Year. Phoebe & Callum narrowly missed out on UK title & were awarded runners up awards, but Miss Burridge was elated to be presented with the UK National Award for Contribution to TKD.

Grand Master Nicholls concluded the evening with some most deserving senior promotions & thanks to all for making the evening so special.

It was then left for everyone to enjoy the rest of their evening with some great TKD friends.

Stoke Gifford TKD would like to thank all that worked so hard to put the training day & awards evening together. Special thanks to Mr Hollingsworth, Miss Nicholls & Grand Master Nicholls.

Here''s to next year!