BackSeasonal Message from Master Trevor Nicholls

As 2010 draws to an end, I find this the most opportune time to review the work of all our Instructors and Students, and both congratulate and thank you for your support.  Throughout 2010 we saw our national Championships, English, Scottish, Welsh and the British all attract a large increase in the number of competitors and supporters attending.  The British Championships was one of the largest ITF events in Europe with many international competitors making the journey to participate.  The Imperial Taekwon-Do Association has developed to that of a governing ITF organisation within the UK, UK ITF/Imperial, and appreciates its affiliation to the British Taekwondo Council and all our home sporting agencies.  I am privileged to report that every one of our members who travelled to Korea for the World Championships, 68 in number, were fully financed.  This was made possible by all the regional events, including squad, Black Belt and independent fundraising to the tune of £100,000.

It is also important that we recognise our non-competing members, and on behalf of our competitors, I would like to thank the majority of our membership for making it possible for them to participate in UK ITF/Imperial sanctioned events fully sponsored. 

2011 will see the introduction of an Umpire Club to further broaden the involvement of Students and Instructors alike and I encourage input to this Club in both attendance and/or ideas to fulfil its function.  January starts with a large representation in Sardinia and both highlights and recognises how closely we work with our partner groups as over 70 competitors are attending.

Of course, 2010 saw some disappointments, namely the resignation of Catherine Divine, but we should further congratulate Sean Mullin and Peter Scott who have continued supporting UK ITF/Imperial in Scotland.

There are many people whom I would like to thank personally for specific roles they have carried out in 2010, ie coaching, management, fundraising.  However, there will always be somebody who feels missed out or unrecognised.  Every member of UK ITF/Imperial is both valued and appreciated.  It cannot always be said personally by me but I hope you will be aware of this during any opportunity we are able to train together.

I wish you a very Happy Christmas.

Trevor Nicholls