Coloured Belt Grading Test, Saturday 14th December 2013
On Saturday 14th December, Chester Taekwon-do attended our last coloured belt grading test of the year. As usual, the grading was conducted at the Trident TKD academy in Sale, Greater Manchester. The chief examiner was T-UK President, Mr Archer and this time, for the adult grading, he was also assisted by our vice-president, Mr Ridley. It is a pleasure to announce that all of Chester's participants were successful again, with our adult members performing particularly well in areas where many others struggled. It was a tough and thorough test as usual and Chester's members did our club proud with their performances.
Congratulations to the following members on their promotions: Ella and Molly Shaw, Aaron Joinson, Zach Gooding, Finn I'Anson, Isabel Windsor, Rahul Avula and Tom Inns.
Congratulations to the following members on their promotions: Ella and Molly Shaw, Aaron Joinson, Zach Gooding, Finn I'Anson, Isabel Windsor, Rahul Avula and Tom Inns.
Mr Ridley Class in Chester, Sunday 17th November 2013
On Sunday 17th November 2013, T-UK Vice-President Mr Ian Ridley (VI dan) came to Chester to teach our monthly senior class. The class was well attended by our members and all really enjoyed a challenging but entertaining class.
Mr Ridley gave everyone a really thorough workout in the basics of Taekwon-do techniques, before introducing them to some innovative and interesting variations of our fixed sparring and self-defence techniques.
Everyone was very grateful to Mr Ridley for coming to teach our club and have already asked about inviting him again next year.
As this was our last senior class of the year, we had a social event in the evening. Several of our members enjoyed a curry and some drinks in Chester to celebrate another successful year at the club.
Mr Ridley gave everyone a really thorough workout in the basics of Taekwon-do techniques, before introducing them to some innovative and interesting variations of our fixed sparring and self-defence techniques.
Everyone was very grateful to Mr Ridley for coming to teach our club and have already asked about inviting him again next year.
As this was our last senior class of the year, we had a social event in the evening. Several of our members enjoyed a curry and some drinks in Chester to celebrate another successful year at the club.
T-UK British Championships and World Record Event, 12-13 October 2013
The weekend of 12-13 October was a very busy one for Taekwon-do UK. On Saturday 12th October was our British Championships in Stratford-on-Avon. This was a highly successful event with participants from all parts of the country. Chester was represented by Mr Scot Hickinbottom, who competed strongly in the black belt patterns category, before withdrawing from the sparring due to illness.
On Sunday 13th October, T-UK hosted an official Guinness Book World Record event in the city centre of Coventry. After an exciting display of Taekwon-do by the 428 participants, including Olympic gold medallist Jade Jones, it was confirmed that we had set a new official world record for the largest ever Taekwon-do display! Chester was represented by senior instructor Mr Jonathan Emm, who was very proud to take part, but the biggest congratulations should go to our Coventry club instructors who spent about 9 months organising the event. The weather on the day was terrible, but all the participants, from T-UK and the several guest associations that joined us, showed true Taekwon-do indomitable spirit and impressed the Guinness book officials enough to be confirmed as world record holders, smashing the previous holders from Hong Kong, who had involved 338 people.
ITV news reported on the world record event and their article, including video clips, can be found here.
Mr Emm can be seen in the event, at the moment when the world record display was completed in the video link below...
On Sunday 13th October, T-UK hosted an official Guinness Book World Record event in the city centre of Coventry. After an exciting display of Taekwon-do by the 428 participants, including Olympic gold medallist Jade Jones, it was confirmed that we had set a new official world record for the largest ever Taekwon-do display! Chester was represented by senior instructor Mr Jonathan Emm, who was very proud to take part, but the biggest congratulations should go to our Coventry club instructors who spent about 9 months organising the event. The weather on the day was terrible, but all the participants, from T-UK and the several guest associations that joined us, showed true Taekwon-do indomitable spirit and impressed the Guinness book officials enough to be confirmed as world record holders, smashing the previous holders from Hong Kong, who had involved 338 people.
ITV news reported on the world record event and their article, including video clips, can be found here.
Mr Emm can be seen in the event, at the moment when the world record display was completed in the video link below...
Coloured Belt Grading, Sat 28th September 2013
Our latest coloured belt grading was on Saturday 28th September. As usual, after the summer holidays, there were fewer of our members taking part at this time of year. However, those that did enter the grading were given the usual very tough test. I am delighted to say that everyone from Chester that entered was successful, showing that the standards at our club are very high.
Congratulations to Finn I'Anson, Tom Degg, Isabel Windsor, Finn Bradbury and Beth Degg on your promotions!
Congratulations to Finn I'Anson, Tom Degg, Isabel Windsor, Finn Bradbury and Beth Degg on your promotions!
T-UK Hosin Sul (self-defence) course, Sat 27th July 2013
On Saturday 27th July, Chester instructor, Mr Scot Hickinbottom (II) and Jon Fussell (1st cup) attended a T-UK Hosin Sul Course at the Trident Academy in Manchester. The course was given by T-UK President, Mr Archer (VI) and Mr Condie (IV) and was attended by members from all around the region.
The aim of the course was to improve the self-defence techniques of those in attendence, both for their own benefit and to pass on the knowledge to their clubs. The course covered a whole range of defence scenarios, starting with the hubud and other similar drills, before moving on to ways to carry these drills to completion in the form of take-downs and limb destruction. Time was also taken to cover a range of defences against attackers armed with knives, as well as some ground-work based defence.
Overall the course was of great benefit and a lot of fun, bruised limbs notwithstanding, and the knowledge gained can now be passed on to the rest of the club to benefit everybody.
The aim of the course was to improve the self-defence techniques of those in attendence, both for their own benefit and to pass on the knowledge to their clubs. The course covered a whole range of defence scenarios, starting with the hubud and other similar drills, before moving on to ways to carry these drills to completion in the form of take-downs and limb destruction. Time was also taken to cover a range of defences against attackers armed with knives, as well as some ground-work based defence.
Overall the course was of great benefit and a lot of fun, bruised limbs notwithstanding, and the knowledge gained can now be passed on to the rest of the club to benefit everybody.
Coloured Belt Grading Success, Sat 22nd June 2013
Congratulations to all of our students that graded successfully at the Trident academy in Sale on Saturday 22nd June. All eleven of our candidates, across a full range of ages and grade levels, were successful despite a typically tough and thorough grading test. T-UK President, Mr Archer (VI dan) was the examiner again and he gave everyone a test that showed all the members' skills and knowledge, so all were tested to the limit of their abilities.
Congratulations to the following members on your promotions:
Alasdair Hopwood - 9th kup
Bjorn Dahl, Finn I'Anson, Erin Morgan and Rahul Avula - 8th kup
Isabel Windsor, Jack Morgan, Tom Inns and Joe Hardwell - 7th kup
John Simpson - 2nd kup
Jon Fussell - 1st kup
Congratulations to the following members on your promotions:
Alasdair Hopwood - 9th kup
Bjorn Dahl, Finn I'Anson, Erin Morgan and Rahul Avula - 8th kup
Isabel Windsor, Jack Morgan, Tom Inns and Joe Hardwell - 7th kup
John Simpson - 2nd kup
Jon Fussell - 1st kup
Black Belt League Tournament, Sat 15th June 2013
Chester Taekwon-do junior black belt, Nicola Burns, represented our club at the Trident Taekwon-do Black Belt league tournament on the evening of Saturday 15th June. Nicola performed very well, earning a bronze medal position in the patterns competition. Senior instructor, Mr Emm, was also there as one of the senior tournament referees. Well done to Nicola for representing the club and earning us league points!
Tactical Edge Self-Defence Seminar, Sunday 2nd June 2013
On Sunday 2nd June, two of Chester Taekwon-do's instructors, Mr Emm and Miss Olivia Newton attended the fantastic 'Tactical Edge' self-defence seminar in Stratford-upon-Avon, with T-UK's 'Hosin-sul' expert, Mr Mark Davies. Here is Miss Newton's report on the event:
"After hearing of Mr Davies' experience in self defence/martial arts and others experience in his self defence courses, I had a high expectation. These expectations were nothing but raised right from the first attack. I was mesmerised by his ability to block anything with only a split second, to not only see the attack, but to think of a way to defend himself from it. He had an answer to every question asked, and each answer has stuck into my head, along with the zip imprint from a hoodie he defended my attempted grab with! The defend/attack routines were simple, realistic and effective after making us "try it to taste it."
Five hours certainly wasn't enough time for Mr Davies to show us the full extent of basic self defence, so I will certainly be attending the next seminar and would recommend everyone to come too!"
"After hearing of Mr Davies' experience in self defence/martial arts and others experience in his self defence courses, I had a high expectation. These expectations were nothing but raised right from the first attack. I was mesmerised by his ability to block anything with only a split second, to not only see the attack, but to think of a way to defend himself from it. He had an answer to every question asked, and each answer has stuck into my head, along with the zip imprint from a hoodie he defended my attempted grab with! The defend/attack routines were simple, realistic and effective after making us "try it to taste it."
Five hours certainly wasn't enough time for Mr Davies to show us the full extent of basic self defence, so I will certainly be attending the next seminar and would recommend everyone to come too!"
Trident TKD Championships Tournament, Saturday 11th May 2013
On Saturday 11th May 2013, a team from Chester Taekwon-do went to the Trident TKD Coloured Belt championships tournament at Ashton-on-Mersey High School, Sale, Greater Manchester.
All of the Chester competitors put in great performances and did our club proud! Special congratulations go to our medal winners
Joe Hardwell - gold in patterns and silver in sparring
Finn I'Anson - gold in patterns
Alec Shuttleworth - bronze in patterns
As well as the competitors, Chester instructors Mr Emm and Mr Hickinbottom were officiating at the tournament.
The photograph above shows Finn I'Anson, just after winning his gold medal with the rest of his patterns category and both Chester instructors among the officials behind him.
The photographs below show (left to right): Finn with Mr Emm and Mr Hickinbottom, Alec with Mr Emm and Mr Hickinbottom and Joe with Mr Emm.
All of the Chester competitors put in great performances and did our club proud! Special congratulations go to our medal winners
Joe Hardwell - gold in patterns and silver in sparring
Finn I'Anson - gold in patterns
Alec Shuttleworth - bronze in patterns
As well as the competitors, Chester instructors Mr Emm and Mr Hickinbottom were officiating at the tournament.
The photograph above shows Finn I'Anson, just after winning his gold medal with the rest of his patterns category and both Chester instructors among the officials behind him.
The photographs below show (left to right): Finn with Mr Emm and Mr Hickinbottom, Alec with Mr Emm and Mr Hickinbottom and Joe with Mr Emm.
Grading Success, Saturday 16th March 2013
On Saturday 16th March, 15 of Chester Taekwon-do's coloured belt members were successfully promoted after our usual grading tests at the Trident Taekwon-do academy in Sale, Greater Manchester. T-UK President Mr Archer (VI) was the grading examiner, ably assisted by Mr Miley (V) and the region's instructors. A very thorough and tough test was given to all grades and ages and I am very proud of our club's achievements and success. Special congratulations go to Jacob Gooding (11 years old), who successfully graded to black tag (1st kup).
National Instructor's Course and Training with ITF England Coach, 2nd-3rd March 2013
On the weekend of 2nd-3rd March 2013, there was a busy weekend of Taekwon-do at the Trident Academy in Manchester, with the national T-UK instructor's course and a training seminar with Mr Philip Lear (VI), who is the head coach for the ITF England squad.
On Saturday 2nd March, Chester black belts Mr Scot Hickinbottom (II) and Mrs Beth James (I) attended the T-UK Instructor's course (shown on the left). The course was run by Mr Archer (VI), Mr Miley (V) and Mr Condie (IV), with the aim of both improving the instructing ability of those present, as well as advising on the legal and practical matters regarding the running of a Taekwon-do club.
The first half of the session was lead by Mrs Angela Lindie, a child protection expert. She covered all matters of child safety and how we as instructors can best look after the well-being of our younger students. The second half of the session concentrated on the physical aspects of teaching Taekwon-do, giving details of how to get the best out of your students, by improving and adapting your style of teaching.
On Sunday 3rd March, Mr Scot Hickinbottom (II) attended the seminar that was taught by Mr Lear. The training session involved a great number of drills that were designed to improve our sparring ability. The key word for the day, according to Mr Lear, was 'recovery'; i.e. the ability to perform a technique or series of attacks and to finish in a beneficial position. In essence, this boiled down to improving footwork and landing quickly and efficiently following any movements.
The session was very tough, both mentally and physically, with Mr Lear pushing each and every student that attended to perform to the best of their ability. It was a most worthwhile session, and certainly provided many helpful pointers to be passed on to the rest of Chester club.
On Saturday 2nd March, Chester black belts Mr Scot Hickinbottom (II) and Mrs Beth James (I) attended the T-UK Instructor's course (shown on the left). The course was run by Mr Archer (VI), Mr Miley (V) and Mr Condie (IV), with the aim of both improving the instructing ability of those present, as well as advising on the legal and practical matters regarding the running of a Taekwon-do club.
The first half of the session was lead by Mrs Angela Lindie, a child protection expert. She covered all matters of child safety and how we as instructors can best look after the well-being of our younger students. The second half of the session concentrated on the physical aspects of teaching Taekwon-do, giving details of how to get the best out of your students, by improving and adapting your style of teaching.
On Sunday 3rd March, Mr Scot Hickinbottom (II) attended the seminar that was taught by Mr Lear. The training session involved a great number of drills that were designed to improve our sparring ability. The key word for the day, according to Mr Lear, was 'recovery'; i.e. the ability to perform a technique or series of attacks and to finish in a beneficial position. In essence, this boiled down to improving footwork and landing quickly and efficiently following any movements.
The session was very tough, both mentally and physically, with Mr Lear pushing each and every student that attended to perform to the best of their ability. It was a most worthwhile session, and certainly provided many helpful pointers to be passed on to the rest of Chester club.
International Umpire Course in Benidorm, Spain, 23rd - 24th February 2013
On 23rd and 24th February 2013, Chester Taekwon-do's Chief Instructor, Mr Emm, attended the ITF International Umpire Course at the Gran Hotel Bali in Benidorm, Spain. Fellow Trident Group instructor, Mr Jeff Brider III also attended.
The course was taught by the ITF Umpire committee, led by Master Alberto Katz (VIII) from Argentina and Master Kurt Ottesen (VII) from Canada. ITF Director, Grandmaster Wim Bos (IX) was also present and the event was hosted by ITF General Secretary, Master Juan Ferrando (VIII). Many other masters also attended and well over 100 people took the course, from more than 20 different countries.
During the two day course, the delegates were taught in great detail exactly how to judge patterns, sparring and destruction events. We were given excellent demonstrations and examples by the Umpire committee masters and GM Bos shared a number of his personal experiences, which helped everyone to understand exactly how to deal with each situation that could arise during a tournament. We were also taught the responsibilities and duties of a tournament umpire, as well as the procedures involved in running a ring and how to conduct ourselves. Finally, we were encouraged to practice our refereeing and judging skills on each other, including the chance to judge a pattern competed by two masters.
There was a great social aspect to the course and it was really enjoyable to meet and chat with ITF members like ourselves from all around Europe and the world.
The course was taught by the ITF Umpire committee, led by Master Alberto Katz (VIII) from Argentina and Master Kurt Ottesen (VII) from Canada. ITF Director, Grandmaster Wim Bos (IX) was also present and the event was hosted by ITF General Secretary, Master Juan Ferrando (VIII). Many other masters also attended and well over 100 people took the course, from more than 20 different countries.
During the two day course, the delegates were taught in great detail exactly how to judge patterns, sparring and destruction events. We were given excellent demonstrations and examples by the Umpire committee masters and GM Bos shared a number of his personal experiences, which helped everyone to understand exactly how to deal with each situation that could arise during a tournament. We were also taught the responsibilities and duties of a tournament umpire, as well as the procedures involved in running a ring and how to conduct ourselves. Finally, we were encouraged to practice our refereeing and judging skills on each other, including the chance to judge a pattern competed by two masters.
There was a great social aspect to the course and it was really enjoyable to meet and chat with ITF members like ourselves from all around Europe and the world.