Coloured Belt Grading Tests, Trident Academy, Sale, Sat 12th December 2015
On Saturday 12th December, we had our final coloured belt grading tests of the year at the Trident academy in Sale. T-UK President, Mr Archer (VI Dan) was the grading examiner as usual, assisted by Mr Miley (also VI Dan).
Chester had 13 members taking their tests, across our full range of grades and ages. Congratulations to all for putting in very strong and ultimately, successful performances. Special congratulations go to James Hymes for successfully passing his 1st kup (black tag) test!
Chester had 13 members taking their tests, across our full range of grades and ages. Congratulations to all for putting in very strong and ultimately, successful performances. Special congratulations go to James Hymes for successfully passing his 1st kup (black tag) test!
ITF International Competition Course (ICC), Stratford-upon-Avon, 21-22 November 2015
On the weekend on 21-22 November 2015, Taekwon-do UK had the honour and privilege to host the 4th ITF ICC course at Stratford-upon-Avon. This is a course designed to teach competitors, coaches, umpires and instructors everything there is to know about Taekwon-do competitions and it is taught by some of the best instructors and coaches in the world. The course leader was ITF Director, Grand Master Willem Bos (IX Dan) and he was ably assisted by Master Willy van de Mortel (VIII Dan) and multi-time World champion Mr Tomaz Barada (VI Dan). All three of the instructors were really impressive and they provided some of the best, but most challenging training that our T-UK instructors and members have ever experienced.
As well as many T-UK black belts and instructors, the course was attended by several members of the ITF England squad and coaches, as well as a world champion competitor from Norway, Miss Marielle Lind. Chester's chief instructor, Mr Emm attended the course and, along with everyone else, found it to be a fantastic and inspiring, although also exhausting and bruising experience!
As well as many T-UK black belts and instructors, the course was attended by several members of the ITF England squad and coaches, as well as a world champion competitor from Norway, Miss Marielle Lind. Chester's chief instructor, Mr Emm attended the course and, along with everyone else, found it to be a fantastic and inspiring, although also exhausting and bruising experience!
Mr Ridley Class in Chester, Sun 15th November 2015
On Sunday 15th November, Taekwon-do UK vice-President, Mr Ian Ridley (VI Dan) came to teach our club again. As always, Mr Ridley gave us a brilliant class, which everybody thoroughly enjoyed. We covered the technical aspects of basic movements, patterns, fixed and free sparring. Mr Ridley was very impressed by our club's technical standards, as well as our members' enthusiasm and the way that everybody trained hard, with good spirit. Very well done to everyone that came; we are already looking forward to Mr Ridley's next visit. Below are a number of photographs from the afternoon...
Taekwon-do UK British Championships, Stratford-upon-Avon, Sat 10th October 2015
On Saturday 10th October, a small team of Chester Taekwon-do members travelled to Stratford-upon-Avon to compete at the T-UK British championships tournament. Chester was represented by Mr Scot Hickinbottom (II Dan), James Hymes (2nd kup), Finn Bradbury (4th kup) and Ksenia Mangan (8th kup). Mr Hickinbottom was work gin as an umpire as well as competing.
All of our members put in very strong performances, with Mr Hickinbottom winning a bronze medal in patterns, Finn winning silver in sparring and Ksenia winning silver for both patterns and sparring at her first ever tournament! James performed well at both sparring and breaking/destruction, but unfortunately just missed out on the medals this time.
Very well done to all. All are now looking forward to our next tournament in 2016!
Below is a brilliant video of Ksenia, made by her Dad, Richard Mangan, to celebrate her impressive performance and below the video link are a few photographs that Mr Mangan took:
All of our members put in very strong performances, with Mr Hickinbottom winning a bronze medal in patterns, Finn winning silver in sparring and Ksenia winning silver for both patterns and sparring at her first ever tournament! James performed well at both sparring and breaking/destruction, but unfortunately just missed out on the medals this time.
Very well done to all. All are now looking forward to our next tournament in 2016!
Below is a brilliant video of Ksenia, made by her Dad, Richard Mangan, to celebrate her impressive performance and below the video link are a few photographs that Mr Mangan took:
Coloured Belt Grading Tests, Trident Academy, Sale, Sat 26th September 2015
On Saturday 26th September, we once again had our coloured belt grading tests at the Trident academy in Sale. T-UK President, Mr Archer (VI Dan) was the grading examiner as usual, assisted by Mr Miley (also VI Dan).
It was a quiet grading in terms of numbers this time, largely due to the summer holidays, but three of our kids were taking part and I am pleased to announce that they were all successful.
Congratulations to Jack and Bruce Bradbury for reaching their yellow stripe grades and especially to Ksenia Mangan for receiving an 'A' grade pass for her yellow belt! Well done to all :)
It was a quiet grading in terms of numbers this time, largely due to the summer holidays, but three of our kids were taking part and I am pleased to announce that they were all successful.
Congratulations to Jack and Bruce Bradbury for reaching their yellow stripe grades and especially to Ksenia Mangan for receiving an 'A' grade pass for her yellow belt! Well done to all :)
Training Seminar with Master Jedut, Manchester, Sunday 9th August 2015
On Sunday 9th August at the David Lloyd leisure centre in Trafford Park, Manchester, a few of Chester Taekwon-do's members attended a fantastic training seminar with the world-famous Master Jurek Jedut (VIII Dan). Master Jedut has trained many Taekwon-Do world champions, including the famous Jaroslaw Suska, who is 6 times ITF world patterns champion. Master Jedut is also a member of the ITF's ICC (International Competition Course) instructor team, which teaches competition-related skills and exercises all around the world.
Chester instructors Mr Jonathan Emm and Mr Scot Hickinbottom were joined at the seminar by red belt members John Simpson and Beth Degg. All of us were impressed and inspired by Master Jedut's vast array of brilliant exercises and drills, as well as physical and technical challenges. We all trained hard for 4 hours and were totally exhausted at the end of it, but were really glad to have taken part.
Chester instructors Mr Jonathan Emm and Mr Scot Hickinbottom were joined at the seminar by red belt members John Simpson and Beth Degg. All of us were impressed and inspired by Master Jedut's vast array of brilliant exercises and drills, as well as physical and technical challenges. We all trained hard for 4 hours and were totally exhausted at the end of it, but were really glad to have taken part.
New Baby Members! July 2015
The first week of July 2015 was a very exciting time for our club and particularly for two of our instructors, as Mrs Katharine Shuler and Mr Scot Hickinbottom both celebrated the birth of baby girls within a few days of each other. Huge congratulations to them both, as well as to Mr Shuler and Mrs Hickinbottom!
Chester Taekwon-do's newest and youngest members are shown below:
LEFT: Abigail Grace Shuler, born Friday 3rd July, 9 lb 3 oz
RIGHT: Clara Rose Hickinbottom, born Tuesday 7th July, 8 lb 7.5 oz
Chester Taekwon-do's newest and youngest members are shown below:
LEFT: Abigail Grace Shuler, born Friday 3rd July, 9 lb 3 oz
RIGHT: Clara Rose Hickinbottom, born Tuesday 7th July, 8 lb 7.5 oz
Coloured Belt Grading Tests, Trident Academy, Sale, Sat 27th June 2015
On Saturday 27th June, we had our latest set of coloured belt grading tests at the Trident academy in Sale. T-UK President, Mr Archer (VI Dan) was the grading examiner as usual, assisted by Mr Miley (also VI Dan).
All of Chester's members performed very well as usual and the standards were so high this time that Mr Emm was quite relaxed all day, with no worries about how our members were performing! Very well done to the following members who achieved your promotions:
Ksenia Mangan, Ethan Allmark, Bobby Wishart, Lewis Sharples, Kaylan Sharples, Aman Rayet, Simran Rayet, Aaron Joinson and Tom Degg.
Special congratulations also go to Kris Dawson, who received an A grade pass!
Below are some photographs from the grading tests:
All of Chester's members performed very well as usual and the standards were so high this time that Mr Emm was quite relaxed all day, with no worries about how our members were performing! Very well done to the following members who achieved your promotions:
Ksenia Mangan, Ethan Allmark, Bobby Wishart, Lewis Sharples, Kaylan Sharples, Aman Rayet, Simran Rayet, Aaron Joinson and Tom Degg.
Special congratulations also go to Kris Dawson, who received an A grade pass!
Below are some photographs from the grading tests:
ITF World Championships, Jesolo, Italy, 26th - 31st May 2015
The ITF World championships took place in Italy in the last week of May. We are very proud that two black belts from our Trident group of clubs were selected for the England team and both of them returned home with medals!
Huge congratulations go to Miss Izzy Brider, who won gold in individual patterns and bronze in team patterns.
Massive congratulations also to Miss Romy Mottershead, who won silver in her sparring category.
These are fantastic achievements and they have made everyone in the Trident Group and T-UK incredibly proud!
The ITF England team also performed very well as a whole, winning 2 Golds, 6 Silvers and 9 Bronze medals, placing us 9th overall. This is one of England's best ever performances, so our congratulations also go to Mr Philip Lear and the England team coaches.
More details, photographs and videos of the World Championships can be found on the ITF website (here) and the ITF England team's Facebook page (here). Videos of the competition are also available on YouTube.
Huge congratulations go to Miss Izzy Brider, who won gold in individual patterns and bronze in team patterns.
Massive congratulations also to Miss Romy Mottershead, who won silver in her sparring category.
These are fantastic achievements and they have made everyone in the Trident Group and T-UK incredibly proud!
The ITF England team also performed very well as a whole, winning 2 Golds, 6 Silvers and 9 Bronze medals, placing us 9th overall. This is one of England's best ever performances, so our congratulations also go to Mr Philip Lear and the England team coaches.
More details, photographs and videos of the World Championships can be found on the ITF website (here) and the ITF England team's Facebook page (here). Videos of the competition are also available on YouTube.
Black Belt Grading, Trident Academy, Sale, Sun 26th April 2015
On Sunday 26th April, two of Chester Taekwon-do's black belt members were tested at the Trident academy in Sale. T-UK President Mr Archer and vice-President Mr Ridley (both VI Dan) were the grading examiners, assisted by Mr Miley (VI Dan), Mr Noddings (V Dan) and Mr Emm (IV Dan).
Big congratulations go to Miss Nicola Burns for achieving her first star grade, which is the next step for juniors after black belt to achieving a 2nd Dan. Congratulations also to Mr Scot Hickinbottom, who completed his preliminary assessment grading, which should enable him to test for 3rd Dan later in the year.
The standard of all the students in the gradings was very high, with Mr Archer commenting that some of the juniors were among the best that he has seen. Well done to everyone that was successful, including Chester's two members.
Big congratulations go to Miss Nicola Burns for achieving her first star grade, which is the next step for juniors after black belt to achieving a 2nd Dan. Congratulations also to Mr Scot Hickinbottom, who completed his preliminary assessment grading, which should enable him to test for 3rd Dan later in the year.
The standard of all the students in the gradings was very high, with Mr Archer commenting that some of the juniors were among the best that he has seen. Well done to everyone that was successful, including Chester's two members.
Coloured Belt Grading Tests, Trident Academy, Sale, Sat 28th March 2015
On Saturday 28th March, 14 of Chester Taekwon-do's coloured belt members were tested at the grading tests, which were held at the Trident academy in Sale. As usual, T-UK President, Mr Archer (VI Dan) was the grading examiner, ably assisted by Mr Miley (now also VI Dan).
Mr Archer was very thorough as always and nobody was given an easy test. However, Chester's members did us proud again, as all of them were successful in achieving the belt promotions that they hoped for. Very well done to the following members:
Bruce Bradbury, Jack Bradbury, Ksenia Mangan, Ethan Allmark, Bobby Wishart, Lewis Sharples, Kaylan Sharples, Aman Rayet, Simran Rayet, Molly Shaw, Aaron Joinson, Ella Clancy, Finn Bradbury and Beth Degg!
Mr Archer was very thorough as always and nobody was given an easy test. However, Chester's members did us proud again, as all of them were successful in achieving the belt promotions that they hoped for. Very well done to the following members:
Bruce Bradbury, Jack Bradbury, Ksenia Mangan, Ethan Allmark, Bobby Wishart, Lewis Sharples, Kaylan Sharples, Aman Rayet, Simran Rayet, Molly Shaw, Aaron Joinson, Ella Clancy, Finn Bradbury and Beth Degg!
The 100th ITF IIC, Aberdeen, 13th-15th March 2015
From Thursday 13th to Sunday 15th March 2015, the ITF held their 100th IIC (International Instructor's Course) in Aberdeen, Scotland. As usual, the 3 day training course was taught by Grandmasters Hector Marano, Willem Bos and Kim Ung Lan (all IX Dan). This time, to celebrate the 100th such course, several other Grandmasters and Masters were present from the ITF board of directors and sections of the course were also taught by new technical committee member, Master Clint Norman from Canada and ITF England President, Master Donato Nardizzi (both VIII Dan).
Chester's senior instructor was one of 19 T-UK black belts that attended this fabulous event. In total, there were over 300 black belts taking part from 26 countries. It was an honour to be at such an event and of course, there was a lot to learn from the amazing ITF Grandmasters!
As well as the brilliant training, there was a celebration banquet at Aberdeen FC's Pitodrie stadium on the Saturday night, which was a fantastic social event and a one-off opportunity to see many of the Grandmasters and Masters dressed in kilts and traditional Scottish dress. Finally, there was a very special moment for the T-UK, and particularly the Tirdnet members on the Friday evening, when Mr Miley was tested for his VI Dan grading by Master Nardizzi. We were all delighted that Mr Miley was successful, but he still managed to find a bigger smile than the rest of us!
You can see the IIC report from the T-UK website here.
Chester's senior instructor was one of 19 T-UK black belts that attended this fabulous event. In total, there were over 300 black belts taking part from 26 countries. It was an honour to be at such an event and of course, there was a lot to learn from the amazing ITF Grandmasters!
As well as the brilliant training, there was a celebration banquet at Aberdeen FC's Pitodrie stadium on the Saturday night, which was a fantastic social event and a one-off opportunity to see many of the Grandmasters and Masters dressed in kilts and traditional Scottish dress. Finally, there was a very special moment for the T-UK, and particularly the Tirdnet members on the Friday evening, when Mr Miley was tested for his VI Dan grading by Master Nardizzi. We were all delighted that Mr Miley was successful, but he still managed to find a bigger smile than the rest of us!
You can see the IIC report from the T-UK website here.
T-UK Courses, 7th - 8th March 2015
Over the weekend of 7th and 8th March 2015, T-UK ran three separate courses for the first time ever. On Saturday in Stockport, Mr Archer and Mr Ridley (both VI Dan) taught a technical course on the coloured belt patterns and techniques, followed by a Hosin-sul (self-defence) course in the afternoon. This made for a very long and tiring day, but Chester instructors, Mr Jonathan Emm (IV Dav) and Mr Scot Hickinbottom (II Dan) both really enjoyed it and learned lots.
On Sunday at the Trident academy, Mr Ridley taught an umpire course, assisted by Mr Emm and Mr Jeff Brider (III Dan). The attendees on this course also learned a lot about how to judge patterns, sparring and breaking/special techniques. The course was designed so that anyone could ask questions and try out different role play scenarios. This meant that everyone had to think quickly and even the instructors learned a few things.
On Sunday at the Trident academy, Mr Ridley taught an umpire course, assisted by Mr Emm and Mr Jeff Brider (III Dan). The attendees on this course also learned a lot about how to judge patterns, sparring and breaking/special techniques. The course was designed so that anyone could ask questions and try out different role play scenarios. This meant that everyone had to think quickly and even the instructors learned a few things.
T-UK Instructor's Course, Sunday 22nd February 2015
Chester instructors, Mr Jonathan Emm, Mrs Katharine Shuler and Mr Scot Hickinbottom attended the T-UK instructor course on Sunday 22nd February. This course was run by the T-UK executive committee, including President Mr Archer and vice-President Mr Ridley (both VI Dan).
The course is designed to ensure that our instructors have and maintain the highest standards in the country in all aspects, including technical knowledge, teaching methods, etiquette/protocol and child protection policy.
The course is designed to ensure that our instructors have and maintain the highest standards in the country in all aspects, including technical knowledge, teaching methods, etiquette/protocol and child protection policy.
Trident Awards Night, Saturday 7th February 2015
Each year, our local group of affiliated Taekwon-do clubs,Trident, holds a black tie awards evening and celebration! This year, the event was at Cadman's Dance Studio in Sale. Chester instructors Mr Jonathan Emm and Mr Scot Hickinbottom attended, along with junior black belt member, Miss Nicola Burns.
Each of the Trident clubs and the academy in Sale gave out various awards. Chester gave out a single 'Appreciation Award', which was awarded to Nicola Burns for her continued efforts and support fro the club, including consistent attendance at our classes, taking part in demonstrations, tournaments and other events, as well as aiding the instructors from time to time.
As well as the awards, we were treated to a demonstration by the dancers from the venue and a great social night was had by all.
The photograph to the left shows Miss Burns receiving her award from Mr Emm and the photographs below show more of the Chester attendees enjoying ourselves at the event with Chester's former assistant instructor, Miss Stephanie Ward.
Each of the Trident clubs and the academy in Sale gave out various awards. Chester gave out a single 'Appreciation Award', which was awarded to Nicola Burns for her continued efforts and support fro the club, including consistent attendance at our classes, taking part in demonstrations, tournaments and other events, as well as aiding the instructors from time to time.
As well as the awards, we were treated to a demonstration by the dancers from the venue and a great social night was had by all.
The photograph to the left shows Miss Burns receiving her award from Mr Emm and the photographs below show more of the Chester attendees enjoying ourselves at the event with Chester's former assistant instructor, Miss Stephanie Ward.
