Coloured Belt Grading Tests, Trident Academy, Sale, Sat 10th December 2016
Big congratulations for the last time this year to our coloured belt members who took their grading tests at the Trident Taekwon-do academy in Sale, Greater Manchester, on Saturday 10th December. T-UK President, Mr Archer (VI Dan) was the grading examiner as usual, assisted by Mr Miley (also VI Dan).
Chester's members performed very well again and several of them showed great bravery in a tough test. I am deliughted to say that all of our participants were successful in achieving their promotions again. Special congratulations this time to Finn Bradbury and Aaron Joinson, who were both promoted to red belt.
Chester's members performed very well again and several of them showed great bravery in a tough test. I am deliughted to say that all of our participants were successful in achieving their promotions again. Special congratulations this time to Finn Bradbury and Aaron Joinson, who were both promoted to red belt.
ITF International Instructor's Course (IIC), Paris, 26th - 27th November 2016
On 26th and 27th November, Chester's senior instructor, Mr Emm, attended the 114th ITF IIC in Paris, along with several other instructors from T-UK, including our President Mr Archer, vice-President Mr Ridley, Mr Crisp, Mr Dhillon, Mr Warmingham, Mr Brider and others.
The course comprised twelve hours of training over the weekend, taught by the very impressive ITF technical committee, Grandmaster Hector Marano (IX), Grandmaster Ung Kim Lan (IX) and Master Paul McPhail (VIII). Also present were Grandmasters Wim Bos and Paul Weiler (both IX).
About 280 black belts from all around Europe took part in the course, from 1st to 8th degree black belt and everyone enjoyed the course and learned a great deal. Special congratulations to the ITF England head team coach, Master Philip Lear, who was promoted to 7th degree black belt during the IIC.
The ITF Europe report on the IIC can be found here: http://www.itfeurope.org/NL2016-04-29.html
The course comprised twelve hours of training over the weekend, taught by the very impressive ITF technical committee, Grandmaster Hector Marano (IX), Grandmaster Ung Kim Lan (IX) and Master Paul McPhail (VIII). Also present were Grandmasters Wim Bos and Paul Weiler (both IX).
About 280 black belts from all around Europe took part in the course, from 1st to 8th degree black belt and everyone enjoyed the course and learned a great deal. Special congratulations to the ITF England head team coach, Master Philip Lear, who was promoted to 7th degree black belt during the IIC.
The ITF Europe report on the IIC can be found here: http://www.itfeurope.org/NL2016-04-29.html
'Kubz' Instructor's Course, Trident Academy, Sale, Sunday 6th November 2016
On Sunday 6th November 2016, Chester instructors Mr Jonathan Emm and Mrs Katharine Shuler attended an instructor's training course presented by Master Mark Hutton (VII Dan) from Scotland. The course was to qualify as instructors in the 'Kubz' system for teaching Taekwon-do and associated skills to young children (primarily under 8 years old). Mr Emm and Mrs Shuler were joined by several instructors from our regional group of Trident clubs. The attendees are now the first instructors in England to be qualified in the Kubz system.
Master Hutton was incredibly enthusiastic and all of the attendees were impressed and inspired by his ideas and his belief and conviction in the Kubz syllabus. Kubz should bring great benefits to our children's classes, which everyone (kids, parents and instructors) should benefit from. Everyone will love it too!
Master Hutton was incredibly enthusiastic and all of the attendees were impressed and inspired by his ideas and his belief and conviction in the Kubz syllabus. Kubz should bring great benefits to our children's classes, which everyone (kids, parents and instructors) should benefit from. Everyone will love it too!
ITF World Cup, Budapest, Hungary, 12th - 16th October 2016
A number of our colleagues from T-UK and particularly from our local Trident group of clubs travelled to Budapest in Hungary for the 6th ITF World Cup. This was an enormous tournament with over 1800 competitors taking part from all corners of the world.
There were some amazing performances from our friends, including Havva Dervish, who won a bronze medal in the coloured belt patterns division and Miss Alex Cameron, who won bronze in the junior female 1st degree patterns. We also had two World Cup champions, with Miss Lily Thompson winning gold in patterns in the 12-14 year-old female black belt category and Miss Izzy Brider winning gold in the adult female third degree patterns category. Miss Brider had an amazing week by also winning silver in sparring, which meant that she won the best overall female competitor trophy!
The other T-UK and Trident members might not have won medals, but they all enjoyed the experience and put in some excellent performances; Mr Jeff Brider was there refereeing for England. We should all be very proud of our friends and colleagues.
Finally, a special mention should go to ITF England President Master Nardizzi, who was promoted to 9th Dan black belt during the tournament, so obtaining the title of Grandmaster (Sa-sung). Congratulations Sir!
There were some amazing performances from our friends, including Havva Dervish, who won a bronze medal in the coloured belt patterns division and Miss Alex Cameron, who won bronze in the junior female 1st degree patterns. We also had two World Cup champions, with Miss Lily Thompson winning gold in patterns in the 12-14 year-old female black belt category and Miss Izzy Brider winning gold in the adult female third degree patterns category. Miss Brider had an amazing week by also winning silver in sparring, which meant that she won the best overall female competitor trophy!
The other T-UK and Trident members might not have won medals, but they all enjoyed the experience and put in some excellent performances; Mr Jeff Brider was there refereeing for England. We should all be very proud of our friends and colleagues.
Finally, a special mention should go to ITF England President Master Nardizzi, who was promoted to 9th Dan black belt during the tournament, so obtaining the title of Grandmaster (Sa-sung). Congratulations Sir!
T-UK British Championships Tournament, Stratford-upon-Avon, Sat 1st October 2016
A small team from Chester Taekwon-do attended the T-UK British championships tournament in Stratford-upon-Avon on Saturday 1st October. We enjoyed great success again and although we only had three members competing, we came away with three medals!
Big congratulations to Ksenia Mangan for winning gold in patterns, as well as to Adi Iyer for winning gold in patterns and silver in sparring!
Junior black belt member Miss Nicola Burns also attended and was looking well placed to win another medal for the club, when unfortunately, she suffered a knee injury and had to withdraw. Miss Burns also spent much of the day officiating and judging and Mr Emm was very proud of her efforts. T-UK President Mr Archer was also very grateful for her help.
An honourable mention goes to former Chester Taekwon-do member, Beth Degg (now training in Stockport with Miss Heywood), who also won silver and bronze medals. Finally, Mr Emm was also there, refereeing as usual, so Chester contributed significantly to a very enjoyable day, where some very high standards of Taekwon-do were seen.
Big congratulations to Ksenia Mangan for winning gold in patterns, as well as to Adi Iyer for winning gold in patterns and silver in sparring!
Junior black belt member Miss Nicola Burns also attended and was looking well placed to win another medal for the club, when unfortunately, she suffered a knee injury and had to withdraw. Miss Burns also spent much of the day officiating and judging and Mr Emm was very proud of her efforts. T-UK President Mr Archer was also very grateful for her help.
An honourable mention goes to former Chester Taekwon-do member, Beth Degg (now training in Stockport with Miss Heywood), who also won silver and bronze medals. Finally, Mr Emm was also there, refereeing as usual, so Chester contributed significantly to a very enjoyable day, where some very high standards of Taekwon-do were seen.
Coloured Belt Grading Tests, Trident Academy, Sale, Sat 24th September 2016
Big congratulations to all of our coloured belt members who took their latest grading tests at the Trident Taekwon-do academy in Sale, Greater Manchester. T-UK President, Mr Archer (VI Dan) was the grading examiner as usual, assisted by Mr Miley (also VI Dan).
As always, Chester's members performed admirably and all of them successfully achieved their promotions.
As always, Chester's members performed admirably and all of them successfully achieved their promotions.
Training Seminars with Master Jedut (VIII Dan), Manchester, Sunday 14th August 2016
On Sunday 14th August at the David Lloyd leisure centre in Trafford Park, Manchester, Chester Taekwon-do's senior instructor, Mr Jonathan Emm and our junior black belt, Miss Nicola Burns took part in the latest fantastic training seminar with the world-famous Master Jurek Jedut (VIII Dan) from Poland. Master Jedut has trained many Taekwon-Do world champions, including the famous Jaroslaw Suska, who is 6 times ITF world patterns champion.
As was the case in previous years when Master Jedut has come to Manchester, all of the attendees were very impressed and inspired by Master Jedut's vast array of brilliant exercises and drills, as well as physical and technical challenges. We both trained hard for 4+ hours and were exhausted by the end, but were really glad to have taken part.
Mr Emm was also lucky enough to spend some time training one-on-one with Master Tom Denis (VIII Dan) from London in the morning. Thanks very much to Master Denis for some great help with my senior patterns.
As was the case in previous years when Master Jedut has come to Manchester, all of the attendees were very impressed and inspired by Master Jedut's vast array of brilliant exercises and drills, as well as physical and technical challenges. We both trained hard for 4+ hours and were exhausted by the end, but were really glad to have taken part.
Mr Emm was also lucky enough to spend some time training one-on-one with Master Tom Denis (VIII Dan) from London in the morning. Thanks very much to Master Denis for some great help with my senior patterns.
ITF England Championships, Coventry, Sat 9th July 2016
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On Saturday 9th July 2016, our association, T-UK, hosted the second ITF England championships at the Sports Connexion arena in Ryton-on-Dunsmore, Coventry.
Chester's chief instructor, Mr Emm was there working as a referee and umpire, whilst our junior black belt member, Miss Nicola Burns took part in the patterns competition. Nicola was unfortunate to miss out on a medal, but put in a fine performance, narrowly losing out to a very strong opponent. However, she did the club proud, making sure that we were represented at the tournament. |
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Coloured Belt Grading Tests, Trident Academy, Sale, Sat 25th June 2016
On Saturday 25th June 2016, it was once again time for a number of our coloured belt members to be tested for promotion. T-UK President, Mr Archer (VI Dan) was the grading examiner as usual, assisted by Mr Miley (also VI Dan).
Once again, Chester's members performed brilliantly and all of them successfully achieved their promotions.
Special congratulations go to Ksenia Mangan, who once again received an A' grade pass. Also to Aaron Joinson, who successfully reached his 3rd kup (red stripe). Very well done to everyone once again and congratulations to you all.
Once again, Chester's members performed brilliantly and all of them successfully achieved their promotions.
Special congratulations go to Ksenia Mangan, who once again received an A' grade pass. Also to Aaron Joinson, who successfully reached his 3rd kup (red stripe). Very well done to everyone once again and congratulations to you all.
Mark Scriven Memorial Championships, Stratford-upon-Avon, Sun 17th April 2016
On Sunday 17th April 2016, Chester Taekwon-do's chief instructor, Mr Emm and 9th kup member Tamara Baker attended the first Mark Scriven memorial championships tournament in Stratford-upon-Avon. This tournament was hosted by T-UK President Mr Archer VI, in memory of his assistant and a friend of Mr Emm, Mr Mark Scriven V, who died suddenly in April 2015.
It was a fantastic tournament with a very enjoyable, friendly atmosphere. From Chester's point of view there was great success, as Tamara won a gold medal for sparring and a silver medal for patterns at her first ever tournament! Also, whilst Mr Emm spent most of the day as a referee and judge, he entered the first ever Mark Scriven special power-breaking trophy competition and was very pleased to win it by breaking five wooden boards with a side kick. Well done also to our Trident regional colleagues, who won numerous medals in all categories!
It was a fantastic tournament with a very enjoyable, friendly atmosphere. From Chester's point of view there was great success, as Tamara won a gold medal for sparring and a silver medal for patterns at her first ever tournament! Also, whilst Mr Emm spent most of the day as a referee and judge, he entered the first ever Mark Scriven special power-breaking trophy competition and was very pleased to win it by breaking five wooden boards with a side kick. Well done also to our Trident regional colleagues, who won numerous medals in all categories!
ITF England Umpire Course, Hinckley, Sat 2nd April 2016
On Saturday 2nd April 2016, Chester Taekwon-do's Mr Scot Hickinbotttom attended the ITF England Umpire course, along with a few other T-UK black belts, including our vice-President, Mr Ridley. This course enabled the attendees to qualify as ITF C or B grade umpires (depending on experience) and was in preparation for our national championships, to be hosted by T-UK later this year.
The course was taught by ITF England's most senior umpire, Master Ken Chesterman (VII Dan) and he was ably assisted by T-UK and Trident's own Mr Jeff Brider (IV Dan). Also present as a special guest instructor was Master Gordon Wallace (VIII Dan), who is a member of the ITF's worldwide umpire committee.
Mr Hickinbottom described the course as "really good and very informative" and he praised the way that the attendees were able to have close interaction with all of the course instructors. As well as going through the rules and processes of being a referee or umpire and running a tournament, the attendees were given the opportunity to test their skills at an England squad training session.
The course was taught by ITF England's most senior umpire, Master Ken Chesterman (VII Dan) and he was ably assisted by T-UK and Trident's own Mr Jeff Brider (IV Dan). Also present as a special guest instructor was Master Gordon Wallace (VIII Dan), who is a member of the ITF's worldwide umpire committee.
Mr Hickinbottom described the course as "really good and very informative" and he praised the way that the attendees were able to have close interaction with all of the course instructors. As well as going through the rules and processes of being a referee or umpire and running a tournament, the attendees were given the opportunity to test their skills at an England squad training session.
Coloured Belt Grading Tests, Trident Academy, Sale, Sat 19th March 2016
On Saturday 19th March 2016, we had our first 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).
I am very pleased to announce that all of Chester's members that took part were successful again, maintaining our very consistent and proud record of success and once again showing the high standards of technique and attitude that our members maintain.
Special congratulations go to Tamara Baker, who received an A' grade pass in her first grading (to 9th kup) and also to Finn Bradbury, who successfully reached his 3rd kup (red stripe). Finally, a special mention goes to Beth Degg, who now trains mostly in Stockport but maintains strong links with Chester, who performed very well to reach her black tag (1st kup) grade.
Very well done to everyone and congratulations to you all!
I am very pleased to announce that all of Chester's members that took part were successful again, maintaining our very consistent and proud record of success and once again showing the high standards of technique and attitude that our members maintain.
Special congratulations go to Tamara Baker, who received an A' grade pass in her first grading (to 9th kup) and also to Finn Bradbury, who successfully reached his 3rd kup (red stripe). Finally, a special mention goes to Beth Degg, who now trains mostly in Stockport but maintains strong links with Chester, who performed very well to reach her black tag (1st kup) grade.
Very well done to everyone and congratulations to you all!
Chester Taekwon-do Black Belt Promotion
It is a great pleasure to announce that on Saturday 12th March, Mr Scot Hickinbottom successfully completed his black belt grading test and was promoted to 3rd Dan black belt! Mr Hickinbottom has worked very hard towards this achievement and thoroughly deserves his promotion.
T-UK North-West Regional Seminars, Manchester, Sun 6th March 2016
On Sunday 6th March, the Trident group of clubs in Cheshire and Greater Manchester hosted the first T-UK regional seminar at the David Lloyd leisure centre at Trafford Park, Manchester. The course was split into two parts, with the morning session covering the entire coloured belt syllabus and the afternoon session focussing on black belt patterns and techniques. Chester's red belt and black tag (2nd and 1st kup) members, Beth Degg and James Hymes attended the morning session, along with instructors Mr Emm and Mr Hickinbottom, who took part for the whole day.
The course was taught by the T-UK directors, Mr Archer, Mr Ridley, Mr Miley (all VI Dan) and Mr Condie (V Dan). It was a long, hard day of training, covering patterns, fixed sparring, self-defence techniques and more. All of us that went thoroughly enjoyed it and gained new knowledge, as well as refreshing our memories on our previous knowledge.
The course was taught by the T-UK directors, Mr Archer, Mr Ridley, Mr Miley (all VI Dan) and Mr Condie (V Dan). It was a long, hard day of training, covering patterns, fixed sparring, self-defence techniques and more. All of us that went thoroughly enjoyed it and gained new knowledge, as well as refreshing our memories on our previous knowledge.
Trident TKD North-West Regional Championships, Manchester, Sun 7th February 2016
Chester kids and instructors with our tournament medals
On Sunday 7th February, a team of Chester Taekwon-do members went to compete at the Trident Taekwon-do, North-West regional championships, at George Carnall Leisure Centre in Manchester. I am delighted to say that all of our competitors performed with great skill and determination and as such, we won a total of 10 medals (from 10 competitors)! Even those that did not win medals this time put in very good performances and only missed out on silverware due to very tight decisions and very difficult draws in the competition. Also, Mr Emm spent a long day refereeing, in charge of Ring number 1 and he was ably assisted by Mr Scot Hickinbottom and Miss Nicola Burns, putting her new umpiring skills to good use at the first opportunity.
Massive congratulations to our medal winners, as follows:
Ksenia Mangan: Silver in patterns; Bronze in sparring
Simran Rayet: Gold in patterns
Aaron Joinson: Silver in sparring
Finn Bradbury: Bronze in patterns
Tom Degg: Silver in patterns; Bronze in sparring
John Simpson: Gold in sparring; Silver in patterns
Scot Hickinbottom: Bronze in patterns
Massive congratulations to our medal winners, as follows:
Ksenia Mangan: Silver in patterns; Bronze in sparring
Simran Rayet: Gold in patterns
Aaron Joinson: Silver in sparring
Finn Bradbury: Bronze in patterns
Tom Degg: Silver in patterns; Bronze in sparring
John Simpson: Gold in sparring; Silver in patterns
Scot Hickinbottom: Bronze in patterns
T-UK Umpire Course, Stratford-upon-Avon, Sat 31st January 2016.
Miss Nicola burns showing off her new Umpire Certificate
On Saturday 31st January 2016, Mr Jon Emm and our youngest black belt member, Miss Nicola Burns travelled to Stratford-upon-Avon to attend the T-UK umpire course. The course was led by T-UK vice-President, Mr Ian Ridley (VI Dan) and Mr Jeff Brider (IV Dan). Mr Emm also helped to teach the later part of the course.
It was Nicola's first umpire course and we offer her our warmest congratulations on becoming a qualified national umpire! The course was very comprehensive, covering all aspects of judging patterns and sparring, as week as how to deal with unexpected and unplanned events that always arise in tournaments. The T-UK article on the course can be found here.
It was Nicola's first umpire course and we offer her our warmest congratulations on becoming a qualified national umpire! The course was very comprehensive, covering all aspects of judging patterns and sparring, as week as how to deal with unexpected and unplanned events that always arise in tournaments. The T-UK article on the course can be found here.