Coloured Belt Grading Tests, Sale, Sat 16th December 2017
Our last coloured belt grading tests of 2017 took place on Saturday 16th December, at the newly refurbished Trident Taekwon-do academy in Sale, Manchester. T-UK President Master John Archer and Mr Miley ran the grading tests as usual, assisted by club instructors Mr Emm (Chester), Miss Heywood (Stockport) and both Mr Mottershead and Mr McCallum, who work with Mr Miley to run the academy classes.
Mr Emm was very impressed by the performances of the Chester members that were taking part. All of them put in brilliant performances and, although Master Archer tested everyone as thoroughly as usual, our members were rewarded by a 100% pass rate, with 3 of our members achieving special commendation by receiving A' pass results. Congratulations to Angelina and Victoria Pearson, as well as Rhys Hughes for those outstanding results. Another special congratulations goes to Adi Iyer, who successfully passed his black stripe (1st kup) test; his last grading before he tests for his black belt. Below are a few photographs from the grading tests.
Mr Emm was very impressed by the performances of the Chester members that were taking part. All of them put in brilliant performances and, although Master Archer tested everyone as thoroughly as usual, our members were rewarded by a 100% pass rate, with 3 of our members achieving special commendation by receiving A' pass results. Congratulations to Angelina and Victoria Pearson, as well as Rhys Hughes for those outstanding results. Another special congratulations goes to Adi Iyer, who successfully passed his black stripe (1st kup) test; his last grading before he tests for his black belt. Below are a few photographs from the grading tests.
Special Guest Instructors' Class with Master Ridley, Sun 10th December 2017
On Sunday 10th December, Taekwon-do UK vice-President, Master Ian Ridley (VII Dan) came to teach our club. Master Ridley had been promoted to VII Dan black belt in the summer, obtaining the title of 'Master', by the Grandmasters of the ITF Technical Committee at the IIC in Manchester. Therefore, as Master Ridley has been to teach our club many times in the past, we started the session by presenting him with a gift to commemorate his fantastic achievement.
After the opening presentation, Master Ridley gave our members a brilliant class, which everyone thoroughly enjoyed. It was also clear that everyone, of all ages, was impressed and grateful for the knowledge and technical insight that Master Ridley provided. We covered the technical aspects of basic movements, patterns, fixed and free sparring, as well as some self-defence techniques. Master Ridley was impressed by our members' technical standards, but particularly with their enthusiasm and efforts, which Mr Emm was also very proud to see. We were also honoured to have some black belt guests from the Manchester area, including Mr Jeff Brider (IV Dan), Mr Simon Hynes and Miss Jayne Heywood (both III Dan).
After the class, Master Ridley and some of the black belt members went for a very enjoyable and well deserved meal (and a couple of drinks!), which brought the afternoon and evening to a very pleasant end.
Very well done to everyone that came and thank you very much to Master Ridley! Below are a few photographs from the session.
After the opening presentation, Master Ridley gave our members a brilliant class, which everyone thoroughly enjoyed. It was also clear that everyone, of all ages, was impressed and grateful for the knowledge and technical insight that Master Ridley provided. We covered the technical aspects of basic movements, patterns, fixed and free sparring, as well as some self-defence techniques. Master Ridley was impressed by our members' technical standards, but particularly with their enthusiasm and efforts, which Mr Emm was also very proud to see. We were also honoured to have some black belt guests from the Manchester area, including Mr Jeff Brider (IV Dan), Mr Simon Hynes and Miss Jayne Heywood (both III Dan).
After the class, Master Ridley and some of the black belt members went for a very enjoyable and well deserved meal (and a couple of drinks!), which brought the afternoon and evening to a very pleasant end.
Very well done to everyone that came and thank you very much to Master Ridley! Below are a few photographs from the session.
T-UK British Championships, Stratford-upon-Avon, Sat 14th October 2017
Our association, T-UK's British championships tournament was held in Stratford-upon-Avon on Saturday 14th October. Chester Taekwon-do members Adi Iyer, Ksenia Mangan and Sophia Mangan took part and they all performed really well, doing us proud.
Sophia (T7 kup) won silver in patterns and bronze in sparring
Ksenia (2nd kup) was in a very tough category, against some very experienced competitors, and although she did not win any trophies this time, she impressed all of the judges with her performances.
Adi (2nd kup) was our most decorated competitor of the day, winning gold in both patterns and sparring!
Chester's junior black belt member, Miss Nicola Burns, was also there, helping as a judge and an official all day, for which our President and the tournament host, Master Archer was very grateful. As usual, Mr Emm was also in charge of one of the rings, until he also competed for the first time in a few years. No trophies for Mr Emm unfortunately after a tough draw, but he enjoyed competing again and will be back to win next year!
Sophia (T7 kup) won silver in patterns and bronze in sparring
Ksenia (2nd kup) was in a very tough category, against some very experienced competitors, and although she did not win any trophies this time, she impressed all of the judges with her performances.
Adi (2nd kup) was our most decorated competitor of the day, winning gold in both patterns and sparring!
Chester's junior black belt member, Miss Nicola Burns, was also there, helping as a judge and an official all day, for which our President and the tournament host, Master Archer was very grateful. As usual, Mr Emm was also in charge of one of the rings, until he also competed for the first time in a few years. No trophies for Mr Emm unfortunately after a tough draw, but he enjoyed competing again and will be back to win next year!
Coloured Belt Grading Tests, Sale, Sat 23rd September 2017
Our latest coloured belt grading tests took place on Saturday 23rd September and Chester was well represented, with twelve of our members being tested. T-UK President Master John Archer and Mr Miley ran the grading tests, which as usual, were split into grade groups. Mr Emm and Stockport instructor Miss Heywood were also in attendance to assist and to provide support to our members. As always, the participants were thoroughly tested on their technical abilities, patterns, fixed sparring, free sparring and self-defence, as well as their theoretical knowledge.
Chester's members were very successful again and all of our members successfully passed their tests, to reach their next grade.
Chester's members were very successful again and all of our members successfully passed their tests, to reach their next grade.
Launch of Chester Taekwon-do Kubz Class, September 2017
September 2017 was very exciting for Chester Taekwon-do, as we launched our Taekwon-do Kubz class for 4 to 7-year olds, on Monday evenings. Taekwon-do Kubz is the brilliant system developed by Master Mark Hutton (VIII Dan). It is designed to teach our youngest members the key skills they need to follow the full Taekwon-do syllabus when they are a bit older, whilst also teaching them important life skills to apply at home and in school, as well as at our Taekwon-do classes. The skills the Kubz learn are both physical and academic and of course, it is taught in a way that makes it great fun for both kids and the instructors, so the kids absolutely love it!
Below are a few photographs showing the dedicated Kubz doboks and kit, one of the logos and a few of our early classes.
Master Hutton also runs a website for all clubs that have Kubz classes, here: www.taekwon-dokubz.com
Below are a few photographs showing the dedicated Kubz doboks and kit, one of the logos and a few of our early classes.
Master Hutton also runs a website for all clubs that have Kubz classes, here: www.taekwon-dokubz.com
Summer Seminars, Manchester
On 12th and 13th August 2017, Master Jerzy Jedut (VIII Dan) made his latest visit to our region, conducting a series of training seminars in Manchester over the weekend. Master Jedut is one of the world's most successful and respected coaches and instructors. This year, Chester Taekwon-do was represented by John Simpson (2 kup) and Catriona McManamon (6 kup). As usual, Master Jedut gave them a real experience, showing them drills and exercises to improve their mobility and sparring abilities, as well as technical details for their patterns and self-defence techniques.
On Saturday 2nd September, 2 x European champion and 17 x Russian champion Mr Tural Masimov conducted his first ever sparring seminars in Manchester. Chester Taekwon-do members Adi Iyer (2 kup) and Ksenia Mangan (3 kup) took part and, like those who trained with Master Jedut, they were treated to a challenging but genuinely inspiring class, where they worked on a range of skills and exercises to improve their sparring abilities. Ksenia was particularly fortunate, as she got to partner and train with our very own multiple World and European medallist, Miss Izzy Brider (III Dan) for most of the class. She definitely got more than her (Dad's) money's worth!
On Saturday 2nd September, 2 x European champion and 17 x Russian champion Mr Tural Masimov conducted his first ever sparring seminars in Manchester. Chester Taekwon-do members Adi Iyer (2 kup) and Ksenia Mangan (3 kup) took part and, like those who trained with Master Jedut, they were treated to a challenging but genuinely inspiring class, where they worked on a range of skills and exercises to improve their sparring abilities. Ksenia was particularly fortunate, as she got to partner and train with our very own multiple World and European medallist, Miss Izzy Brider (III Dan) for most of the class. She definitely got more than her (Dad's) money's worth!
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ITF International Instructor's Course (IIC), Manchester, 7th - 9th July 2017
On Friday 7th to Sunday 9th July, our association, T-UK had the great privilege to host the 120th ITF IIC in Manchester. The course was held at the Armitage Centre at the University of Manchester and it was taught by Grandmasters Hector Marano and Kim Ung Lan (both 9th Dan), as well as Master Pierre Laquerre (8th Dan). Taking part were 202 participants from Canada, Switzerland, Germany, England, Finland, Hungary, Ireland, the Netherlands, Norway, Scotland, Slovenia, Malaysia and Wales. These included 17 masters, plus Grandmaster Orello Ellis from England.
The IIC was a brilliant success, during which the technical committee instructors wowed all of the black belt participants with their vast knowledge, great enthusiasm and love for Taekwon-do. It was an extra special occasion for T-UK as, not only did we have the honour of hosting such a prestigious event, our President Mr Archer and our vice-President Mr Ridley both took their 7th Dan grading test, along with Mr Blair from Scotland, after training had finished for the day on Saturday. All of the T-UK members were really delighted when we heard that our leaders had both given brilliant performances in front of the three attending Grandmasters (Marano, Lan and Ellis), so they were promoted to 7th Dan, earning the title of Master! Master Robin Blair also successfully graded to 7th degree and and another English Master, Master Kim Anderson, was promoted to 8th degree at the same time.
Chester was represented at the IIC by our instructors, Mr Emm and Mrs Shuler. Both benefited greatly from the experience and are glad of the opportunity to pass on new knowledge and ideas to our members. The T-UK report on the IIC can be seen here and the ITF report is available below:
The IIC was a brilliant success, during which the technical committee instructors wowed all of the black belt participants with their vast knowledge, great enthusiasm and love for Taekwon-do. It was an extra special occasion for T-UK as, not only did we have the honour of hosting such a prestigious event, our President Mr Archer and our vice-President Mr Ridley both took their 7th Dan grading test, along with Mr Blair from Scotland, after training had finished for the day on Saturday. All of the T-UK members were really delighted when we heard that our leaders had both given brilliant performances in front of the three attending Grandmasters (Marano, Lan and Ellis), so they were promoted to 7th Dan, earning the title of Master! Master Robin Blair also successfully graded to 7th degree and and another English Master, Master Kim Anderson, was promoted to 8th degree at the same time.
Chester was represented at the IIC by our instructors, Mr Emm and Mrs Shuler. Both benefited greatly from the experience and are glad of the opportunity to pass on new knowledge and ideas to our members. The T-UK report on the IIC can be seen here and the ITF report is available below:
Coloured Belt Grading Tests, Trident Academy, Sale, Sat 24th June 2017
Our second day of coloured belt grading tests of 2017 was on Saturday 24th June and ten of Chester's members were taking part. T-UK President Mr Archer, as well as Mr Miley, Mr Emm and the other instructors in attendance put the members through their paces, testing them thoroughly on their technical abilities, patterns, fixed sparring, free sparring and self-defence. The senior adults were also had their power and technique put to the ultimate test, by breaking boards. Once again, it was a very successful grading for Chester's members and all of our members successfully passed their tests, to reach their next grade. Special congratulations this time went to Sophia Mangan (for the second consecutive grading) and Rhys Hughes for achieving 'A' grade passes in their tests!
T-UK Umpire Course, Trident Academy, Sale Sun 21st May 2017
On Sunday 21st May 2017, T-UK's President Mr Archer and vice-President Mr Ridley taught an umpire course at the Trident academy in Sale, assisted by Trident's senior instructor Mr Miley and Chester's own Mr Jonathan Emm. Chester assistant instructor Miss Nicola Burns was among the delegates. Everyone on the course seemed to enjoy it, whilst finding it challenging. The morning was spent going through the theory of judging patterns and how to run, judge and referee a sparring ring. The afternoon was then spent putting the theory into practice, working in groups judging each other at both patterns and sparring. Mr Emm thoroughly enjoyed passing on his knowledge and experience, whilst Miss Burns impressed the instructors with her knowledge and ability.
T-UK Technical Course, GB Taekwondo Training Centre, Manchester, Sun 2nd April 2017
On Sunday 2nd April 2017, the T-UK technical course for our region was held at the impressive GB Taekwondo training centre in Manchester, where our Olympic Taekwondo team members train. The technical course is ensure that our black belt members are technically up to date with the patterns and fixed sparring techniques, whilst also providing a chance for red belts and black tags to prepare for their black belt grading tests. The course was taught by T-UK's President Mr Archer and vice-President Mr Ridley.
Chester Taekwon-do's black belt members, Mr Jonathan Emm, Mrs Katharine Shuler and Miss Nicola Burns were all present, to ensure that the standard of technical knowledge in our club is the best possible and fully up to date. A detailed article on the event is available here, on the T-UK website.
Chester Taekwon-do's black belt members, Mr Jonathan Emm, Mrs Katharine Shuler and Miss Nicola Burns were all present, to ensure that the standard of technical knowledge in our club is the best possible and fully up to date. A detailed article on the event is available here, on the T-UK website.
Coloured Belt Grading Tests, Trident Academy, Sale, Sat 25th March 2017
We had our first coloured belt grading tests of 2017 on Saturday 25th March and Chester was there in force, with sixteen members testing. T-UK President Mr Archer (assisted by Mr Miley) ran a very thorough series of grading tests as usual. I am very pleased to report that all of Chester's members' performances were excellent, with all of our members successfully reaching their next grade. To do so, they all had to perform technical movements and kicks, patterns, fixed sparring and self-defence (hosinsul) techniques, as well as free-sparring and finally, showing some knowledge by answering technical questions. Mr Emm had an unusually relaxed day as all of our members performed well in all areas.
Special congratulations to Sophia Mangan for achieving a rare 'A' grade pass in her test!
Special congratulations to Sophia Mangan for achieving a rare 'A' grade pass in her test!
Trident (North-West) Championships, Manchester, Sun 5th March 2017
On Sunday 5th March a team from Chester Taekwon-do attended the annual Trident championships, for our clubs in Cheshire and Greater Manchester. As usual, there were also a few guests from other ITF-style organisations, which made it a very successful and competitive event.
All of Chester's members that attended performed very well, with several of our members taking part in their first ever tournament. All of the categories were highly competitive and many were very large, which meant that medals were hard to come by, but we still had considerable success.
Congratulations to our medal winners:
Mrs Katharine Shuler - silver in patterns and bronze in sparring
Adi Iyer - gold in patterns and bronze in sparring
Tom Degg - gold in sparring
Sophia Mangan - silver in patterns
As well as the medal winners, we had a few brave fourth places, including Molly Shaw and Aman Rayet, who did amazingly well to come fourth in a huge category, where he was one of the youngest and only mid-range in grade. We also had a few unlucky draws, such as for Aaron Joinson and Ksenia Mangan, who faced gold medal winners in their category very early in the draw, but performed very well nonetheless. Finally, a mention for Fleur Perry, who was our youngest and newest sparring competitor on the day and, whilst she didn't quite make the medals, she thoroughly enjoyed her first tournament and will undoubtedly have success in the future.
The official report on the tournament is available here, on the T-UK website.
All of Chester's members that attended performed very well, with several of our members taking part in their first ever tournament. All of the categories were highly competitive and many were very large, which meant that medals were hard to come by, but we still had considerable success.
Congratulations to our medal winners:
Mrs Katharine Shuler - silver in patterns and bronze in sparring
Adi Iyer - gold in patterns and bronze in sparring
Tom Degg - gold in sparring
Sophia Mangan - silver in patterns
As well as the medal winners, we had a few brave fourth places, including Molly Shaw and Aman Rayet, who did amazingly well to come fourth in a huge category, where he was one of the youngest and only mid-range in grade. We also had a few unlucky draws, such as for Aaron Joinson and Ksenia Mangan, who faced gold medal winners in their category very early in the draw, but performed very well nonetheless. Finally, a mention for Fleur Perry, who was our youngest and newest sparring competitor on the day and, whilst she didn't quite make the medals, she thoroughly enjoyed her first tournament and will undoubtedly have success in the future.
The official report on the tournament is available here, on the T-UK website.
Special Guest Instructors' Class with Mr Jeff and Miss Izzy Brider, Sun 26th February 2017
On Sunday 26th February 2017, Chester Taekwon-do had the special honour of hosting a class with Special guest instructors Mr Jeff Brider (IV) and Miss Izzy Brider (III). Mr Brider is an outstanding technical instructor and an internal umpire and referee who is known and respected throughout the world. Miss Brider was the Overall Best Female competitor at the ITF World Cup in 2016, after winning gold in patterns and silver in sparring. She was also the junior world champion in patterns the previous year and she has won many other international titles and honours.
The Briders have been good friends and training partners with Mr Emm for many years and kindly agreed to come and teach a special class at our club. Our members were very excited and happy to have the chance to train with them and the turnout was excellent. We also had a few other guests, including Miss Jayne Heywood and a few of her members from Stockport club, as well as Miss Lily Thompson (pre-junior World Cup patterns champion), her mother Sonia Thompson and former Chester members Mr Scot Hickinbottom and Beth Degg.
Miss Brider took the class through numerous exercises and drills designed to improve our movement and speed, particularly for sparring, but also to increase our general abilities. Our members loved these exercises and, although many of the exercises were very challenging, everyone gave their best effort and even our younger members enjoyed trying to replicate Miss Brider's movement and skill.
Mr Brider took us through some technical movements and patterns, providing insight into the technical detail that he looks for as an international patterns judge and to improve all of our technical applications. After the coloured belts left, the black belts went through some more advanced technical training and higher patterns, by the end of which, everyone had learned a lot and was very grateful for the experience.
After training, some of the guests and black belts went for a delicious meal at there Siam Thai restaurant in Chester, adding a very enjoyable social aspect to the brilliant training. Lots of photographs were taken, including the few shown below, but many more are available on our galleries page, here.
The Briders have been good friends and training partners with Mr Emm for many years and kindly agreed to come and teach a special class at our club. Our members were very excited and happy to have the chance to train with them and the turnout was excellent. We also had a few other guests, including Miss Jayne Heywood and a few of her members from Stockport club, as well as Miss Lily Thompson (pre-junior World Cup patterns champion), her mother Sonia Thompson and former Chester members Mr Scot Hickinbottom and Beth Degg.
Miss Brider took the class through numerous exercises and drills designed to improve our movement and speed, particularly for sparring, but also to increase our general abilities. Our members loved these exercises and, although many of the exercises were very challenging, everyone gave their best effort and even our younger members enjoyed trying to replicate Miss Brider's movement and skill.
Mr Brider took us through some technical movements and patterns, providing insight into the technical detail that he looks for as an international patterns judge and to improve all of our technical applications. After the coloured belts left, the black belts went through some more advanced technical training and higher patterns, by the end of which, everyone had learned a lot and was very grateful for the experience.
After training, some of the guests and black belts went for a delicious meal at there Siam Thai restaurant in Chester, adding a very enjoyable social aspect to the brilliant training. Lots of photographs were taken, including the few shown below, but many more are available on our galleries page, here.
T-UK Child Protection and Instructor Course, Stratford-upon-Avon, Sun 22nd January 2017
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On Sunday 22nd January 2017, Chester's senior instructor (IV Dan) attended the T-UK Child Protection and instructor's Training course in Straford-upon-Avon.
The morning session comprised child protection training, delivered by T-UK's brilliant child protection consultant, Ms Angela Lindie. The participants included both experienced and first time instructors, but as usual, Ms Lindie kept everyone interested and grateful to be there. The afternoon comprised the instructor's training course, where T-UK's directors provided training in running clubs and good teaching techniques for all of the attendees. The adjacent photograph shows the attendees from our local group of Trident TKD clubs. The previous evening, several of the more senior black belts had enjoyed an excellent training session with Mr Archer and Mr Ridley (both VI Dan), in which real technical detail was scrutinised in the senior black belt patterns. The seniors then took advantage of the opportunity for a social evening and enjoyed a communal, social dinner in Stratford. It is great that T-UK's instructors are dedicated and knowledgable, but good friends too. |
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