Coloured Belt Grading, Sunday 8th December 2019
On Sunday 8th December 2019, Chester's coloured belt members took part in a joint grading test in Stockport, with our friends from Miss Heywood's club there and with Master Archer as the grading examiner. Chester's Mr Emm led the grading from the front, instructing all the members in the patterns, techniques and exercises on which they were being assessed.
Chester had ten junior members being tested, as well as one adult; John Simpson going for his 1st kup (black stripe) grade. We are very pleased to announce that all of our members were successful! The test was very challenging, but our members showed their commitment and determination, by performing admirably and demonstrating the high standards of their training.
Chester had ten junior members being tested, as well as one adult; John Simpson going for his 1st kup (black stripe) grade. We are very pleased to announce that all of our members were successful! The test was very challenging, but our members showed their commitment and determination, by performing admirably and demonstrating the high standards of their training.
ITF Masters Seminar and Black Belt Gradings, 9th - 10th November 2019
On Saturday 9th November, T-UK Chester Taekwon-do instructors Mr Jon Emm and Mrs Katharine Shuler attended an ITF England Masters training seminar in Redhill, Surrey. This brilliant event was organised by the ITF England technical director, Miss Carly Wilson (V Dan) and we had the privilege of training with seven different Master instructors in one day!
We started off with an energetic warmup by ITF England President Master Anthony McKenna (VII Dan). Then, the first training session was focussed on technique and patterns and that was taught by Master Ken Chesterman and T-UK's own Master John Archer (both VII Dan). Next, was a sparring session with Master Russell Dennis (VIII Dan) and ITF England tournament director Master Nick Symonds (VII Dan). Finally, we had a fantastic and eye-opening self-defence session with global ITF board member Master Philip Lear and Master Martin Hewlett (both VII Dan). It was a fantastic experience to train with so many brilliant instructors on the same day!
On Sunday 10th November, T-UK held our black belt grading tests in Stratford-upon-Avon. In the morning session our junior black belt member, Ksenia Mangan, took her junior star grade test and put in a brilliant performance, impressing T-UK's Masters, Ridley and Archer with her technique, power and endless enthusiasm. Then, in the afternoon, Mrs Katharine Shuler and Miss Nicola Burns took pre-grade assessment reviews for their 3rd and 2nd degree (Dan) grades respectively, They both performed well too and the feedback they received from our Masters should help them to be fully prepared to take their full grading tests in 2020.
We started off with an energetic warmup by ITF England President Master Anthony McKenna (VII Dan). Then, the first training session was focussed on technique and patterns and that was taught by Master Ken Chesterman and T-UK's own Master John Archer (both VII Dan). Next, was a sparring session with Master Russell Dennis (VIII Dan) and ITF England tournament director Master Nick Symonds (VII Dan). Finally, we had a fantastic and eye-opening self-defence session with global ITF board member Master Philip Lear and Master Martin Hewlett (both VII Dan). It was a fantastic experience to train with so many brilliant instructors on the same day!
On Sunday 10th November, T-UK held our black belt grading tests in Stratford-upon-Avon. In the morning session our junior black belt member, Ksenia Mangan, took her junior star grade test and put in a brilliant performance, impressing T-UK's Masters, Ridley and Archer with her technique, power and endless enthusiasm. Then, in the afternoon, Mrs Katharine Shuler and Miss Nicola Burns took pre-grade assessment reviews for their 3rd and 2nd degree (Dan) grades respectively, They both performed well too and the feedback they received from our Masters should help them to be fully prepared to take their full grading tests in 2020.
T-UK British Championships, Saturday 12th October 2019
On Saturday 12th October, a number of T-UK Chester Taekwon-do's members travelled to Stratford-upon-Avon Leisure Centre, to compete at our T-UK British championships tournament. As usual, the atmosphere at the tournament was very enjoyable. Everyone competed to their absolute best ability, but in good and friendly spirit, with appropriate respect for each other.
We are very pleased to announce that our members were very successful. Our team there was relatively small, but we came home with several medals and trophies, as follows:
Poppy Thomson: Gold in patterns and silver in sparring
Arnav Vyakernam: Gold in patterns
Finn Bradbury: Bronze in patterns and sparring
Mrs Katharine Shuler: Bronze in sparring
These are great results! Well done also to our senior instructor Mr Jon Emm and assistant instructor Miss Nicola Burns, who umpired and refereed all day.
We are very pleased to announce that our members were very successful. Our team there was relatively small, but we came home with several medals and trophies, as follows:
Poppy Thomson: Gold in patterns and silver in sparring
Arnav Vyakernam: Gold in patterns
Finn Bradbury: Bronze in patterns and sparring
Mrs Katharine Shuler: Bronze in sparring
These are great results! Well done also to our senior instructor Mr Jon Emm and assistant instructor Miss Nicola Burns, who umpired and refereed all day.
Girls Who Kick Seminar, Manchester, Sunday 29th September 2019
On Sunday 29th September, several of T-UK Chester Taekwon-do's female members attended the 'Girls Who Kick' seminar in Manchester. This brilliant event was organised by the ITF England Technical Director, Miss Carly Wilson (V Dan) and she helped to teach the seminar, along with two other well-renowned female instructors, Mrs Patricia Gray and Miss Zorica Bowie (both also V Dan).
Our members that attended included our female black belts Mrs Katharine Shuler, Miss Nicola Burns and Ksenia Mangan, as well as coloured belts Sophia Mangan, Eleanor Emm, Rebekah Shuler and Katie McLeod. It was inspiring for our fabulous female members, and all of the other attendees, to train with such fantastic female martial artists. They are already looking forward to the next opportunity!
Finally, congratulations go to Arnav Vyakernam for passing his 1st kup (black stripe) grading under T-UK President Master Archer at the Trident TKD academy in Sale on Saturday 28th September!
Our members that attended included our female black belts Mrs Katharine Shuler, Miss Nicola Burns and Ksenia Mangan, as well as coloured belts Sophia Mangan, Eleanor Emm, Rebekah Shuler and Katie McLeod. It was inspiring for our fabulous female members, and all of the other attendees, to train with such fantastic female martial artists. They are already looking forward to the next opportunity!
Finally, congratulations go to Arnav Vyakernam for passing his 1st kup (black stripe) grading under T-UK President Master Archer at the Trident TKD academy in Sale on Saturday 28th September!
Summer Photo Competitions, July to September 2019
This summer, we ran a photograph competition for our members, where we asked them to share some great pics of them performing an bending ready stance guarding block (guburyo junbi sogi), a side kick (yop cha jirugi) or some kind of flying technique in an interesting or exciting location, such as from their holidays, in front of a famous landmark, or somewhere with an impressive backdrop. We were delighted with the number and the quality of the entries we received, so thank you very much to everyone who took part!
Below are a selection of the great photographs that we received from our members.
Congratulations to the age group winners, whose photographs were selected by our instructor team as our favourite in each age group.
The age group winners were:
Kubz: Julia Kuehlewind Budavari
Juniors: Poopy Thomson
Teens/Adults: A joint photo from Victoria Pearson, Ella Shaw and Molly Shaw
The winning photographs are the first three of the top row, shown below...
Below are a selection of the great photographs that we received from our members.
Congratulations to the age group winners, whose photographs were selected by our instructor team as our favourite in each age group.
The age group winners were:
Kubz: Julia Kuehlewind Budavari
Juniors: Poopy Thomson
Teens/Adults: A joint photo from Victoria Pearson, Ella Shaw and Molly Shaw
The winning photographs are the first three of the top row, shown below...
Grading Test, Saturday 29th June 2019
On Saturday 29th June 2019, two of our young female members travelled to Mr MIley's academy in Sale, Cheshire, to take part in a grading test along with Mr Miley's clubs.
We are very pleased to say that Poppy and Eleanor both impressed T-UK Present, Master Archer (the grading examiner) greatly, so they were both successfully promoted to 7th kup (green stripe). Poppy received additional recognition, by being awarded an 'A' grade pass by Master Archer! Congratulations to both girls.
We are very pleased to say that Poppy and Eleanor both impressed T-UK Present, Master Archer (the grading examiner) greatly, so they were both successfully promoted to 7th kup (green stripe). Poppy received additional recognition, by being awarded an 'A' grade pass by Master Archer! Congratulations to both girls.
Class in Chester with Guest Instructor, Miss Lily Thompson, Sunday 23rd June 2019
On Sunday 23rd June 2019, we were delighted to welcome our good friend, ITF England team member and World Cup champion, Miss Lily Thompson to Chester, to teach a class for us at the Old Chapel in Housesteads Drive, Hoole.
Members from all of our classes really enjoyed the opportunity to go through some of the training drills that Miss Thompson has picked up from training with the England team, as well as with a number of famous Masters and Grandmasters from around the world. Our younger members particularly enjoyed the chance to see what can be achieved in Taekwon-do, even as a junior and we were all very grateful to Miss Thompson for giving up her time for us.
You can see a few, brief video clips of the class below. We took far too many photographs to post here, but you can see them on our galleries page, here.
Members from all of our classes really enjoyed the opportunity to go through some of the training drills that Miss Thompson has picked up from training with the England team, as well as with a number of famous Masters and Grandmasters from around the world. Our younger members particularly enjoyed the chance to see what can be achieved in Taekwon-do, even as a junior and we were all very grateful to Miss Thompson for giving up her time for us.
You can see a few, brief video clips of the class below. We took far too many photographs to post here, but you can see them on our galleries page, here.
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Instructor Trips, May - June 2019
Mr Emm travelled to the tenth Holland Cup tournament in Delft, Netherlands, representing T-UK as our umpire and referee on 25 - 26 May 2019.
T-UK competitors at the tournament included our good friends, Miss Jayne Heywood and Miss Lily Thompson. The Holland Cup is one of the most prestigious and most popular tournaments in the European ITF circuit and Mr Emm was very proud to be there, representing our association. He was particularly grateful to the organisers for entrusting him as a centre referee in the black belt competition on Saturday, and a Jury President (in charge of a ring) during the coloured belt competition on Sunday.
T-UK competitors at the tournament included our good friends, Miss Jayne Heywood and Miss Lily Thompson. The Holland Cup is one of the most prestigious and most popular tournaments in the European ITF circuit and Mr Emm was very proud to be there, representing our association. He was particularly grateful to the organisers for entrusting him as a centre referee in the black belt competition on Saturday, and a Jury President (in charge of a ring) during the coloured belt competition on Sunday.
On 31st May - 2nd June, Mr Emm and Mrs Shuler attended the 141st ITF International Instructor's Course in Cardiff, which consisted of approximately 14 hours of training over three days, with Grand Masters Hector Marano and Ung Kim Lan (both IX Dan) and Master Paul McPhail (VIII Dan), all of whom are part of the ITF's global technical committee. 111 black belts took part in the course and other special guests included Grand Master Orello Ellis and ITF board member Master Philip Lear. Lots was learned by all and we were very grateful to benefit from the amazing depth of knowledge and experience of the Grand Masters and Masters.
A link to the IIC report is included below:
A link to the IIC report is included below:
Black Belt Grading Tests, Manchester, Sunday 12th May 2019
T-UK Chester Taekwon-do is very proud to have two new black belts after the T-UK black belt grading tests in Manchester on Sunday 12th May 2019. As usual, the grading examiners were our President and vice-President, Masters Archer and Ridley (VII Dan) and they were assisted by several of our senior instructors, including Chester's Mr Emm.
Huge congratulations go to Simran and Aman Rayet, who both gave very brave and spirited performances. They have both worked and trained very hard for several years and they thoroughly deserve this recognition and achievement!
Huge congratulations go to Simran and Aman Rayet, who both gave very brave and spirited performances. They have both worked and trained very hard for several years and they thoroughly deserve this recognition and achievement!
Class in Chester with Guest Instructor, Master Ridley, Sunday 28th April 2019
On Sunday 28th April 2019, we were very pleased and honoured to welcome T-UK and ITF England vice- President, Master Ridley (VII Dan) to Chester, to teach a class for us at the Old Chapel in Housesteads Drive, Hoole.
Our turnout for the class was brilliant, with members from all of our classes in attendance. We all thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to learn from Master Ridley's experience and knowledge and as always, his enthusiasm rubbed on off everyone. We were all very tired but happy and exhilarated by the end of the class.
Master Ridley is a regular guest instructor at our club and he never fails to impress our members. Thank you for coming again Sir!
Our turnout for the class was brilliant, with members from all of our classes in attendance. We all thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to learn from Master Ridley's experience and knowledge and as always, his enthusiasm rubbed on off everyone. We were all very tired but happy and exhilarated by the end of the class.
Master Ridley is a regular guest instructor at our club and he never fails to impress our members. Thank you for coming again Sir!
Coloured Belt Grading Test, Chester, Sunday 14th April 2019
On Sunday 14th April 2019, Chester Taekwon-do hosted a coloured belt grading, for our junior, teen and adult members and we were privileged to have T-UK President, Master Archer (VII Dan) as our guest examiner at the Old Chapel in Housesteads Drive, Hoole. We were also very pleased to have Mr Ricky Dhillon (V Dan) from Stratford-on-Avon and Miss Jayne Heywood (III Dan) from Stockport join us to oversee and assist with the grading.
Master Archer gave our members a very thorough test as always, covering all aspects of Taekwon-do, but focussing especially on the detail of our basic techniques, to ensure that our members' stances were correct and encouraging them to ensure that every block and strike was prepared in the correct place and executed with precise technique. Our members really appreciated Master Archer's insight and feedback, understanding that he was trying to prepare them, in the medium or long term, to become top quality black belts. This has always been Mr Emm's philosophy too; to teach our members to be great black belts, but with the understanding that it will take time and effort to get there.
All of the black belts present were very impressed by the effort and attitudes of our members, who performed admirably whilst being tested to their limits. Whilst everyone performed very well, two of our members were given special recognition by Master Archer, by receiving A' grade passes, so extra congratulations to Angelina Pearson and Poppy Thomson!
Master Archer gave our members a very thorough test as always, covering all aspects of Taekwon-do, but focussing especially on the detail of our basic techniques, to ensure that our members' stances were correct and encouraging them to ensure that every block and strike was prepared in the correct place and executed with precise technique. Our members really appreciated Master Archer's insight and feedback, understanding that he was trying to prepare them, in the medium or long term, to become top quality black belts. This has always been Mr Emm's philosophy too; to teach our members to be great black belts, but with the understanding that it will take time and effort to get there.
All of the black belts present were very impressed by the effort and attitudes of our members, who performed admirably whilst being tested to their limits. Whilst everyone performed very well, two of our members were given special recognition by Master Archer, by receiving A' grade passes, so extra congratulations to Angelina Pearson and Poppy Thomson!
Umpire Courses, March 2019
On the weekend of 9th - 10th March, Mr Emm was one of four T-UK instructors to attend the ITF International Umpire Course (IUC) in Cardiff, Wales, along with T-UK Cambridge instructor Mrs Hassan-Spiller, Trident's senior instructor Mr Miley and T-UK President Master Archer. The four of us thoroughly enjoyed the weekend and were privileged to be taught by two outstanding members of the ITF's global umpire committee, Masters Alberto Katz from Argentina and Gordon Wallace from Scotland (both VIII Dan). As well as our brilliant instructors, we were lucky to train and work with some of the best referees in the world.
The following weekend, on Sunday 17th March, T-UK held our own umpire course at the Trident academy. This was taught by Master Ridley and Mr Miley, with some assistance provided by Mr Emm. Mr Miley and Mr Emm were both very glad to pass on some of the knowledge, tips and exercises that they picked up at the international course the previous week and it was also a very enjoyable course, where the T-UK members showed great enthusiasm to learn and practice the umpiring and refereeing skills that are so vital to have great tournaments for our members.
The following weekend, on Sunday 17th March, T-UK held our own umpire course at the Trident academy. This was taught by Master Ridley and Mr Miley, with some assistance provided by Mr Emm. Mr Miley and Mr Emm were both very glad to pass on some of the knowledge, tips and exercises that they picked up at the international course the previous week and it was also a very enjoyable course, where the T-UK members showed great enthusiasm to learn and practice the umpiring and refereeing skills that are so vital to have great tournaments for our members.
Chester TKD Kubz Awards, February 2019
Congratulations to Eleanor, Eve and Isabelle, who were the first members of our fantastic Taekwon-do Kubz class to receive their silver awards for attending 60 Kubz lessons. Well done to you all for your brilliant efforts enthusiasm over a long period of time, and for hardly ever missing a class!
T-UK Masters' Seminar, Salford, Sun 10th February 2019
A few of Chester TKD's members attended a brilliant T-UK Masters' seminar in Salford on Sunday 10th February. Master Ridley was unavailable for the day so T-UK President Master Archer was ably assisted in teaching by Mr James Miley (VI). Master Archer did a brilliant class for the attendees, going through technical detail of the patterns and fundamental techniques, as well as covering topics including fixed sparring and self-defence techniques. Our members that attended loved the session and felt grateful and privileged to benefit from Master Archer's impressive knowledge and enthusiasm.
We should also mention that the reason Master Ridley could not attend is that he was at the ITF England AGM in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Huge congratulations to Master Ridley for being elected onto the ITF England board of directors as vice-President! We are very much looking forward to Master Ridley's next visit to Chester in April!
We should also mention that the reason Master Ridley could not attend is that he was at the ITF England AGM in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Huge congratulations to Master Ridley for being elected onto the ITF England board of directors as vice-President! We are very much looking forward to Master Ridley's next visit to Chester in April!
