The ITF Scotland National Team are today heading off to compete at the week long ITF World Championships in Dublin, Ireland. 

On behalf of ITF Scotland we wish them success throughout the competition.  The team admin’s will endeavour to give coverage throughout the event, please check our Facebook page for updates throughout the week.

2017 ITF Scotland World Championships Squad.

SENIOR FEMALE

Megan Brown, Melissa Brown, Rheannan Brown, Katrina Carr, Caitlin McGhee, Shelby McQuade & Stephanie WIllis

SENIOR MALE

Gilles Brown, Kieran Cain, David Grey, Michael McRoberts, Stewart Mellon, Rhys Muirhead, Jason Munro, Iain O’Hare & Lyle Walker

JUNIOR FEMALE

Jodie Boydell, Amber Campbell, Emma Jane Fraser, Erin Logan, Alex Marshall, Christina McGhee, Kloe McKay, Lauren McKay, Catriona McRoberts, Chiara Mullen, Jemma Swinburne, Lara Torrance & Lauren Watson

JUNIOR MALE

Rico Campins, James Craik, Ian Ford, Owen Glennie, Jay Jervis, Jack Lobban, Prentis MacLean, Hayden McAvoy, Joseph Mowatt, Matthew O’Hare, Zacharia Obike, George Russell & Robbie Sheppard

Master M. Hutton, has extended an invitation to members of ITF Scotland for a forthcoming seminar with Mr. Carl Van Roon, a highly decorated competitor from New Zealand.  

The seminar shall take place on 21st & 22nd October.  Should you wish to attend please book your space directly.  

ITF Scotland’s 2017 Annual General Meeting will be held on Sunday 19th November 2017 at 12noon.  The venue will be Perth UHI, Crieff Road, Perth, PH1 2NX.

An initial notice has been sent to all plaque holders, if you have not received this please check your email address has been registered with secretarygeneral@itfscotland.com

Full invitation and tentative agenda will be sent in due course.

This weekend DMBBA hosted the Africa Development Team Technical Seminar, held in Montrose Sports Centre.

Our Team consisted of Grand Master Paul Weiler IX Deg, Master Ernesto Santaniello VIII Deg, Myself , Sabum Niklas Enander VI Deg and Sabum Jonothan Morris IV Deg. We were also joined by Grand Master Thomas MacCallum, the honorary ITF Scotland President.

Saturday morning began with registration for those who did not register on-line, and the course started at 09:00 until our break for lunch at 12:00.

Words;  Master McNairn

Photo Credit: Gordon Paterson

The African Development Team Seminar to be held over the weekend of 23rd & 24th September has been extended up to and including the day itself.  You will also be able to turn up on the day and register.  

You can still register online here  

Africa Development Team Technical Seminar

23rd & 24th September 2017

We invite you to attend a unique technical seminar conducted by members of the ITF Africa Development Team at Montrose Sports Centre, Marine Avenue, Montrose, DD10 8TR

Saturday 23rd:  10th Kup to 9th Degree 

Sunday 24th:  2nd Kup and above

Cost for one day will be £35, and for both days £45

There will also be an opportunity for Degree Testing.  Those wishing to go forward for grading should submit all applications and thesis via secretarygeneral@itfscotland.com  

Deadline for applications should be no later than 10th September.

–

The Africa Development Team Seminar will be taught by:

• Grand Master Paul Weiler IX Degree (Germany)
• Master Ernesto Santaniello VII Degree (Italy)
• Master David McNairn VII Degree (Scotland)
• Mr Niklas Enander VI Degree (Sweden)
• Mr Jonathan Morris IV Degree (France)

Schedule

Saturday 23rd (Kup and Dan Grades)

08:00 – 08:45  Completion of Registration

08:45 – 09:00 Line Up and Introductions

09:00 – 11:00  Pattern Chon-Ji to Choong-Moo (Grand Master Weiler)

11:00 – 12:00  Self Defence (Master McNairn & Mr. Enander)

12:00 – 13:00  Sparring (Master Santaniello & Mr. Morris)

13:00 – 14:00 Lunch Break

14:00 – 16:00 Pattern Toi-Gye to Ge-Baek (Grand Master Weiler)

16:00 – 17:00  Step Sparring (Grand Master Weiler)

17:00 – 18:00  Sparring (whole team)

Sunday 24th (1st Degree and above)

08:00 – 08:45  Completion of Registration

08:45 – 09:00 Line Up and Introductions

09:00 – 10:00  Pattern Revision (Grand Master Weiler)

10:00 – 12:00  Pattern Eui-Am to Choi-Yong (Grand Master Weiler)

12:00 – 13:00  Lunch

13:00 – 16:00 Grading (location change to DMBBA)

All proceeds from the seminar will go directly toward furthering the development of ITF Taekwon-Do in Africa.

Arrival information

Montrose is located approximately 1 hour from Aberdeen Airport.  Train from Aberdeen to Montrose is 1 hour 30 mins and approximate cost (£11-£17)

From Edinburgh Airport.  Train from Edinburgh to Montrose is 1 hour 35 mins and approximate cost (£17-£26).

Hotel information

There are a number of hotels local to the venue, these should be booked directly with the hotel, the organising committee will not be responsible for accommodation bookings.

We advise booking one of the following hotels;

• George Hotel – 22 George Street, Montrose, DD10 8EW

• Park Hotel – 61 John Street, Montrose, DD10 8RJ
• Links Hotel – Provost Scots Road, Midlinks, Montrose, DD10 8RL

Link to booking all hotels can be found here.  

Rooms from £65, please quote TKD when booking for a preferential rate if booking directly with the hotel.

Application

Seminar Applications can be made via the dedicated ADT Seminar Webpage here.  Please note payment is required upon sending the application.  

For pre-grading and grading applications, these should be submitted to ITF Scotland Secretary General no later than 10th September directly at secretarygeneral@itfscotland.com

Deadlines

Applications can be made from 30th July to 10th September, on the ADT Seminar Webpage here.

120^th International Instructors Course, 7^th-9^th July in Manchester 

& Master Robin Blair 7^th Degree Promotion

IIC DAY 1

The 120^th International Instructors Course hosted by TaeKwon-Do UK on behalf of ITF England welcomed 202 participants from 14 countries to the very sunny city of Manchester. The following ITF member countries were in attendance; Canada, England, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Malaysia, The Netherlands, Norway, Scotland, Slovenia, Switzerland & Wales.

27 TaeKwon-Do practioners travelled south from a somewhat cooler Scotland to Manchester, the vast majority being members of ITF Scotland. The 3-day course took place at the Armitage Centre, which is the University of Manchester’s main sports facility. The campus had on site accommodation within a few minutes walk of the training hall that was ideal for those not wishing to book a hotel away from the site and have to travel.

Course registration took place on Friday morning, with everyone receiving a free Mightyfist goody bag, fridge magnet, pen, course t-shirt and a much-needed bottle of water. The course was brought forward by half an hour and commenced promptly at 2pm with speeches and introductions to the ITF Technical Committee consisting of Grand Master Hector Marano, Grand Master Ung Kim Lan & Master Pierre Laquerre. Each of the Masters taking part on the course were given a commemorative glass plaque.

Master Laquerre kicked off the proceedings with an hour long warm up concentrating on the legs and core muscles before handing over to the Grand Masters who spent the remainder of the day covering colour belt patterns with some brave volunteers being picked apart during the Q&A sessions. The day ended at 6pm with everyone in need of refreshment and a bite to eat.

IIC Day 2

Saturday morning saw everyone line up at 8.45 to allow the Technical Committee to enter the hall, our second day of training starting shortly after 9pm with a brief warm up before a morning of 1^st Degree patterns. The 1^st degrees were taken to a different hall for some self defence whilst the remainder of the group proceeded with 2^nd Degree patterns the session overran by 30 minutes cutting into the allotted time for lunch break allowing more time for training.

The afternoon saw the group divided further with 1^st & 2^nd Degrees taken to the second training hall thus allowing for 3^rd Degrees and above to go over 3^rd Degree patterns. The pattern sessions were interspersed with some 3 step, 2 step and 1 step sparring throughout the day. The final split of the day reunited the 1^st & 2^nd Degrees with the main group for some self-defence. 5^th Degrees and above were then taken away to go over Tong Il. The group were brought back together and dismissed for the day shortly after 4 pm.

Master’s Grading

As nearly 200 TaeKwon-Do students were leaving the training hall looking forward to a relaxing summers evening and quite possibly a cold drink, 4 candidates were readying themselves to sit a Master’s Grading under Grand Masters Marano, Lan and Ellis. One of those candidates was our very own Mr Robin Blair 6^th Degree. Master’s Gradings are a strictly private affair within the ITF, this was no exception with less than a dozen fellow Master’s in the hall to watch the proceedings. I am pleased to say that although I was not permitted to sit in the hall I found myself in a position to watch the entire grading.

Mr Blair and his fellow candidates were put through their paces in a grading that consisted of a handful of blackbelt patterns, 3,2 & 1 step sparring, free sparring, self defence & board breaking. There was also a display of self-defence from a seated chair and a kneeling position on the floor, culminating with questions at the table from the Grand Master’s. As a viewer I would say that all candidates were exemplary, the energy, effort and skill shown throughout would embarrass a much younger man.

Needless to say after a short discussion at the grading table, promotions were awarded to all concerned with Master Robin Blair being the 3^rd name to be called. Special mention to Master Jamie Campins who was among the first to congratulate Scotland’s newest Master, Master Campins had travelled to Manchester solely to support Master Blair and left for the long journey home shortly after doing so.

Due to pressing commitments elsewhere Master David McNairn was not able to attend the IIC but on hearing of Master Blair’s promotion sent the following message.

“Congratulations Master Blair, it was a pleasure to work with you on the run up to your grading, sorry I had to change my plans at the last minute and I was not there to see you grade, but word on the street is that you passed with flying colours, as expected. We will celebrate when I get back, the way only we know how ! David”.

Master’s earning promotion :

Master John Archer 7^th Degree

Master Ian Ridley 7^TH Degree

Master Robin Blair 7^th Degree

Master Kim Anderson 8^th Degree

After a quick shower and bite to eat, Master Blair was dragged out for what he thought would be a quiet night. That was not the case as he was joined by members from Pro-Edge, Howden, GMAC, Forth Valley TKD & DMBBA for a celebratory drink. Mr Lupton surprised Master Blair by presenting him with a new Master’s dobok and embroidered belt on behalf of the STA members. Needles to say everyone was tucked up in bed early in preparation for the last day of the IIC.

Banquet

The IIC Banquet was held in the Great Hall of the University of Manchester with 120 people sitting down for dinner with the ITF Technical Committee. A raffle was held during the night’s proceedings, which raised a staggering £1100 for the victims of the Grenfell Tower Fire in London. Further contributions were made after the closing of the IIC to bolster this sum.

IIC Day 3

After the formalities of lining up in front of the Technical Committee it was straight down to business, a warm up with Master Laquerre before the group was split yet again. This time 1^st to 3^rd degrees moved to the smaller hall for some self defence, to allow 4^th Degrees and above to go thru 4^th Degree patterns under the direction of GM Marano & Lan.

The groups were brought back together for some sparring drills with GM Lan before moving on to some stretching with Master Laquerre, which brought the sessions to an end. Closing speeches were made by all members of the ITF Technical Committee and the organisers Master John Archer and Mr Jeff Brider 4^th Degree who gave Grand Masters Marano, Lan and Master Laquerre some gifts as souvenirs of their visit.

After the customary handing out of course certificates, everyone had the opportunity for photos with the course instructors before departure.

Many Thanks to Master John Archer & Mr James Miley 6^th Degree for organising and inviting us to the 120^th IIC, special thanks must go to Mr Jeff Brider 4^th Degree for the fantastic job he did with the administration of what was a fantastic weekend of Taekwon-Do.

Report by: Mr Ronnie Dewhurst 4^th Degree

Pictures: Various sources

—

ITF Scotland Members at the 120^th IIC ;

Master Robin Blair 7^th Degree

Mr Garry Shaw 6^th Degree

Mr John McIlvaney 6^th Degree

Mr David Lupton 5^th Degree

Mr Ronnie Dewhurst 4^th Degree

Mr John Munro 4^th Degree

Mr Brian Penman 4^th Degree

Mr Jason Munro 3^rd Degree

Mr Ross Penman 3^rd Degree

Mr Christopher Dickson 3^rd Degree

Mrs Kerris Dickson 3^rd Degree

Miss Lauren McMillan 3^rd Degree

Mr Michael Carver 2^nd Degree

Mr Craig McDonald 2^nd Degree

Mr John Ricci 2^nd Degree

Mr Stewart Mellon 2^nd Degree

Mrs Catriona Steele 1^st Degree

Mrs Brenda Bow 1^st Degree

Some further pictures can be found in the gallery below.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

This years edition of the West Lothian Open was held in Armadale Academy on Sunday 25th June.  This year the event attracted 377 competitors from 24 schools across Scotland and England.  Over the course of the day, more than 200 divisions were contested over 8 rings. With NTA – Boydell TKD being crowned overall school champions with 23 Gold medals.

Schools Attending

Aberdeenshire Blackbelt Clubs

Broxburn Black Belt Academy

Chimera Taekwon-Do

Club Lee

Glasgow East Taekwon-Do

GMAC Martial Arts

GMAC Tollcross

Howden School of Taekwon-Do

I-Kick Martial Arts

Inverness TKD

Lochgelly TKD

Monaghan Taekwon-Do

NTA-Boydell TKD

NTA-MWBA

Pro-Edge TKD

Robertsons Martial Arts

Scottish Martial Arts Centre

Shawmartialarts

T.A.E. Reflex Academy

T.A.E. – Jon Churchward Schools of Taekwon-Do

Taekwon-Do Association of England

Taekwon-Do UK

UTF Scotland

WMA

Congratulations to all medal winners, results can be found below.

WLO 2017 Overall School Results

WLO 2017_All Division Results

On behalf of ITF Scotland Board of Directors we would like take the opportunity to congratulate Master Robin Blair on his promotion to 7th Degree at the 120th International Instructor’s Course in Manchester, England on 8th July.

A full report from the IIC and Master’s grading to follow.