Dear Masters, Instructors and Plaque holders,

3rd International Competition Course

Motherwell Scotland
19 – 20 September 2015

2015 is turning into an auspicious year for ITF TaeKwon-Do in Scotland, in March we were fortunate enough to host the 100th IIC (International Instructors Course), breaking UK records with more than 300 participants in attendance.
Within a matter of weeks we will also be hosting the European Championships at the Ravenscraig Regional Sports facility on the outskirts of Glasgow, the first major tournament to be held in Scotland for more than 15 years. Most countries would be happy to have organised 2 major ITF TKD events in any one-year and leave it at that but rather than resting on our laurels ITF Scotland decided to go one better.
It was with great sadness that we learned earlier this year that Grand Master Wim Bos was to stand down from the IIC’s, for a new venture The ICC (International Competition Course). Grand Master Bos is one of the most respected, inspirational and enigmatic characters in ITF TaeKwon-Do, there is no doubt he will be missed by all at future IIC’s, but we are fortunate that he is still very much with us, and putting his efforts into the new format of ICC.
and now Scotland was also playing host to another fantastic course from the ITF, The International Competition Course or ICC. What exactly is an ICC and how would it differ from an IIC ?
ITF Scotland decided that the only way to answer this question was to bring it to Scotland and find out for ourselves. There were some concerns that the timing may not have been right for this course, with many in Scotland, and the Scottish team, in preparation for the European Championship’s, in only four weeks time, would anyone turn up and take part?, we need not have worried, and our concerns were proved unfounded.
The venue for the 3rd ICC was the Ravenscraig Sports Facility, soon to be home of the 2015 European Championships, and after the obligatory inscription on the Saturday morning there were a total of 90 participants lined up on the mats ranging from 3rd Kup blue belts, to 8th Degree.
The vast majority on the course were from Scotland, but we were also joined by 3 participants from Argentina, 3 from England and 1 from Austria, Grand Master MacCallums son, Ruaraidh MacCallum VI deg.

The Masters taking part on the course were Master Gordon Wallace VIII Degree, Master David McNairn VII Deg and Master David Murphy VII Degree.
Master Wallace took some time to introduce the course Instructors, Grand Master Willem Jacob Bos IX Deg, From Italy, Master Willy van de Mortel VIII Deg from The Netherlands and Sabum Tomaz Barada VI Deg from Slovenia.
Each was given an individual introduction and welcome, followed by warm vigerous and rousing applause before Master Wallace handed the proceedings over to Scotland’s own Grand Master, Grand Master Thomas MacCallum IX Deg, who officially opened the course.
In the pre-course literature, we were informed that the course would be broken up into 4 sessions, morning and afternoon over 2 days. Each session would consist of 3 x 1 hour slots, allowing each of the Instructors one hour in each session, with a 5 minute break in between. After a quick warm up Grand Master Bos was the first to take the reigns with the remainder of his hour spent showing various stretching techniques to help improve flexibility and kicking.
This stretching would prove invaluable for what was to come. Next was Master van de Mortel who took the group through some fundamental movements and pattern execution and finally Sabum Barada got his turn to show us some of his training methods, sparring drills and overall toughness and all of this before lunch. The afternoon session was the same order again and we covered all areas of pattern preparation and competition execution, pad and shield training methods and sparring techniques and tactics. The instructors made a point of asking ITF Scotland Squad Members that were present to volunteer themselves to the floor and show them how they could improve their patterns and their sparring. Although the instructors had their own slot to pass on their knowledge they were supported and assisted by the others who were more than happy to jump in and help out, it was obvious that they share a mutual respect and admiration for each other. There wasn’t much sitting around on the course, the handover between each Instructor was barely enough for a quick drink or snack before the next would take over. In any case everyone was having so much fun, participants and instructors alike that in most cases the hour would run over into someone else’s slot, the knock on effect being that the first days training finished an hour later than expected.
There was no official Banquet on Saturday evening but a quiet meal had been arranged at a local Italian restaurant for the Master’s, Organiser’s and ITF Scotland Coaches.
Sunday morning saw an earlier start to the ICC, the official photo was taken at 8.45am before everyone lined up and started the final day of the course. The day was spent looking at patterns and point deductions for errors, all aspects of special technique and power breaking. The day finished with coaching, conditioning and strength exercises, leg development, sparring drills and mental preparation and once again, many bouts of sparring drills and free sparring, which everyone including the Master’s took part.
Participation certificates were handed out before closing remarks and speeches by Master Wallace, Grand Master Bos, Master van de Mortel and Sabum Barada. Gifts were exchanged, the instructors were very happy to receive their Scottish Shortbread but overjoyed on receiving their 3rd ICC t-shirt. Grand Master MacCallum officially closed the course before final photos and departure.

In closing I should like to add a few words, I’m a veteran of many IIC’s, as I see them are a necessity for any instructor wishing to improve his or her knowledge, understanding and ability of ITF Taekwon-Do. Over the years I’ve watched the IIC’s develop mature and grow, they allow discussion for the advancement of our art.
I am an instructor, and an international umpire, my competition days are behind me now, so one might ask, what need is there for me or anyone that does not compete, or no longer competes, to take part in an ICC ?
In short, it is for those very reasons that I would recommend this course to anyone. Everyone on this course gave it there all, no one sat on the sidelines, everyone worked hard, sweated profusely, but most importantly, had fun, while learning new drills and sparring techniques, and everyone left the course with a re-invigorated buzz about what we do in ITF Taekwon-do. It was a bonus, and honour and a privilege to spend the weekend with Grand Master Bos, Master van de Mortel and Sabum Tomaz Barada, who were more than happy to share their knowledge and experience for the benefit of everyone, with nothing held back.

At the end of the course we were asked to fill in a questionnaire and make suggestions on how the course could be improved, after giving it some thought my only recommendation would be to take a towel and extra doboks, if you don’t sweat on this course, you never will.
Many thanks to Mr John MacIlvaney VI Degree and Mr David Condie V Degree, for bringing the ICC to Scotland, there are already plans for an England ICC which I am confident will be a great success, and I can only see this course going from strength to strength over the coming years, as more and more people hear about how good it really is…!

Credit:  Mr. Ronnie Dewhurst IV Degree

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

ITF Scotland National Coaching Staff and Management have announced the following, as the team representing Scotland at the European Championships in six weeks time.

The championships will take place over four days, at Ravenscraig Regional Sports Facility, Motherwell from 22nd – 25th October 2015.

SENIOR FEMALE – INDIVIDUAL EVENTS

Individual 1st Degree Pattern:  Katie Humphries (NTA) & Rachel Morning (TKDS)

Individual 2nd Degree Pattern:  Stephanie Willis (TKDS) & Alice Wilson (GMAC)

Individual 3rd Degree Pattern:  Kerris Dickson (GMAC) & Lauren McMillan (T-UK)

Individual 4th Degree Pattern:  Samantha Merritt (TKDSL) & Donna Black (T-UK)

Individual Sparring -50kg:  Katarzyna Sergiel (TKDS)

Individual Sparring -56kg:  Megan Brown (GMAC) & Samantha Merritt (TKDSL)

Individual Sparring -62kg:  Stephanie Willis (TKDS) & Rachel Morning (TKDS)

Individual Sparring -68kg:  Caitlin McGhee (TKDS)

Individual Sparring -75kg:  Lauren McMillan (T-UK)

Individual Special Technique:  Catriona Steele (NTA)

Individual Power:  Stephanie Willis (TKDS) & Rachel Morning (TKDS)

SENIOR FEMALE – TEAM EVENTS

1.  Megan Brown (GMAC)

2.  Kerris Dickson (GMAC)

3.  Katie Humphries (NTA)

4. Caitlin McGhee (TKDS)

5.  Lauren McMillan (T-UK)

6.  Rachel Morning (TKDS)

7.  Katarzyna Sergiel (TKDS)

8.  Catriona Steele (NTA)

9.  Stephanie Willis (TKDS)

SENIOR MALE – INDIVIDUAL EVENTS

Individual 1st Degree Pattern:  Colin Beattie (TKDS) & David Gray (TKDS)

Individual 2nd Degree Pattern:  Liam King (T-UK) & Jason Munro (GMAC)

Individual 3rd Degree Pattern:  Kieran McGowan (TKDS) & Ross Penman (GMAC)

Individual Sparring -63kg:  Alexander Gray (TKDS) & Liam King (T-UK)

Individual Sparring -70kg:  Iain O’Hare (TKDSL) & Ross Penman (GMAC)

Individual Sparring -78kg:  Gilles Brown (TKDSL)

Individual Sparring -85kg:  David Gray (TKDS)

Individual Sparring +85kg:  Colin Paterson (FVT)

Individual Power:  Jordan Tucker (STA) & Colin Paterson (FVT)

SENIOR MALE – TEAM EVENTS

1. Colin Beattie (TKDS)

2. Gilles Brown (TKDSL)

3.  Christopher Dickson (GMAC)

4. Alexander Gray (TKDS)

5. David Gray (TKDS)

6. Liam King (T-UK)

7. Kieran McGowan (TKDS)

8. Iain O’Hare (TKDSL)

9.  Adam Paterson (FVT)

10.  Ross Penman (GMAC)

JUNIOR FEMALE – INDIVIDUAL EVENTS

Individual 1st Degree Pattern:  Amber Campbell (TKDS), Dannielle Gallacher (NTA) & Catriona McRoberts (TKDSL)

Individual 2nd Degree Pattern:  Katrina Carr (NTA) & Megan Smillie (T-UK)

Individual Sparring -45kg:  Christina McGhee (TKDS)

Individual Sparring -50kg:  Katrina Carr (NTA)

Individual Sparring -55kg:  Erin Blair (STA) & Megan Smillie (T-UK)

Individual Sparring -60kg:  Dannielle Gallacher (NTA)

Individual Sparring -65kg:  Hannah McInnes (T-UK) & Elle Trinder (NTA)

Individual Power:  Katrina Carr (NTA)

JUNIOR FEMALE – TEAM EVENTS

1. Erin Blair (STA)

2. Jodie Boydell (NTA)

3. Katrina Carr (NTA)

4. Katie Louise Davidson (NTA)

5. Dannielle Gallacher (NTA)

6. Alex Marshall (T-UK)

7. Christina McGhee (TKDS)

8. Catriona McRoberts (TKDSL)

9.  Danielle Simmers (NTA)

10. Elle Trinder (NTA)

JUNIOR MALE – INDIVIDUAL EVENTS

Individual 1st Degree Pattern:  Jack Lobban (TKDS), Matthew O’Hare (TKDS) & Michael McRoberts (TKDSL)

Individual 2nd Degree Pattern:  Stewart Mellon (STA) & Rogan Rennie (NTA)

Individual Sparring -50kg:  Ben Leadbetter (STA)

Individual Sparring -56kg:  Prentis MacLean (TKDSL), Matthew O’Hare (TKDS) & Gregor Towers (T-UK)

Individual Sparring -62kg:  Michael McRoberts (TKDSL), Dylan Christie (FVT) & Rogan Rennie (NTA)

Individual Sparring -68kg:  Stewart Mellon (STA)

Individual Sparring +75kg:  Lewis Walker (T-UK)

Individual Special Technique:  Ethan McKenna (GMAC) & Dylan Christie (FVT)

Individual Power:  Jay Jervis (GMAC), Michael McRoberts (TKDSL) & Stewart Mellon (STA)

JUNIOR MALE – TEAM EVENTS

1. James Craik (NTA)

2. Jay Jervis (GMAC)

3. Jack Lobban (TKDS)

4. Michael McRoberts (TKDSL)

5. Stewart Mellon (STA)

6. Matthew O’Hare (TKDS)

7. Rogan Rennie (NTA)

8. George Russell (STA)

9. Gregor Towers (T-UK)

10. Lewis Walker (T-UK)

We hope to see as many people from our Scottish Clubs coming along to support our national team, as they strive towards medal success at these championships on home turf!!

To pre-order tickets please visit www.tkdeuros2015.com

Dear Masters, Instructors and Students,

The date for the 2015 North East Challenge Cup (NECC) has been set as 5th December.

Venue and further details to follow.

Keep the date in your diary.  And watch this space for more information!

ITF Scotland National Team Training will take place in Perth on Sunday 6th September, according to the following schedule.

VENUE:  North Inch Community Campus, Perth.

Pattern 9:30 – 12:15
Sparring 12:30 – 3:30
Power and Special Technique will be practised throughout both the morning & afternoon session to suit.

Cost £10.00

Dear Masters, Instructors and Blackbelts,

ITF Scotland National Team Selection – European Championships 2015

I invite all competitors to apply for selection to the ITF Scotland National Team attending the European Championships in Motherwell, Scotland from 22^nd – 25^th October 2015.

The selection event will be held on Sunday 23^rd August at GMAC Martial Arts, Craigwillow Centre, Craigshill Road, Livingston, EH54 5DT. The selections will commence at 10am.

Please note that on arrival all competitors will be weight checked, and must be within 2kg of their chosen sparring weight.

All competitors wishing to go forward for selection must apply to the Team Manager no later than Sunday 16^th August. Applications should be sent alongside a signed copy of the ITF Scotland Competitor Agreement Form via e-mail to nationalteam@itfscotland.com.

Only applications sent by instructors will be accepted. Please do not send individual applications. Applications sent in after the deadline will be declined.

Junior competitors must be minimum of 14 years on the first day of competition; all those born in the year 1997 must compete as a Junior. Senior’s should be born in 1996 or earlier, as per the rules of competition in the official invite.

Yours sincerely,

Mr. John McIlvaney

ITF Scotland Team Manager

Application Forms to be downloaded below

ITFS European Championships 2015 Selection Details

ITFS Competitor Agreement 2015

ITF Scotland Team Selection Applications Euro 2015

Please note this is a pre-registration only event, please forward application forms by the deadline detailed above.

Subject : ITF Umpire Courses, World Cup 2016 and World Championships 2017 Umpire participation requirements.

Dear Members,

This is to inform you about the following:

In order to align Umpires worldwide concerning the ITF Tournament and Umpire Rules and Regulations the ITF – in cooperation with an NA or AA – shall organize during the years 2016 and 2017 , in all Continents, an official ITF Qualifying Umpire Course.

The ITF Qualifying Umpire Course gives 3rd degree and above the possibility to qualify and request the ITF Official Umpire “A” status at the date they are promoted to 4th degree.

All country members pay the settled IUC course fee with the exception of the approved countries that have a reduction of fees according the economic status in their country as approved by the ITF Congress members. (Ask your NA or AA about the course fee)

Duration & Participation
Duration – two (2) days with a total of 12 hours.
Participation – 1st Degree Black Belt and above.

Any NA or AA willing to organize the ITF Qualifying Umpire Course may contact the ITFHQ in order to receive the requirements and or agreement.

World Cup 2016 & World Championships 2017 – Umpire participation requirements

Umpires (2nd degree and above) that wish to participate at the World Cup 2016 to be held in Budapest, Hungary on October 2016 must attend the “ ITF Qualifying Umpire Course” to be held during the year 2016.

Umpires (4th degree and above) that wish to participate at the World Championships 2017 to be held in Dublin, Ireland on October 2017 must attend the “ ITF Qualifying Umpire Course” to be held during the years 2016 and/or 2017.
.
N.B.: Umpires who did participate at any prior Umpire course in one of the previous years must attend the ITF Qualifying Umpire Course in order to be selected!

Therefore Only Umpires that shall participate at the mentioned course might be selected for the World Cup 2016 and/or World Championships 2017.

No others shall be allowed to participate as an Umpire at the World Cup 2016 and /or World Championship 2017.

The following requirements are also requested for those Umpires wishing to be an Umpire at the World Cup 2016 and /or World Championships 2017:

a. They must participate at the ITF Qualifying Umpire Course.
b. They must be in possession of an “B” Class ITF Umpire Certificate
c. They must be in possession of an “A” Class ITF Umpire Certificate.
d. They must have been very active at National and Continental Events during the years 2015, 2016 and 2017.
e. They must have participated at one (1) or more International Instructor Course (IIC) during the years 2015, 2016 and/or 2017.
f. They must attend the Umpire Meetings at the World Cup 2016 and/or World Championships 2017.
g. They must speak English and/or Spanish.

Umpires – World Cup 2016

Any Black Belt from 2nd degree and above who successfully participated at the ITF Qualifying Umpire Course may apply as an Umpire for the World Cup 2016 through their NA or AA.

The NA and/or AA shall inform the Umpire Committee about their members wishing to become an Umpire for the World Cup 2016 on or before July 1st , 2016 using the approved application form.

On or before July 31st, 2016 the ITF Chairman of Umpire shall inform the NA and /or AA about the participation in order that those selected might book the travel in time.

The ITF/Organizer shall cover for the selected Umpires:

• an 7 days/6 nights hotel accommodation* (arrival Tuesday – departure Monday) including a full board arrangement (breakfast, lunch and dinner) sharing a twin room.
N.B: Extra Hotel nights must be covered by the selected Umpires.
• a daily expenses amount on competition days to 2nd -3rd degree Umpires.
• a daily expenses amount on competition days to 4th-6th degree Umpires.
• a daily expenses amount on competition days to 7th-8th degree Umpires.
• a gift from the organizing committee.
• ITF certificate of participation.

In addition new Umpires shall receive the new Umpire jacket complete with the ITF Official Umpire logo!

Event Schedule (7 days/6 nights)

• Tuesday – Arrival – Hotel check in – Meeting with the Umpire Committee for an evening drink.
• Wednesday – Umpire Meetings.
• Thursday/Friday/Saturday and Sunday – Competition.
• Monday – Departure or stay for a holiday.

Selected Umpires/Referees shall be divided into:

• Jury Presidents
• Pattern Referees
• Traditional Sparring Referees.
• Centre Referees for Sparring.
• Corner Referees for Sparring.
• Power & Special Technique Referees.

Participation Terms:

Selected Umpires :
• not officiating during event according to the rules and regulations,
• not attending the Umpire meetings before the event,
• not being present during event when requested,

shall not receive any daily expenses and shall be removed immediately from their Umpire Hotel accommodation. Payments for Umpires fulfilling the “Participating Terms” shall be made right after the Championships on the last day of the event.

Umpires – World Championship 2017

The ITF shall select Umpires from each Continent. The procedure shall be that from each participating country taking part in the 2017 World Championships at least one (1) Umpire measuring above mentioned criteria “World Championship 2017 – Umpire participation” might be selected.

Extra

• The ITF shall select at least two (2) Umpires from countries participating with more than 40 competitors measuring above mentioned criteria for the 2017 World Championship.

• The ITF shall select at least three (3) Umpires from countries participating with more than 75 competitors measuring above mentioned criteria for the 2017 World Championship.

• The ITF shall select at least four (4) Umpires from countries participating with over 100 competitors measuring above mentioned criteria for the 2017 World Championship.

• The ITF might select other Umpires measuring above mentioned criteria for the 2017 World Championship.

The ITF/Organizer shall cover for the selected Umpires:

• an 8 days/7 nights hotel accommodation* (arrival Monday – departure Monday) including a full board arrangement (breakfast, lunch and dinner) sharing a twin room.
N.B: Extra Hotel nights must be covered by the selected Umpires.
• a daily expenses amount on competition days to 4th-6th degree Umpires.
• a daily expenses amount on competition days to 7th-8th degree Umpires.
• a gift from the organizing committee.
• ITF certificate of participation.

In addition new Umpires shall receive the new Umpire jacket complete with the ITF Official Umpire logo!

Event Schedule (8 days/7 nights)

• Monday – Arrival – Hotel check in – Meeting with the Umpire Committee for an evening drink.
• Tuesday – Umpire Meetings.
• Wednesday/Thursday/Friday/Saturday and Sunday – Competition.
• Monday – Departure or stay for a holiday.

Selected Umpires/Referees shall be divided into:

• Jury Presidents
• Pattern Referees
• Traditional Sparring Referees.
• Centre Referees for Sparring.
• Corner Referees for Sparring.
• Power & Special Technique Referees.

Participation Terms:

Selected Umpires :
• not officiating during event according to the rules and regulations,
• not attending the Umpire meetings before the event,
• not being present during event when requested,

shall not receive any daily expenses and shall be removed immediately from their Umpire Hotel accommodation. Payments for Umpires fulfilling the “Participating Terms” shall be made right after the Championships on the last day of the event.

In order to apply as an Umpire at the 2017 World Championships the Member Association must send on or before May 1st , 2017 the approved application form.

On or before May 31st, 2017 the ITF Chairman of Umpire shall inform those selected Umpires about their participation in order that they might book the travel in time.

Yours in Taekwon-Do,

GM Wim Bos
ITF Director
gmbositf@gmail.com

Master Alberto Katz
Chairman ITF Umpire Committee
akatz@saleslaboratories.com

Dear Masters, Instructors and Members,

There will be NO ITF Scotland North Squad Training held on Saturday 25th July, due to holidays.

Those who wish to continue their national training can do so at the South session on Sunday 26th.  Details available here.

The following weeks session will take place on Sunday 2nd August at North Inch Community Campus, Gowans Terrace, Perth, Perth and Kinross PH1 5BF.  All members looking to be selected for the European Championships must be in attendance at this session.