The Irish National Taekwon-Do Association (INTA) hosted the Irish National Championships over the weekend of the 20th and 21st October 2012 at the state of the art Watershed Arena in the historical city of Kilkenny, Ireland. This year’s event drew more than 300 competitors from throughout the island of Ireland to the two day event which saw Junior Competitors participate on the Saturday and Senior Competitors on the Sunday.

The event grows in strength year on year due to the continued professional, logistical and technical approach by the INTA Tournament and Umpire Committee utilising the most up-to-date software and strict adherence to the ITF Syllabus and tournament rules. The tournament was an outstanding success for competitors, spectators, supporters, parents and umpires alike. The INTA actively encourage an atmosphere of inclusive participation which supports all level of skill, young and old, novice and experienced alike.

The INTA professional approach contributed to a National Championships which focused on competitor safety, spectator enjoyment and outstanding events which showcased the very best of the ITF Syllabus including Patterns, Sparring and Power. The event was marshalled by experienced Tournament Director Mr Nigel Stobie (VI) and oversaw by INTA President Master Brendan O’Toole (VIII), Master Val Douglas (VIII) and Master Gerry Martin (VII).

Day One - Saturday (Junior Colour and Junior Black belt)

Tournament Director Mr Stobie (VI) called his Umpire meeting at 9am sharp and allocated ring councils to all five rings. The Tournament started at 10am sharp and progressed through all relevant age/ grade pattern and sparring divisions efficiently throughout the day. The talent on show was outstanding and created an atmosphere to showcase the very best of ITF talent in Ireland. Spectators and Parents alike savoured the event and appreciated the efficient and supportive approach by the Umpires and Volunteers throughout the day. The competitive drive by all competitors helped by the their coaches and instructors, cheered on by their supporters help create an enjoyable and exciting day for all concerned and further contribute to the positive image and professionalism of the INTA and the ITF.

Day Two – Sunday (Senior Colour and Senior Black belt)

Following the 9am Umpire meeting the senior colour and black belt patterns commenced at 10 am sharp. The quality of the competitors was simply outstanding and provided a high level of exhilarating and exceptional talent on display. The senior black belt patterns were well received by all in attendance with the I, II, III and IV divisions hotly contested. Following the patterns, the sparring divisions commenced which offered up a wonderful display of technique, athleticism and strategic manoeuvring which kept the lively crowd enthused throughout the day. The event was run with the competitors to the fore which resulted in a very high calibre of sparring talent on display.

Commenting on the years Irish National Championships,
INTA President Master Brendan O’Toole VIII Dan

‘I am extremely proud to be associated with the ITF and the INTA when we can showcase such spectacular tournaments. I would like to thank our Tournament and Umpire committee for hosting such a superb tournament which can truly be called a National Championship. It never ceases to amaze me on a personal level at the continued strive for excellence by all competitors both novice and experienced and their drive to win. The spectators, supporters and parents witnessed the very best of our ITF talent in Ireland and were not disappointed. The ITF continues to grow in Ireland with the drive and enthusiasm of the INTA and I am confident next year’s National will be even bigger and better’

M G Boylan III Dan