The Irish National Taekwon-Do Association held their Christmas Dan Grading at the Radisson Hotel, Little Island, Co Cork on Saturday the 8th of December. The grading saw seventeen 1st Kups go for 1st Degree, three first degrees go forward for 2nd Degrees, one third degree and one fifth degree.

The grading commenced at 10am with 1st Kups grading under the five person panel of Mr. Christy Fagan (VI), Mr. Nigel Stobie (VI), Ms. Amy-Jane Troy (V), Mr. Gareth Curran (IV) and Mr. Paul Floody (IV). The first part of the grading focused on the technical aspects of floor movements, patterns, step sparring and self-defence. Each group spent approximately twenty minutes on the floor where they were asked a variety of grade specific movements followed by patterns. The second stage of the grading allowed for the sparring.

Mr. Alan Troy back kick

Small groups of students were brought to the floor where they were asked to spar in a number of different bouts. The final stage focused on theory and destruction. Each student was brought to the table and theory questions and then proceeded to perform one pre-designated hand technique, special technique and an optional break.

The afternoon session chaired by the Master Panel – Master Brendan O’Toole (VIII), Master Val Douglas (VIII) and Master Gerry Martin (VII) focused on the senior grades. The same format was employed for these students. Notably, Mr. Alan Troy (53) went forward for the grade of sixth degree. Mr Troy has been training in Taekwon-Do for 22 years and displayed an excellent level of skill throughout every aspect of the grading.

The grading culminated at 4.30 and students were issued with results. The INTA would like to thank the Radisson Hotel in Cork for all their help and all those instructors and students who helped in the preparations for the grading and look forward to meeting everyone in the New Year.