The Irish National Taekwon-Do Association held their Winter Black Belt Tests in the Anner Hotel, Thurles, Co Tipperary on Saturday the 6th of December. The promotions were split into two sections. The first section, which took place from 9am – 2pm consisted of all students going forward for 1st Degree Black Belt. These students were graded under the panel of Mr Christy Fagan (Chair), Ms Amy-Jane Troy, Mr Tom Connor, Mr Brian Behan and Mr Matthew Troy. These students took to the floor on three separate occasions to display firstly their fundamental movements and patterns, self-defence and step sparring, secondly, their sparring and finally their theory and breaking techniques.

The senior grades were tested under the Master Panel which consisted of Master Brendan O’Toole (VIII), Master Val Douglas (VIII) and Master Gerry Martin (VII). Each of the senior grades testing performed a range of colour belt and belt patterns for the panel and the large audience who gathered to support and watch the event. This was quickly followed by an excellent display of step sparring. Senior grades showed detailed understanding of the application of movements from throughout their pattern and applied them to various aspects of their step sparring routines. The sparring of these grades showed a high level of expertise and onlookers were impressed by the range of movements and quick pace of this section. The final stage saw participants answer a number of questions related to their desired grade and execution of specific techniques to a number of inch wooden boards.

The Irish National Taekwon-Do Association would like to congratulate all those who were promoted on the day. In addition a big thank-you to the Anner Hotel for their hospitality.

INTA 2014 AGM

The Irish National Taekwon-Do Association (INTA) held their 2014 AGM on Sunday the 7th of December in the Anner Hotel, Thurles, Co Tipperary. The event was attended by 39 instructors from all over the country. The AGM was officially opened by President Master Brendan O'Toole who thanked each of their instructors for their hard work and participation over the past year. Master O'Toole followed with a review of the key events of 2014 including the 2014 IIC which was hosted by the INTA in April.

Ms. Troy then went through the administrative calendar of the year, reviewing the events of 2014 and discussing events and key dates for 2015. Instructors were given the opportunity to discuss a variety of ideas and suggestions and a very productive and informative morning was had by all.

The 2014 AGM was a voting AGM and a number of new people were elected into key positions. 2015 will now see a very full and energetic board ready to bring the INTA into the new year.

The INTA would like to thank all of it's instructors and students for a very productive year and would like to wish them and their families a very merry Christmas.