Winter Black Belt Grading 2019

Written on 10 December 2019.

The INTA Winter Black Belt Grading 2019 took place in the Maldron Hotel in Tallaght, Co. Dublin, on Saturday 7 December.

A team of five 7th Dan Masters graded the eleven candidates going for 1st Dan. These aspirant black belts were tested in groups of four or five for basic movements, patterns, self-defense and 1, 2 & 3-step sparring. The same groups were later called to the floor for sparring. After a short break, the candidates presented themselves individually for the theory and power test. All twenty-one applicants passed to first degree.

Grand Master O'Toole was flanked by Master Douglas and Master Martin, to form the grading panel for those going for 2nd Dan or above. A total of fifteen black belts hoped to promote to a higher degree. Unfortunately, two candidates didn't succeed.

At the presentation of the results, all who promoted successfully were presented with an INTA Black Belt Certificate; the official ITF certificate will be sent out at a later date.

The INTA congratulates all those who passed.

Results:

The Master Franks Crystal Classic TaeKwon-Do Championships 2019.

Written on 27 September 2019.

Master Franks Fitness Centres held their 5th invitational Taekwon-Do Tournament The Crystal Classic on Sunday the 22nd September. The whole event was a huge success competitors from 30 ITF schools from all corners of Ireland attending.

The Tournament started at 10 a.m. with the Black Belt division, followed by special techniques up to 12 years competing in 6 rings for the one Gold medal in each height category for male and female in this very spectacular special technique event (Overhead kick). Following that was the Panda division (children from 4yrs to 7yrsold) where all kids were Crystal Classic Champions after completing an exciting and challenging circuit of events with their black belt mentors.
After that was finished it moved on to the colour belt patterns and sparring competition, where everyone put in a great performance. When the patterns were over the children and the adults were eager to get into the sparring gear where there were more great displays, from the competitors taking part in their first competition to the more seasoned competitors. It was also a great privilege to have Masters present from Dublin, Cork & Waterford Incl Master Nigel Stogie, Master Alan Troy, Master Neil Franks (Waterford), Master Donal O’Doherty, Master Derick Flynn & Master Mark Buckley.

Everyone enjoyed the day in a safe and friendly atmosphere, this was a great opportunity for members to catch up with old friends and make new ones.

Grand Master Sheena Sutherland

Written on 17 September 2019.

The INTA mourn the loss of a friend and champion of Taekwon-Do this week with the passing of GM Sheena Sutherland. GM Sutherland lived life to its fullest embracing and empowering those around her. Her love and devotion for Taekwon-Do and her students are a formidable legacy. In this moment we grieve her loss but also celebrate her life, her accomplishments and the memories we shared.

Master Franks to establish a South African ITF Taekwon-Do association

Written on 31 July 2019.

The President of the ITF, Grand-Master Paul Weiler, has asked Master Franks to establish a South African ITF Taekwon-Do association. Currently there are 15 national associations in the 54 nations in Africa: Algeria, Burundi, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Gambia, Kenya, Madagascar, Morocco, Mozambique, Senegal, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zanzibar, and Zimbabwe.

The plan is also to form committees for Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg and other towns. Master Franks is inviting all black belts of 1st Degree and above, currently living in South Africa, to attend his meetings. The meetings will be in South Africa's largest city, Johannesburg, on 11 & 12 December 2019.

Master Franks has completed 5 IICs under General Choi, in 1991 North Korea, 1992 Moscow, 1994 South Africa, 1997 Prague and 1999 Trinity College Dublin. He has completed 8 IICs with GTF from 2004 to 2011. He also hold a Sports Science diploma. Master Franks emigrated from South Africa to Ireland in 2011, and established four Master Franks Fitness Centres : Ballinakill, Ballyduff / Kilmeaden, Dunmore East, and W.I.T. Arena.

We wish Master Franks great success in forming a South African ITF Taekwon-Do association.