On behalf of the Irish National Taekwon-Do Association (INTA) we would like to extend a very warm welcome to Master Franks and his students on joining the INTA.  Master Franks was a member of the South African ITF Association up to 2004, being one of the 3 highest ranked members of that association and holding the position of Technical Director. Prior to General Choi’s death in 2002 he had completed five IIC's in the presence of the founder of Taekwon-Do.

He has received several awards and has represented his country on the world stage.  Over the course of his 37 year Taekwon-Do career he has coached over 30 students to become world champions and refereed in 6 World Championship events.  Master Franks comes to the INTA with 4 clubs throughout Waterford.  The clubs are based in Ballinakill, Dunmore East, WIT Arena and Ballyduff/Kilmeaden.

 

We would also like to welcome all members of Impact Taekwon-Do in Fettercairn, a new club opened by one of our own INTA members, Mr. Patrick Walsh.  Mr. Walsh began his Taekwon-Do career in 2010 under the instruction of Mr. Mark Pollock.  He received his 1st degree in 2014 and was awarded his 2nd degree by the INTA senior examiner panel in 2016.  Mr. Walsh has competed at a national level and has been successful at many Irish tournaments, including the INTA National Championships.
Once again we extend our warmest welcome to both instructors and their students and we look forward to working with them into the future as members of the Irish National Taekwon-Do Association.
All club details can be found under the Find a Dojang link.

The INTA Winter Black Belt Grading was held on 2 December. From 9 o'clock onward, parents, instructors and nervous students gathered in the CityWest Hotel. Grand Master O'Toole, Master Douglas and Master Martin were on the panel for the twelve students grading to second degree and above, which took place in the bright first floor Conservatory. Master Donnelly led a panel of five senior instructors, including Master Fagan, in the adjacent much larger Ballroom; here 20 black tags presented themselves for their grading to first degree.

The INTA's Instructor and Technical Course was held in the Loreto Sports Complex in Fermoy on 4 & 5 November. The course is held twice per year, and gives all students the opportunity to train expand their knowledge of Taekwon-Do, and to train directly under the technical committee. Instructing were Grand Master O'Toole, Master Douglas (VIII), Master Martin (VIII) and Master Donnelly (VII).

More than 60 students attended the Saturday, which was open to all grades. Grand Master O'Toole led the course, and started with the explanation of the Theory of Power. Patterns from Chon-Ji to Juche took the rest of the day, and were explained in detail. Those whose patterns were done went over their three-, two-step sparring under guidance of the other Masters.