The annual Master Douglas Taekwon-Do Schools tournament on Saturday 26th May was a great success. Over 240 students from 22 clubs were partaking in this friendly co lour belt tournament, which was held in the fantastic hall of the Rosemont School. The first competitors started arriving at 9 a.m., and all competitors and umpires lined up at a quarter to ten. Master Douglas (VIII degree), who organised this tournament, welcomed all parents, students and umpires in a short speech. He introduced Master Franks and Master Stobie (both VII degree), and all 6th degree umpires: Mr Troy, Mr Hannigan and Mr Condon. All competitors received a free water bottle from Ballygowan, of all of 12 years and under were given a participation medal too.

The 128th International Instructor Course, hosted by the Irish National Taekwon-Do Association (INTA) and the ITF Technical Committee, was held in Dublin, Ireland on the 12th/13th of May. The event took place in the familiar Citywest Hotel, where the 2017 World Championships were held.

The IIC was conducted by the ITF Technical Committee, under Grandmaster Hector Marano, Grandmaster Kim Ung Lang and Grandmaster Pierre Laquerre. Grand Master Brendan O’Toole, president of INTA, was also in attendance and particpiated in the course.

A total of 185 participants attended the event, which included 20 GrandMasters/Masters, 80 Sabum and 80 Boosabum. The first day of the seminar saw the group train together and consider the practical application of movements, self-defense and step sparring.

The Irish National Taekwon-Do Association held its 19th I.N.T.A. Open International I.T.F. Taekwon-Do Tournament on 10 & 11 March, one of the longest running tournaments in Europe. It was held in the spacious sports complex Aras Preston in Gormanston, Co. Meath.

Early Saturday morning's line-up brought 360 students from Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Belgium to the floor. Opposite them were 70 umpires, and in between them an impressive group of other officials and special guests:
o    Master Stobie, 7th degree, Head Organizer and Head of the INTA Umpire Committee
o    Master Van Driessche, 7th degree, President of ITF Belgium
o    Master Fagan, 7th degree, INTA
o    Master Donnelly, 7th degree, INTA
o    Master Franks, 7th degree, INTA
o    Master Martin, 8th degree, INTA
o    Master Douglas, 8th degree, Vice President of the INTA
o    Master Vanberghen, 8th degree, Technical Director of ITF Belgium
o    Grand Master O’Toole, 9th degree, President of the INTA
o    Grand Master Weiler, 9th degree, Senior Vice President of the ITF – from Germany