Mr. Niall Jones particpated in the 78th International Instructors Course which was held in Tralee over 3 days. The seminar was conducted be the ITF Technical Commitee Grandmaster Hector Marano, Grandmaster Wim Bos and Grandmaster Lan Ung. The three day course covered all 24 patterns from Chon-ji up to Tong-il, step sparring, free sparring, Hosin sul (self defence) and teaching of the Do. On Sunday morning the test for 6th - 8th took place, and the test was conducted by the ITF Promotions board Grandmaster Lan 9th degree and Grandmaster Marano 9th degree. Mr. Niall jones was asked to perform So-san, Se-Jong and an optional pattern Moon Moo. he was also tested on 3,2 and 1 step sparring, hosin sul techniques, free sparring and power techniques. After all the candidates had finished their testing it was announced Mr. Niall Jones was promoted to 6th degree.

The Irish National Taekwon-do squad have returned home from their most successful european championships with an outstanding amount of medals reaching second place in the overall standings. The squad consisted of 38 competitors including Mr. Ryan Shelley, Mr. Adam Shelley and Mr. Philip O' Gorman who competed in -52kg sparring and Team patterns, -63kg sparring and Team Sparring, and -70kg sparring and pre-arranged sparring. The competition began on the Friday and the saw Mr. philip o' Gorman compete in pre-arranged with Ms Chloe Aboud against Russia, unfortunately they were unsuccessful and the decision went to the other team. near to the end of the day Mr. Ryan Shelley competing in Team Patern won Silver losing out to a Spain in the final. On the second day Mr. Adam shelley ended up in the final of the -63kg sparring after beating Poland, Russia, Slovenia and eventually beating Dylan Fitzgibbon the current world champion from Ireland to become European champion. Mr. Ryan Shelley also became European champion after beating Italy, Bulgaria, Russia and again the second junior competitor from Russia in the final. Also Competing on the day was Mr. Philip O' Gorman who faught well in the -70kg sparring but was unsuccessful against the Bulgarian player. A huge congratulations to Ryan and Adam in achieving the coveted title of european champion.

Click here for photos

Grading will take place in St Brigid's GNS at 10am

This year's INTA Open International took place in Tallaght at the National Basketball Arena over the 5th and 6th of February. The Killester Taekwon-do Club was in attendance with a 30 strong squad ranging from yellow belt up to black belt. The tournament was very well run and the venue was excellent. The Killester competitors performed exceptionally well and came home with a staggering haul of 40 medals in Patterns, Sparring and Special Technique categories. In total the club won 15 gold, 7 silver and 18 bronze and were placed number 1 at the tournament. Mr. Jones was very proud of all competitors that took part and looks forward to the ITA cork championships on the 20th of February. Finally we would like to especially thank our umpires Ms Byrne and Ms Fanning.

Some photos of the winners can be seen here.

The Quiz night was a great sucess with 15 teams vying for the top prize. The teams were made up of club members and their family and friends. Altogether, icluding the proceeds of the raffle we raised €1,005.00 which goes to help towards the cost of sending Mr. Adam Shelley to the World championships which are being held in New Zealand in March. Besides it being a fundraiser it also worked out to be a great night out for all the club members and we are all loooking forward to the next one.