To all Students, Instructors and friends of the GTUK around the world.
On behalf of GMO and the GTUK Executive board we wish you a very happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year.
The pandemic caused so many problems for everyone and the GTUK has suffered, but we have made some great progress in getting back to normality.
Thank you to all students and their families for supporting the GTUK Invitational Championships back in October, the first big event after restrictions were lifted.
Then a massive and well earned congratulations to those students that took both National and International Degree tests at the Blackbelt grading, such a great standard after a long break in training for many of you.
We look back and congratulate the Instructors and Students that have worked hard rebuilding the Association.
We still have some work to do in 2021, Good luck to all students taking tests in the next two weeks.
Finally, we eagerly look towards 2022, the continued growth, more events and seeing you all again.
Best wishes for the festive season and a very happy New Year.
Newly formed ICENI Taekwon-do took a small group to Coventry for the GTUK British Open Championships, and came back with 5 medals!
Jason Drake 2nd Dan Black Belt won a Silver for Sparring
Michael Wickwar Green Tag, won Gold for Patterns and Gold for Sparring
Danny Abramson Green Tag, won Silver for Patterns and Silver for Sparring
Amanda Dykes was in full support, along with ICENI instructors and officials Mr and Mrs Bedingfield.
But there is more to this story than just the medals…
This was the first tournament since the pandemic lockdowns, and both Danny and Michael joined the club while training was restricted to socially distanced techniques with no contact. This was then followed by a lengthy spell of training at home via zoom sessions with their instructors, sometimes with very poor internet connections, and very small training spaces in their homes.
Only in August did they actually get to hit a bag and were allowed close contact sparring tuition.
So their achievements, like so many at this tournament, was a victory for all those who have persevered to learn Taekwon-do through the pandemic, supported by hard working instructors who would not give up their dedication to teaching Taekwon-do.
If anyone out there wishes to join us at ICENI Taekwon-do please go to our booking page for more information on how to book a free session: iceniTKD.uk