Bristol Taekwondo School had a great result on Saturday at the Southampton Open Taekwondo Competition which was attended by many clubs and top competitors. All of our Poomsae entries won gold and silver medals, standing out against their opposition for a clean sweep. We also took a gold and two bronze medals in sparring.
We had 6 entries winning 2 gold and one silver in Poomsae and a silver and 2 bronze in the Sparring. Our senior high level fighter fought another top opponent to set produce match of the day, with both fighters showing skill, speed, power, and tactics.
Alysia on her way to the finalAndryl on his way to the finalSophie in the finalSophie in the finalPoomsae medaal winnersArshan with his Bronze medalArshan (blue) in one of his matchesSam in red with a great performance in his first competitionSam in red with a great performance in his first competitionSaman (in blue) with a quality performance in the finalSaman ready for his fight
Our Sincere condolences to the family and friends, and all that knew former Kukkiwon President grandmaster Gang Won Sik (87) who has passed away on 3rd October 2024. He will be fondly remembered and may he rest in peace.
Grand Master Davies receiving his KOMS presentation from Kukkiwon President Gang Won Sik
Club member Saman Naseri (left) wins the gold medal at the Welsh International Championships on Sunday 30th July in Cardiff in a well fought match. Saman fought in the -80Kg weight class as an A class fighter using Daedo full electronic body protection and scoring.
The seminar conducted by Grandmaster Shin Beyoung Hun 9th Dan from Korea at our school on Thursday 18th April was a great sucess. It was part of a series of seminars conducted by Grandmaster Shin in Ireland the UK and France celebrating the 80th anniversary of the Chungdokwan parent school. Students from Bristol, Chippenham and Portishead attended as well as a couple from Stevenage and Nottingham.
We are pleased to announce that Grandmaster Shin Byoung Hyun 9th Dan from Korea will be visiting our Kingswood club on Thursday 18th April to conduct a 2 hour training session 7pm – 9pm. Grandmaster Shin visited our club 2 years ago which was a very sucessful event, and Grandmaster Davies has recently returned from an international event in Malaysia where Grandmaster Shin was teaching.
This is a fantastic opportunity to train with a senior Grandmaster who is Principal of the World Chungdokwan Federation and a high dan examiner of the World Taekwondo HQ in Korea, the Kukkiwon.
The cost for this seminar is only £20 per person as the event is being subsidised by the club. Please get in touch if you wish to attend as places are limited.
Grandmaster Christopher Davies attended the 1st Chungdokwan instructor course which was held in Malaysia on 1st to 3rd March 2024.where 14 Grandmasters attended from Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Ireland, Hong Kong, Argentina and France. There were also many other high dans from other countries including India, Australia and Newzealand. At the same time there was a Junior Chungdokwan section being trained with around 60 or more Participants.
The course was conducted by Grandmaster Shin Byeoung Hyun, Grandmaster Choi and Grandmaster Im Bo Soon all from Korea.
Grandmaster and High Dans training in basics and Poomsae
Some of the seniors and juniors on the last day for presentationsGrandmaster Davies being presented with the Chungdokwan Oath from Grandmaster Shin
Saturday 10th February saw a small team from our clubs put on a Demonstration at the Chinese New Year celebrations held at the Wai Yee Hong Chinese Supermarket in Bristol. The event attracted several thousand visitors throughout the day with stall and displays throughout the day. Well done to our team, who did several demonstrations throughout the day and were very well received.
Jin Moo Kwan Demo TeamDemo Team on Stage ready to startTriple aerial kick
Below is a wonderful note of appreciation sent to us by one of our students parents following the demonstration.
Dear Master Chris and Master Carson,
“I wanted to take a moment to extend my heartfelt gratitude to each of you for the outstanding training and guidance you provided to my son and all the students for the Chinese New Year festival Taekwondo performance yesterday. Your dedication and expertise truly shone through in the incredible show he and his fellow participants delivered. The performance was not only a testament to the hard work and commitment of the students, but also a reflection of the exceptional teaching and support they receive under your leadership. Your passion for Taekwondo and your unwavering belief in your students’ potential have undoubtedly played a significant role in their success. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for everything you do to inspire and empower the next generation of martial artists. I am immensely grateful for the positive impact you continue to have on my son and all student’s journey.”
Grandmaster Davies will be attending the 80th Anniversary International Chungdokwan Instructors Course in Malaysia in March 2024 with many other Chungdokwan Blackbelts, Masters and Grandmasters from around the world.
On Sunday 3rd December Grandmaster Chris Davies was part of the examination panel for the very first UK Kukkiwon Office high Dan grading, held in Manchester. There were 5 Grandmasters all of 8th Dan and above on the panel from across the independent Kukkiwon KMS and MNA ranks, grading people from 5th Dan to 7th Dan . The successful candidates and the grading panel are seen below. The examiners from left to right are Elias Biescas 8th Dan, Christopher Davies 8th Dan, Neil Guest 8th Dan, Shin Tong Wan 9th Dan and Keith Evans 8th Dan.
