Welcome to Irish United Taekwon-do Federation

The IUTF travelled to Spain for the 2006 Kickboxing World Championships and as usual came home with a glut of medals. The trip lasted a total of 10 days in the costal resort of Benidorm. In the junior continuous sparring section young Gabby Naughton was the star as she won gold in the final of -25kg section. Her sister Jessica also won a bronze medal. The pair hail from the Newcastle West TKD club under the auspices of Mr. Riordan. Eoghan Doyle from Galway also won a bronze medal in patterns. The standard in the children sections was exceptional with England , Canada and Germany leading the way.

In the adult sections Mr. Sean Keane was on fire in the -90kg section. He won four bouts on the way to the final where he fought a German opponent. This bout was considered by most to be the best of the finals with both fighters setting a relentless pace. Mr. Keane won a close first round while his opponent won the second. In the end the Corkman had to settle for silver, thus adding to his previous bronze ( Italy , 2002) and gold ( Ireland (2003) in WKA world championships. 2006 has been a great year for Mr. Keane. He already successfully represented ITF Team Europe in Lagos , Nigeria and in Cork . He won the Celtic Team Cup and the International Irish Championships. He was also crowned ITF European champion in the Hyperweight section. Roll on 2007.

Ms. Aoife Foley continued her good form from the ITF European Championships gold medal win by obtaining a bronze in the -65kg section. Ms. Foley was suffering the flu but only lost narrowlingly in the semi final due to her unbelievable mental strength and heart. Ms. Claire Oâ€™ Sullivan won a bronze medal in the Korean Forms and lost a close decision in the quarter finals. She won two bouts while battling with a serious back injury which she obtained a few weeks before. She will be one of the key IUTF medal hopes in next yearâ€™s WKA and ITF world championships.

This year was the first time that Mrs. Dalton was acting as WKA Vice President (in charge of Light Contact) and she said that â€œthe overall standard of the light contact division was exceptional this year. Any members who achieved a medal deserve a lot of credit. I looks like next years World Championships will be held in Germany , which will be great for the IUTF due to our strong connections to WKA Germany. WKA Ireland will now be running all the sections available for this event, including the semi-contact. The trials will be held in UCD on April 1st. More details will follow soon.â€

11 times Semi Contact World Kickboxing Champion Roland Conar travelled to Ireland to perform three points sparring seminars in December. Mr. Conar has won world championships sanctioned by all three world bodies (WKA, IAKSA and WAKO) and is regarded as the greatest points fighter in the world today. He has also fought extensively in Full Contact (German Champion), Light Contact, Boxing and Thai Boxing. The seminars were hosted by the South West TKD Club ( Tralee ), UCC and UCD clubs. The well attended courses concentrated on movement, definitive strikes, counter attacks and all round points sparring strategies. They also included some excellent training routines which aid in semi contact sparring. The participants in all three courses were in awe of the fantastic technique of Mr. Conar who hails from Croatia . Mr. Philpott of Millstreet and Kanturk TKD said that he had never seen such speed and precise skills on display previously. Mr. Moriarty of Tralee and Killarney TKD made particular note regarding the amazing power which Mr. Conar demonstrated. The IUTF would like to thank Mr. Conar for the excellent seminars. The association has hosted a number of world class seminars from foreign martial arts experts in 2004 which included Master Nicholls (patterns), Mr. McCarthy (self defence), Mr. Sahota (patterns), Mr. Nonnamacher (full contact) and Mr. Conar (semi contact). No other Irish organisation can compare with such a record.

The trials for WKA Ireland for the upcoming World Championships were held in the Cork Institute of Technology in May. This covered qualification for both the Light Contact sparring and “Korean Forms.” The event was supported by various associations such as the IUTF, Great Southern Taekwon-Do, Focus Martial Arts, East Coast Taekwon Do, Family Martial Arts, Taekwon-Do Ireland and others. There was a break through for the up and coming Mr. Leon Brydon of Athlone, who was in fine form in winning the -70kg section. Mr. Sean Keane Of Charleville was sparkling in the -90kg section. Mr. Keane is a former WKA World champion and will be looking to add a second world championship to his name in November.

Mrs. Dalton has just become the World Kickboxing Association (WKA) Vice President for Light Contact Sparring. This position means that she will be responsible for the development of Light Contact Sparring throughout the world. This will include such areas as system of scoring, rules etc. Mrs. Dalton thanked the WKA for the honour and said that she looked foreword to working closely with World President Mr. Paul Ingram and World Vice President Mr. Klaus Nonnemacher in the years to come. “This news also coincides with the creation of WKA Ireland which will promote the light contact sparring section of the WKA in the Republic of Ireland. We will be promoting the WKA in a new and vibrant manner over the ensuing years.” Mrs. Dalton was presented with a special IUTF award to celebrate the news at the Munster Championships. The award read: “In recognition of service to the IUTF and its members, for outstanding instruction to the IUTF students in Kerry and Cork and with congratulations on the event of your selection as World Vice President of Light Contact Section of the WKA.”

Mrs. Dalton received a Special Achievement Award from WKA Germany for her outstanding achievements in 2004. The award was presented by WKA World Vice President Mr. Nonnemacher. It was in recognition of the gold medal wins in the WKA World Championships, WKA World Cup (two gold) and International German Championships (three gold). In the world championships Mrs. Dalton was the only adult German competitor to win in the continuous section.

IUTF vs WKA Germany

WKA Germany sent a top class selection of competitors for a special friendly international with the IUTF. The event was held in front of a large crowd in Tralee. The Irish team, which was captained by Mr. Fitzgibbon, had to overcome stiff opposition which included a current WKA World Champion and two professional full contact fighters. In the end the Irish team triumphed, thus finishing off a great year for the IUTF. Afterwards the Irish and German friends travelled to the Tankard restruarant in Fenit for a wonderful meal and the presentation of the Black Belt Certificates.

Mr. Nonnemacher Seminar
(ITF World Hyperweight Campion)

The IUTF hosted a special Kickboxing seminar from ITF World Hyperweight Champion Mr. Klaus Nonnemacher. The seminar was held in the South West Taekwon Do Centre in Tralee and lasted over three hours. Almost all of the members which attended his previous seminar in 2003 returned to train with the man Mr. Dalton described as the "greatest all round competitor in the world." Mr. Nonnemacher has won 8 world titles spanning from semi contact to light contact and from full contact to karate. This seminar dealt with Thai boxing. The atmosphere was relaxed and friendly and everyone was boyued by the experience of training with a real all time great. Mr. Nonnemacher also conducted a seminar for the University of Limerick on the previous day.

World Championship win for Mrs Patricia Dalton

Congratulations to Mrs Patricia Dalton, on behalf of the IUTF Exec Committeee and all members, for winning gold in the WKA/IAKSA World Championships (-54 Kg). In the continuous final match (3 x 3min rounds) she defeated an opponent who had already won the full-conatct divison, making the fantastic achievement even more impressive. Mrs Daton had to win five fights to take gold. This was a historic tournament as it was the first joint World Championships between WKA and IAKSA in their quest for Olympic recognition.

WKA World Cup Report

The WKA World Cup brought a total of three gold, two silver and two bronze medals to the IUTF. The event was held in Trier and was attended by over 700 competitors who came mostly from Europe. There was also Irish representation from the IAKA. The University of Limerick funded Ms. Debra Donovan and Ms. Brenda Cremin and each brought back medals in the sparring. , Ms. Donovan won individual bronze while Ms. Cremin won the -64kg section. Ms. Cremin, who is a student of Mr. Dalton from Rathmore, won a gold medal as a junior in the 2000 open World Championships in Holland and looks to have a bright future as an international. Mrs. Dalton won two gold and two silver medals and was funded by the IUTF.

In preparation for the forthcoming WKA World Kickboxing Championships, to be held in Killarney Co Kerry the I.U.T.F hosted two days of seminars conducted by Mr Klaus Nonnemacher. Mr Nonnemacher is Vice-President of the WKA and has been a World Champion on seven different occasions. He was Professional Full Contact, Light Contact and Semi Contact World Champion! Seminars were held in Galway on Saturday 4th and Newcastle West on Sunday 5th.

Mr Nonnemacher concentrated on Thai Boxing and Full Contact techniques, teaching footwork, movement, correct body facing, parrying, feinting, counters with low kicks, high kicks, punches and elbows to name but a few of the techniques covered. As Mr Nonnemacher demonstrated he explained the purpose and application of each technique in detail. Many students commented on how it was a pleasure to take part in a seminar under such a true gentleman as Mr Nonnemacher. His vast knowledge is complemented by his easy going manner and ability to get the very best from those he is teaching. The IUTF will be bringing Mr. Nonamacher, who is also the Chairperson of WKA Germany) back to out shores at the end of 2004 for further seminars.

A six person IUTF Ladies team travelled to Germany for a team sparring event with the WKA. Each bout was over two rounds and the close fought team battle ended in a draw. Afterwards the Irish members were treated to some wonderful German hospitality and everyone enjoyed the experience tremendously. The competitors were as follows: Lucy Wolf (BUTF), Maeve Frawley ( Tralee and Chareville), Norma Carroll (C.I.T), Cathy Dunne (Tralee), Debra Donovan (Tralee and University of Limerick), Orla O' Shea (Cahirciveen). The coach was Ms. Patricia Dalton. The IUTF would like to express their thanks to WKA Germany for the special treatment of the Irish contingent. The trip was funded by the IUTF.

This years World Kickboxing Championships were held in the INEC, Killarney, Co Kerry. The IUTF had over 30 competitors in the event and also had 20 helpers to aid in the WKA organisation. Ms. Patricia Dalton (Tralee and the Cork Institute of Technology), Mr. Sean Keane (Charleville and Dingle) and Mr. James Lynne (Charciveen and the Cork Institute of Technology) all won gold medals in the senior Light Contact sections. Each had to fight over three rounds in their finals in front of a huge crowd of spectators.

Senior Winners (Light Contact):
Gold: Ms. Patricia Dalton (Tralee and the Cork Institute of Technology)
Gold: Mr. Sean Keane (Charleville and Dingle)
Gold: Mr James Lyne (Cahirciveen and Cork Institute of Technology)
Silver: Ms. Debra Donnovan (Tralee and University of Limerick)
Bronze: Ms. Ann Carroll (Cork Institute of Technology)
Bronze: Ms. Leslie Ann Furness (Cork Institute of Technology)

Junior Winners (Light Contact):
Silver: John o' Connor (Listowel)
Silver: Eoin Murphy (Cahirciveen)
Bronze: Claire o' Sullivan (Cahirciveen)
Bronze: Mark Dowling (Tralee)
Bronze: Kevin Larkin (Newcastle West)
Bronze (Semi Contact) : Angela O’ Connor (Galway)

In June 2001, IUTF members traveled to Austria for the WKA World Championships where they won the following medals:

Senior:
Mr. John Riordan, BRONZE, -75kg Light Contact
Ms. Patricia Dalton, BRONZE, -55kg Light Contact
Mr. Mark Philpott, GOLD, -60kg Light Contact
Junior:
Padraig O Connor, GOLD in Light Contact
David Keane, GOLD in Light Contact

IUTF medals flow at WOMAA World Games

IUTF competitors also excelled at the WOMAA World Games in Killarney where the following seniors won in the Light Contact: Ms. Patricia Dalton (gold and silver), Mr. Wesley O' Reagan (bronze), Mr. Sean Keane (silver), Padraig O Connor (bronze in seniors).There were numerous colour and junior belt winners. The heavy contact suited the IUTF competitors who were supremely fit and confident after their recent international wins. Sadly Mr. Moriarty aggravated his recent back injury and now faces a lengthy lay off.

WKA World Cup wins in Germany

Following the success of the World Championships the IUTF funded a team of 9 members for the WKA World Cup held in Hanau, Germany. A special mention should go to Padrain O' Connor who won the Junior heavyweight sparring with the flu. The following results were recorded:

Senior:
Ms. Patricia Dalton, SILVER, -55kg Light Contact + SILVER, Age 35 and over; Points, open weight
Mr. Paudie O Shea, SILVER, -85kg Light Contact
Ms. Deborah Donovan, GOLD, +70kg Light Contact

Junior:
Padraig O Connor, GOLD, +70kg Light Contact

The Irish United Taekwon Do Federation had a total of 24 fighters competing in the Light Contact section of the WKA World Kickboxing Championships in Italy. They were part of a huge Irish Squad under the auspesis of the IAKA (Irish Amateur Kickboxing Association). The IUTF senior team was headed by Don Dalton (5th Dan) with Patricia Dalton (3rd Dan) as assistant coach. The IUTF Junior team was coached by John Riordan (4th Dan) and assisted by Padraig O Shea (1st Dan). This was only the second year that the IUTF had competed with WKA Kickboxing but their success was exceptional with 11 medals won out of the 24 competitors. According to head coach Dalton "WKA tournaments have opened new and exciting oppertunities for us over the last year. We attended the World Championships last year in Austria and the WKA World Cup in Germany and the standard is brilliant. Overall the judging is very fair and this is a big positive compared to the norm when we travel away. We are looking foreward to again travelling to the World Cup in Germany in November which is a very organised, and well run competition with plenty of top class fighters from Eastern Europe to compete against."

Padraig O Connor of Listowel deserves special praise. In his first WKA outing as an adult the Kerryman won a silver medal in the -80kg section. Padraig won the WKA Junior World Championships in Vienna (2001). He also won two gold medals in the Taekwon Do International Open World Championships in Holland in 2000.

There was another gold medal for the group in the -55kg junior sparring with John O Connor of Listowel. O Connor fought in a relentless manner throught out every bout and was rewarded for his buzz saw style with his first major world title, the first of many! The complete list of winners were as follows:

Senior:
Padraig O Conner (silver), Sean Keane, Wesley O Regan, Aoife Foley, Norma Carroll, Deborah Donovan (all bronze).
Junior:
John Oconnor (gold), Katie Adamkiewiz, Kevin Larkin, Dara O Shea (all silver)

A group of 48 competitors, parents and instructors flew to Germany for four days to compete in the WKA World Cup.The group were coached by Mr. John Riordan, Mr. Shane Fitzgibbon and Ms Patricia Dalton. The complete list of winners is as follows:

Mark Dowling (-65) 2nd
Mr.Wesley O Regan(-75) 3rd
Ms.Triona Daly, 3rd,Tul
Ms.Norma Carroll(-60), 3rd
Deirdre OFlynn, (+65) 1st
Ms.Debra Donovan, (+75) 2nd
Jason McAuliffe, (-40) 3rd, 2nd
Eoghan Doyle, (-25) 2nd
Ciaran Doyle, (-30) 3rd
Angela O Connor,(-35) 2nd, 2ndTul, 3rd
Eoin Duffy,(-40) 2nd
Jennifer O Neill, (-65) 2nd, 3rd
Maria Lydon, (-40) 1st
Evan Gibbon, (-45) 3rd, 3rd
Christopher Fay-Regan, (-75) 3rd
Ms.Orla O Shea, (+65) 2nd
John O Connor, (-55) 1st
Claire O Sullivan, (-60) 1st, 2nd

IUTF Junior Team coach, Mr. John Riordan (4th Dan) took six junior black belts to a kickboxing event in England in April. According to Mr. Riordan "Even though some of the competitors were just 17 we had to place them in the adult sections so it was very difficult for them. They performed very well in the circumstances with Damien O Sullivan of Millstreet giving World kickboxing champion Chris Collymore a very close fight in the second round of the -70kg event. These trips are all about experience and I am certain that some of these youths will be major forces in the seniors within the next two years." The trip was funded by the IUTF.

November 2006	Mr. Keane Wins Silver in the WKA World Championships
MAy 2006	WKA Trials Held In CIT
December 2005	Mrs Dalton Becomes WKA Light Contact Vice President
December 2005	Mrs. Dalton Receives Achievement Award from WKA Germany
December 2004	Points Legend Roland Conar Gives KickboxingSeminars
December 2004	IUTF Vs WKA Germany
October 2004	Mr. Nonnemacher Seminar
September 2004	World Championship win for Mrs Patricia Dalton
June 2004	WKA World Cup Report
December 2003	IUTF Ladies team draw in Germany
November 2003	Mr Klaus Nonnemacher Seminars
October 2003	Dalton, Keane and Lynne win Gold
April 2002	IUTF Junior trip to England
November 2002	WKA World Cup
2002	IUTF Sparkle in Italy
November 2001	WKA World Cup wins in Germany
July 2001	IUTF medals flow at WOMAA World Games
June 2001	WKA World Championship success for IUTF