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GTI Chairperson Mr. Frank Murphy travelled to Tralee in order to conduct a TKD seminar for the South West TKD Centre. The course also included guest black belts from TKD Ireland. It was a fun day for all as Mr. Murphy’s out going and friendly personality relaxed the large class of adults. Mr. Murphy will return early next year for more IUTF events including a Black Belt grading and referee course.

Irish team coach Mr. Don Dalton gave praise for the wonderful performance of his IUTF team which remained undefeated to win the GTI British Team Championships which was held in Worcester, England. The event was organised by Mr. Clive Harrison and the standard was exceptionally high. Overall though the IUTF team showed great improvement since being formed in 1994 and this demonstrated the importance of regular top class competitions. Galway instructor Mr. Shane Fitzgibbon commented afterwards that “our squad training has been the key factor in our continuing improvement over the last 18 months; if we can continue with this positive approach then we truly can achieve great things.” The Irish team was captained by Mr. Jason Moriarty who dominated each of his opponents with ease. Ms. Patricia Koniuch (Dalton) was also asked to be a part of Mr. Harrison’s team and also went on to win a gold medal. The trip was funded by the IUTF.

Mr. Tony Sewell conducts seminars for IUTF

All time great Mr. Tony Sewell conducted two sparring seminars for IUTF members in October 1996. Mr. Sewell has won three individual World Taekwon Do titles as well as a number of team gold medals. The courses were extremely well attended and everyone left with a sense of awe and admiration for the amazing training experience. Afterwards IUTF Chairperson and Chief Instructor Mr. Dalton thanked Mr. Sewell and said “this has been special memory for us all to be in the presence of such an all time great practitioner of our beautiful art. When you see Mr. Sewell perform it is like food for the soul. Tony Sewell is to Taekwon Do as Picasso is to modern art.”

Mr Sewell having fun with the younger members

All Ireland Championships

The IUTF brought a large contingent to the All Ireland Open Taekwon Do Championships which were held in Dublin. The event was organised by GTI Northern Ireland. IUTF members won a total of seven of the nine weight categories in the male and female black belt sparring and also did well in the pattern’s section.