In recent years Master Dalton founded ITF Ireland, one of the country's largest martial
arts organisations ever. As its President, ITF Ireland has expanded rapidly, proving
that various associations can work to gather for the betterment of the country and
not for their own individual interests. Master Dalton has instructed and coached
numerous ITF and WKA world champions. In 2007 he was the coach for Irish men's team
and the Irish women's team in the World Championships in Birmingham, England. Both
teams won the gold medal in team sparring, a unique achievement in Irish Taekwon-Do
history. Master Dalton would like to thank his senior students for the help and support
that they have given him over the years, especially Mr. Riordan, 6th dan, Mr. Moriarty,
Mr. Fitzgibbon and Mrs. Dalton, who are all 5th Degree black belts. He would also
like to recognise Master. Patrick McCarthy, Master Norman Creedon and Grand Master
Choi Jung Hwa for their invaluable instruction and inspiration.
Major Achievements and Career History
1982-1986: Assistant instructor to Mr. Partick McCarthy at the Tralee Taekwon Do
School. Tournament wins at this time include, the Kerry Championships, the Cork 800,AITA
Limerick Championships, National Championships, Cork Youth Championships. Promoted
to Black Belt by Master Hee Il Cho. Joined Taekwon Do Federation of Ireland after
the immigration of Mr. McCarthy to England. Co founded the TFI Taekwon Do Academy
with Mr. Anthony Griffin.
1987-90: Promoted to 2nd and 3rd Dan by Master Norman Creedon. National black belt
team member of the Taekwon Do Federation of Ireland. Tournament wins include The
Cork Open, UCC boxing champion for three years running (light middle), UCC Open Martial
Arts Championships, Kerry vs. Cork team Championships, won nine of ten amateur boxing
bouts including national Colleges/Universities/Army title. Studies for primary degree
in University College Cork (Geography and Economics). Founded the South West Taekwon
Do Centre (Tralee). First students promoted to 1st Dan (including Mr. Riordan and
Mr. Moriarty).
1991-95: First students open their own schools. Completes week long ITF International
Instructors course under the founder of Taekwon Do, General Choi Hong Hi. Promoted
to 4th Dan by Master Norman Creedon. Founded the Irish United Taekwon Do Federation
(initially with six clubs). Studies Masters Degree and Higher Diploma in education
in UCC. Member of TFI national team. Captains joint IUTF-Taekwon Do Ireland team
to silver in multi nation tournament in Wales. Wins UCC Open Martial Arts Championships,
Best of the Best Grand Championship. Featured on Tanzania national television station
after conducting a seminar in Zanzibar. Given special Award for outstanding instruction
by the Institute of Technology, Tralee. Becomes Chairperson and Senior coach for
the IUTF.
1996-2000: IUTF Senior Coach, leading the Irish team to Gold medal wins across Europe
and also in Asia and Africa. Promoted to 5th Dan by panel headed by Master Max Geburt
(8th Dan) and Master Morris Ala Rashi (7th Dan). Receives highest score in grading
(1998, Germany). Receives special Award from Grand Master Soo Se Cho for "outstanding
contribution to the development of Taekwon Do and devoted service to the community
and country." Tournament gold medals include the West African Open, the GTI British
Championships, AIMAA Open World Championships. Cited by Kerry County Council for
achievements as Irish Coach for the year 2000 and for the overall contribution and
leadership to the Taekwon Do community in Kerry. Performed demonstrations and seminars
in The Gambia and Iran and appeared on television in those countries. Conducted seminars
in Germany, Britain and Barbados. First students (Mr. John Riordan, Mr. Jason Moriarty)
promoted to 4th Dan by Master Dave Oliver. Cover story of "Irish Fighter" magazine
and also featured in numerous British publications.
2001-2003: Conducted training seminar in Morocco. IUTF Senior Coach leading Irish
team members to wins in Austria, Canada, Germany, Italy, and Britain. IUTF became
the National Amalgamated Organisation for the International Taekwon Do Federation
in Ireland. Trained under ITF President, Master Choi Jung Hwa and Grand Master Kong
Yong Il in London. Coached Irish Junior Team in ITF Junior World Championships in
Argentina. Promoted to 6th Dan by Master R.K. Choy, 8th Dan, (ITF Secretary General
and BUTF Chairman). Conducted IUTF Instructor's Course in Germany, Tunisia and Turkey.
Conducted three sparring seminars in the UK, at the Ashford School of TKD, AMA Taekwon
Do (Manchester) and the London Taekwon Do Panthers. The Irish United Taekwon Do Federation
now stands at over 40 clubs.
2004-2006: Senior Coach for Irish team in the ITF World Championships. IUTF competitors
win numerous individual and team medals. Conducts seminars in Nigeria, Germany (WKA)
and the UK. Trains under Master Choi at the IICs in Belgium and the USA. Four students
promoted to fourth Dan. Invited to a position on the International Advisory Board
of TKD Power (UK).Worked on the Africa Project for the ITF and succeeded in bringing
many countries into the ITF. Selected as coach for Team Europe in the ITF Intercontinental
Cup events held in Argentina, Nigeria and Ireland. Co-organised with Mrs. Dalton
the International Instructors Course celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the ITF
under President Choi (with 220 participants). Completed four ITF International Umpire
and Referee Courses. First students- Mr. Riordan/Mr. Fitzgibbon are promoted to 5th
Dan.
2007-2010: Receives special 'ITF Award' from President Choi for 'outstanding contribution
for the expansion and promotion of the ITF.' Founded ITF Ireland, which opened up
membership of the ITF to many other organisations in Ireland. Assisted President
Choi in Masterclass in Bulgaria and in Netherlands. Completed 4th Dan and above IIC
with President Choi in London. Coaches Irish men´s team to team sparring gold and
the Irish women´s team to team sparring gold in the ITF World Championships in England.
Coaches WKA Ireland men´s team to world team gold in the WKA World Kickboxing Championships
in Germany. Conducts workshop in Buenos Aires for Taekwon-Do Association of Argentina.
Conducts workshops in the UK, Ghana (twice), Ethiopia and Togo. Organised IIC with
President Choi in Ballincollig, Ireland. Promoted to 7th Dan by Grandmaster Choi
Jung Hwa, March, 2008). Assisted Master Galarraga with IIC in Spain. Hosted two ITF
Referee Cources with Master Galarraga. Coached Team Europe to further wins in the
Intercontinental Cup in Nigeria, Ghana (Twice) and Russia. Memeber of the ITF Tournament
Committee.
