Army Sport, World Taekwondo held a 5-day development course at the Combat Sports Centre during the period 19-23 Feb 24. This was followed by the Army Open Championships on 24 Feb 24. 25 multi-ability martial artists were put through their Taekwondo paces by Army and the UKAF coaches which resulted in lots of sweat, smiles and progress. Several notable achievements were made during the week and they are included below.
The Army Open was also held on Day 6 and this included both Poomsae (patterns) and Kyorugi (full contact sparring). This brought the best out of our personnel who demonstrated that they could present both technical patterns as well as conducting combat sparring against the best Army players. It also offered the perfect opportunity to talent spot and identify players to represent Team Army at the Army hosted Interservices’ 2024.
- 25 SP have improved Taekwondo skills (including a 60+ year old Reservist) which force generated a popular Tier 2 Army Sport
- 9 SP have passed British Taekwondo (National Governing Body) gradings (promotions)
- 11 SP have completed Phase 1 of the new British Taekwondo L2 Coaching pathway (educational)
- Emerging talent has been identified and they will be developed through the Army Sport, World Taekwondo development programme
- Significant defence engagement and media activities conducted during the course with interviews to Soldier Magazine, BFBS and Army Extra
- Announcement made that Sgt Guba won the Malawian National Sportsman of the Year, due to his Taekwondo achievements, enabled by the British Army Sport
- Announcement of one AMAA Honorary Lifetime Membership Award – UKAF Coach Master John Harrison
- Award of Army Colours’ certificates
Interested in Army World Taekwondo (Regulars, Reserves, UOTC, FTRS, MPS, MPGS and Army exchange personnel), then please contact Stephen.Gibbons168@mod.gov.uk