Gibraltar Taekwondo has been busy this summer, preparing for the Level 2 Certificate in Coaching Taekwondo course, which was delivered by Grand Master David Bailey, to our "black belts" senior members, in mid-August.
The Level 2 Certificate in Coaching Taekwondo is a qualification that provides you with an opportunity to study and be assessed for both the practical and theoretical aspects of coaching Taekwondo to groups of adults and children, in an appropriate environment. Prior to registration, all learners are required to have achieved their 1st Dan Grading and have extensive experience of participating in Taekwondo. Prior to full L2 certification, learners are required to be aged 18 years or over and have completed an Enhanced DBS Check. This course is usually run by British Taekwondo on mainland for 3 days with 8 weeks between days, but they re-adjusted the course dates specifically for Gibraltar and an intensive 2 day course was held instead. We would like to take this opportunity to thank British Taekwondo and Grand Master David Bailey for making this possible.
Masters Edward and Ernest Garcia together with Lorena Garcia, Dana Garcia, Leon Garcia, Megan Ruiz and Wayne Estella undertook the course.
Grand Master David Bailey was only recently promoted to 8th Dan, after grading at the renowned home of Taekwondo in Korea. David, originally from Liverpool, founded Central Taekwondo Academy in Carronshore (a small village in the Falkirk council area of Scotland) back in 1993 and has dedicated 36 years to Taekwondo. He quotes that Taekwondo is more than a sport, its a way of life, with integrity, perseverance, courtesy, health and happiness at its heart. Other than having been involved in many successful Championships, David hosted the 6th Commonwealth Taekwondo Championships in 2014 held in Edinburgh. David was accompanied to Gibraltar by his wife Angie, who also carries Taekwondo deep within her heart. Angie is 4th Dan, seven times British Poomsae Champion (2010 to 2016) and current Commonwealth Poomsae Champion.
Making the most of David's visit, a seminar was held at our Club for all members, both juniors and seniors. The seminar consisted mainly on "Sport Taekwondo" and despite the heat, it was fully enjoyed by all those who attended.
Just before leaving the Rock, David wrote "Thank you to Masters Ernest and Edward and everyone at Gibraltar Taekwondo for their superb organisation and hospitality. The coaches who attended the Level 2 Coach Education Course did a great job. The future of Taekwondo in Gibraltar is in safe hands! All the students at the training seminar were full of enthusiasm and it was a pleasure to teach such a dedicated and talented group. We thoroughly enjoyed our first ever visit to Gibraltar and hope that it will become the first of many. Thank you."
As always, we thank all members and families for their continued support!
