CENTRAL TAEKWONDO ACADEMY CELEBRATES 25th ANNIVERSARY

GOLD medallists, international champions, some 2000 members and over 200 black belts – just a few of the many highlights Central Taekwondo Academy is celebrating after 25 years in existence.

 The club has been based at Carronshore Community Centre since November 1993 and during that time well over 2000 people from the ages of 6 to 60 have experienced the fast and exciting Korean martial art of Taekwondo.

Central was founded by David Bailey, originally from Liverpool and now living in Larbert. He is now Grand Master Bailey and an eighth Dan in the sport, making him one of the most senior taekwondo instructors in the UK.

In the last twenty-five years, 223 students have achieved their coveted black belt and many have represented Scotland and the UK around the world at major international events.

To mark the club's success, a gala dinner was held last month at a local hotel, where over 100 guests enjoyed a great night of celebration.

Also last month the club’s annual Awards Night took place at Central Academy where all students got together for a twenty-fifth-anniversary photograph.

Central continues to have students at major championships. Jordyn Smith and Hassan Haider, both from Carronshore and now full-time GB athletes based in Manchester, recently competed at the World Taekwondo Grand Prix in Manchester. 

Jordyn, who has just been voted Scottish SportsAid Sportsperson of the Year 2018, is competing this week at the World Grand Slam in Wuxi, China.

Natasha Wilson, from Stenhousemuir, and Tegan O’May, from Maddiston, have just returned from the World Poomsae Championships in Taiwan. Both girls achieved tremendous performances in their respective divisions, just missing out on a place in the world’s top 10!

And last month Erin Shaw, from Larbert, won gold in Zagreb at the G1 Croatia Open. Neve Hogg gained a silver at the same event – a great result to add to the British Title she won at the end of October. Both girls are on the GB Development Squad and well on their way to joining Jordyn and Hassan on the World Class Programme.

Grand Master Bailey said: “I am very proud to have led Central Academy over the past 25 years and in my wildest dreams I could never have imagined the success we have achieved from our humble beginnings. 

“We have a great team of coaches and receive so much support from our students and their parents which I personally appreciate very much. 

“We will continue to work hard and keep our students competing and achieving at the highest level. 

“If the next 25 years are half as good as the last I will be absolutely delighted!”

Picture shows the 25th anniversary picture of Central students.

Ends                                                    December 7, 2018

INFORMATION – David Bailey, 07812 580 898