School News

Master Robert Howard (7th Degree) will be giving a lecture on 'The Physics of Martial Arts' as part of National Science week at the Dublin Institute of Techology. The lecture and demonstration is aimed at 5th and 6th year second level students and will explain the physics behind the breaking of wood and tiles with Taekwon-Do hand and foot techniques. Master Howard who also has a PhD in physics will be explain the concepts of; velocity, momentum, force and energy, while at the same time checking if his physics is correct by smashing timber and tiles.

Venue: Gleeson Theatre, Dublin Institute of Technology, Kevin St., Dublin 8
Contact: Miriam/Michele School of Physics

Telephone:01 4024559      

Email: siobhan.daly@dit.ie

Date: Wednesday 16th Nov.

On Sunday November 6th, students from our Taekwon-Do School attended Grandmaster Howard’s celebration class in St Mark’s, Tallaght. It was the first Grandmaster class to the R.I.T.A by a European Grandmaster. The R.I.T.A Master's Council were also present for the historic occasion that saw the coming together of approximately 100 colour belts and black belts from around the country.

After members caught up with their fellow students and instructors, Master O'Donnell (Galway) began the class with a thorough warm up.

Once all members were prepared for the 2 hour class, Grandmaster Howard, 9th degree entered the dojang to a very warm welcome. The class got underway with fundamental techniques shortly before all members were taken through their patterns.

The class was then split by grade with the Senior Masters and Masters taking the students in groups to focus on various elements including focus pads, stretching, technical analysis and 2 step / 1 step sparring.


As the class drew to a close, students and instructors were given the opportunity to have photographs taken with Grandmaster Howard.

Reflecting on the unprecedented occasion, Grandmaster Howard said "This is a historical day and one never to be repeated again".
A very special thank you to our Grandmaster for an excellent class. Thanks also to Ms. Keane for hosting.

Grandmaster Howard, Master Howard, Mr McSherry and Mr Fox, from Grandmaster Howard’s Dojang, attended an RITA Sparring Workshop last weekend, as part of the roll out of the updated sparring syllabus.  The workshop was over seen by Grandmaster Howard and conducted  the Masters’ Council and the RITA’s Technical Committee and covered 3 step, 2 step, semi-free, free, 1 step, self-defence, knife defence, two on  one, and foot sparring.

The updated syllabus in more in line Gen Choi’s sparring guidelines and follows a clear and logical development path from 10th kup to 4th degree black belt. The improvements were met with approval from all present and many of the instructors said that they thought that it would be very appealing to the students. The news syllabus will apply to all colour belt gradings in Cabra from January 2012.

Cabra’s instructors also attended the RITA Examiner’ course was held that  afternoon. The course was lead by Senior Master Phelan and 15 examiners from across the country discussed quality assurance and standards in the association. What to mark at a grading, and how to mark on a grading form, were also presented and discussed. Overall the day was another step forward in improving the standards in the association and in Grandmaster Howard’s Dojang.

Photo: Mr Adam Fox (coach), Alex Nowak, Grandmaster Howard

Cabra Taekwon-Do School’s Alex Nowak represented Ireland at the Welsh Open and took home 3 medals in the process. Alex who is a student of Grandmaster Howard won gold in sparring, gold in special technique and a bronze in the patterns event. The young martial artist is a member of the Irish Colourbelt team and also trains under Grandmaster Howard's Irish Colourbelt team assistant coach Mr Adam Fox said ‘Alex did fantastically well. The colourbelt team is all about development, but when you take home 3 medals it’s a nice bonus’.