AN INVERCLYDE martial arts master has returned home from a major training camp in Ireland – rubbing shoulders with participants from as far afield as Hawaii.
Charles Boyle of Cho Tae Kwon Do Scotland took part in the AIMAA Ireland International Training Camp at the Kenmare Bay Hotel in County Kerry.
The camp was hosted by Grandmaster John Darcy, the European international director of Action International Martial Arts Association (AIMAA), and was a huge success, with clubs from all over Ireland and Scotland attending as well as from Hawaii.
Charles sat alongside Grandmasters John Darcy and Peter Byrne at the grading table at a black belt testing on the Sunday evening before camp began, alongside Paul Healy (5th degree), giving instruction to 19 students from high red to 2nd degree.
The camp itself featured 14 classes over two days, teaching all aspects of tae kwon do and led by Grandmaster Hee Il Cho, founder of the AIMAA.
Talented instructors from Ireland and Scotland also passed on their skills in sparring, self-defence, boxing, jujitsu, basics, one step and pad work, as well as fun-filled workout classes.
Also joining the event was Martin Ward from the World Kickboxing Organisation, teaching his kickboxing skills.
Charles said: “Thanks to all students and families for supporting this amazing event, which will hopefully return for what has become a highlight of our yearly calendar.
“Bringing our tae kwon do family together is the main aim of this camp, and we hope it will continue for the years to come, getting bigger and strong every year.”
Grandmaster Darcy thanked the instructors for their help and instruction – Masters Doreen Kenny, Trish Kenny Murphy, Aeneas O Connor, Paul Healy, John Phillips, Martin Ward and Scotland’s own Kirsty Gough, as well as Katrina Darcy for making the weekend happen.
Master Boyle’s classes start at a new venue, St Margaret’s Church on Finch Road in Greenock (PA16 7DE) on August 6. There are classes for all ages, from six upwards, on Tuesday-Friday nights, from 6-7pm for junios and 7-8pm for seniors.
He added: “Come along for a free trial week of classes with our fantastic instructor team who have an amazing 74 years of experience between them.”
Contact the group via inverclyde-taekwondo.com or Master Boyle on 07901 828863.
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