Region 7 hosts Master Nicholls
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Sat 7^th May 2011 saw over 80 students & instructors from 4^th kup to 6^th Degree come together from all over the country to train under Master Trevor Nicholls 8^th Degree President of UKITF. Master Nicholls was joined by Master Ian Lawes 7^th Degree from UKITF Wales & Master Gary Gassor 7^th Degree from Gassors TKD Wales.

The seminar got off to a vigorous start on what was a very warm & sticky day with a warm up by Mr Malcolm Jones 6^th Degree
from Integrity Martial Arts. Master Nicholls then took over instruction & went straight into explaining & demonstrating the difference in crescent,
vertical & hooking kicks. After a good hour of practice on these kicks, the group were allowed a quick break. Master Lawes then took over with the
explanation & demonstration of stamping movements within Taekwon-do.The whole of the seminar were then taken through some demanding stamping drills. As the heat increased in the room Master Gassor took over & gave some light relief in the form of some fast footwork drills & extreme stretching to which he is known for. Master Nicholls then closed the seminar with a brief recap on what had been taught during the two hours. This was then concluded by the customary group photos. Then followed a short break to prepare for the degree grading.

With 42 students grading from 1^st Kup to 6^th Degree it was going to be a long afternoon. Knowing that Master Nicholls was on a tight schedule, as he was going to have to leave to get to the airport to assist Grand Master Choi in Korea, the grading started promptly. Up first were the senior grades to include Mr Malcolm Jones testing for 7^th Degree Master. Under the watchful eye of Master Nicholls, Master Lawes, Master Gassor & Master Deedigan the students displayed their knowledge in patterns, set sparring, self defence, free sparring & power. The final groups were 20
students hoping to gain their initial step on the ladder 1^st Degree black belt. With many pieces of wood broken & some very tired students the grading was concluded. Master Nicholls had already departed for the airport so Master Lawes & Master Deedigan concluded the grading with a few words to the students. Many of the students then left to prepare for the evening banquet.

The banquet was held about 10 minutes from the grading venue & was full to capacity with 84 in attendance. It was of course very disappointing that Master Nicholls was unable to attend, but Master Deedigan did an outstanding job at entertaining the guests. After a very filling three course meal Master Deedigan along with the club instructors presented the black belts to some of the successful candidates from the grading that day. There was a great buzz in the room as a very long day was concluded by the customary photos.

Region 7 looks forward to the next event with Master Nicholls in October. A big thanks to all that made the day possible.

Photos of the event can be found here

Written by: Kerry Burridge - 12th May 2011
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