23rd July 2018

A delegation of leading GB Taekwondo officials have described their recent trip to the sport’s spiritual home as “positive and rewarding.”

Julia Newton, Chair of GB Taekwondo, even returned home from South Korea as the proud owner of a black belt albeit entirely down to her diplomacy rather than fighting skills!

Julia was joined on the visit to the Far East by Matt Archibald, GB Taekwondo, Chief Operating Officer and GB Taekwondo Performance Director, Gary Hall.

During their trip, and with the 2019 World Taekwondo World Championships in Manchester now less than a year away, the trio held productive talks with World Taekwondo President, Dr Chungwon Choue.

Talks included continuing the dialogue on the possible introduction of taekwondo into the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. Currently, the sport organises a separate Commonwealth Championship.

Dr Choue was also updated on a recent visit to Nepal by GBT programme manager, Jayne Ellis, and Para Taekwondo coach, Andrew Deer.

Jayne and Andrew helped deliver a coach education programme in Nepal which included technical and tactical training, a session on effective planning plus anti-doping education in conjunction with World Taekwondo and UK Sport.

“Our visit to Korea was a very productive and worthwhile trip,” said Julia.  “We were able to update Dr Choue with the progress being made for hosting the World Championships (May 15-19) next year and also for the 2018 World Grand Prix in Manchester. (October 19-21)

“But even now I am a black belt owner (honorary) I will leave the fighting up to our athletes.”

Matt explained: “We have always worked hard to strengthen our relationship with World Taekwondo.

“They put their faith in us to organise the first ever World Championships in Britain and we wanted to assure them we are determined to deliver the best ever event.”

Julia, Matt and Gary also participated in the World Peace Walkathon on the “World Peace Island” of Jeju on July 17.

Under the slogan “Peace is More Precious than Triumph,” the inaugural walkathon drew hundreds of people, many attending the Jeju Korea Open International Taekwondo Championships and was also well attended by the local community.

“Over the years I have visited Korea many times and seen our relationship with the people and country grow closer,” said Gary. “This latest trip was no exception.

“It’s pleasing to announce one of our sponsorship partners, Mooto, are providing our athletes for the Grand Prix and Youth Olympics an exclusive new dobok to wear called the S6.

“We attended South Korea’s National Sports University and thanked them for all of their hard work helping us during training camps and also for Team GB’s Winter Games squad.

“And we now have a memorandum of understanding which formalises our training agreement with the Korea Taekwondo Association (KTA) which we believe will be hugely beneficial for both parties.”