South Dublin Taekwondo

South Dublin Taekwondo (SDTKD) have a panel of proud coaches after their latest successful black belt grading candidates. 5 of the clubs strong Filipino contingent passed their black belt grading under the watchful eye of the Irish Taekwondo Union Grading Panel at a tough 3 hour test on Saturday 21st November. It was very much a family affair with pair Jed & Kim Rena and trio Jophert, Janella & Justin catching the eyes of the examiners on the day. All were awarded ‘Kukkiwon’ black belts, awards from the highest taekwondo authority in the world, and a world recognised award that is a passport in taekwondo recognised in the 206 member nations of the World Taekwondo Federation, and enables the holder follow many pathways in taekwondo such as coaching or major European, World or Olympic Championships some day. Both Jed & Kim Rena crossed over from ITF Taekwondo a few years ago and made a seamless transition into Olympic style taekwondo, and the Depakakibo trio now join their sister Jamilah who holds a 2nd Dan and coaches at SDTKD. Coach Robert Taaffe noted, ‘this group have raised the bar at the club to the max, often the first to arrive, last to leave, they find a great balance between school & training, oftentimes studying homework at the back of the training hall, they are affectionately seen as young mentors in our club and give so much back to the up & coming grass roots taekwondo children.’ Jed was awarded ‘student of the day’ by the Examination panel for his focused efforts and display on the day. Coach Taaffe concluded, ‘This was a proud day for our club coaches, members and parents, and as with all of our promoted black belts, they always strive to encourage the next group of potential applicants coming up behind them.’