The 2016 ”Students of the Year” are C. Craig-Mellentin (Blue belt) and T. Truong (Blue belt) .

This year I decided not to give the award to a Black belt because the whole point of the award was to recognise the efforts of student who I think has worked hard and might not think I have noticed them.

C. Craig-Mellentin started taekwondo because her friend dragged her along for the company. She seemed like she had never heard of martial arts before, was very shy and awkward and seemed like she could not wait to go home after each class. When her friend who dragged her to classes stopped training, I thought Charlotte would stop too and would probably celebrate by burning her taekwondo uniform but I was very surprised she continued training in Taekwondo without her friend. She soon got more confident as won tournaments and is a completely different person from the young shy, introvert girl who started not long ago. I don’t know what’s brought about the new confident, tall, and proud Charlotte as I know I have given her a hard time in class, but I cannot remember the last time I have had cause to pick on her. 

T. Truong, like Charlotte, was one of those student you would bet, would not last long in Taekwondo training. He is a clown, waiting for his pink belt and opposite to everything you expect from a martial artist. There have been a few times I have been tempted to kick him out of the class for various reasons, but I grudgingly must accept that he is an “Ok” guy and “OK” martial artist. I cannot praise him too much as he is already arrogant, cocky, loud etc and simply making him “student of the year” will make him louder but I am very proud of him too.
Thanhsan is also intelligent, fun, popular, and very mature for is age. He enjoys his Taekwondo and his laid back attitude hides the fact he is a skilled all-rounder for his grade. He is the only person I know to deliberately use a tornado (360 turning) kick in points sparring. And he does my Tie for me at gradings.

I hope they both train to become Black belts, but for now I am very proud of both for what they have achieved so far and how they have grown since they have started Taekwondo. NLTKD will be a less without them.

Both branches are very active and the standards are high, so I cannot mention everyone who also deserve a mention, but I need to say to both Dexter (Green belt) and Vlad (Red belt) that I am watching you guys and hope 2017 will be your year.

Ps: sorry for posting this late

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The NLTKD 2015 Students of the Year was decided by the GTI when they awarded Catherine Henyanto and Oliver Charles the GTI Black Belt Competitor of the year 2014-2015 in both the Girls and Boys division respectively . see https://www.nltkd.com/news/gti-competitor-of-the-year-2014-2015-results/ for details

We have been asked to help find a Taekwondo tutor for an after-school club in a primary school in Highbury, North London. There is no grading just teaching basic Taekwondo. The club is every Thursday 3:30 – 4:30
I presume the instructor would need to be an adult with at least red belt and above. If you are interested,  send me your details and I will forward it on.

email: info@nltkd.com

A few months ago we posted a Casting call for extras. They required Taekwondo practitioners, among other sports, to take part in the event. Apparently it was a commercial for Lucozade. On the 17th of August, Oliver Charles, one of our students signed up for it. Oliver said   . . . .

“the shoot was gruelling and ultimately took 10 HOURS to complete. The long shooting schedule may seem surprising, especially for a mere 30 second advert, but it’s this precise attention to detail that acclaimed Director of Photography Wally Pfister is known for. Working closely on films with Director Christopher Nolan, Pfister had a hand in many of the action sequences of The Dark Knight Trilogy and Inception among others.”

Oliver also said it was a very long and tiring day and paid for the day’s work but won’t be moving to Hollywood anytime soon

NLTKD regularly get asked for to send student acting work and we had a few extra in the movie “All Stars“. Hopefully the next Scott Adkins will be from the NLTKD 🙂

Over the next couple of SATURDAYS, we are running 2 events one week apart.

BLACK BELT PRE GRADING. Saturday 24 September 11am

This event is open to all red belts and above. It is compulsory for anyone who intends to grade at the next GTI Black Belt grading in October 2016 or April 2017. Those who are grading soon will be observed and friendly advice given. Those not grading will simply have a Black belt work out with the opportunity to learn or improve your new or existing patterns with a Taekwondo Master.

The session will be conducted by Master Andy Betts 7th Dan. All GTI members or ex NLTKD members are also welcome. White dobok is required.

GTI REFEREE AND UMPIRES COURSE
Saturday 2 October 9:30am to 3pm

The aim of this course is to train and qualify Umpires and Referees. Umpires assist the Referee who is in charge of the ring.

• To be an umpire you need to be at least a Red belt and over 18 years old.
• To be a referee you need to be an experienced umpire.

The GTI runs 3-4 tournaments a year thereby giving all new officials ample opportunity to practice what they learn on the course. This course is particularly useful to adult students who feel there competing days are over but would still like to be involved with Taekwondo competitions.

Existing GTI officials are recommended to attend to refresh their skills and learn new or potentially new tournament rules. NOTE: This course is also a requirement for adults grading for either 3rd or 4th Dan with the GTI.

The training will be conducted by Mr Onipede who is an experienced Referee and the GTI Secretary.

For more information a cost please call 07850 567 018 or see me in class.