National Testing

KSW Glasgow and Stirling grading studentsThe UK tournament started bright and early on Friday morning  with National Testing. KSW Glasgow had lots of students testing for their next Black Belt rank in front of the Grandmaster and other senior Masters. As always, testing is a time to prove yourself and push yourself to be the best you can be. KSW Glasgow did not disappoint and regardless of if it was the first, middle or final test, all students gave their all and left their best effort on the floor. Kuk Sool Won is a continuous journey and it is always enjoyable to meet friends from other schools and test together. This camaraderie is one of the most valuable things in our martial art.

Tournament

We then had a very successful tournament starting with the Black Belt tournament on Friday evening where every KSW Glasgow Black Belt who competed won a medal. It is fantastic to see the dedication and skill of our high ranks leading the way during tournament and continuing to inspire others. Our coloured belts also did well in tournament on Saturday and showed their talents by winning a variety of medals. All members of KSW Glasgow can be proud of their efforts and represented their school well.

To top it off, JKN Dave, competing in his last tournament before promoting to KSN managed to win 3 gold medals, 2 silver medals and one bronze which also earned him the title of 1st Dahn Grand Champion. Everyone at Kuk Sool Won Glasgow is immensely proud of JKN Dave.

Promotions

The showcase event of the weekend is always the Master’s Exhibition and this started with the new promotions. Kuk Sool Won Glasgow would like to say huge congratulations to Chris who promoted to Jo Kyo Nim (1st Dahn Black Belt). JKN Chris joined KSW Glasgow a few years ago and has been training hard ever since. His attention to detail is fantastic and his sparring skills are admired and envied by many in the school. JKN Chris fulfilled his childhood dream of joining the Masters Demonstration Acrobatic Team when he promoted. We look forward to seeing JKN Chris continuing to challenge himself in the future.

We would also like to say a massive congratulations to Kyo Sa Nim (2nd Dahn Black Belt) Dave. KSN Dave joined our school in its early days after moving to Glasgow from Madrid. He has trained and tested hard and is a massive inspiration to the students he teaches in class. KSN Dave’s humility and focus encourages many in KSW Glasgow to learn from him and we are so proud of his achievements.

Instructors Workshop

The weekend was wrapped up with the Instructors Workshop, where our Black Belts had the privilege of being taught by the Grandmaster and his son, SIKJN Alex, as well as other Masters from all over the world. We want to say a massive thank you to Kuk Sa Nim and Masters for the Seminar. Everyone came away feeling they had learned a massive amount in the space of one morning and we are looking forward to next year’s workshop already.