INTERNATIONAL HQ VISIT & TESTING NEWS!!!

International Masters and students from Scotland, Ireland and the USA travelled to Hawaii to train with world renowned Grandmaster Hee Il Cho and to witness the International testing of European Director Master John Darcy. 

Master John Darcy who is the A.I.M.A.A European Director, made history by becoming the first European Master to obtain 7th Degree at his recent testing at A.I.M.A.A HQ.

AIMAA Masters John Kirkwood & Peter Byrne with Scottish and Irish Instructors and students.

The group of over 15 A.I.M.A.A Masters, Instructors and students travelled from Scotland and Ireland to undertake training with Grandmaster Cho, as well train with the A.I.M.A.A Masters whilst in Hawaii. 

There was plenty of fun in the sun! as the A.I.M.A.A members visited beaches, undertook boat trips and trained together.

To read more on the International Testing and to view the NEW ADDITIONAL GALLERIES of this trip Click here.....

Grandmaster Hee Il Cho presents Master John Darcy with his 7th Degree certificate.

GRANDMASTER HEE IL CHO EUROPEAN TRIP

To read all about this historical trip by Grandmaster Cho to Ireland and Scotland, as well as the International testing then please Click Here...

FUN AT A.I.M.A.A SCOTLAND XMAS PARTY

Master Kirkwood and Mrs Kirkwood held their annual Christmas party in Hamilton for the students of Blantyre and Lesmahagow. This year the students where joined by A.I.M.A.A Panthers and parents, who all had a ball on the night. Students where visited by Santa and all received a present from him!

The night was filled of dancing and fun for all the family. Master Kirkwood and Mrs Kirkwood would like to thank all those who helped sell the raffle tickets, which brought in an amazing £260 on the night!

This money has now been added to our Summer Camp/Club funds and we are nearing our first £1,000. A big thank you to everyone for supporting the event. Click here for Xmas Gallery

A.I.M.A.A LIMERICK VISIT A.I.M.A.A SCOTLAND HQ

Mr Will Power visited Master Kirkwood at A.I.M.A.A Scotland HQ for a weekend of training. Mr Power was accompanied by Miss Aisling Ryan and Miss Aoife Healy as well as students from the University of Limerick Tae Kwon Do school. Mr Power teaches these young students within the university and this is the second time this year they have visited Scotland for a training weekend with Master Kirkwood. The group undertook classes in traditional Tae Kwon Do, A.I.M.A.A curriculum, Coaching and fitness training over the weekend. However on their last day they took part in a gruelling 3 hour squad training session in which they undertook a 2hr session of the infamous "Death Ball". This is a basketball game incorporating self defence, grappling and take downs, not for the fainthearted! The group had a fantastic weekend and look forward to their next trip back in 2010 for further training.  To view the weekend training by the group Click Here...

A.I.M.A.A WIN 3 WORLD TITLES

AT THE WUMA WORLD CUP

The WUMA World Cup was held in Worcester, England over 2 days. the first day saw all the children's divisions being undertaken, with the second day for all the adult divisions. Miss Rachel Miller who is a member of the AIMAA Scotland National Squad took part on the Saturday and won a World Title in the Junior Korean Patterns and a 3rd place in point sparring, as well as obtaining a runner up medal in the "Grand-Championship" playoff at the end of the event.

Rachel had some serious fights to get to the semi final, and found herself up against a fierce kick boxer in her semi final and was just piped at the last minute for the final bout.

Master Kirkwood and Mrs Kirkwood are very proud of her achievements, as are her fellow students at A.I.M.A.A Scotland HQ.

Also at the event and taking part on the Sunday was Miss Monika Markowska, from A.I.M.A.A Jersey, who won two World Titles at the event. Although Master Kirkwood had to pull out of attending the planned competition, due to work commitments, he spoke to Mr Fernandes to wish the group of students from A.I.M.A.A Jersey, all the best for this event, and passed on his disappointment of not being there to support them.

Miss Markowska is a formidable fighter and has won numerous titles this year and can now add two World Titles to her collection. Monika gained World Titles in point sparring and Continuous sparring, both in the -55kg divisions. She also went onto taking a 2nd place in the adult Korean pattern division.  Another successful Jersey student was Nathan Fisher, who succeeded in winning a 2nd in novice patterns and a 2nd in the full contact. Master Kirkwood and A.I.M.A.A Scotland are proud of their fellow students who took part in the World Championships and of their achievements!

A.I.M.A.A SCOTLAND NEWEST PROMOTIONS!

Senior Instructor Mr James Lawson was recently promoted to 5th Degree after testing at the recent International Testing in Ireland under Grandmaster Hee Il Cho and A.I.M.A.A Masters. Mr Lawson has been at Master Kirkwood's side for over 20+yrs and both Instructors trained together in the TAGB.

Master Kirkwood recently visited his Snr Instructor and student to personally award his certificate, and that of Mr Lee Byrne who also tested and was promoted to 1st Degree.

It was also a great honour for Master Kirkwood to promote his own students who had also succeeded at the testing in Ireland.

Snr Instructors at A.I.M.A.A Scotland HQ Mr Graham and Mr Maxwell where promoted to 2nd Degree, as was Snr Club Assistant Mr Russell. Our Junior student to be promoted was Miss Lauren Mulaghton who tested and was promoted to 1st Degree.

To read more on who was promoted in A.I.M.A.A Scotland and to view some photographs, Click Here...

A.I.M.A.A SCOTLAND HQ - HALLOWEEN FUN!

Master Kirkwood held his annual Halloween Training Class on Friday the 30th of October.

The night was full of lots of games and fun for all the children from the beginner class to the advanced class.

To read more on the Halloween fun had by all, and to view our Halloween gallery Click Here

Mrs Gough recently held her A.I.M.A.A Panthers testing in both the Blantyre and Lesmahagow schools.

Over 21 "Little Panthers" tested and where promoted to their next grade. Mrs Gough, Miss Gough, Miss Sutherland and Miss Wilmot where more than pleased with all the Little Panthers efforts at the testing, as was Master Kirkwood.

For a full listing of testing students please Click Here...

CHO'S INTERCLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS

The last A.I.M.A.A Scotland Interclub Championships of 2009, was held on Sunday the 18th October at the A.I.M.A.A Scotland Headquarters. Over 100 people attended the event, with many children and adults competing in patterns, sparring, self defence and High Kick!  The atmosphere was fun and family orientated and for the first time Panthers from Mrs Gough's school joined in the action! These 3 yr olds had fun and won the hearts of everyone watching and taking part in the event. Many children and adults took part in their first ever competition, and everyone had a highly enjoyable day.  To read more on this event, and see who the winners are Click Here...

A.I.M.A.A CURRICULUM & COACHING CLASSES

Master Kirkwood has been undertaking the A.I.M.A.A Curriculum training each Sunday for over a year now for all A.I.M.A.A Scotland students and Instructors.

A new extension to the classes now includes Instructor coaching classes, which covers all the core skills in teaching, as well as theory, application, practical and safety within the class. The class in open to all belt groups, however these classes are Mandatory for all Students Red belt and above, who wish to teach and open an A.I.M.A.A School within Scotland. All future Instructors must attend at least 10 of these courses within 1 year and complete a theory, practical test, prior to opening a school. 

On completion of the course all Instructors will receive an official A.I.M.A.A Coaching certificate.  Please contact Master Kirkwood or your Instructor about attending these classes.

MASTER KIRKWOOD BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS!

Master Kirkwood celebrated his 50th Birthday at A.I.M.A.A Scotland HQ, with family, friends and some of his students.

Master John Darcy, who is a close family friend flew in from Dublin for his big birthday surprise! To read more on this fantastic celebration Click Here...

CONGRATS TO THE NEW MR & MRS MAXWELL

Master Kirkwood, Mrs Kirkwood and all at A.I.M.A.A Scotland headquarters would like to wish the new Mr & Mrs Maxwell all the best for the future.

Michael and Carla held their reception for family and friends in Hamilton on the 17th of October. The reception was attended by many of his fellow Instructors and friends within A.I.M.A.A Scotland.

Master Kirkwood and all from the association partied away with the couple until late hours. We would like to take this opportunity on behalf over everyone who attended a special thank you to the couple for their hospitality.

To view the reception photographs and see the fun we had Click Here...

MASTER KIRKWOOD ATTENDS TESTING IN IRELAND

Left/Right: Mr Fitzgerald, Master Kirkwood, Mrs Byrne, Master Darcy, Master Byrne.

Master Kirkwood and Mrs Kirkwood visited their friend Master Darcy recently, and whilst there attended a colour belt testing and the last Black Belt Pre-testing within Master Darcy's Dojang. The Dojang was at bursting point with the many students testing and parents watching! The atmosphere was fantastic, as was the abilities of those who where testing.  First on the floor was white to Red belts from various A.I.M.A.A Ireland Schools. We where very privileged to see our friend Ms Mary Lunn test for her High Brown Belt. Mary did and excellent job as did all the other students and now awaits her results! The testing panel on the day was Master Darcy, Master Byrne, Master Kirkwood and Mr Fitzgerald, who will test for his Masters at Summer Camp, July 2010, and become the next A.I.M.A.A Master!

The 2nd part of the day was the pre-testing of all High Red and Black Belt students. These students will go in front of Grandmaster Cho in September, when they will test for 1st Degree up to 5th Degree under the watchful eyes of Grandmaster Cho and the AI.M.A.A. Masters. One such person testing for 5th Degree is Ms Dorren Byrne, who will become the highest ranking female in A.I.M.A.A.

To view the colour belt testing Click Here...      To view the Black Belt pre-testing Click Here...

NATIONAL SQUAD WIN AT BRITISH CHAMPIONSHIPS

The A.I.M.A.A Scotland National Squad took part in the WUMA British Open at the weekend and came away with a staggering 22 trophies from the event. The squad was coached by Master Kirkwood as well as Team Captain Mr John Kirkwood, who also participated in the tournament. The squad of 13 students did an exceptional job at the event and came away with 7 British Titles, 9 Silver places, as well as 6 Bronze places. To read a full review of the event and see who won what Click Here...

MAINTAINING YOUR BLACK BELT

Recently Master Kirkwood received a fantastic article from his friend, Master Phillip Ameris, who is the Technical Director of A.I.M.A.A.

Master Ameris has written many articles on various subjects within the martial arts, drawing from his own personal experiences as well as from observation. As a pioneer within the A.I.M.A.A family he ensures that we have a fruitful journey as a student and as an Instructor within our organisation.

In 2010 we will see this remarkable martial artist undertake his 8th degree in Washington D.C at our bi-annual summer camp. The camp will be highlight within the A.I.M.A.A Calendar as we celebrate the 30th anniversary of A.I.M.A.A, and Grandmaster Cho's 70th Birthday.

To read this in-depth article on the life time journey of maintaining your Black Belt please Click Here

A.I.M.A.A PANTHERS TESTING SUCCESS AT A.I.M.A.A SCOTLAND HQ

The first Panthers testing took place in the Blantyre school under the watchful eye of Master Kirkwood and Panther Instructors Mrs Cecilia Gough and Miss Kirsty Gough.  Assistant Instructor Miss Ashley Wilmot was also there on hand to help out with the testing students. The 9 students testing for their white/yellow stripe belt did and excellent job, although they were briefly disturbed by a false fire alarm going off in the sports centre! Master Kirkwood was very impressed by the young students who's ages range from 3 yrs old upwards and commended Mrs Gough on the exemplary standard of these very young students and her teaching skills. If you wish to learn more on the Pre-School Panthers classes in your area, please Click here.....

A.I.M.A.A ACHIEVE GOLD AT WUMA ENGLISH OPEN

Master Kirkwood took a handful of students to the "English Samurai Open" on Sunday the 19th of July in Worcester. The group where accompanied by their parents and family members. A big well done to Jack Reid, Tammy Sutherland and Rachel Miller, who did an exceptional job and won an amazing 8 Gold, 2 Silver and 2 Bronze between the three of them. To read more on the event and what the students got up to Click Here

MESSAGE FROM MASTER JOHN DARCY

European Director Master John Darcy has written a letter to all of the A.I.M.A.A family throughout the World. Master Darcy has wrote this message after returning from the A.I.M.A.A European Camp in Jersey, in which he was inspired to write to everyone of the unparallel respect and dedication he witnessed at the camp.

Please Click Here to read this message

A.I.M.A.A MASTERS TO TEST FOR 7TH & 8TH DEGREE

It is with great honour we announce the impending testing of A.I.M.A.A European Director, Master John Darcy and A.I.M.A.A Technical Director Master Phillip Ameris.

On the 19th of September we will witness Master Darcy testing for 7th Degree, whilst at the A.I.M.A.A Summer Camp in 2010 we witness the first 8th Degree testing in A.I.M.A.A when Master Ameris takes his testing.

Both Masters are phenomenal and are true leaders of A.I.M.A.A and Master Kirkwood and A.I.M.A.A Scotland wish both Masters the very best in their training and their forthcoming testing. It will be a privilege and honour to witness both of these exemplary Masters in action!

A.I.M.A.A EUROPEAN SUMMER CAMP IN JERSEY

The first ever European Summer Camp which was FREE for all students and Instructors to take part in took place on the beautiful island of Jersey. A.I.M.A.A European Director Master John Darcy and A.I.M.A.A Ireland Director Master Peter Byrne undertook a weekend of seminars for all the campers! Master John Kirkwood was very disappointed that he could not attend the camp this time, due to to work commitments, but sent his best wishes to all those who had travelled to the island to train and spend time with each other. To read more on the Summer Camp and see some action shots         Click Here....

A.I.M.A.A SUCCESS AT THE TAI INTERNATIONAL OPEN TAE KWON DO CHAMPIONSHIPS

The A.I.M.A.A Scotland National Squad attended the Taekwondo Association of Ireland International Tae Kwon Do Championships with their fellow A.I.M.A.A Ireland squad members. This event brought together many different associations within Taekwondo, such as A.I.M.A.A, TAI, TAGB, ITF, ITA and many other associations. The event had over 300 competitors attend the day, and we saw many exceptional competitors showing off their talent.

The A.I.M.A.A Scotland squad did an exceptional job and won an impressive 30 trophies with 14 of these being International Titles.  To read more on the event and the A.I.M.A.A Squad Click Here...

A.I.M.A.A SQUAD WIN AT EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS

Master Kirkwood and the National Squad attended the W.U.M.A European Championships in England on the 24th of May. The squad were honoured to be also accompanied by Mr Paul Healy of A.I.M.A.A Ireland, who had flown over to compete in his first ever UK event. The European Championships was  fantastic and the squad did exceptionally well in patterns, teams, point sparring and continuous sparring. To read more on the days events and view the picture gallery Click Here...

A.I.M.A.A SCOTLAND NATIONALS 2009

A.I.M.A.A Scotland held its National Championships on Sunday the 10th of May in Blantyre Sports Centre, Hamilton.  The event had over 300 people attend and was a truly International event, as competitors from England, Scotland, Jersey and Ireland attended. This year we had the honour of having European Director Master John Darcy in attendance, as well as Master Pat White of the TAI organisation of Ireland. Master Kirkwood & Mrs Kirkwood are immensely proud of the A.I.M.A.A Scotland National Squad who took an impressive 84 trophies (29 Gold, 30 Silver and 25 Bronze). Mr John Kirkwood did exceptionally well in the event, as did his students who where competing for the first time ever! The students did their Instructor proud and took a fantastic haul of 2 Gold, 6 Silver and 8 Bronze. To read about the event and for a full listing of who won what, please Click Here

A.I.M.A.A IRELAND INSTRUCTOR MR PAUL HEALY VISITS MR KIRKWOOD'S SCHOOL AT LESMAHAGOW

One of A.I.M.A.A Ireland top Instructors visited Mr Kirkwood's school at the weekend. Mr Healy was there to train with Mr Kirkwood and Master Kirkwood in preparation to the forthcoming TAI Championships. It was honour for the students to meet Mr Healy, and children from the school also got him to sign autographs in their books. Mr Healy is a full time fitness coach and martial artist teaching everyday to children and adults in Ireland. Please log onto Mr Kirkwood's website at: www.aimaatkd.com to see more photographs and a full report.

MASTER KIRKWOOD VISITS MASTER DARCY'S NEW CHO'S TKD CLASSES IN MULLINGAR IRELAND

Master Kirkwood recently visited Master Darcy at the Cho's Tae Kwon Do centre in Mullingar, Ireland. This fulltime training centre hold traditional Tae Kwon Do and fitness classes within a fully equipped Dojang in the heart of the countryside. Mr William Hillock who owns the school also teaches on various nights also. Master Kirkwood also teamed up with Mr Paul Healy and Mr Gerry Long for training at Master Darcy's Dublin School.  To read more on the trip and view more photos of the training weekend Click Here

LIMERICK UNIVERSITY STUDENTS VISIT A.I.M.A.A SCOTLAND HEADQUARTERS

Recently we had a group of students from Cho's TKD school based within Limerick University. The group had contacted Master Kirkwood to arrange a training trip over a weekend, and Master Kirkwood was more than happy to meet and teach these Instructors and students.  Mr Lawson joined Master Kirkwood and students from Blantyre to train with the group, which was a combination of death ball! sparring, plyometrics, speed training and over all fitness. Over the few months the Scottish Headquarters has had numerous visitors from A.I.M.A.A Ireland and it has been a privilege to train with all those who have visited.

NATIONAL SQUAD WINS AT THE A.I.M.A.A TRADITIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS IN DUBLIN 

Master Kirkwood and the National Squad flew out to Dublin to take part in Master Darcy Traditional Championships, which is a major highlight within the A.I.M.A.A calendar. As usual the championships was full of a very high standard and with students from all over Ireland competing on the day. The format for the championships was individual patterns, team patterns and one-step.

To read more on the event and how the Scottish National squad got on, please Click Here....

MASTER KIRKWOOD'S TAI ORGANISATION SEMINAR DUBLIN 2009 

Master Kirkwood undertook a 2 hour training and sparring seminar in Dublin on the 21st of March. Master Kirkwood was very honoured to be asked to hold this seminar for Master Patrick White and the TAI organisation. The seminar was attended by many TAI students and Instructors as well as A.I.M.A.A Instructors and students, some of the A.I.M.A.A Instructors and students had travelled over 300 miles to attend the seminar.

To read more on the seminar and to view the picture gallery please Click Here....

A.I.M.A.A SCOTLAND STUDENT AWARDS 2008

A.I.M.A.A Scotland held the annual "Student Awards of 2008" in Hamilton on Saturday the 7th of March 2009. The awards are held annually each year in celebration of our best students who have excelled during 2008. The night was attended by all A.I.M.A.A Scotland Instructors, Assistant Instructors, Parents and all of those students nominated for an award.

To read more about this fantastic night and what went on, the please Click Here

A.I.M.A.A MUNSTER TOURNAMENT - LIMERICK FEB 09

Master Kirkwood and Mrs Kirkwood recently flew out to Limerick to attend the Munster Championships in Limerick University. Master Kirkwood took only a handful of students from his National Squad to this event. The championships was an excellent tournament covering sparring, breaking and a high kick competition, which was a new experience for the students from Scotland. The squad of six competitors took home 7 Gold and 6 Silver, an impressive haul for a small team of students.

For a full report on the days action and who won what! Click Here

MASTER KIRKWOOD TRAINING SEMINAR SHANNON 2009

Master John Kirkwood undertook a 2 hour training seminar for Mr Will Power in Shannon, Ireland on Sunday the 1st March 2009. This 2 hour training session kicked off early on the Sunday morning at 10am. The full 2 hour session was intense and covered the building and strengthen of the core muscles, plyometric exercises, sparring techniques and combinations, speed training and a cardio workout. Believe me this workout was not for the faint hearted! All those who participated were soaking by the end of this 2 hour gruelling session, but all had big smiles on their faces, and loved every moment of it.

Master Kirkwood would like to thank Mr Power for giving him the opportunity to undertake this training session and thanks all those students who trained hard with him on the day. You are a credit to Mr Power and all of A.I.M.A.A Ireland.  Master Kirkwood would also like to thank his friend Mr Gerry Long who had travelled down from Dublin and stayed overnight in Shannon, so he could attend the seminar, a truly dedicated martial artist.  To view the gallery of training, and see what went on. Click Here

CHO'S BLANTYRE HAVE A FUN FILLED SUMO NIGHT!

Master Kirkwood and Mrs Kirkwood held a fun filled fundraising night on Saturday the 21st February in Hamilton. The Sumo Fight night was fantastic and saw plenty of great Sumo fights as well as loads of fundraising! We had plenty of dancing as well and lots of laughter! 

To read more and to view the Gallery Click Here.

A.I.M.A.A IRELAND DCU SCHOOL VISITS SCOTLAND HQ

A.I.M.A.A Ireland Instructor Mr Daniel Farrell and seven students of the DCU TKD School within A.I.M.A.A Ireland visited A.I.M.A.A Scotland Headquarters to undertake training with Master Kirkwood.  The group arrived on the 20th of February for a fun filled weekend of training and shopping. The group where invited to attend the fundraising Sumo night as Master Kirkwood's and Mrs Kirkwood's guests.

The group had a fantastic weekend of training as well as a fun filled night at the Sumo night, where they partied away with the students from Cho's Blantyre.  Master Kirkwood and Mrs Kirkwood would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr Farrell for coming over and for the lovely gifts to Master Kirkwood and Mrs Kirkwood, as well as other A.I.M.A.A Instructors and students.

A.I.M.A.A SCOTLAND

WINTER "INTERCLUB" SCOTTISH CHAMPIONSHIPS

A.I.M.A.A Scotland held its first Interclub Championships at Blantyre Sports centre. Over a 140 students and parents attended the day. The Interclub competition  primary goal is to give students with no experience of competition the necessary skills, confidence and team building skills to help them take that intial step into the competition circuit. It also allows students who have competition experience kick start their skills in preparation of the big events happening during 2009.

The day started with junior patterns and adult patterns, followed by the colour belt team events. This was quickly followed by the junior and senior sparring divisions. The final divisions of the day was the adult Black Belts who undertook patterns, team patterns and then sparring.  For a full report and a full list of Scottish Champion winners please Click Here

STUDENTS WIN AT THE WKA SCOTTISH OPEN

Master Kirkwood attended the WKA Scottish Championships in Wishaw Sports Centre with National Squad students from Cho's TKD Blantyre. He was also joined by Mr & Mrs Belgacem and their students from the Cho's TKD Hamilton and Larkhall schools. The WKA Championships brought together Kickboxing, Tae Kwon Do, Kung Fu and Karate together and some of the best known associations were in attendance, such as WKA, IASKA, TAGB, ITF, Korean Kickboxing, GBMMA and so on.  The day was a combination of point sparring, continuous sparring, hard forms, soft forms, weapons, freestyle forms.

To read more of the competition and who won, please Click Here

STUDENTS WIN AT THE LEINSTER OPEN - DUBLIN

Master Kirkwood and some of his National Squad flew to Dublin to take part in the Leinster Open, run by A.I.M.A.A Instructors Mr Gerry Long and Mr James Farrell. The competition was awesome with over 150 competitors taking part in the first competition of 2009. The competition was an all continuous sparring event, and there were plenty of inspiring fights on the mats.  A.I.M.A.A Scotland Instructor Mr John Kirkwood and students Cecilia Gough, Kirsty Gough, Kara Gough and Tammy Sutherland flew over with Master Kirkwood for the event. 

To read more of the competition and who won, please Click Here