On the 10th of November A.I.M.A.A Scotland National Director flew into Hawaii for the International grading under Grandmaster Cho 9th Degree and the International A.I.M.A.A Masters, who had arrived from around the globe to attend this prestigious event.

Mr Kirkwood was also there to undertake the Instructors Boot camp that was to prove to be a tremendous success in incorporating various training skills and the new Black belt curriculum.

After a few days of relaxing and acclimatising in the Hawaiian sun, he undertook his first day of training on Monday the 12th of November, when he attended Grandmaster Cho's class along with Master Ameris, Master Darcy, Master Byrne. The class was full with many International A.I.M.A.A Instructors and students who had flown in from all over the world to attend the Boot Camp and some where to also there to undertake their next grading level.

The boot camp ran over a three day period with classes taught by Grandmaster Cho and Master Ameris. Master Ameris undertook a spectacular Self defence class with dynamic blocks, take downs and throws. Mr. Kirkwood was asked by Grandmaster Cho to undertake a points sparring class which gave students an insight to the complexities of sparring in this way. Mr. Kirkwood's class also incorporated speed training using plyometrics, which students had never seen before.

The International Grading took place on the 18th of November. The atmosphere was electric and tense as the International Instructors and students took to floor under the watchful eyes of Grandmaster Hee Il Cho 9th Degree, Master Ameris 7th Degree, Master Darcy 6th Degree and Master Byrne 6th Degree.

The grading was over a three hour period and incorporated not only the A.I.M.A.A curriculum but also free sparring, self defence and destruction. The International event was also captured by the Hawaiian National News, who had sent a team to film and interview Grandmaster Cho and the students undertaking their exam. Mr Kirkwood was interviewed during his grading and appeared on the news with Grandmaster Cho and other students.

Grandmaster Cho announced after the grading the promotion of Mr Kirkwood to Master, as well as Mr Kalcutt for England. During Mr. Kirkwood's stay in Hawaii he was also very privileged to train alongside Grandmaster Cho and Master Darcy in a private one to one session, when Grandmaster Cho put both Masters through their paces and taught them their 7th and 8th Degree forms.  This is an experience that will be something that Master Kirkwood will cherish more than anything.

New friendships where forged, new foundations built and the most exhilarating aspect of the whole trip was the sense of the A.I.M.A.A Family united in paradise in front of its Father.

Personal Message from Master Kirkwood

I would like to thank all those who wished me well, to my own students and Instructors and especially for the cards and gifts received. I would like to thank Grandmaster Cho, Mrs Cho and Jasmine for making me feel so welcome and for their kindness. To be in the presence of my Grandmaster was an experience I will never forget.  A Special thanks goes to my mentor and Instructor Master Darcy for his encouragement, training and above all his friendship to myself and my family. Lastly I would like to thank Master Ameris, Master Byrne and Mr Belgacem for their friendship and support, I look forward to the next time when the A.I.M.A.A family come together in Florida.