Dear A.I.M.A.A Members,

I wanted to take this opportunity the thank the many Instructors and students who helped in making the International Seminar in Scotland, a remarkable event.

Only 10 months ago, whilst in Dublin and sitting with my friend Master Darcy, did we receive the news of Grandmaster Cho's impending visit to Europe. This time has come and passed, and is a piece of history that has made a major impact on the martial arts community, here in the UK.

Our seminar in Scotland was outstanding and I know many years from now, everyone will still be talking about it! The atmosphere and training, was unbelievable and many people will cherish the memories they have of that night.

There has been many preparations made for this visit, and many had been undertaken by our National Secretary Mrs Kirkwood, who has worked endlessly to ensure Grandmaster Cho Mrs Cho and our friend Master Darcy had a fantastic visit. However, there are many Instructors and students within A.I.M.A.A Scotland who have had a major part in the running up to this historical event.

In Ireland, Master Darcy is very fortunate to have a strong team of individuals who endeavour to help out, without question, with loyalty and integrity. In Scotland within my own schools and within my own Instructors, I am blessed with these people also.

I would like to thank Mrs Sutherland for not only taking time off work to help transport people to and from airports, but for also organising a car for Grandmaster Cho, whilst he was in Scotland. Special thanks also goes to Mrs Gough for arranging beverages and food for Grandmaster at the seminar in his room, as well as taking Mr Power and Miss Ryan back to the airport. Mrs Gough also kindly fed all of us when we turned up unexpectedly at her cafe on our arrival in Scotland with Grandmaster Cho.

To Instructors Mr Graham and Mr Maxwell for helping out in the run up to the seminar in Scotland and of course a special thank you to Mr Mc Lear for covering A.I.M.A.A Schools to allow me to attend Ireland. A special thank you to my sons for their hard work and support, especially Mr Kirkwood Jnr, who did a lot of running about collecting things, transport to airports and hotels, as well as driving people to and from restaurants. Mr Kirkwood is like Mr Long in Ireland, steadfast and helpful in everyway. My son has been at my side for over 20 years now and is becoming a strong pillar within the A.I.M.A.A community.

To all the Students who helped get visiting Instructors and students to the restaurant on our last night together, thank you for supporting these fellow students and ensuring they got to and from events safely.

I would like to personally thank all the parents for supporting their children, not only in attending this historical seminar, but also in their dedication to the children as they progress through their martial arts.

Lastly a special thank you to all the A.I.M.A.A Instructors and students who supported the seminar in Scotland and Grandmaster Cho. You touched the heart of all of the A.I.M.A.A Masters and Grandmaster Cho, in your attendance and applause of such an icon. It is not everyday you get to meet, train and learn from a living legend and we had that privilege, right here in Scotland.

Thank you

Master John Kirkwood - Director A.I.M.A.A Scotland