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 Participants pose with Grand Masters and PATU President during the PASO-PATU HP Training Camp
Barbados Participates in PASO-PATU High Performance Training Camp
25 September 2018 SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic - The Pan American Taekwondo Union (PATU) in conjunction with Pan American Sport Organization (PASO) convened a one (1) week high-performance training camp for Caribbean countries in the Pan American region. The camp was intense, informative and well-attended. Barbados was represented by President Turton - this time in the Coaching capacity. Last-minute injuries and other matters precluded participation by the approved local athletes. However, it was important that Barbados benefited from Coaching representation at this event. Since returning to Barbados on 2 October, Mr. Turton reported already being in contact with other Club Heads and sharing knowledge and insights gained from the training. The camp was held in part as a continental union member development programme but also to help raise the technical standard of Taekwondo play in next year's Pan American Games to be held in Lima, Peru.  Successful Graders pose with their belts and certificates, along with Examiners.
Successful Grading Examination for Taekwondo Campers
18 August 2018 BRIDGETOWN, Barbados - After six weeks of full daily training as part of Taekwondo at the National Sports Council 2018 Summer Camp, participants were today formally examined to assess the progress and proficiency. Congratulations to all participants who were successful in the examination and earned their Yellow Belts. Campers were tested in areas of Fitness, Basic punches, stances and blocks; Self defense; various Kicks; Breaking, Kyorugi, Poomsae. Cheers to a job well done all around! Great appreciation is also extended to the National Sports Council for accepting Taekwondo back into their programme and facilitating Taekwondo's reclamation of its standing amongst other sports at the National Level.  Campers show the Axe Kick during the Closing Ceremony Demonstration
Campers Represent Taekwondo well at NSC Closing Ceremony Demonstration
17 August 2018 ST. MICHAEL, Barbados - Taekwondo participants from the 2018 National Sports Council Summer Camp completed a demonstration at the Netball Stadium today during the closing ceremony of the 2018 program. The crowd paid rapt attention. Under the command of Mr. Adrian Burnett and assisted by Mr. Kevin Small, the campers showed various aspects of Taekwondo training, from warm-ups and stretches, to the various kicks in drills - Axe Kick, Turning Kick, Back Kick, Front Kick, Side Kick and combinations. They also showed 3-step self-defense, the "Taeguk Il Jang" Poomsae and also included a Kyorugi segment. President Turton expressed his pleasure at how well the campers behaved and represented Taekwondo during the demonstration and amongst the various other sports. Even though the NSC Camp is now over the Campers will now face a Grading tomorrow morning at the Taekwondo Centre to have their proficiency and advancement formally assessed.
 Athletes and officials pose for a moment on wrap-up of the 2018 Championships
An Exciting 2018 National Championships!
22 July 2018 CHRIST CHURCH, Barbados - The kicks were coming and the action was on! The Referees meant business. And as they announced the winners, the scores were generally close. Most of the matches were keenly contested and the athletes made a great showing of their skills. Congratulations goes out to all participants, medal winners, officials, instructors, Council, medical support, equipment team, events committee and the very supportive spectators for another successful and incident-free event! Special mention is made of the presence of Mr. Ryan Walker, President of the ITF Taekwondo in Barbados, who was introduced by our own President Turton. It was his second consecutive appearance at our National Championships and helped cap a celebration of Taekwondo in Barbados. Addressing the medal ceremony, President Turton reminded athletes of the multiple opportunities that lay ahead at the local, regional and international levels for them. He also highlighted the successes of Liana Best-Smith who captured Gold in the Female Cadets Black Belts at the 2017 WT President's Cup for the Pan American region; and Darren Carter who represented well when matched up against the number 19th-ranked player in the World at the same tournament. Participants were encouraged to keep training hard and giving of their commitment and best, as sights were set on a bright future.  Above, one of the campers executes a turning kick during Kyorugi or sparring
Campers at the NSC Taekwondo 2018 Summer Camp having fun and showing good signs of progress as Week 2 winds down.
20 July 2018 BRIDGETOWN, Barbados - Campers in training at the Taekwondo Centre have been living up to the challenges and enjoying themselves. The technical progress especially amongst first-timers has been visible under the instructions of Instructors Mr. Chetwyn Gilkes and Mr. Kevin Small. Campers also got some exposure to an additional Instructor this week via Mr. Askia Alleyne, who has been focusing on the Poomsae development. Some of the participants have expressed eagerness and are looking forward to participating in Sunday's National Championships.  Rankings as at 30 June 2018.
First Official National Taekwondo Rankings for Barbados Released!
18 July 2018 BRIDGETOWN, Barbados - The Taekwondo Association of Barbados has released the results of its first National Taekwondo Rankings! The rankings are set as at 30 June 2018 and are based on points calculated from participation in both Domestic and International competitions and events from the start of 2017. Top National seeds are shown in the Men's weight categories and also features the Women's category.  Campers going through some paces on Day 1.
Taekwondo Kicks off its National Sports Council 2018 Summer Camp at its new Head Quarters
10th July 2018 BRIDGETOWN, Barbados - The first official event to be held at the "Taekwondo Centre" was the Association's Summer Camp which is being hosted under the National Sports Council's 2018 Summer Camp Programme. Campers assembled from early morning with eagerness and enthusiasm. Instructors Mr. Chetwyn Gilkes and Mr. Kevin Small quickly got campers to gain familiarity with the technical basics of Taekwondo. The camp which will run full-day and daily for six (6) weeks will feature segments of training in Kyorugi and Poomsae, along with other educational segments for personal growth and development. It is expected that by the end of the program campers would have advanced and developed themselves, confidence and proficiency not only to undertake formal promotional examination, but also participate well in National Competition. 
Taekwondo Barbados now has a Home!
1 July 2018 BRIDGETOWN, Barbados - The Taekwondo Association of Barbados now has a home! Located at #121 Roebuck Street in the city of Bridgetown, the facility features a matted Training area, Administrative Office, two bathrooms, changing/ storage area and even a kitchen! This is quite an achievement for the organization, and according to President Turton it is hoped that the "Taekwondo Centre" can help anchor future development of the Sport in Barbados. "We have certainly come a long way in recent times. This facility means we no longer have to be at the mercy of the elements or play second fiddle to the schedule of others when we want to have Taekwondo activity. It also means less disruption and more dedicated hours to the development of our Sport and our athletes." The first event to be held at the Head Quarters will be a six (6) weeks Taekwondo Camp under the National Sports Council's 2018 Summer Camp Programme. The camp starts 9th July and runs until 17th August 2018. 
A Promising Pre-Nationals Tournament!
24 June 2018 CHRIST CHURCH, Barbados - The 2018 edition of the Pre-Nationals Tournament showcased some promising talents and signs of success for the Association. It immediately followed convening of the 2018 Annual General Meeting which saw an improved participation beyond the usual faces. When the Tournament action started it was clear this was an inspiring and promising event. It featured multiple debutant players, and even a pair of debutant Referees - Mr. Carl Walters and Ms. Kay Harewood. There was also a Self-defense demonstration by Instructor Mr. Askia Alleyne, who was ably assisted by Mr. Nico Wilson. Not to be left out was young Ms. Liana Best-Smith who demonstrated the Koryo Poomsae. We were happy to welcome back Master Noel Blackman - a visiting Barbadian who is based in the United Kingdom. Master Blackman is another former student of the Association's Founding Father - Mr. Richard Francis. The tournament got underway following his address of the officials and athletes. The competition was well-contested and provided several learning points for both competitors and officials. It can be considered a case of quality over quantity and provided a great experience for all participants and officials ahead of the 2018 National Championships on Saturday 21 July 2018. 
2018 Pre-Nationals Tournament!
The Taekwondo Association of Barbados will be hosting its 2018 Pre-Nationals Tournament on 24th June 2018 at the Shuttlers' Club in Ealing Grove Christ Church. Online registration is suggested by 20th June 2018, and preferred for you to save on costs, and as a progressive initiative. Forms for Manual registration are available from all Club Heads, or can be downloaded from within the Members' Zone. Persons having challenges with the online registration should email the Secretariat at info@taekwondobarbados.org. See you there! 
NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Notice is given that the Taekwondo Association of Barbados will be hosting its Annual General Meeting [AGM] on Sunday 24 June 2018, 8:30 a.m. at the Shuttlers Club, Ealing Grove, Christ Church. If your membership information is not current please contact your Club Head and the Secretariat - info@taekwondobarbados.org. released via email 3 June 2018  President Turton (far right) stands with other Course Participants from other National Sporting Federations
President Turton Completes the Advanced Sports Management Course
31 May 2018 BRIDGETOWN, Barbados - President of the Taekwondo Association of Barbados, Henderson Turton completed the Advanced Sports Management Course (ASMC) jointly provided by Olympic Solidarity and the National Olympic Academy of Barbados. The Course, which ran over a period of six (6) months, was designed to enhance the Management skills of Executive level volunteers at Olympic Sporting Organizations. Participants were exposed to learning in key modules covering the following topics: Organizing an Olympic Sport Organization; Managing Strategically; Managing Human Resources; Managing Finance; Managing Marketing; and Organizing a Major Sporting Event. Also completing the Course was former Taekwondo Athlete Ms Carol-Ann Kellman, who was President Turton's group partner for case study learning and formal presentations, as focus was given to the Taekwondo Association of Barbados. The culmination of this program followed completion of the Basic Sport Administrators Course earlier this year by other members of the Executive Council, and further bolsters the Administration of the National Association in our efforts to develop our Taekwondo in Barbados.  Barbados' National Dans pose with their Certificates and destroyed boards after their successful Examination.
Historic Grading of Senior National Dans!
28 April 2018 BRIDGETOWN, Barbados - The National Association convened a historic and overdue National Dan Grading on 28 April 2018. The most senior Dans underwent examination under the guidance of Grand Master Sir Jose "Chaco" Cornelio at the Shuttlers Club facility in Ealing Grove Christ Church. It was quite a significant event in the history of Taekwondo in Barbados as most instructors had not been graded for several years. Congratulations goes out to those who were successful in their examination: Master Ogeji Dottin was promoted to 6th Dan; Messrs. Askia Alleyne, Adrian Burnett, Chetwyn Gilkes, Ken Harewood and Henderson Turton were promoted to 3rd Dan. Master Anthony Williams unfortunately collected an injury prior to the National Grading and did not take the examination.  Some of the participants pose with Grand Master Chaco after the Training Session.
Technical Training Seminar with the Grand Master
27 April 2018 BRIDGETOWN, Barbados - The National Association held a Technical Training Seminar under the Instruction of revered International Grand Master Sir Jose "Chaco" Cornelio. It afforded athletes and Instructors alike the rare opportunity to interact with an International Grand Master of Taekwondo. Participants had a full experience and President Turton thanked Sir Jose for sharing some of his knowledge and insights with the members of the Association. Participants represented each of the member Clubs and those present were happy for the opportunity and learning points.  (L-R) TAB President Henderson Turton, Grand Master Sir Jose "Chaco" Cornelio and TAB Secretary General Master Ogeji Dottin
Press Conference Ahead of Historic National Grading
26 April 2018 BRIDGETOWN, Barbados - The Taekwondo Association of Barbados held a well-attended press conference ahead of its historic National Dan Grading set for 28 April 2018. President Henderson Turton highlighted the historic significance of the event being that for the first time, two Barbadian Instructors who are eligible stand to be examined for 6th Dan and will be promoted once successful. The National Association will be assisted in the examination by revered Olympics Referee and Taekwondo Grand Master Sir Jose "Chaco" Cornelio. All the registered Instructors of the National Association are set to be examined. Full coverage of the press conference was recorded by the Barbados Today Online Newspaper, Advocate Newspaper, and by the Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation Radio Stations and Sports Night program.  Grand Master Sir Jose "Chaco" Cornelio being welcomed and presented with a gift by President of the Barbados Olympic Association - Sandra Osborne
Taekwondo Grand Master Sir Jose "Chaco" Cornelio Visits Barbados Olympic Association
26 April 2018 BRIDGETOWN, Barbados - Grand Master Sir Jose "Chaco" Cornelio made a visit to the Barbados Olympic Association's Headquarters in Wildey on Thursday 26th April 2018. TAB President, Mr. Henderson Turton introduced Sir Jose to President of the BOA - Sandra Obsorne who gave a warm welcome along with other officials who included Secretary General of the BOA Mr. Erskine Simmons, Director of the National Olympic Academy Mr. Dave Farmer, and Assistant Director of Sports with the National Sports Council, Ms. Mona Alleyne. Following the introductions Sir Jose was accompanied on a Tour of the National Olympic Museum which showcases many of the significant International achievements of Barbadian Athletes. 
Grand Master Sir Jose "Chaco" Cornelio makes Historic Visit to Barbados
25 April 2018 BRIDGETOWN, Barbados - Legendary Grand Master Sir Jose "Chaco" Cornelio arrived in Barbados on Wednesday 25 April 2018. He was greeted by the President, Members of the Executive Council, and Club Heads. Sir Jose is a revered and highly respected Grand Master of Taekwondo. He is a Knight of the Royal Dutch Kingdom and is featured on the Taekwondo Lifeline wall of the Taekwondowon Museum in South Korea. Sir Jose has also been an outstanding International Referee for the World Taekwondo and also at the Olympic Games for Taekwondo. His visit to Barbados is quite significant and monumental at this stage of our development. Among other items, Sir Jose will be assisting the National Association with the Examination of our most Senior Masters, Dans and Instructors at the forthcoming Barbados National Dan Grading. We are honored and privileged to welcome Sir Jose "Chaco" Cornelio to Barbados!  World Taekwondo President Dr. Chungwon Choue greets Barbados Taekwondo President Mr. Henderson Turton
Barbados at the 29th WT General Assembly
5 April 2018 HAMMAMET, Tunisia - President Turton attended the 29th World Taekwondo General Assembly in Hammamet, Tunisia (Northern Africa) and had the honour to meet WT President Dr. Chungwon Choue. It was the second time in as many years President Turton represented Barbados at the WT GA - the annual meeting of all global MNA Leaders of the World Taekwondo. The meeting was held ahead of the World Junior Championships but Barbados did not have competitors. The inability to send both coaches and competitors to take part in the World Championships competition this year was unavoidable and this will need to be addressed at the level of the upcoming Annual General Meeting. President Turton reported that the GA meeting this year was hectic but that he was able to have informative discussions with the PATU President Grand Master Choi; and was able to continue building favourable relations with extra regional countries who have continued to demonstrate supportive interest in the development of Taekwondo in Barbados. He was also able to hold fruitful meetings with some of his regional counterparts who are keen to see a serious resurgence of Taekwondo in the insular Caribbean. He has also recognized that TAB needs to be more participatory in PATU events. However, it has to be realized that the total participatory costs can often be a major inhibitory concern, despite the competitive readiness of our athletes. President Turton was also able to participate in the Commonwealth Taekwondo Union MNA Leaders meeting which had representatives from Trinidad and Tobago, Rwanda, Singapore, Pakistan, Great Britain, Bangladesh, Australia and Canada to list a few. This was also a very productive meeting, demonstrating the potential opportunities for Barbados to participate in a possible Commonwealth Taekwondo Union event. It is clear that given all of these opportunities - new and upcoming, work must be done to ensure stronger financial resources. Clubs must also play their part in fundraising efforts to send athletes overseas. Without these considerations being implemented, TAB may continue to lose out on opportunities for successful participation in competition at the regional and international levels. 
The Taekwondo Association of Barbados supports International Day of Sport for Development and Peace
April 2018 BRIDGETOWN, Barbados - The Taekwondo Association of Barbados lent support to the Barbados Olympic Association [BOA] during its recent Sport for Peace Campaign. As part of our contribution some of our members created a six (6) second video clip depicting aspects of Taekwondo for inclusion in a full video compilation of contributions from other National Sporting Federations in Barbados. The final video was released by the BOA on its official social media platforms. We were happy to be featured in the opening sequences of the film. Kudos goes out to Messrs. Askia Alleyne, Chetwyn Gilkes, Darius Gill, Niko Wilson and Henderson Turton for a great effort and making it happen!
 Action from the Women's Coloured Belts at the 2018 edition of the "Get Ya Feet Wet" Tournament.
Close Contests and Action at 2018 "Get Ya Feet Wet" Tournament!
released 11 March 2018 BRIDGETOWN, Barbados - The 2018 edition of the National "Get Ya Feet Wet" Tournament was action-packed and saw most fights keenly contested. Prior to the commencement of proceedings the President led a moment of silence by those present to observe remembrance of Mr.Damien Taylor - the first Internationally-ranked Taekwondo athlete representing Barbados [who passed in December 2017]. When the matches got started it was pleasing to note all the participants had showed signs of improvement and congratulations goes out to all athletes and Clubs. Let's keep working! Gratitude is also extended once again to the officials, members of the Events & Logistics Committee and all who came out to lend support in one form or another. Click below to see results.  Group photo of participants from the Olympic Solidarity Basic Sports Administrators Course concluded at the BOA Facility 25 February 2018.
Executive Council Members Complete IOC Olympic Solidarity Basic Sport Administrators Course through National Olympic Academy
released 26 February 2018 BRIDGETOWN, Barbados - Three members of the Executive Council yesterday successfully completed the Basic Sports Administrators Course which was conducted through Olympic Solidarity by the National Olympic Academy at the Barbados Olympic Association's Head Quarters training facility. Congratulations goes out to each of them! Those completing the Certification were:
 Medal winners pose with Officials after the 2018 BTKDA Invitational Tournament
2018 Burnett Taekwondo Academy Invitational Tournament is first out of the blocks
released 25 February 2018 BRIDGETOWN, Barbados - Burnett Taekwondo Academy was the first TAB Club to host its 2018 Club Tournament earlier today. This was BTKDA's first invitational tournament in three years and commendations are extended to Club Head and Chief Instructor - Mr. Adrian Burnett. The event saw athletes from BTKDA, Taekwondo Warriors and UWI Taekwondo; whilst officiating and other support was provided by Challenger Taekwondo, Barbados Taekwondo Titans, Boardbreakers Taekwondo and the National Association.  Council Members and Club Heads in discussion at the meeting.
Second National Strategic Planning Meeting
released 19 Feb 2018 BRIDGETOWN, Barbados - Following initial discussions on 22 December 2017 a joint meeting of the Executive Council and all Club Heads was held on 22 January 2018. The 2017 - 2021 Strategic Plan for the National Association was advanced significantly, and participation by the club heads facilitated identification of the tentative calendar of events for 2018. Those not in physical attendance (Dr. Brewster, Mr. Alleyne and Mr. Williams) joined the meeting via Skpe and telephone to make their contributions. It is expected that the National Strategic Plan document will be completed in March this year.  A large crowd gathered for the funeral service of Damien Taylor as several more others stayed outside of the church for lack of space.
TAB Attends Final Farewell to Damien "Dappa" Taylor
released 19 Feb 2018 BRIDGETOWN, Barbados - The Taekwondo Association of Barbados attended the Home Going Service of Damien Taylor held on 15th January 2018 at the Sanctuary Empowerment Ministries on Country Road, Bridgetown. The funeral service was well attended - a reflection of the level of Damien’s involvement in life, within his sphere of the world. Tributes were paid from his class mates at Combermere School, his band companions (both Ruk a Tuk and Electric), colleagues from UWI Cave Hill, friends, family and extended family. His service was vibrant and lively reflecting his persona - and his life! After the service, the Black Knights Motorcycle Club (of which he was a member) and Barbados Tridents Harley Davidson Motorcycle Group provided an escort for the funeral entourage to the Coral Ridge Cemetery. Many tears were shed...but the memories will forever remain. Of him it can be said... he lived respected and died regretted!  Award Winners Secretary
General Dottin (left) and
President Turton (centre,
receiving the award on
behalf of Mr. Ken Harewood)
for “Officials Gaining
International Recognition”
at the National
Sports Council Awards
Ceremony 2017.
National Sports Council awards for Taekwondo!
released 19 Feb 2018 BRIDGETOWN, Barbados - The TAB received two awards at the 35th Annual National Sports Council Awards Ceremony, held 13th January 2018, at the Frank Collymore Hall, Central Bank of Barbados. The awards were presented for “Officials Gaining International Recognition” in 2017. The Awardees were Mr. Kenneth Harewood and Mr. Ogeji Dottin. Of significance was the fact that our officials were the only ones proposed for consideration under this award category. This was a significant milestone for TAB as it demonstrates some recognition by the National Sports Council of the activities and progress being made by the Taekwondo Association. |
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