Living history

As you will know, my thesis for my 4th dan test will be on the history of Taekwon-Do in Ireland. This subject has been covered before by many gone before me. This thesis will be different. I intend to interview as many as the original pioneers of Irish Taekwon-Do as possible.

I started my thesis this week, and there was no better start had than to conduct an interview with the very first ITF Taekwon-Do black belt, Senior Master Robert J Howard 8th degree.

This blog made contact with the RITA's Master Robert Howard junior, the son of Senior Master Howard, a number of weeks back. Master Howard junior is the youngest ITF Master in Europe. I was delighted to hear that Senior Master Howard would allow me the time to interview him.

I landed into the Cabra parkside sports centre on Tuesday last and waited patiently for this great man to arrive. I was nervous I have to say. I mingled with other RITA members telling them of my interview and then in he arrives, with a very proud walk and bundles of presence, he made his way down the corridor of the sports hall. I bowed and greeted SNR Master Howard, and he cheerfully said "hello Jon!" - The first thing you notice about SNR Master Howard are his hands. He has hands like shovels. Real Taekwon-Do hands, which have been responsible for the death of several hundred bricks, blocks and tiles over the years.

We headed upstairs to the cafe where SNR Master Howard brought me through a unique and highly interesting Taekwon-Do history, from 1967 to present day. I was delighted with the content, he remembered everything with clarity, from being with General Choi in Winnipeg, the first Taekwon-Do world championships and the very early days with GM Rhee Ki Ha.

We spent close to two hours chatting, and like anything that you're enjoying the time runs out on you. I hope to come back to SNR Master Howard again at some point. I FORGOT TO GET A PHOTO!!! "Blast it" I said as I drove away, but I hope he'll allow me the opportunity again soon.

I intend using this new found knowledge of Irish Taekwon-Do as the foundation of my thesis.

In conclusion here, SNR Master Howard is an absolute gent, he has a super sense of humour and carries all the traits of serious martial artist. I am very grateful for the opportunity, both to SNR Master Howard and to JNR Master Howard also.

My next stop will be Mr Aidan Walsh, then hopefully as suggested to me SNR Master's Phelan and Barrett. I have another few people to track down after that and then I should be ready to put pen to paper.