Grand Master Neil Guest Leads Seminar and Black Belt Grading

On 31st May and 1st June we welcomed esteemed Grand Master Neil Guest (8th Dan) from British Taekwondo for a taekwondo seminar and grading event, bringing together martial artists from Gibraltar Taekwondo, Club Lemus Han, and Hercules Taekwondo. The events were proudly organized by club coach Lorena Garcia (4th Dan), whose dedication and leadership made the weekend a remarkable success.

The weekend kicked off with an engaging seminar that brought together 70 participants for a two hour training session. Divided into three key segments, the event started with pad work, helping practitioners sharpen their kicking techniques. This was followed by a hands-on self defence workshop, providing practical skills for real world scenarios. The seminar wrapped up with poomsae practice, emphasising precision, discipline, and the fluid execution of movements.

Special thanks go to Diana Lozowsky, for documenting the event through photos and videos, capturing the energy and enthusiasm of all participants.

After the training, Grand Master Neil Guest explored Gibraltar’s rich heritage, visiting the Windsor Suspension Bridge with its breath taking views across the Upper Rock Nature Reserve. He also toured the historic World War II tunnels. A fascinating glimpse into Gibraltar’s wartime role. Special thanks to Keiron Gonzalez for his engaging and informative tour, which truly brought history to life. The visit added a meaningful historical touch to Grand Master Neil Guest’s weekend, blending adventure with insight into Gibraltar’s past.

On Sunday, four dedicated candidates namely Olga Sanchez Padron, Stuart Barea, Duncan Stewart and Ethan Martin, undertook the challenging process of earning their 1st Dan black belts, progressing from 1st KUP. The grading was officially recognised as a UK Kukkiwon Dan Promotion Test event, meaning their achievements are internationally certified by the global governing body of Taekwondo. A distinguished panel led by Grand Master Guest (8th Dan), with support from Master Ernest Garcia (7th Dan) and Master Edward Garcia (7th Dan), ensured a rigorous and thorough evaluation.

Candidates were tested across multiple areas, including technical precision, self defence, sparring proficiency, poomsae execution and destruction. Their months of intense preparation paid off, with all four successfully achieving their new rank. A testament to their commitment and perseverance.

To honour their accomplishment, a celebratory lunch was held, attended by the grading panel, coaches, successful candidates, and their families. The gathering was a moment of pride, reflection, and encouragement for the practitioners as they embark on their next chapter in taekwondo.

The Gibraltar taekwondo community extends its heartfelt appreciation to Grand Master Neil Guest for his invaluable contribution to the weekend’s events. His presence, guidance, and continued support, especially after 11 years since his last visit, are deeply appreciated by all of us. He has helped shape the growth of taekwondo in Gibraltar, and we look forward to welcoming him again in the future.

We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to Antonio Torres (6th Dan) and the Lemus Han Club, as well as Alexander Trinidad (5th Dan) and the Hercules Taekwondo club for attending the seminar. Their support and presence contributed greatly to the collaborative spirit and shared learning. With every event, Gibraltar’s taekwondo community’s spirit grows stronger. A testament to the dedication, mutual respect, and relentless drive shared by its practitioners.