By Kevin McAteer
As the countdown begins for the 2025 ITF World Taekwon-Do Championships, set to take place from July 22nd to 27th in Cornellà, Barcelona, Eight local fighters for Team Ireland are intensifying their preparations to make a significant impact on the global stage.
The local athletes are:
Cathal Fegan Silverbridge
Aoife Loye Silverbridge
Joe McKeown Silverbridge
James Walsh Silverbridge
Ethan O’Kane Hiltown
Amy Bantleman Newry
Cara Mackin Dorsey
Rachael Carvill Mayobridge
What is Tae kwon Do?
Tae Kwon Do is a Korean martial art known for its dynamic kicking techniques, rapid footwork, and disciplined philosophy. Developed in the 1950s by General Choi Hong Hi, it combines elements of traditional Korean fighting styles with influences from Japanese karate. The name translates to “the way of the foot and the fist,” highlighting its focus on both striking power and self-control. Since its founding, Tae Kwon Do has grown into a global discipline with millions of practitioners and is governed by organisations such as the International Tae Kwon Do Federation (ITF), which oversees these world championships.
Benefits Beyond the Dojang
Taekwon Do is more than just a sport, it’s a way of life that promotes physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Physically, it improves flexibility, strength, coordination, and cardiovascular health. Mentally, it fosters discipline, focus, and resilience through structured training and goal-setting. Practitioners also benefit emotionally by building confidence and learning self-control and respect for others. These values, deeply rooted in Tae Kwon Do philosophy, make it particularly popular among young people and families, contributing to personal development both inside and outside the training hall.
Speaking to local press Cathal Fegan from CFTKD:
“Our clubs in Newry and Silverbridge have had some incredible success in the past few years especially in the European championships. Our fighters have trained hard for the worlds and we so proud to have eight of our students selected to represent Ireland on the world stage.
Building on European Success
Ireland’s Tae Kwon Do athletes are entering the championships with momentum, following a strong performance at the recent European Championships. The team secured a total of 12 medals, including 5 golds, 2 silvers, and 5 bronzes, placing them second overall behind Romania.
Intensive Training Regimen
In preparation for the world championships, Team Ireland has been conducting rigorous training sessions across the country. Notably, five black belt members from CFTKD joined national squad training in Tipperary, demonstrating the collaborative effort to enhance performance.
Looking Ahead
With a blend of seasoned competitors and emerging talent, Team Ireland is poised to showcase its prowess at the ITF World Championships in Barcelona. The team’s dedication and recent successes suggest a promising performance on the international stage.
For more information on CFTKD and our eight amazing athletes’ journey and updates on the championships you can visit the CFTKD Facebook page.
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