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Master Paul Mitchell visits United Taekwondo Tonga

On Saturday 20th March 2010, the Haveluloto branch in Tonga received a special visitation by Master Paul MITCHELL for the first time. Master Paul travelled from Australia in company with Chief Instructor Mark CHAMBERLAIN and associate Wayne RUSSELL to run a number of special training seminars and conduct the quarterly grading. The students were thrilled to meet Master Paul and soak up his knowledge and experience.

Prior to Master Paul's arrival, Chief Instructor Josh Taumoefolau, Instructor Yvane FIFITA and senior Ebonie FIFITA appeared on Tonga national radio FM 88.6 to promote the weekend's event. As a result the grading attracted a healthy number of interested people from the community.

On the day Wayne RUSSELL who holds a Black Belt in Judo, ran a Judo training seminar for the students. They benefited from the exciting session by learning various throws and takedowns, in addition to rolling and break falling.

Chief Instructor Mark CHAMBERLAIN also ran a special seminar on knife techniques, held exclusively for the senior students. This seminar was particularly appealing for the seniors as nothing of its kind had ever been seen.

Exciting board breaking demonstrations were performed by Master Paul, Chief Instructors Mark and Josh and Instructor Yvane. Thirty students successfully graded in typical tropical conditions (30dg heat 90% humidity). Special congratulations to Mercy Kafalava and Chris Fakautoki in receiving a double promotion.

Since its inception in September 2009 as UTKDs first international branch, the Havelu branch has quickly become a popular art within the island kingdom. The great event was an overall success and an illustration of things to come.

Special thanks to Instructor Yvane, Seniors Ebonie and Ruha FIFITA for making the visit a successful and memorable event!

Josh Taumoefolau
CHIEF INSTRUCTOR, TONGA