Celebrating the birth of Taekwondo in Malta

The sport of Taekwondo itself was introduced a year earlier by Ghelan Rageb, a Tunisian living in Malta, and initially training was carried out at two locations, a premises in Tigne and a private gym in Pieta. Following the closing down of the Tigne premises, the club in B’bugia was opened.

The Malta Taekwondo Federation itself was created eight years later in 1994 and in 1995 the local federation became a member of the World Taekwondo Federation. Over the years the Federation also had the privilege of hosting a number of high ranking international coaches such Master Choi Chang Yeul (6^th Dan)  and Master Seo Myung Soo (9th Dan) to train the local athletes. The Federation currently has four affiliated clubs and a total of 180 practitioners of this Korean martial art with ages ranging from barely 5 years to over 50.

To mark this occasion the Malta Taekwondo Federation held a reception at the hall of  the B’bugia Primary School, the very same location where the fist club started its training 25 years back. Distinguished guests present for the occasion included the Hon. Stephen Spiteri Parliamentary Assistant within the Ministry of Education, Employment and the Family and the Hon. Chris Agius MP Shadow Minister for Sports.  Mementoes were presented to all former and current presidents of the Federation as well as to Ghelan Rhageb, the founder of taekwondo in Malta.  Mr Stephen Camilleri and Mr Charles Grima were also presented a memento for their contribution towards the development of the Taekwondo locally.

Mr. Brian Saliba, the current president, and Master Chris Vella, gave a presentation about the development of this Martial Art over the past 25 years. The two B’Bugia clubs together with the national team and Master Chris Vella  demonstrated the various applications of Taekwondo to the delight of the numerous invited guests.

The Malta Taekwondo Federation also took the opportunity to organise a raffle, all proceeds from which were presented to Puttinu Cares for Children Foundation. In total € 400 were raised for this good cause.

Also in commemoration of the 25^th anniversary, a Kyorugi (sparring) competition was organised on the 28^th October at the Sta. Venera Dojang (premises).

The winners of the respective categories were:

1. Cadets Male 'A' class - Kyle Saliba Gracey
2.  Pewee Male 'C' class - Gianluca Agius
3. Pewee Female 'B' class - Jody Bruno
4. Pewee Male 'B' class - Jerome Vassallo
5. Pewee Mixed 'B' class - Jaden Portelli
6. Senior Male - Gianluca Barbara Whoever is interested in practising this martial art please feel free to contact the Malta Taekwondo Federation on 79442305 or 99469581