Naas World Taekwondo Association marks 8 years in operation

8 years ago Naas World Taekwondo Association opened its doors for the first time on a cold Thursday evening and has been going non-stop since with great success.

Senior Instructor Shane Smyth began training in Taekwondo in 2000 under Grand Master Sheamus O Neill in Tipperary and, in 2016, opened the Naas branch of World Taekwondo Association. Since then, Taekwondo has grown in the Naas area with students fighting in competitions and winning numerous medals at National Level and International Level. Naas Students have even travelled to the home of Taekwondo in Korea to train under our Grand Master, Grand Master Shin in Seoul.
Senior Instructor Shane Smyth pays tribute to all the students and their families for their commitment to classes, competitions, and taking part in local events in Naas over the years with the students bringing their postive energy, skills and community commitment to each event.

Shane said: “In the last 8 years, we have achieved great things together. We now have a number of Black Belts who have trained for years to obtain their International Kukkiwon and ChungdoKwon Black Belt Dan's. Our Students are training weekly towards earning their black belts, competing both at national and international level successfully as well as seeing personal improvements in self confidence, self defence, fitness, and making great new friends along the way.

Shane added: “As club instructor, it has been a joy and honour to get to know everyone and their families and to help students on their own path to earning their own black belt. I am also supported greatly in teaching the students by Assistant Instructor Paul Donnelly and Assistant Instructor David Morrissey, who along with other students, help teach Taekwondo to junior students.

“We will be competing on the 12th of October in the Chungdokwan Irish Open in Tipperary and Naas students will be competing against teams from across Ireland, the United Kingdom, France, Portugal and 9th Dan Grand Master Shin will be flying in from South Korea too, which is a special honour.

“While we look forward with excitement to the coming years for our branch of World Taekwondo Association, it is important to acknowledge the work and effort that so many people have put into our club over the last 8 years, so thank you to all our students, past and present, their families and the local community that have supported. Also, a special mention to Naas businesses that have sponsored us over the years, Whelan's Menswear, Bob Quinn The Money Advisers, and JMC Transport.

“Lastly, a special thanks to my own family Elaine, James and Rían for encouraging and supporting me and to Master Sheamus O’Neill for teaching me what it means to be a true Taekwondo student, to always strive to the highest of standards, from white belt to black belt and beyond.”

Beginners of all ages and backgrounds are always welcome to start with anytime. Classes are on in Naas Community National School every Monday and Thursday, 6pm to 6.45pm for under 12 year old and seniors from 7pm to 8pm.

You can find more information on our Facebook page, Naas World Taekwondo.