29 Dec 2025

International Instructors Course & International Technical Seminar conducted by GM Francis Barrett

On October 18th and 19th 2025 the Republic of Ireland Taekwon-Do Association hosted an ITF International Instructor Course and International Technical Seminar in Dublin, Ireland conducted by Grandmaster Francis Barrett, IX Dan.

Grandmaster Barrett, with assistance from Master Audrey Condon, VII Dan, led participants through fundamental movements, patterns, self-defence incl. releases from grabs, and knife defence.

The event was attended both by RITA members from across the country and ITF practitioners from the UK.

Through Grandmaster Barrett’s expertise, attained over 52 years of practicing TaeKwon-Do, participants performed and analysed Saju-jirugi, Saju-makgi, and all patterns from 9th Kup to VI Dan.

Questions were highly encouraged to understand the application of each and every movement.

These movements were also practiced in pairs to give participants a true sense of their execution, as well as to demonstrate correct technique.

Participants were also guided through self-defence techniques, including releases from grabs and knife defence. These techniques were first demonstrated and explained, after which participants were divided into pairs to practice their application. Grandmaster Barrett observed each participant, taking time to ensure that they not only executed proper technique but also understood the reasoning for them. 

We thank Grandmaster Barrett for his time and for sharing his extensive knowledge with us.

His dedication following the teachings of General Choi, took attention to detail and encouragement of continuous learning have provided participants with the tools necessary to develop not only their own skills in TaeKwon-Do, but also their ability to instruct others.

Kirsten DeLosh