Grandmaster Hee Il Cho's European Tour

Both Mr and Mrs Belgacem were extremely fortunate to have a full week in Grandmaster Cho's company during his recent European Tour. It was also their pleasure to spend time with the AIMAA European Masters and their families.

Master D'arcy had very kindly invited Mr and Mrs Belgacem to join him at the excellent Glenview Hotel in Wicklow where Grandmaster Cho was staying during his visit. Master Kirkwood, Mrs Kirkwood, AIMAA Scotland Instructor John Kirkwood Jr and his son baby Jon were also guests of Master D'arcy. Everyone had an excellent time with Grandmaster and Mrs Cho, who had also travelled over from Hawaii.

THURSDAY 17TH SEPTEMBER

This was Mr and Mrs Belgacem's first day in Ireland and the whole day was spent relaxing at the hotel as well as visiting some of the beautiful and historical areas of Wicklow before going out for a lovely meal with Grandmaster Cho.

The Glenview Hotel is situated roughly fourty minutes from Dublin Airport and was an excellent choice by Master D'arcy were everyone could relax and enjoy their visit. The hotel had excellent facilities which included a superb gym, swimming pool, jacuzzi and outdoor hot tub.

In the afternoon everyone travelled to a local restaurant where they were joined by AIMAA Ireland Instructor Mr Paul Healy. After enjoying lunch, Master D'arcy took everyone to Glendalough National Park which was home to 'Kevin's Bed'.  Many centuries ago St Kevin, who was a Catholic Irish Priest, avoided persecution by preaching from a large cave which had been cut from the mountain face. The cave is still clearly visible and is surrounded by some of the most amazing scenery in Ireland.

After returning to the hotel and relaxing in the swimming pool everyone joined Grandamaster Cho at a local Chinese restaurant for dinner. Irish Instructors Mr Fitzgerald, who will test to become the next AIMAA Master next year and Mrs Byrne also came along for dinner. This was the perfect end to an excellent day for everyone.

FRIDAY 18TH SEPTEMBER

Friday morning saw the arrival to Ireland of Mr Shaw, Mr Walker and students Bobby Barr, Michelle Currie, Josh Kirkland, Andy Gillan, George Morison and Aaron Irving. Mr and Mrs Belgacem travelled back to Dublin to meet the students before bringing Mr Walker and Mr Shaw back to Wicklow for some lunch and some relaxation. The rest of the students used this time to fit in some shopping in Dublin City Centre.

MONDAY 21ST SEPTEMBER

Grandmaster Cho arrived in Scotland on Monday 21st of September in preperation for his Scottish Seminar. Mr and Mrs Belgacem joined Grandmaster Cho, Mrs Cho and Master D'arcy at the hotel for tea and coffee before they were taken to Dinner by Master Kirkwood. Grandmaster Cho used this day for relaxation before his upcoming AIMAA Scotland Seminar.

TUESDAY 22ND SEPTEMBER

Mr and Mrs Belgacem along with student Jim Logan visited Grandmaster Cho on the afternoon of the Scottish seminar to present him with an apprecation award from the Instructors and students of our School. This was a small gesture to thank Grandmaster for his leadership, guidance and continued support.

For a full report on Grandmaster Cho's Scottish Seminar please click here...

WEDNESDAY 23RD SEPTEMBER

This was Grandmaster Cho and Mrs Cho's last day in Scotland and Mr and Mrs Belgacem's were extremely happy to spend the whole day with them. Mr and Mrs Belgacem visited Grandmaster's hotel early in the afternoon and joined him and Mrs Cho, along with Master D'arcy for lunch. This was an excellent time as everyone looked through old photographs of Grandmaster Cho and told stories about their past experiences in Tae Kwon Do.

Mrs Belgacem would also like to thank Mrs Cho for the beautiful gift she was given. It was very kind of Mrs Cho and it is something that Mrs Belgacem will cherish.

Just before Grandmaster Cho, Mrs Cho, Master D'arcy and the irish instructors left for the airport Master Kirkwood and Mrs Kirkwood arrived at the hotel and took everyone to a local chinese restaurant for one final meal together. This was the perfect end to an amazing week as the conversation and laughs flowed.