Master Kirkwood with Mr Belgacem

Karim Belgacem - What can the Students of AIMAA Scotland look forward to in 2010?

Master Kirkwood - We have many events on our annual calendar, as well as events that we attend from fellow associations. The association has scheduled seminars, courses, tournaments and of course our bi-annual summer camp in Washington D.C in July. However I would have to say that there are three key events on the agenda that have got students buzzing, of course I am speaking of the "AIMAA European Championships" in Scotland, which will be followed by the bi-annual AIMAA Summer Camp in Washington D.C. This camp will be exceptional, as this year we celebrate 30 years of the AIMAA. The camp itself offers a week of seminars, workshops and training with GM Cho and the AIMAA Masters, and is open to all AIMAA members and Non-AIMAA members. Another big event is the first AIMAA Full Contact event scheduled for this year; however a date is still to be finalised.

Master Kirkwood with Grandmaster

Karim Belgacem - You got to spend some time with Grandmaster Cho during 2009. What seperates him from other martial artists?

Master Kirkwood - Last year I was very fortunate to spend a lot of time with Grandmaster Cho, this was during his European tour in Ireland and Scotland, and recently in Hawaii when I joined Master Darcy for a family holiday and to support him in his 7th Degree testing. My time with GM Cho holds many cherished memories, too many to list.

In my eyes, and that of my fellow Masters, there is, and will only ever be one "Hee Il Cho". No one will ever be able to step into his shoes, and everyone will always be in his shadow. I have seen GM Cho evolve over the last few decades into the powerhouse he is today. At nearly 70 years old he trains everyday, has the speed and agility of a 20yr old and leaves everyone behind, when you train side by side with him! He is kind, unassuming and has his pulse on what martial arts is all about! Grandmaster Cho is an icon, leading the future generations in dedication, integrity and loyalty, this is what separates him from the many martial art masters we have around us today.

Mrs Belgacem with her 'Panthers'

Karim Belgacem - AIMAA Scotland has a good mix of young and experienced Instructors. You must be proud of everyones efferts in building the AIMAA in Scotland?

Master Kirkwood - I am very proud of everyone in AIMAA Scotland, as it's not only the Instructors that build up our association, but our student body, without our students we do not progress and without progression we become stale and cease to exist!

In the last few months we have had a few Instructors open up AIMAA schools. Some of these Instructors have trained in the martial arts for many years and one has trained with me within the TAGB. All bring new ideas and expertise to our association, all are dedicated and enthusiastic!

Last year we rolled out the AIMAA Panther classes within Scotland; our two main Instructors within this area of expertise are Mrs Gough and Mrs Belgacem.

Mrs Gough runs two active Panther schools, with a 3rd in the process of being opened up soon. With a strong student body of 41 students ranging from 3-5yr old, she also teaches the youngest AIMAA Scotland student, who is training at the age of 2 ½ yrs old!!

Mrs Belgacem teaches within the Hamilton school, offering her expertise to the younger students within this area. She has a strong school also, and now has 23 youngsters learning the AIMAA Panther curriculum.

This month Mr Walker, whom I have known for many years, opens up his first AIMAA School in Glasgow. I am sure he will be highly successful, as he is an excellent Instructor and fellow martial artist! The other new school due to open is my own, which opens up in February, with another one on the agenda in the coming month also!

If you look at what we have now in AIMAA Scotland, to what there was in 2002, you can see we have grown so strong. AIMAA Scotland now boasts 11 schools, with number 12 on the agenda. In comparison in 2002, we only had 4 schools. Our continued growth is testament to the Instructors and students within our association.

Master Kirkwood with Mr Kirkwood

Karim Belgacem - What have been your best memories during your time in martial arts?

Master Kirkwood - During my journey within martial arts I have accumulated many memories, some of them very personal and inspirational!

One of my fondest memories was taking part in the 1st ever TAGB World Championships where I got to compete against the best martial artist in the world! This was the first time I saw Master Ameris in action and he was an inspiration to watch! I also saw the first martial arts demonstration from Grandmaster Cho, which I can still see vividly in my mind, it was explosive and just unbelievable. Everyone watched him break boards and bricks as if they where made of paper Mache!

However, nothing can beat my first Black Belt testing within the TAGB, and stepping onto the floor in front of Grandmaster Cho and the panel. I was so nervous, but also so hungry for success and ensured that I put every ounce of energy into my blocks, punches and stances. I was so ecstatic when I received news that I had passed! This feeling was also extended to all my testing under Grandmaster Cho, and more so, my 6th Degree testing in Hawaii, this truly was an honour. To become a Master within AIMAA has had a profound effect on me personally, as I have become an ambassador for AIMAA not only in Scotland but worldwide. I take my position seriously and endeavour to ensure that the guidelines set down by Grandmaster are passed onto the Instructors and students.

As a teacher of Taekwondo, I have had many happy memories stemming from teaching and training with my own children, to holding my first class! Watching your own student's progress to Instructors, such as John Kirkwood Jr, Mrs Gough and Mr Mc Lear gives you such joy of accomplishment. I have watched Mr Mc Lear and Mr Kirkwood train from very young boys to fine young family men, with maturity and dedication. It gives me great joy seeing the student's within the association progress from children into adults, with some going on to becoming class assistants, assistant instructors and finally Instructors. This is the natural progression of things and one I hope continues within AIMAA Scotland.

Master Ameris with Benny 'The Jet' Urquidez

Karim Belgacem - Which martial artists do you most admire outside of traditional TKD?

Master Kirkwood - I have quite a few people I admire for many reasons. One of these martial artists is Hank Myher, who was not only a proficient ITF fighter, but was and unbelievable full contact WTF fighter. He had such long legs, and was fast and furious with his kicking ability!

Another was "Superfoot" Bill Wallace: Having undertaken several seminars with him in the 80's he would teach with a friendly and humorous way, his manner was just unbelievable! He would talk to you as if you had been a life long friend, which was refreshing to find within the martial arts, as this was at a time that there were many ego's running about!

During my youth I grew up with a profound admiration for Benny "The Jet" Urquidez, a full contact kick boxer, who was small in stature but big in heart and soul. Although I never ever got a chance to meet my hero I watched many of his fights and was truly amazed by his ability in the ring! He still is today the longest reigning world champion in the world, which is just unbelievable!

Master Kirkwood

Karim Belgacem - What are your hopes for the future?

Master Kirkwood - The future looks bright for AIMAA Scotland; we are on track for growth and prosperity, through our growing Instructors, Black Belts and students. As we write our future within the AIMAA family, my hopes are that we lead by example, ensure we pass on what we learn from Grandmaster Cho to the next generation, strive for perfection and ensure integrity is part of our lives.

It is an unfortunate part of the circle of life, that at one stage I or those who lead AIMAA will fade away. This thought is one that has spoken about on many occasions. My personal hope is that the work we do now, by our teachings and understanding will pass to the ones we leave behind, thus guaranteeing the growth of the AIMAA family throughout the world.

The future is not written, it is up to us to write it!