On Saturday 13th August 2005 there was a good turnout of youngsters at Friday morning's Taekwondo session in the old stadium sports hall.  Twins Ernest and Edward Garcia were well supported by most of British Taekwondo Control Board (B.T.C.B.) Gibraltar's instructors who put the groups through drills appropriate to their ages.

B.T.C.B. Gibraltar has built a superb 'international' reputation in recent years and is one of the few associations recognised outside of the U.K. by the British Board.  B.T.C.B. Gibraltar having achieved ten black belts can now grade its own instructors accepted internationally.

Taekwondo, as with most martial arts, is strictly governed to outlaw any persons misusing its skills.  On Ernest's official I.D. is stressed its acceptance by the criminal records bureau in the U.K.  Also B.T.C.B. Gibraltar's ability to negotiate the insurance essential to the sport.  

During this 'close' season B.T.C.B. Gibraltar is preparing a senior/junior squad to participate at U.K. championships next year in Doncaster.  One 'eye-catcher' is young ten year old Lorena Garcia, recognised by the British board as the youngest black belt.

Ernest and his twin Edward recognise that at 38 years they are just past the recognised championship fighting limit of 35 - much to their regret.  They still seek out stronger opposition across the frontier where Spain is recognised as second only to Korea in world championships.  They're very happy with the progress of their black belt protégées - Brandon Tosso, Dean Chipolina and Alexander Trinidad among others.  


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