#56: Malta’s Iron Taekwondo Co-Leads Training Camp In Greece
Local club Iron Taekwondo League hit the ground running this year with a training camp in Greece, co-hosted by an ITL coach.
The International Training Camp, the first of its kind, was hosted by Greek coaches Toula and Vaso Christidou, former champions and renowned players of Serbia’s Galeb team. Some may also remember Toula from her Junior World Championship medal in Mexico, while Vaso is a renowned coach who branched into several other martial arts, including Judo and Sambo.
Running from the 17th till the 20th January 2025, the camp took place in Ptolemaida, and welcomed up to 170 athletes of all ages.
The Maltese team launched the first session of the camp a few minutes after arrival on Friday 17th January. Here, ITL coach Gianluca Barbara led a technical/tactical session that set the tone for the next day.
Come Saturday morning, the players were treated to a volume sparring session. And following a few hours of rest, they then reconvened for a technical/tactical session by coach Toula.
On Sunday, coach Vaso took the lead and coordinated her own session covering several technical aspects of the game. This was followed by an evening session of play sparring between ITL and the Christidou sisters’ club: Eordaiki Dinami.
It wasn’t just about the training. Kids, cadets, juniors and seniors worked hand in hand with great camaraderie and made friendships that will hopefully stand the test of time. It was also an enjoyable experience for friends and family who were able to relax and watch their kids train with great pride; with a little shopping, dining and sightseeing on the side.
The 1st International Sparring Seminar ended with great promise following the positive feedback, with talks of a second edition underway for the next year.
The MTA thanks Toula and Vaso for their amazing hospitality, and extends its thanks to their wonderful family and team, who made the Maltese feel like family during their stay in their beautiful village.
The club also commends all 17 ITL athletes, and their respective families for their participation in this great event.
