Robert Wheatley reaches top level in Taekwondo

MORE THAN 40 years of practicing Taekwondo came to their peak for Robert Wheatley when he was promoted to 9th degree grandmaster at the ITF World Taekwondo Championships in Brighton.

The honorary promotion was bestowed on the Kilpeddar native for his dedication to promoting and spreading the message of Taekwondo throughout the world. It was a momentous occasion for Robert and all who know him as it is the highest level that one can reach in Taekwondo.

‘Robert was awarded for the his length of service, his knowledge of the sport, you name it,’ explained John Hackett PRO of ITF Eireann. ‘He has come full circle. His knowledge is, in a sense, complete.’

Robert Wheatley’s experience of Taekwondo stems back to the 1970s, when he began his studies of General Choi Hong Hi’s Taekwondo under Master Rhee Ki Ha. Just three years later he became an instructor for the Republic of Ireland Taekwondo Association and in 1975, he took first place in patterns and second place in power breaking at the Irish National Championships. He founded the Greystones school of Taekwondo and he later became an official ITF instructor.

Over the years, Robert took part in many competitions and has become an extremely respected member of the Taekwondo community. In the 1980s, Robert moved to America where he has served as president of the USITF. He continues to spread his knowledge to others at the Wheatley Taekwondo Academy.

A ceremony will be held in the Tullow Taekwondo Academy this Saturday from 1 p.m. to welcome Grand Master Wheatley home and honour him for his achievement. It is open to all ITF students.