Name:  Master Robert G. Howard

Taekwon-Do History

Master Howard (7^th Degree), who is the son of Senior Master Robert J. Howard 8th Degree, has been practising Taekwon-Do since 1979. He originally trained under Master Liam Dandy in his early years, and then Senior Master Howard.  During his early years he has also trained under SM Brendan O’Toole (in Green St) and Master Gerry Martin (in Green St and Beaumont).  He trains and assists with teaching in Senior Master Howard's School in Cabra, as well as being examiner to Athlone and Galway schools.

He has pioneered ITF Taekwon-Do in several areas of the country, co-founding the Galway & Athlone Schools in 1993 and 1998 respectively with Mr. O'Donnell as well as founding the Stillorgan Taekwon-Do school in 1994. Along with Mr O'Donnell he was coach to the RITA Colour Belt Team.

He was a member of the Irish national team on several occasions, and represented Ireland on several occasions at European & World Championship level with great success, most notably winning gold medals for Ireland at the 1994 Four Nations Cup as well as a World Championship Team Power gold in Malaysia 1994.

Master Howard is one of the RITA's most senior International Instructors, and has works tirelessly to promote General Choi's Taekwon-Do in Ireland. He was the driving force behind many of the RITA's recent initiatives and is a member of the RIA’s Masters’ Council.  He is the association’s Chief Umpire and is regularly invited to umpire at World and European championships. He is well respected in the international umpiring circuit and has won awards for umpiring at international events.

In September 2007 Master Howard was promoted to VII Dan Master Black Belt at a grading under Grand Master Ki Ha Rhee XI Dan.

Master Howard has taught Taekwon-Do to men, women and children for over 22 years. He has taught students of all levels and abilities, from beginner to black belts, novice competitor to international medalists. He now teaches the Taekwon-Do Tigers programme for boys and girls on Fridays in Senior Master Howard’s School (at the Bogies).

Master Howard's International Taekwon-Do Dan promotion details

* Note 1: Graded and promoted by First Grand Master Rhee in Leicester 2/9/2007 certified by the ITF Executive Board 9/2/2008

International Taekwon-Do Federation qualifications

• International Umpire: ‘A’ Class, cert no. 536 date 9/10/92
• International Instructor (Examiner):   cert no., 632, 9/10/92

International Taekwon-Do Federation Awards Received

• Best Umpire Award ITF World championships Australia 2005
• Best Umpire Award AETF European Championships Greece 2006

International Taekwon-Do Federation Courses and Seminars

Experience at World, European and International Championships

Participation at ITF and AETF/EITF Congresses