MTG Taekwon-Do Clubs hosted a series of events over the weekend of September 25 and September 26 across its Emmarentia, North Riding, Bedfordview, and Parkmore branches.

The excitement kicked off on Friday with the arrival of grand master Trevor Nicholls (ninth Dan) from the UK. As the vice president of the International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF), Nicholls is a global authority in the martial art, as well as the long-time instructor and mentor to master Norman Magua, who heads up the MTG clubs and the national federation in South Africa.

In a heartwarming twist, Magua’s brother, Denis – a fellow taekwon-do master residing in Canada – made a surprise trip to South Africa to coincide with the grand master’s trip. The reunion carried immense emotional weight, as Magua was scheduled to undergo his historic eighth dan grading that very afternoon. Participants were also able to see his awesome skills in action.

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The achievement almost didn’t happen. Just two weeks prior, Magua suffered a bulged disc in his lower spine from an injury unrelated to his training. For a few days, it seemed his dream of grading would have to be put on hold, a devastating prospect given the immense physical preparation required. However, through intensive physiotherapy and sheer determination, he persevered.

Following a demanding physical and mental examination covering the vast scope of the art, Magua successfully passed, earning his eighth dan. He felt humbled, as the feat marked the highest ITF-style taekwon-do grading to be conducted on South African soil. “I felt a massive sense of relief and pride,” Magua reflected, noting he felt both humbled and honored by the milestone.

The celebrations continued into Saturday with an exclusive seminar, held at the BAPS Hindu Centre’s gymnasium in North Riding, spearheaded by Nicholls, who remains one of the most sought-after instructors in the world. Attendees were treated to world-class instruction, with Denis, the newly promoted Magua, and several high-ranking black belts assisting.

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Participants at the grading on Friday were left in awe of the 65-year-old grand master. Despite having undergone hip surgery just two months prior, Nicholls demonstrated board-breaking techniques while offering fine-tuning tips. With seemingly little effort, while still talking and looking at the audience, he smashed multiple boards using both hand and kicking techniques – feats that typically require immense physical psyching-up and exertion from younger black belts.

The seminar also doubled as a special celebration for a joint milestone: both Magua and his wife, Tanya – a respected fellow head instructor and sabum-nim also integral in the running of the club – turned 50 this year. The day concluded with a vibrant gathering at the venue’s restaurant, complete with a birthday cake and celebrations.

The event proved to be a true family affair, as the Maguas’ eldest son, a first-degree black belt, donned his uniform to train at the seminar after several years away from the floor. This made them truly happy, as their kids have never been forced to follow in their footsteps with training. Meanwhile, their younger son, currently recovering from a non-martial arts injury, served as the official event photographer.

For the members of the Emmarentia, North Riding, Bedfordview, and Parkmore clubs, the weekend was a powerful reminder of the tight-knit, hard-working, and supportive community they have built.

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