by Mary Ruddy

On Saturday 18th April 1998, the BUTF celebrated its 10th Anniversary in style in the luxurious Patio Caribe at the Sheraton Skyline Hotel, Heathrow.

In attendance was the Federations Executive Committee, Master Raymond Choy 7th Dan Chairman of the BUTF, Ms. Tham Ying Au 6th Dan Secretary General, Mr. Ted Wolf 6th Dan Vice Chairman, Mr. Lakhbir Sangha 6th Dan Treasurer. Some 250 guests attended comprising of Instructors, students, parents, relatives and friends.

The evening commenced with a Tae Kwon Do demonstration from a team of Senior Black Belts led by Mr. Anthony Manning 5th Dan. The demonstration was highly entertaining as the students demonstrated the speed, agility, flexibility, control and skill they have acquired through their training with the Federation. 

Following the dinner, the Executive Committee cut the Anniversary Cake, and Mr. Choy addressed the audience. In a stirring and spirited speech, Mr. Choy outlined the history of the BUTF, its values and beliefs. He acknowledged and commended the exhaustive dedication, commitment and efforts of the Executive Committee, Instructors and students alike who have gone from strength to strength in ensuring the Federation is one of the foremost in the country in the maintainance of teaching unadulterated Tae Kwon Do.Mr. Choys speech received rapturous applause, confirming the high regard with which Mr. Choy, his colleagues, and indeed the Federation is held.

Next followed the presentations to the recently graded Black Belts, a momentous occasion which they will savour for the rest of their lives. At one end of the spectrum, Mr. Sangha received his 6th Dan, an incredible achievement, whilst young Simon Miller received his 1st Dan with Distinction. Simon has achieved Distinction passes in all his gradings from White Belt to Black Belt, which is truly remarkable, infact the only student graded by Master Choy to have achieved this extraordinary feat! All of the graded Black Belts received tremendous applause, highlighting the comradery that exists within the Federation, where the success of any student is recognised, applauded, appreciated and enjoyed by all.

As a special momento of the occasion, Mr. Choy presented each of the Federations Instructors with an inscribed crystal plaque commemorating 10 years of achievement, and thanked them for their role in the Federations success.

As the celebrations continued into the early hours, the Federation could look with pride at its many achievements; increasing number of successful schools, increasing number of dedicated instructors, domination in European competition, to name but a few. While other organisations criticised and ridiculed the BUTF, the Federation never strayed from its objective, to teach traditional Tae Kwon Do to those willing to learn. As the evening concluded, the Federation was already focusing on the next 10 years. An organisation that is second to none, the BUTF can only go from strength to strength as more and more students recognise the invaluable training and experience that it has to offer for those who have the desire to become true Martial Artists.