An Unforgettable Taekwondo Experience: STC at the International IRON ISLAND Camp in Malta
This past week, Strive Taekwondo Club had the privilege of attending one of the most inspiring and high‑level training camps we’ve ever experienced organised by Coach Gianluca Barbara (Iron Taekwondo League) and the Malta Taekwondo Association with special coaching appearance of Coaches Vaso and Toula Christidou (Greece).
Hosted in Malta at Salini Resort, the camp brought together 105 athletes from 11 nations, creating an unforgettable blend of skill, passion, and camaraderie. The atmosphere was electric—welcoming, energetic, and immediately unifying—setting the perfect foundation for learning, improving, and forming lasting friendships. [maltatoday.com.mt]
11 Nations. 1 Fantastic group!
One of the highlights was training alongisde world‑renowned para‑taekwondo athletes. We were particularly honored to meet Adnan Milad, an Israeli para‑taekwondo fighter who rose to prominence after overcoming life‑changing injury, and who competed at the 2024 Paris Paralympics in the men’s -63kg category. Alongside him was Asaf Yasur, a two‑time world champion and Paralympic gold medalist in the -58kg category, whose exceptional resilience and technical mastery left a powerful mark on everyone present. [timesofisrael.com] [en.wikipedia.org]
We also trained with Imogen “Immie” Broxholme, standout British para‑athlete and K44 National Champion, whose performance and quiet determination inspired everyone on the mats. Equally uplifting was the presence of Nicole Brennan, para‑taekwondo athlete and disability‑inclusion advocate, whose insights into adaptive sport helped broaden the camp’s educational impact. [britishtae...ndo.org.uk] [linkedin.com]
The technical depth of the camp was further elevated by the presence of Grandmaster Seung Seok Ryu, a respected 7th‑Dan Taekwondo master from Munich. [arenataekwondo.de]
A Special Highlight: The Greek Coaches
A standout feature of this year’s camp was the exceptional contribution of the Greek coaching team, whose professionalism and expertise alongside Coach Gianluca significantly shaped the training environment.
Athletes were treated to world‑class instruction from Vaso and Toula Christidou, highly respected Greek coaches known for their competitive pedigree and advanced technical approach. Their Saturday training session emphasized precision, tactical clarity, and competitive sharpness — raising the standard of performance across the board. Both coaches were formally honored during the camp for their technical excellence and meaningful contribution to the event. [maltatoday.com.mt]
Together with Coach Gianluca, these Greek coaches brought unmatched expertise, professionalism, and warmth — helping to create an environment where learning flourished and athletes of all ages and levels felt uplifted.
A Camp That Leaves You Wanting More
None of this would have been possible without the tireless work of Coach Gianluca Barbara, whose vision and leadership brought together such outstanding figures from around the world. Thanks to him, the camp became more than a training event—it became a celebration of international unity, personal growth, and the shared passion for Taekwondo.
We return home deeply motivated, grateful, and already looking forward to the next edition.
For full event details, visit: https://www.maltataekwondo.com/news/104-105-athletes-11-nations-one-unforgettable-camp-in-malta
