Members of the Talented Youth Centres had the opportunity over the weekend of 21 and 22 November to get a behind-the-scenes look at the national team’s training sessions. In Brandýs nad Labem, the Czech national team coaches prepared a series of training sessions for them, which are normally part of the preparation for the European or World Championships.

On the afternoon of Saturday 5 September, the now traditional Volnofest took place at U Čeňku Park in Černý Most. This event showcased the sports and leisure clubs operating in Prague 14. The entertaining afternoon was rounded off with demonstrations by the Czech Police, as well as theatre and musical performances. Sonkal gave a demonstration at its stand, and visitors were able to test their reaction times on the Blazepods.

Last year’s summer training camp is long gone, and unfortunately it’s only now that we’ve managed to sort through and process the photos. Of course, you haven’t missed out on them entirely, as we published a selection during the camp and in the months that followed. You can now view the full set. And as for the camp itself? It was, as ever, a brilliant event with loads of great people, fantastic performances and a superb atmosphere. The camp wasn’t just for Sonkal members, but also featured our friends from the Pardubice club, Malky and Rebecca from Scotland, and a large delegatio

We look back with these photographs at the autumn technical grading exams, in which 14 Sonkal members successfully took part.

On the first Sunday in July, the hall at Velešín Primary School hosted the second national team training camp. What better way to spend the long bank holiday weekend than by spicing it up with a visit to a training session? Some of the participants were the same as those at the Prague camp, but they were joined by local taekwondo practitioners and representatives from Narama in Plzeň. Take a look at the photos and be sure to come along to one of the upcoming one-day camps, such as the one at the end of the summer holidays here at Vybíralova Primary School in Černý Most (30 August).

Thursday, June 18, was D-Day for candidates seeking higher technical ranks. In the hot weather, everything got underway at 7:00 p.m., and due to an emergency in the Prague metro, we had to experiment a bit with the order in which candidates were tested. But everything went smoothly, and at 8:30 p.m. we presented the participants with certificates confirming their successful completion of the exams. Congratulations to everyone, and we look forward to teaching new techniques, forms, and other parts of the training program!

Mid-February was traditionally dedicated to the club’s grading exams for higher technical levels—colored belts. Exams were held in seven gyms for all those interested in advancing to a higher belt, and 56 candidates emerged from these exams to take the final test on February 12. In just under 14 days, we’ll have our second set of exams this year, and a series of tests will begin on Tuesday, June 9. We’re crossing our fingers for everyone!

Last year, Sonkal held two preparatory training days before the World Championships in Tallinn. We will continue this activity again this year. Training sessions will always take place in the gym of the Vybíralova Elementary School in Černý Most and will be free of charge for all participants. Participation is not limited to European Championship participants, but is open to anyone who wants to improve and get more out of their training. The minimum level is 4th kup, but we recommend 2nd kup or higher. As last year, we welcome other masters, instructors, and coaches to participate. Dates