Inverclyde Cho’s Black Belt testing 14th November 2025.
On Friday 14th November 2025 Inverclyde Cho’s Tae Kwon Do held its annual black-belt grading at our new TKD Hall in Saint Margaret’s Church 67 Finch Rd Greenock, PA16 7DE. the grading was overseen by Master Charles Boyle 7th degree black-belt and Academy Chief Instructor.
Four students graded for black-belt on the day, from 2nd degree to 1st degree Black/belt and all were successful on the night.
All students have been training intensely since January and have also undertaken 3 pre-grading’s in the previous 2 months leading up to the grading, All to prepare themselves for the gruelling 3 1/2 hour grading.
Students also had to undertake a teaching schedule to enable them to enter the black/belt ranks within AIMAA.
The night started off with a twenty min warm up, leading into all patterns, basic and advanced line work, sparring then on to pad work, sparring, 2v’s 1 sparring and then self defence.
All students were on the floor for about 3 hours with only short breaks from time to time to take on fluids. Students were also tested on their knowledge of Tae Kwon-Do and had to submit a 1000 word essay which was then passed to Grandmaster Hee Il Cho 9th degree and president and founder of AIMAA, who also had the final say on weather or not the students had passed.
Student promoted where:
Ms Abagail Pollock promoted to 3rd degree,
Mr Jaxon Boyle promoted to 2nd degree,
Mr Sean Bryceland, Mrs Carolyn Pollock promoted to 1st degree.
would like to thank Mr Logan Boyle for helping out with testing on the night.
If you are interested in learning traditional Tae Kwon Do, please contact Master Boyle at our new TKD Hall at Saint Margaret’s Church, 67 Finch Rd Greenock, PA16 7DE.
Classes are held from ages 6 years upwards, Tuesday and Fridays nights. Upon your first visit, you will receive a week’s free trial under the tutorage of Master Boyle and his instructors, all who have accumulated over 70+ years of experience between them. Spaces are limited and some classes are full, so please get in contact if you are interested. or pop in on Tuesday or Friday nights any time between 6pm to 7pm junior class and 7pm to 8pm senior classes.
in photo from left to right is Mr Jaxon Boyle, Mr Sean Bryceland, Master Boyle, Mrs Carolyn Pollock and Miss Abigail Pollock.
Last A.I.M.A.A. Testing/ Grandmaster Hee Il Cho Retirement Party 2025.
on the 16th November 2025 Master Boyle of Inverclyde Cho’s Tae Kwon Do started his last travellers from Scotland to Hawaii to visit to Aimaa Hq in Hawaii to sit on the last International Black belt testing2025 under the watch full eye of Grandmaster Hee Il Cho 9th Degree.
the testing was on the 23rd Nov 10am sharp and was over seen By Grandmaster Hee Il Cho and his senior Grandmasters John Darcy and Peter Byrne 8th Degree and Master Charles Boyle 7th Degree and Master Karim Belgacem 6th Degree, it was a special occasion as had students from all over America and Scotland testing, with students going for 1st degree to 6th degree Masters, it was very tense and nerve-racking for all the students but it all went well on the day as everyone exceeded there great indomitable spirit, on achieving their new belt levels.
on the 23rd November 2025, Daughter Jasmine Cho presented a recognition of “LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT” for Grandmaster Hee Il Cho and announced his inducted into the Official Taekwondo Hall of Fame.
On the 26th Nov senior students of Grandmaster Cho planed a last ever party for him in one of his favourite restaurant with special guest only from all the past and presents students who ever trained under Grandmaster Cho. it was a great night with a lovely varied selection of food laid out for everyone.
Master Boyle was said it was a honor and a privilege to be over for Grandmaster Cho’s last ever testing and retirement party as he has given 35 years to Grandmaster and 41 years to martial arts, and has the great memories from passing his 1st degree in 1988 and 7th degree master in 2022.
If you are interested in learning traditional Tae Kwon Do, please contact Master Boyle at our new TKD Hall at St Margaret Church, 67 Finch Rd, Greenock, PA16 7DE.
Classes are held from ages 6 years upwards, Tuesday and Friday nights. Upon your first visit, you will receive a week’s free trial under the tutorage of Master Boyle and his instructors, all who have accumulated over 70+ years of experience between them. Spaces are limited and some classes are full, so please get in contact if you are interested. or pop in on Tuesday or Friday nights any time between 6pm to 7pm junior class and 7pm to 8pm senior classes.
| A Lifetime of Tae Kwon Do “If you teach long enough, you realize that you want to pass along the spirituality, the belief that the individual can accomplish whatever they want. It’s a lifelong lesson.” ~Grandmaster Cho | |
| A true martial artist, one who has given inspiration to thousands of students for countless years, is none other than Grandmaster Hee Il Cho. Grandmaster Cho has devoted his life to the philosophies of his art as well as enhancements in techniques for nearly 50 years. His walk in martial arts began at the age of ten when he was left in humiliation after brutally being beaten up by a local gang. This early incident triggered his determination to never be unable to defend himself again. |
Continuing diligently and training daily, Grandmaster Cho received his black belt in Tae Kwon Do at the age of thirteen. Training was much more disciplinary and required arduous hours of overcoming both physical mental barriers. Grandmaster Cho was beaten black and blue several times before the experience of defeat became obsolete. Grandmaster Cho achieved Fourth Dan black belt when he was 21 and was selected to train the Elite Special Forces of the Korean National Army. He was also recruited to train the army Special Forces of India.
Grandmaster Cho was soon actively participating in many competitions and international championships, including martial arts and boxing. He quickly gained a reputation as a fierce fighter and forms competitor and won more than thirty national and international tournaments,.
In 1968, Cho immigrated to the United States and settled in Chicago. He spoke very little English, and the only thing he knew about the city was the name of its onetime gangster king, Al Capone. He didn’t know much more about the rest of the country, either. But he learned quickly. After a year, he moved to South Bend, Indiana, then Milwaukee, then New York City, usually working during the day and teaching tae kwon do in the evening before spending the night at the studio. Finally, in Providence, Rhode Island, he opened a small tae kwon do school and used the last of his meager savings to take out a small ad in the local paper. A couple of days later, he had fifty students. He never looked back. Within just a few years, Cho had opened eight schools throughout New England.
Twelve years after the United States became Grandmaster Cho’s new found home he founded the Action International Martial Arts Association (AIMAA) in hopes of creating a unified body of martial artists pursuing the peace and harmony of the art.
| Grandmaster Cho’s contributions to the martial arts have taken on many forms throughout the years, constantly adding to his already enormous list of achievements. Working day and night, Grandmaster Cho produced the most extensive and innovative training library known to the martial arts world. He is author of 11 books, producer of over 70 videos, and the featured martial artist on over 70 magazine covers. In addition, Grandmaster Cho has lead nearly 300 seminars, been inducted into both the Black Belt and Tae Kwon Do Times Hall of Fame, and has also appeared in the films Fight to Win, Best of the Best, Bloodsport II and Bloodsport III.His sincere dedication and humbleness clearly reflect in the classes that he continues to teach daily at his own school in Honolulu, Hawaii. Grandmaster Hee Il Cho is undoubtedly one of the most important ambassadors in martial arts and continues to bring about changes and ideas that help to improve the many aspects of the art.in photos are Master Boyle with Grandmaster Cho at black belt testing. 2nd photo is Master Boyle, Grandmaster Cho, Grandmaster Darcy and Grandmaster Byrne at Aimaa Hq. |
A.I.M.A.A. Ireland Summer Camp 2024
On the 13th July 24 Master Charles Boyle of Inverclyde Cho’s Tae Kwon Do Scotland travelled to Kenmare Bay Hotel Co Kerry Ireland to take part in Aimaa Ireland International Training Camp 2024.
This camp was hosted by Grandmaster John Darcy the European International Director of A.I.M.A.A. ( Action International Martial Arts Association ) this event was a huge success, there were clubs from all over Ireland, Scotland and as far as Hawaii.
On Sunday evening before camp started there was a Black Belt testing with 19 students testing, under Grandmasters John Darcy and Grandmaster Peter Byrne and Master Charles Boyle sitting at grading table alongside Mr Paul Healy 5th Degree giving instruction to students from high red to 2nd degree. All students done a fantastic job on the night.
The following day saw the start of camp with fourteen classes over two days teaching all aspect of Tae kwon do from our own Grandmaster Hee Il Cho Founder of A.I.M.A.A. There were a variety of classes from our talented instructors from Ireland and Scotland showing there skills from sparring, self defence, boxing skills, jujitsu, basics, one step and pad work and also fun filled workout classes.
And this year we had Mr Martin Ward from World Kickboxing Organisation joining us and teaching his kickboxing skills.
Thanking all students and families for supporting this amazing event which will hopefully return to what has become a highlight of our yearly calendar bringing our Tae Kwon Do family together is the main aim of this camp and we hope it will continue for the years to come, getting bigger and strong every year.
Grand Master Darcy thanked all the instructors for all there help for the duration of the camp, and to all instructors from all over Ireland, Scotland and Hawaii who shared their expertise from Master Doreen Kenny, Master Trish Kenny Murphy, Master Aeneas O Connor, Mr Paul Healy, Mr John Philips Mr Martin Ward and Scottish instructor Ms Kirsty Gough for traveling to this event. Last but not least, a special thank you and Mrs Katrina Darcy for making this amazing weekend happen.
Master Boyle classes start at New Venue St Margret’s Church Finch Rd, Greenock PA16 7DE on the 6th August 2024.
there is classes for all ages from 6 year old upwards every Tuesday -Friday nights 6-7pm juniors and 7-8pm seniors, Come along for your free trial week of classes with our fantastic instructor team who have an amazing 74 years of experience between them.
contact us on inverclyde-taekwondo.com or contact Master Boyle on 07901828863.
in photos are students from Hawaii with Grandmasters and Masters,
and second photo is Grandmaster Byrne Grandmaster Darcy and Master Boyle.
Grandmaster Darcy Seminar Hamilton 24th March 2024
On Sunday 24th March 6 students from Inverclyde Cho’s TaeKwon-Do Scotland along with instructors Master & Mrs Boyle travelled to Hillhouse & Earnock Community Centre Hamilton to train with A.I.M.A.A. (Action International Martial Art Association) European director Grandmaster John Darcy 8th Degree Black belt and the 3rd highest ranking member under our very own Grandmaster Hee IL Cho 9th Dan and Chief instructor and Founder of A.I.M.A.A.
The seminar was organized by Master & Mrs. Belgacem from Hamilton, and we would like to thank them for the invite to train with the legendary instructor Grandmaster John Darcy from A.I.M.A.A. Ireland, Over 120 students took part on the day, they were six different Tae Kwon Do clubs from all over Scotland this if the first time since covid that all clubs have been together and great to see old and newer students and friends again.
The seminar was over two extreme hours for 120 + students arranging form 5th Degree black to white belts belt students taking part in this great seminar.
Grandmaster Darcy covered all aspects of Tae Kwon-Do along with a lot of core workouts, which Grandmaster Darcy takes straight from his training himself with Grand Master Hee IL Cho.
Master Boyle had 3 new students who have never seen Grandmaster Darcy before so they were excited to be able to attend this amazing event, Master Boyle would like to say well done to all students who travelled to the event from all over Scotland and Ireland and hope they enjoyed the atmosphere they all created on the day.
Master Charles Boyle classes are at Grieve Road Community Centre, 161 Grieve Road, Greenock, PA16 7AL.
there is classes for 6 years upwards Tuesday & Thursday nights 6pm to 7pm juniors and 7pm to 8pm seniors students, Come along for your free trial week of classes with our fantastic instructor team who have an amazing 74 years of experience between them.
contact us on inverclyde-taekwondo.com or contact Master Boyle on 07901828863 Mrs Boyle on 07908715883.
in photos are all students from seminar, and students from Greenock are from left to right is Jonpaul Gallacher, Christopher Bryce, Mr Thomas Collins, Master Boyle, Grandmaster Darcy, Mrs Gillian Collins, Mrs Boyle and Mr Jaxon Boyle.
Inverclyde Cho’s Black Belt testing 17th November 2023
On Friday 17th November 2023 Inverclyde Cho’s Tae Kwon Do held its annual black-belt grading at our new TKD Hall at 162 Grieve Rd Community Hall, the grading was overseen by Master Charles Boyle 7th degree black-belt and Academy Chief Instructor Mis Kirsty Gough 5th Degree Head Instructor Aimaa Blantyre, Lesmahagow and Coalburn.
The night started off with a twenty min warm up, leading into all patterns, basic and advanced line work, sparring then on to pad work, sparring, 2v’s 1 sparring and then self defence.
5th A.I.M.A.A. Ireland Summer Camp Co Kerry Ireland 2023.
On the 16th July 23 Master & Mrs Boyle of Inverclyde Cho’s Tae Kwon Do Scotland travelled to Kenmare Bay Hotel Co Kerry Ireland to take part in Aimaa Ireland International Training Camp 2023.
AIMAA HQ International Testing Nov 2022
On the 14th of November Master Charles Boyle of Inverclyde Cho’s Tae Kwon-Do and Master Peter Byrne from Knocckainy Limerick, Ireland took the long trip to Honolulu Hawaii to Aimaa headquarters to train with Grand Master Hee Il Cho
The test was rigorous, each participant performed patterns, AIMAA curriculum, one step sparring, self-defence, sparring, board breaking as well as theory on all parts of Korean history and it’s influences in Tae Kwon-Do, as well as being asked about these essays that they had to submit. The group had a full week of training with Grand Master Cho before the testing so they could climatize to the heat and humidity as temperatures reach higher than 30c.
Master & Mrs Boyle would like to thank everyone for their support over the past 7 years helping myself with training and teaching etc.
Master & Mrs Boyle have classes in Gym Hall, Notre Dame High School, Dunlop St, Greenock, PA16 9BJ, and panthers’ class in middle floor fun fit studio 146 Old Inverkip Rd Greenock, PA16 9JG, (old Melrose Pub).
there are classes for all ages from 4-year-old and upwards every Tuesday Panthers. Monday-Thursday Juniors & Seniors.
contact us on inverclyde-taekwondo.com or contact Master Boyle on 07901828863 Mrs Boyle on 07908715883. or pop in any night between 5-6pm panthers and
Master Boyle Training with Grandmaster Darcy and Master Byrne Aug 22
On the Thursday 18th August Master Charles Boyle of Inverclyde Cho’s Tae Kwon Do Scotland traveled to Limerick and then Dublin Ireland, to train with Grandmaster John Darcy the European International Director of A.I.M.A.A. ( Action International Martial Arts Association ) and Master Peter Byrne of Knockainy, Limerick, Ireland.
Master Boyle was welcomed by Master Byrnes and his family for a few days, and on the Thursday Master Byrne asked myself to take his students at his school in Knockainy, Limerick Ireland. so that his students could go through some of Master Boyle skills and different knowledge of Tae Kwon Do, and all went well with students enjoying Master Boyle class.
Next day Friday Masters Byrne and Boyle Michelle travelled to Rathwire westmeath Dublin to train with Grandmaster Darcy so they can go through there our own grading perorations, that they will be doing at A.M.I.A.A. HQ in November in Hawaii under Grandmaster Hee IL Cho.
On Saturday Master Byrne ran a patterns and 1step seminar at Cho’s Taekwondo Aughrim Co Wicklow Ireland again Master Boyle was put through his passes with other students who are going to Hawaii for there testing in November. then last day Sunday again Master’s Byrne and Boyle with help from Miss Michelle English went through all what they would be doing on the day of grading, Master Boyle would like to thank Master Byrne and Miss English for there kindness and looking after him for 4 days and Grandmaster Darcy and students for an amazing attitude at each class.
Master & Mrs Boyle classes are in Notre Dame High School, Dunlop St, Greenock PA16 9BJ.
there is classes for all ages from 4 year old upwards every Monday-Thursday Come along for your free trial week of classes with our fantastic instructor team who have an amazing 67 years of experience between them.
contact us on inverclyde-taekwondo.com or contact Master Boyle on 07901828863 Mrs Boyle on 07908715883.
and would like to thank Sweeney Law in Greenock for help with sponsorship.
photos from 4 days in Ireland
Aimaa Summer Camp Ireland July 22
On the 17th July Master Boyle and Family of Inverclyde Cho’s Tae Kwon Do Scotland traveled to Kenmare Bay Hotel Co Kerry Ireland to take part in Aimaa Ireland 4th International Training Camp 2022.
Black Belt Grading 21st Nov 2020
On Saturday 21st November 2020 Inverclyde Cho’s Tae Kwon Do held its annual black-belt grading at our new TKD Hall at 146 Old Inverkip Rd Greenock, and was overseen by Master Charles Boyle 6th degree black-belt and Academy Chief Instructor on the day.
The morning started off with a twenty min warm up, leading into all patterns, basic and advanced line work, sparring then on to pad work, sparring, 2v’s 1 sparring and then self defense.