Harrogate Mayor delighted by 5th Dan award as international world of Taekwondo comes to town
The Harrogate Mayor has laid out the ‘red carpet’ for a local Taekwondo master for winning the MBE during a visit to the town council by the internationally important martial arts figure.
Mayor of Harrogate, Coun Chris Aldred hailed Harrogate KTA Founder and 7th Dan Taekwondo Master, Kambiz R. Ali MBE for a lifetime of “dedication, coaching excellence and commitment to community development”.
The Mayor praised Master Kambiz for his recent MBE investiture at Windsor Castle on March 10 ,which recognised his decades of service to Harrogate and his dedication to the sport of Taekwondo.
Speaking at Harrogate Civic Centre, the Harrogate Mayor also welcomed guests from five different nations who were in attendance in support of the 10th edition of Mayor Cup Open Poomsae Championships.
Afterwards, Master Kambiz, said: "I am proud to see our strong bond with Harrogate Town Council, our enduring ties with friends and experts overseas and the continued spirit of Taekwondo thriving in our community despite the challenges.
"I would like to extend my deepest thanks to our Mayor, the Worshipful Chris Aldred, for his continued support of our academy and the 10th edition of the Mayor Cup.”
As part of the formal welcome, Councillor Aldred presented each guest with a personal letter of commendation, acknowledging their contributions and wishing them a successful day of competition
During the gathering, Mayor Aldred welcomed the international guest referees, including Grandmaster Erik Baert (Belgium, President of Belgium International Police Martial Arts Federation), Master Alexander Hübl (Austria, President of Taekwondo Federation), Master Laban Frederiksen (Sweden), Master Ngoc-Long Nguyen (France), and Master Carolina Barros Clark (Great Britain).
He also acknowledged the contributions of members of Harrogate KTA’s IT team, with international guests Sabine Sudraba (Latvia) and Michael Fellner (Austria), alongside local KTA members Aaron Leith, Golnaz R. Ali, Ali Rouhi, and Master Kambiz R. Ali MBE.
In return, Master Kambiz presented the Mayor with an Honorary 5th Dan certificate and a personalized Jcalicu Dobok from sponsors Range Sports, a gift received with appreciation.
For more information about starting Taekwondo, email Master Kambiz R. Ali MBE at [email protected] or visit: https://www.harrogatetaekwondo.co.uk/