#123: Iron Island: 11 Nations. One Unforgettable Camp in Malta
This year’s Iron Island Training Camp brought together 105 athletes from 11 countries — Malta, France, Italy, Ireland, Poland, Sweden, Luxembourg, Israel, Germany, the United Kingdom and Greece — for a truly memorable weekend of high-level training and connection.
Held at the stunning Salini Resort, overlooking Malta’s blue Mediterranean waters, the setting perfectly matched the energy and quality of the camp. The venue provided not only excellent training facilities but also the kind of atmosphere that encourages focus, recovery and camaraderie.
Three Powerful Days On The Mat
The camp featured three major sessions (each for kids, and cadets/juniors/seniors), each bringing a unique dimension to the experience.
Friday opened with a tactical session led by Gianluca Barbara, setting the tone with structured range work, competitive exchanges and high-level scenario training.
Saturday saw world-class coaching from Vaso and Toula Christidou (GRE), whose expertise and intensity elevated the level even further. Their session blended precision, technique and competitive sharpness, leaving athletes inspired and challenged.
Sunday was dedicated to sparring — and it delivered an electric atmosphere. Centre-ring sparring placed athletes in the spotlight, while the rest of the participants sat around the mat, studying, supporting, analysing and making plenty of noise. The energy was contagious. Every exchange felt meaningful, and every athlete had the opportunity to grow under pressure.
A Night of Recognition
Saturday evening featured a special awards presentation recognising both contribution and excellence.
Awards were presented to Vaso and Toula Christidou in appreciation of their generous contribution and expertise throughout the camp.
Recognition was also given to Gianluca Barbara, Michelle Chircop and Anna Vassallo for work in organising the event and bringing it to life.
Four athletes were honoured for their outstanding achievements in Taekwondo:
Dwayne Micallef (MLT) – Kids European Champion
Serghei Dominici (LUX) – European Masters Champion
Asaf Yasur (ISR) – 2x World Champion & 2024 Paralympic Champion
Adnan Milad (ISR) – European Vice Champion
Their accomplishments served as inspiration for everyone present — from the youngest competitors to the most experienced athletes.
More Than Training
Beyond the sessions, what truly defined the camp was the spirit among the participants. Athletes and coaches connected effortlessly, sharing experiences, building friendships, and learning from one another regardless of nationality or level.
From elite champions to developing young athletes, everyone contributed to an environment of respect, intensity and mutual growth.
The feedback from both athletes and coaches was overwhelmingly positive. The camp was not only a platform for technical development, but also a reminder of what makes Taekwondo special — community, challenge and shared passion.
As the mats were packed away and the final goodbyes exchanged, one thing was clear: this was not just a training camp. It was an experience that created memories, strengthened relationships and raised the level for everyone involved.
The Association would like to thank all athletes and coaches who attended the camp, the management of Salini Resort for hosting us, and the local clubs for working together hand-in-hand. It would also like to thank our on-site photographers, Steve Barbara and the_pixelmood - whose photos (of the event) you can purchase by clicking here. You can expect to find photos like the one shown below:
Finally, the MTA would also like to thank our sponsors - VISITMALTA and APS Bank.
