Iron Taekwondo League athletes, joined by two athletes from Strive, took to the mats at the Whiston 1-2-1 Taekwondo event on 25 October 2026, gaining valuable competition experience ahead of November’s championships in Malta.
The Maltese contingent was the third largest at the event, fielding athletes aged five to 39. The team comprised Gianluca Barbara, Eva Mifsud Calleja, Nina Gellel, Ella Schembri, Maria Gellel, Mila Barbara, Noah Barbara, April Sammut, David Sammut, Jack Zarb, Jamie Zarb and Oliver Gatt, alongside Strive athletes Mauro Busuttil and Luke Chircop.
Competing against prominent British teams, including Apex, Whiston, Liverpool Elite and Black Widow, the athletes faced a range of opponents and fighting styles. Both ITL and Strive made a positive impression on the mats, securing several victories throughout the day.
Several ITL kids made their international debut and brought home some medals.
The event’s 1-2-1 format placed particular emphasis on experience. Athletes could register for additional matches regardless of whether they won or lost, giving them more opportunities to compete, learn and put their training into practice. For newcomers to the sport, this offered a valuable introduction to competition and a chance to build confidence through repeated time on the mats.
Contests took place across two courts, with KPNP K2 electronic scoring equipment and manual scoring used during the event. Gianluca Barbara and Mauro Busuttil shared coaching responsibilities, supporting the athletes through their matches while also taking part as competitors themselves.
Strive coach Mauro Busuttil coached ITL coach Gianluca to a match win. In the next fight, Gianluca sat in the coaching chair for Mauro during his own fight.
This international venture also provided opportunities beyond competition. The team trained with Whiston Taekwondo around the event, adding further training time and the chance to work with athletes from another club.
With a broad mix of ages and experience levels represented, the venture reflected the value of providing competitive opportunities at every stage of an athlete’s development. The additional matches and training sessions gave the coaches useful insights into the team’s progress and areas to develop.
The Whiston visit served as an important step in the athletes’ preparations for the upcoming championships in Malta in November, bringing home victories, lessons and valuable experience to carry into their next challenge.
Ella Schembri brought home Gold, claiming two golds in two matches.
The club would like to thank its hosts - Whiston Taekwondo - with coaches Ed & Josh Calland for their wonderful hospitality. It would also like to thank SportMalta for its assistance in this venture. In addition, the club also thanks its accompanying parents and friends, who provided great support throughout the duration of the event.
Competing athletes:
Veterans ==> Gianluca Barbara, Mauro Busutil
Juniors ==> Luke Chircop
Cadets ==> Eva Mifsud Calleja, Nina Gellel, Oliver Gatt
Pre-Cadets & Children ==> Ella Schembri, April Sammut, David Sammut, Jack Zarb, Jamie Zarb, Noah Barbara, Mila Barbara, Maria Gellel
