Michelle Hogan - Chief Instructor/Club Designated Liaison

I am the Founding Owner, Chief Instructor and Designated Children’s Liaison Officer for the Irish Taekwondo Tigers and I wear many hats. I am passionate about ensuring safety and transparency within the club. I have trained for almost 30 years in Taekwondo and have also trained in Kickboxing, Aikido and Sin Moo Hapkido to ensure a well rounded martial arts experience for everyone I coach. There is so much more to being a Chief Instructor than achieving a black belt and I make sure the club has safety measures and appropriate procedures in place. I have completed all 3 safeguarding courses delivered by Sporting Ireland and regularly complete refresher courses to ensure I am fully aware and up to date in all the necessary safety protocols involved for children in sport.

I am acutely aware of the risks involved with any sport and ensure I have completed Health and Safety courses and conduct an annual risk assessment for the club. I have completed several Sport specific first aid courses which is the general requirement for coaching but felt they were too basic. I have now completed a FETAC Level 5 First Responder course and received a Distinction Award in the exam. I have also completed courses on social media and online safety. In advance of this year’s term I recently completed a Master Level Instructor qualification awarded by the World Song Moo Kwan Association as well as a Youth Athlete Development course by Sport Ireland.

Thomas Browne - Assistant Instructor

Thomas began training at our club at the age of 6 and began winning national and international medals. He achieved his Junior Black Belt at the tender age of 14. Tom has since been promoted to 1st Dan Senior Black Belt and is currently training for his 2nd Dan.

He is particularly skilled with the younger members in the club and is idolised by them. Tom has a keen eye for safety and a great manner with students that may need a bit of extra help or have learning difficulties.

Michelle feels it is important for long term members to take on responsibilities such as these as it gives a sense of accomplishment and results in an increased sense of self-confidence. It also gives the younger team something to work towards and look up too.

Sarah Culligan- Children’s officer

I have 3 children in the club, a green tip, a yellow belt & a yellow tip. A curious 8 year old, a skilful 12 year old & a very confident 15 year old. I am very involved with my children's school & am head of the parents association. I have been involved with the club for a few years now & love to see my children growing in confidence, growing in belts & growing in the art of Taekwondo. Michelle is an amazing Master, teaching the kids not only about patterns & techniques but also about respect, manners, discipline & good sportsmanship. The club is the best thing I've ever done for my kids.

When Michelle asked me to be the clubs Children's Officer, I had no hesitation in saying yes. The courses were very eye opening & interesting. It really makes you stop & think about your child's safety & the world we are exposing them to. Every child needs a safe adult they can trust to talk to about anything that may be bothering them. As the clubs New Children's Officer that is my role within the club. Also if any adults needed to come speak to me about any concerns or issues regarding your children that may arise, please don't hesitate to get in touch. I look forward to meeting you all soon.