#96: Latest Dan Grading in Malta Marks Another Step Forward for National Taekwondo Excellence
The Malta Taekwondo Association held its latest DAN and POOM grading on the weekend of the 22nd and 23rd November; a session that highlighted the continued growth, discipline, and technical refinement within the Maltese Taekwondo community.
The examination was led by Grandmaster Dr. Ali Reza Mohammadzadeh, 9th Dan Black Belt, President of the Austrian Taekwondo Federation, WT delegate, and globally respected poomsae expert. With a career that includes overseeing the grading of more than 6,000 black belts, Dr. Reza brought an exceptional level of scrutiny and international standard to the proceedings.
Several athletes achieved significant milestones:
Alycia Cassar (Iron Taekwondo League) earned her First Dan.
Dana Desira (Birżebbuġa Taekwondo Club) was promoted to Second Dan.
Jean Schembri (Iron Taekwondo League) achieved his Second Poom.
Kendra Magro (Strive Taekwondo League) also earned her Second Poom.
Czarek Odlanicki Poczobutt (Iron Taekwondo League) advanced to Third Dan.
Luke Chircop (Strive Taekwondo) likewise received his Third Dan.
The session was also attended by notable Maltese Taekwondo figures: Master Mauro Busuttil (Strive Taekwondo), Master Neville Desira (Birżebbuġa Taekwondo Club), and Anna Vassallo, President of the Malta Taekwondo Association. Their presence underscored the importance of the event and the shared dedication to raising national standards.
This grading represented more than individual achievement—it reaffirmed Malta’s growing presence in international-standard Taekwondo. Each promotion was earned through discipline, perseverance, and respect for the art.
As the community continues to strengthen, these practitioners now carry the responsibility of upholding and advancing those standards for future generations.
