Sidekicks News
Step into the pulse of our Sidekicks Taekwondo community through our vibrant members’ news area, where the heartbeat of our school resonates with achievements, updates, examination results, and shared experiences. Here, you’ll find a dynamic hub buzzing with the latest happenings, from upcoming belt gradings and tournament victories to insightful interviews with instructors and fellow students. It’s a space where victories are celebrated, challenges are overcome, and inspiration is shared, fostering a sense of camaraderie that transcends the boundaries of the Dojang.
Stay tuned for exclusive insights into our world of Sidekicks Taekwondo, including tips for mastering techniques, stories of perseverance, and announcements of exciting events within our school and the wider martial arts community.
As a member of Sidekicks, your voice matters, and this platform serves as a canvas for all our stories, achievements, and contributions to shine. Join us in celebrating the vibrant tapestry of Sidekicks Taekwondo life, where each member’s journey adds to the rich fabric of all our shared experiences.
Instructor Delroy McDowell
7th Degree Black Belt
Sidekicks Taekwondo Association
Jamaica’s Sidekicks’ chief instructor is now a grandmaster
Master instructor Delroy McDowell of the Jamaica Sidekicks Taekwondo Association was promoted to the rank of 7th Degree black belt instructor in the summer of August 2021.
This rank has elevated him to the title of the Grand Master level in Sidekicks Taekwondo Martial Arts Academy. Sidekicks Taekwondo was founded by Maurice Orange. This title makes him the first Taekwondo instructor in Jamaica to have this title—Kwanjangnim.
In Taekwondo, the title of Grandmaster (Kwan Jang Nim) is typically awarded to practitioners holding a 7th, 8th, or 9th degree black belt. The 9th degree is universally recognized as the highest achievable rank in Taekwondo.
Grand Master Orange taught Grand Master McDowell the Songahm Spirit of Taekwondo under the American Taekwondo Association (ATA) while he was the regional vice president for the State of California. Grand Master McDowell has been practicing Taekwondo for over 57 years.
From
National Taekwondo Institute
ITF/WTF
to
Songahm Taekwondo Federation
(ATA)
and now
Sidekicks Taekwondo Association
Sidekicks Martial Academy
Members can submit content to Sidekicks News. Grand Master McDowell will now approve new information sent after approval of submissions by members. Send your news for release here: sidekicksgrandmastermcdowell@gmail.com
Student Examination Results are now available online
More Great News! Student members can now view their testing examination results online. This data will only be seen upon login.
Grand Master McDowell is back in Jamaica
Great News! Grandmaster Delroy McDowell, a 7th-degree black belt and chief instructor for Jamaica Sidekicks, is now back in Jamaica. He is currently teaching at the Montego Bay Dojangs. His visits to the Eastern and Central branches are now being planned.
Grand Master McDowell inducted into the Basi Kyokushin Hall of Fame
Grandmaster McDowell was inducted into the first internal Basi Kyokushin Global Martial Arts Hall of Fame as a Jamaican martial arts instructor for over 5 decades.
Sidekicks Taekwondo News Archives
Sabumnim Jason Gordon and Phillip McDowell—Now Master Instructors
Sabumnim Jason Gordon and Phillip McDowell are now master instructors in Sidekicks Taekwondo in Jamaica.
Black belt promotions at the KYMCA Sidekicks Taekwondo Club
The names of these students will be made available at the Jamaica Sidekicks Taekwondo website soon!
Sidekicks’ Black Belts did well on the Jamaica Buster Fighter’s national team.
The biggest upset of the evening was in the adult black belt, male and female patterns, which saw regulars such as Edwards, Cunningham, and Dussard eliminated by Sidekicks’ domination. More
Jamaicans Smashed the US Open Martial Arts Tournament
Sidekicks Taekwondo Siblings Duo did Jamaica Proud. One gold – Kevin McDowell, clash sparring, adult black belt.
Two silver – Kevin McDowell, continuous sparring, adult black belt (won Friday); Philip McDowell, clash sparring, adult black belt. More
Big gold for Phillip McDowell
Phillip McDowell’s strong international showing continued last weekend when he won gold in the tough heavyweight division at the New York Taekwondo Open in Queens, beating US champion George Kayumov. More
Teens surprised veterans in 2011
At the beginning of the 2011 season, few, if any, would have thought that young martial artists could have displaced their senior and more experienced counterparts from prized spots on Jamaica’s combined martial arts 10-man team. King was the top-performing teenager with 27 points, securing fourth ahead of Sidekick Kevin McDowell on 24.. More
