Just a week after winning gold in Germany, Iron Taekwondo League coach and athlete Gianluca Barbara has done it again, this time at the 5th Wales International Open in Cardiff on 22nd June 2025.
Competing in the Masters -80kg category, Gianluca was coached on the day by Dave Desforges from South Hams Taekwondo in Plymouth.
In the final, he faced Finian Bout from T-TKD, a veteran fighter who also competed at last year’s British National Open. The match ended quickly when Gianluca landed a clean roundhouse kick to Bout’s chin in the opening seconds. After a standing count, the referee declared the opponent unable to continue, awarding Gianluca the gold.
This marks ITL’s second visit to Cardiff, following last year’s tournament where Gianluca and fellow athlete Ashik Sunil Bindhu brought home one gold and two bronze medals.
Despite being represented by just one competitor, ITL finished 28th out of 37 teams, a solid showing for the club. Special thanks were extended to South Hams Taekwondo coaches Dave and Katy, and to Master Paul Jones of Wales Taekwondo for his excellent event organisation.
