The IUTF had the opportunity to host Mr. Fernando Perez in October for two sparring workshops. The first workshop was hosted by the South West Taekwon-Do Center, Tralee, County Kerry and the second was held in Oranmore, Galway. Mr. Perez (VI) is President of ITF Spain, a member of the ITF Tournament Committee and Chairman of the European Tournament Committee. He is also regarded by many as the leading referee in the world.

The Saturday seminar began with a huge round of applause as the Spanish leader entered the training hall. Mr. Perez was introduced to the class of over 40 students, and after a quick warm-up, they were all put to their paces both mentally and physically with a series of steps, up and down the famous South West TKD Dojang. These techniques were aimed at improving movement during sparring and were based on a great scientific and anatomical knowledge.  Mr. Perez concentrated on the double step and the single step, both of which were very different in their execution and were to prove very beneficial for the drills that were to come.

During the training Mr. Perez introduced a series of exercises which were specifically orientated to improving reaction time.  These exercises were never seen previously by the Irish contingent. The instructors present were over the moon with their new found knowledge and will be using the new routines in their next classes!!! The Galway session was preceded by a Squad Session instructed by Master Dalton. It was refreshing to see many of the previous day’s attendees travel the long journey for the second session. Mr. Perez spent considerable time teaching counter attacks for the blitz and the lead leg side kick.  He was enthusiastic throughout and his infectious positive teaching method had the participants longing for more. He finished the second work shop with some games which had all the students and instructors beaming from cheek to cheek.  It was a special weekend with a close friend of the IUTF. We look forward to future workshops with Mr. Perez in the years ahead.