83rd International Instructors Course 2014 hosted by ITF - Éireann
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The event
had over 80 students in attendance and from all corners of the globe. Students were present from Alaska, Albania,
Canada, Czech Republic, Ireland, Netherlands, Puerto Rico, Sweden, United Kingdom
and the USA. We were also blessed to
have a number of masters in attendance too, Master Robert N. Wheatley (VIII) –
President of ITF - Éireann, Master
Trevor Nicholls (VIII) - ITF Secretary General, Master Hans Forgbert (VIII),
Master Isaac Harry (VIII), Master Neil Franks (VII) and Master Henry O’ Neill
(VII).
Saturday
Master
Wheatley commenced the IIC on Saturday morning from 10am sharp. The session began with a light warm-up
session, followed by a several Tul’s.
Participants performed Hwa - Rang Tul to begin with. Master Wheatley was looking for correct
delivery and execution of technique with lots of power. GM Choi was introduced to the attendees. He was accompanied by Master Nicholls. Master Wheatley swiftly moved on to high
degree Tul’s; So - San, Se - Jong and Tong - IL. These were performed by 8th,
7th and 6th degrees.
Throughout
the day, GM Choi emphasised the need for repetition within Taekwon-do. He stated that even though we practice a
technique 10 times or 100 times it is not enough; we need to do each technique
10,000 times before it can be perfected.
Techniques were repeated to improve power and technical content. Also stated was the fact that we need to be
more humble; do not brag or boast about our achievements or abilities. Taekwon-do is to be used to make us better
citizens, and by making us better citizens we will end up with a more peaceful
world. Also GM Choi got students to
demonstrate the differences between a turning back side kick and a back
piercing kick. Emphasis was placed on
the different positions of the knee of the kicking leg; the different foot
angles of the kicking foot and also the head position during both kicks.
Following
lunch, Master Nicholls got all students to perform kicking & blocking
combinations, with emphasis on sparring, i.e. attacks and counter attacks.
Later that
night, there was a banquet held in the presence of GM Choi and the
masters. Presentations were made by ITF
- Éireann Secretary Mr. Liam Corkery, to GM Choi and the other masters. During Master
Wheatley’s speech, a special thank you went out to the ITF - Éireann Executive
Committee for organising an excellent event.
The atmosphere was excellent and it proved to be a fun night for all.
Sunday
Sunday morning proved
to be an early start. It began at
approximately 7.30am, so as to facilitate a black belt degree tests. Testing candidates were as follows: Henk
Zonsveld (Netherlands) tested for 7th Degree; Llauger Castillo
(Puerto Rico), Adrian White (Ireland) and Clyde Beatley (Ireland) all tested
for 5th Degree.
The testing panel was
headed by Master Wheatley (VIII) who was also joined by Master Henry O’ Neill
(VII). All candidates were put through a
rigorous Tul test, Taekwon-do theory, destruction and sparring. Master Wheatley discussed the importance of
step sparring and the Composition of Taekwon-do. The Composition of Taekwon-do is made up of
Fundamental Movements, Dallyon, Patterns, Sparring and Self - Defence. He also stated that if we do not continually
practice all of these elements, then we are not doing the true art of
Taekwon-do. We cannot leave out any one
part; it is a total package within Taekwon-do.
Congratulations to all
the candidates who were successful in their quest for their new grades.
Shortly after the grading,
the seminar recommenced with Master Wheatley in the driving seat. During this part of the morning, he went into
the importance of correct stances, i.e. the correct measurements and foot
positions. Ge-Baek was covered in great
detail. Time was spent on the L - Stance
X - Knife Hand Checking Block; the combination of Sitting Stance, Scooping
Block followed by a Middle Punch and finally a High Front Strike with the Back
Fist; and the Low Twist Kick. Students
were asked to demonstrate the low, middle and high twist kicks.
The seminar concluded
that afternoon with a couple of minute’s meditation with GM Choi. Once all had bowed out of the seminar, there
were photo opportunities with GM Choi and the other masters.
ITF – Éireann Executive
Committee would like to thank all attendees for their loyalty and support.
John
Hackett
ITF
– Éireann PRO
Written by: ITF Administration - 5th April 2014
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