ORIGINAL-I.T.F. Articles, news and announcements from around the globe!
Attention all I.T.F. association and club owners! Original I.T.F. invites you to forward all articles and news. Regardless of your affiliation, we
Index of the magazine A quick update
WILL publish them. We need I.T.F. news, so let us help you get noticed.
Ÿ Page 2 editorial corner Ÿ Page 3 I.T.F. news and events
Send all articles to:
By Post or on CD 14 Collyer Road, London Colney, St. Albans, Herts. AL2 1PD. Please note, we are unable to return any CD’s.
By E-Mail admin@original-itf.co.uk
To discuss advertisements, please call Chris on 01727 827624
Ÿ Page 4 I.T.F. technical seminar Ÿ Page 5 Ultimate goal setting Ÿ Page 6 Advertisement South East Opens 2010
resulted in our editor receiving a personal suspension from the I.T.F. He thanks you, the readers, for the hundreds of e-mails of support, but looking at the situation it is understandable to a degree why such action was taken against him (considering the political problems in I.T.F.
Ÿ Page 7 Scotland I.I.C. 2009
nowadays). Our editor has asked us to send an
Ÿ Page 8 Sports injuries affecting all of the
official apology to the I.T.F. as it was done in error.
body
Ÿ Page 13 Book review ‘A Killing Art’
We have now re-designed the magazine front and it has a meaning. In the design, we decided that we would have the I.T.F.'s founder General Choi looking up with the I.T.F. in his hands, thus signifying that, even though he is gone, he will watch over all of us. The background of clouds signifies his passing and that he will now watch over his art for eternity.
Ÿ Page 14 / 15 Inside the I.T.F.’s
In this issue, we have some good stuff. Of
Ÿ Page 9 Kicking drills using chairs Ÿ Page 10 Heart problems Ÿ Page 11 Grand Master Rhee I.I.C. 2009 Ÿ Page 12 New U.K. T.K.D. union formed
Ÿ Page 16, 17, 18 & 19 Derby I.T.F. Seminar course, we can never be like the other Ÿ Page 20 Doing it for the I.T.F.’s Ÿ Page 21 Word Search
The Rights of Original-ITF
Well, issue two certainly caused a real stir - it
Ÿ Page 22, 23, 24 I.T.F. / L.T.S.I Invitationals
magazines out there, as ours has had a tough start and we promote pure T.K.D. not T.K.D. in general. However, numbers are growing and the magazine is getting better in quality articles and
Original I.T.F. is a FREE on-line magazine
Ÿ Page 25, Readers pictures
independently run by Excel-Publications Senior
Ÿ Page 26, The importance of tournament
you like this issue - until next time, happy
Ÿ Page 27 Club Directory & Charity Ad
training.
Editor, Mr. Chris Snow and his editorial team. The magazine has no financial backing from any other
a larger readership each time. Well, we hope
parties, so all hours spent on it are at the editors own expense. All contributions sent to the magazine for publication cannot be checked, but we will try and verify that the news is from a valid I.T.F. source. This magazine may not be reproduced, reprinted or sold and remains the property of Original-I.T.F. Where pictures from I.T.F. sites are used to enhance news items, they remain the sole property of the site named by the articles. All content within this magazine cannot be copied, but the magazine can be placed on all public I.T.F. Tae Kwon Do web sites by embedding it directly from http://issuu.com/itforiginal
We extend our thanks to the following contributors: The I.T.F. Families & International Websites from Chris Snow, Serif International media, Luke Bello. Chris Snow. Freedom T.K.D., Darren Marks, U.K.T.C., Chris Tomshank, Harry Johnson, Luke Bello, Lauren Snow. All articles / reports that have been submitted by third parties are the creation of the Authors. The editors cannot be held accountable for the opinions expressed within them, as the articles are featured as received.
A place to announce all types of news concerning I.T.F.
T.K.D.’s founders son visits U.K.
New T.K.D. history book published
events were heavily attended. Other
Grand Master Choi Chang Keun [C.K.] recently published "The Korean Martial Art of Tae Kwon Do & Early History". This book contains the original history of Tae Kwon Do with untold stories, unpublished historical photographs and names of the original Tae Kwon Do Pioneering Masters. Visit www.taekwondopioneers.com for more
Masters in attendance were Trevor
information.
Nicholls (U.K.), Robert Wheatley (U.S.A.),
Professorship Award to Dato Dr. Grand Master Leong Wai Meng
On Friday 3rd September, Grand Master Choi Jung Hwa visited the U.K. to conduct three seminars in Nottingham, Derby and Stevenage. All
Ted Wolfe (U.K.) and a few others we were unable to get the names of. Please see the Derby article on page 12.
New Masters grades Three 6th Degrees were recently promoted in the I.T.F. to Master grades. Master Reina's
2009-09-21 01:52 Dato Dr. Grand Master Leong Wai Meng, Vice-President of I.T.F., has been honoured to be awarded the Professorship by Academic Degrees and Titles Award Committee of DPR Korea at the Mansudae Assembly Hall in Pyongyang, DPR Korea on Sep 1st 2009 in recognition of his academic activities and instructional works in the field of Taekwon-Do and Medical treatment.
promotion was announced by Master Rai
47th I.I.C. in Tambov, Russia
following his recent seminar in Cuba.
On September 4-5-6, was held in Tambov RUSSIA, the 47 IIC. 86 Instructors from all over Russia, Kyrgyzstan, and Moldova, train hard and enjoy together during the full weekend. We teach different items during the weekend. Pattern from Chon-ji until Tong-il, step sparring, free sparring, grabbing techniques, stretching exercises, and a lot of theory information. Further info at http://www.tkd-itf.org
Master Deedigan's promotion was announced by Master Wheatley in Stevenage. Master Risko's promotion was announced by Master Wheatley in Fairfield, NJ. The I.T.F. congratulate all three on their new promotions.
The U.K. L.T.S.I. Invest The U.K.-L.T.S.I. has recently unveiled a brand new web presence at www.uk-ltsi.com - it features expansion plans which will help all current Instructors and anyone looking to join their movement. The group plans to offer advertising strategies, pre-designed posters, leaflets and much, much more. Chris, who is head of the group, said “We plan to enlist the help of a business specialist to help us move forward”.
Downey's Taekwon-Do: Self Defense Seminar Downey's Taekwon-Do: Self-Defense Seminar. On August 24th and August 31st 2009 Master Downey and Mrs. Downey instructed one-day self-defense workshops for 29 staff members from Newfoundland and Labrador Housing. The participants learned about the philosophy of self-defense, avoidance strategies, de-escalation and diffusion of aggression and practical self defense techniques from a variety of grabs and holds. Further info at http://www.tkd-itf.org
The I.T.F. under Mr. Chang Ung announced on their website that they will host their 16th World Championships in Russia from 12th to 17th October 2009. who are the original I.T.F. U.K. Group, will host the Four Nations championships on 9th December at the Kelvin Halls in Scotland. Visit their web at www.ukta.com for details The L.T.S.I. has announced they will host their VI South East Opens in March 2010. All U.K. groups are welcome to submit clubs into this event. Please visit www.ltsi-tournaments.co.uk The I.T.U.K. has announced that they will host their Midland Opens in April 2010. You can get further details from www.masterharrystaekwondo.com I.T.F. under G.M. Choi IX have announced on their website that their World Championships will take place on August 1st 2010 in Korea. We also understand that this will mark the relocation of the I.T.F. Head Offices from Canada to Korea. www.itf-administration.com The I.T.F. under Master Tran have announced on their website their World Cup Championships will take place from 14th to 17th October 2010 in Las Vegas.. U.K.-L.T.S.I. U.K. Open The L.T.S.I. has announced that they will host their I.T.F. styled opens in October 2010. Date and venue are currently being sought. Full details will appear on the site soon. INFO: WWW.UK-LTSI.COM
We are looking for your news items, promotions and I.T.F. events listings. Simply forward by e-mail to
Our editorial team will investigate and, if proven true, we will publish it in the next issue.
Article courtesy http://www.tkd-itf.org
Over the weekend of August 21st, 22nd and 23rd, Freedom TaeKwonDo Schools hosted a Technical Training Seminar with Grandmaster Tran Trieu Quan, President of the ITF. Taking place in the Prince George Civic Centre, situated in beautiful northern British Columbia, this exciting event brought together 99 Students and Instructors from 16 schools and 2 provinces. This incredible event was hosted by Freedom TaeKwon-Do Schools, under the instruction of Mr. Kurt Ottesen, VIth degree, in conjunction with the ITF of BC. In total, over 50 black belt members attended; comprising the majority of the senior leaders in British Columbia. It was truly a motivational sight to have all of the seniors out on the floor, training with the students. Friday evening saw two sessions focusing on black belt skill development. The first session covered fundamental skill development for black belt patterns, followed by an in depth session for senior black belts (4th – 6th degree) on applying training principles and methods for correcting students, including an in depth analysis on key components for each senior pattern. Saturday morning began with a session on the fundamentals
of movement for coloured belts, including practical methods of generating power and applying sine wave motion. The participants were excited that Grandmaster Tran was able to demonstrate sine wave in a unique manner which better allowed them to understand and apply it in their patterns. Grandmaster Tran continued the morning’s lessons with a highly energetic session of free sparring. Topics covered included targeting, accuracy, movement, speed, distance, and tactics for creating openings. The concepts of available targets and creating and anticipating secondary openings were discussed in detail. By the end of the session, all participants were sweaty and thoroughly tired!
Sunday morning saw Grandmaster Tran begin with conditioning exercises, teaching the participants about the need for cardiovascular strength and endurance. Training principles including strength training, anaerobic and plyometric skills were covered, as were agility and reaction exercises. Following lunch, the participants gathered at the Freedom TKD dojang, to end the seminar with a comprehensive PowerPoint presentation and discussion on the “Do” of TaeKwon-Do, including the system of implementation and teaching of the “Do”. Grandmaster Tran then opened the floor to questions regarding the structure and future plans of the International TaeKwon-Do Federation.
The seminar concluded with Grandmaster Tran presiding over an In the afternoon, Grandmaster Tran instructed a examination and the successful detailed session on Self Defense. Innovative promotion of Ms. Alexandra Vrzal to physical skills were developed, with a focus on fourth degree. Grandmaster Tran immediate action and available targets. The then personally presented her with psychology of fear was discussed, along with her new belt useful skills for overcoming stress and focusing Many thanks go out to all of the on escape members for their energetic That evening, Freedom TKD hosted a formal participation and support, and dinner at a local Vietnamese restaurant, the especially to the hosting committee Thanh-Vu. Incredible food and great for all of their hard work in conversation were shared by all. The evening organizing this memorable event. finished with a toast and with Grandmaster Without them, this success would Tran taking the time to personally speak with all not have been realized. of those in attendance.
Ultimate Goal Setting For Success By Darren Marks
When we focus on the future what we focus on has a big impact on the outcome. There is a natural law which says you get more of what you focus on, and the mistake a lot of people make is that they focus on what the don’t want because they don’t want it and then end up creating more of that thing because they’re focusing on it. If I told you that whatever you do you mustn’t think of a pink elephant I know that the first thing you’ll do is think of the pink elephant in order not to think about it. If you’re trying not to think about things going wrong, what you’re actually doing is thinking about those things. Your subconscious mind doesn’t hear negatives. This is why a hypnotherapist usually frames suggestions in a positive way. Most hypnotherapists won’t say “you won’t feel stressed” they will say “you are becoming more and more calm”. The answer is to make a choice to think about things in a way that makes you feel good. Choose to imagine yourself as calm confident and successful. If you catch yourself thinking negatively, as many of us do from time to time, simply choose to return to thinking positively once again. In order to set your goal, ask yourself the following question “What would be the last thing that has to happen for you to know you have achieved your goal?” If your goal was losing a certain amount of weight the answer to this could be “the last thing that has to happen is I’m on the scales and it says 65kg”. If your goal was to do with financial or material success the answer to the question could be “the last thing that has to happen is I’m looking at my bank statement and there’s a really healthy balance”. If your goal is doing well in a competition the answer to the question could be “I’m on the podium and the gold medal is being hung around my neck”. The point is that you to think of a scenario which for you sums up the achievement of your goal. It is important that your goal is SMART. SMART is an acronym for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Timed.
There is no point in aiming for something that isn’t possible. So for example if my goal, being nearly forty years old and having just passed my green belt grading, was to win the World Tae Kwon Do Championship next year, that wouldn’t be a SMART goal J However aiming to achieve a black belt before the age of 45 should be achievable. As long as your goal is something that you know can be achieved within a certain timescale then go for it. You can use this technique for lots of different goals which could be short, medium or long term. It really is a powerful yet also fun and enjoyable process. All you need do is simply imagine the situation as vividly and as often as you can or use a trainer or therapist to help you enhance the process and bring it to earth. The above technique is used in one of the sessions included in Darren’s new cd and workbook set “The Succeed & Prosper Breakthrough Programme”. Darren practices hypnotherapy in London and Hertfordshire and is one of the U.K.’s foremost hypnotherapists and hypnotherapy trainers. He worked for The South East Cancer Help Centre for many years and his work has featured in both the specialist and popular media. He has been awarded the Senior Qualification in hypnotherapy by the GHR in recognition of his experience in the field. He is also a featured therapist of The Hypnotherapy Association and registered with the NHS Trust of Complementary and Alternative Practitioners.
VII L.T.S.I./U.K.T.U. SOUTH EAST OPENS
For invitation & info, tel: 01727 822612 or e-mail ltsi1@btinternet.com Official Sponsor www.original-itf.co.uk
Covered by Original-ITF - FREE On-Line Magazine
The U.K.T.C. recently hosted an International Instructors Course in Edinburgh, Scotland, conducted by Senior Master Peter Harkess, 8th Degree. As in previous years, this course was well attended with students from Scotland, England, Northern Ireland, Afghanistan, Malaysia and the Netherlands participating. Senior Master Harkess, assisted by Master Derek Campbell, once again made the 3 day course challenging as well as thoroughly enjoyable. The U.K.T.C. would like to thank Master Stokhoff (Netherlands), Master Naidoo (England), Master Wandaiyar (Malaysia) and all the students who attended for making this course such a great success.
INTRODUCING
WWW.TKDSOURCE.COM The new I.T.F. stylist community Developed under the guidance of Grand Master Choi Jung Hwa IX
A few months ago, we received an e-mail informing us of a new What will you get by joining? forum for all I.T.F. practitioners. Until now, we have not promoted 1. A free members page where you can design to your own the website while in its BETA stages, plus we ask third parties that taste and invite friends. we are to promote on our site or in this magazine to offer a return2. Add videos, blogs and pictures and take part in forums ing link back to us, which clearly they will not. Over past two months, we have had many request by e-mail from you, our readers, asking to publicise their service as it is a good service for all I.T.F. practitioners. Original-I.T.F. has had many political problems since its creation, but we have weathered the storm and are gathering thousands of new readers every issue, so it seems fair even if our policy states we cannot publicise those not returning a link to our magazine, we will promote the site for our readers around the globe.
3. 4.
Take part in on-line seminars Take part in web casts and much more.
The site is predominately run by the I.T.F. under the guidance of Grand Master Choi Jung Hwa IX. It is well moderated and, at times, the forums do get a bit heated but it is a good service (like this very magazine!) - we are sure you will agree, both are valuable tools for brining the I.T.F. families back together.
By: Chris Tomshack
Lower back strain is an injury that almost all athletes will suffer from at some point in their sports careers. This is often caused due to quick twists and turns during the course of play. Often, Sports injuries affect countless numbers of the route cause of back injuries is actually due to a lack of core muscle people every year, pro and amateur athletes alike. The injuries can range from strength. While, increasing core muscle strength may indeed take a while to minor cuts and bruises to broken limbs and torn ligaments. Injuries obtained while accomplish, it will be well worth the time and effort in decreased lower back playing sports can, and often do, affect injuries. multiple parts of the body.
Moving on down the body, ankle injuries are very common in almost all types of sports activities. The reason this type of injury is so common is because all types of sports involve the feet, and therefore, the ankle. An ankle injury can be as simple as a twisted ankle A pulled muscle, or muscle strain is one of Elbow injuries are common to several or as serious the most common sports related injuries. types of sports; any type of sport that as an actual includes a repetitive motion of the This generally is a result of poor, or no, break. elbow is one where this injury can stretching prior to rigorous physical Unfortunately, because of the type activity. When a player fails to stretch, the occur. Elbow injuries affect tennis, and nature of ankle injuries, there football and golf players, among others. muscle is not given the chance to "get really isn't too much that can be done Often the cause of these injuries is due ready" for the impending activity slowly. to avoid them. If a weak ankle issue to the incorrect position of the body This causes the fibers of the muscle to is known, the ankle can be wrapped stretch further than they are ready to, or in during play. A consultation with a pro with supportive material as a can often correct this issue. some cases to actually tear. precaution. Related to elbow injuries are knee While sports injuries are common, Head injuries can, and do happen in any issues. However, the reason for each of they still need to be seen by a sport that is played, including individual these injuries is different; knee issues physician to make sure that they are activities such as running and especially are often caused by a misalignment of treated correctly and quickly to avoid biking. These injuries can almost always be the knee cap. As the knee cap runs any other issues that could make the avoided by the use of head gear. While along the leg bones, a misaligned knee initial injury worse. Remember, that most professional contact sports require gets off course causing injury. There most of these sports injuries can be head protection of some sort, it is rare to are exercises that can help to alleviate avoided by taking the time to stretch see amateur athletes using the same this issue; however, they are best each muscle group thoroughly before protection. explained by an expert. beginning play.
KICKING DRILLS
If you are looking for training tips that will improve your kicking ability, think about chair work. Chair work is a simple but effective way to teach correct kicking techniques. We know it works, as we have used it at our gyms for many years and had compliments on our kicking ability by different Masters.
Take a chair, place it close to the kicking leg and instruct your students to lift the knee high over the chair in chamber position. Count for 5 seconds without dropping, pivot and extend the leg - once fully extended, count again to 5 then re-chamber and hold for another 5 seconds. Get your students to do this five times on both legs.
In the reels above, we have got the student to do both turning and reverse side kick - these are done together to make the students work harder, especially if you teach red belts and up too.
Chair work is normally used for all base kicks (front, side, back, turning and reverse turning). We normally use chair work one week every month, because it helps strengthen the legs as well as improve balance, control and build techniques on kicking ability.
The students used as models in this project are Stephen Townshend, 2nd Degree (kicking) and Adam Aliousalah, 2nd Degree. Look out for the next issue that will cover front and back kick tips.
If these risk factors endanger the heart's health, what enhances its well-being and improves its odds of working long and well? Obviously, quitting cigarettes and eating a low-fat diet will help. The next best thing you can do for your heart's sake is to give it what it needs: regular exercise training. The heart is a By: Harry Johnson muscle, or, more accuIn a long-term study of the health rately, a group or "package" of muscles, of the people of in the United similar in many ways to the muscles of States, the U.S. Public Health the arms and legs. And just as exercise Service documented the chances of training strengthens and improves limb developing heart disease among muscles, it enhances the health of the heart muscles as well. various groups in the population.
Regular Exercise Training Helps Prevent Heart Problems
Long before any symptoms appeared, epidemiological research could identify high-risk groups.
Since World War II, several large-scale statistical studies have evaluated the relationship between physical activity and Among the highest risk factors are cardiovascular disease. One well-known survey compared 31,000 drivers and conmale sex, age over 35, cigarette smoking, high blood pressure, high ductors of some bus companies. The more sedentary drivers had a significantly levels of certain blood fats, and a higher rate of heart disease than the confamily history of cardiovascular ductors, who walked around the buses disorders. Other researchers have and climbed stairs to the upper level.
added to this list another risk factor: the compulsive, hard-driving, highly anxious personality. The greater the number of risk factors, the greater the person's overall risk.
The why and how behind these statistics were best explained by classic experiments with dogs whose coronary arteries were surgically narrowed to resemble those of humans with These threats to the heart can be arteriosclerosis. Dogs who exercised divided into two main categories: regularly had much better blood flow than those beyond individual control, those kept inactive. The exercise seemed such as age, sex, and heredity, and to stimulate the development of new conthose that can be controlled, avoid- nections between the impaired and the nearly normal blood vessels, so exercised ed, or even eliminated. Among dogs had a better blood supply to all the those in the second category are muscle tissue of the heart. The human what cardiologists call "the triple heart reacts in the same way to provide threat." These are the high blood blood to the portion that was damaged by pressure, cigarette smoking, and high cholesterol levels in the blood. the heart attack.
If you smoke a pack of cigarettes a day, your risk of having a heart attack is twice that of a nonsmoker. If you smoke, have hypertension, and eat a diet high in fats without any exercise at all, your risk is five times greater than normal.
To enable the damaged heart muscle to heal, the heart relies on new small blood vessels for what is called collateral circulation. These new branches can develop long before a heart attack - and can prevent a heart attack if the new network takes on enough of the function of the narrowed vessels.
With all these facts, it is now boiled down to a single question: What should be done in order to prevent such dilemmas? Some studies showed that moderate exercise several times a week is more effective in building up these auxiliary pathways than extremely vigorous exercise done twice as often. The general rule is that exercise helps reduce the risk of harm to the heart. Some researches further attested the link between exercise and a healthy heart based from the findings that the non-exercisers had a 49% greater risk of heart attack than the other people included in the study. The study attributed a third of that risk to sedentary lifestyle alone. So by doing cardio interval training, you can absolutely expect positive results not only on areas that concern your cardiovascular system but on the overall status of your health as well. Take a look at just a few of the benefits: 1. The threats of heart attack are lessened, if not eliminated 2. Enhances cardiac output (blood pumped from the heart in each beat) 3. Increased metabolism, which in turn helps you burn more calories 4. Improves lung capacity 5. Helps alleviate tension and stress With all this great news about the benefits of exercising it is amazing how so many people still CHOOSE to be inactive. That's right. You have a CHOICE. I know, you are busy: work, school, kids. We all have our hectic schedules, but taking care of ourselves should be right up there on that list of priorities. Taking charge of your health now will prevent future health problems, allowing you to better enjoy a happier, more fulfilling life.
ENGLAND .F. IIC 2009 I.T The seminars began at 5pm on Friday 4th September as Senior Master Cutler told us to line up for the entry of Grandmaster Rhee. Although having trained many times with Grandmaster Rhee, I still felt nervous. Then when all lined up and facing the door, the door opened and along with Senior Master Cutler shouting charyot then entered GMR with Senior Master De Silva and the applause filled the hall (you could feel the presence of GMR). After a short hello from GMR, Senior Master Williamson started the warm up with the masters lined up too - it was weird for me to see the masters lined up in rank with us, as I had never seen that before. After the warm up we moved on to patterns with GMR going so deeply into detail about almost every move, by the end of the 4 hours we had only reached yul gok. The next day came Saturday 5th September and we began straight away after the entrance of GMR - no warm up, just straight onto joong gun. We were split up into grade 1st kup's in one corner of the hall, 1st dan's in another corner of the hall and 2nd and 3rd dan's in another (that was me with Senior Master Williamson) then 4th dans and above in the last corner. With the masters going through the patterns for each individual grade, it seemed more attention was being put on the higher up patterns. GMR was walking between each group and if he saw anything wrong with the patterns, he was sure to tell you. That took us to around 1 and then it was time for lunch. After lunch 2pm, we lined up and bowed to the masters. GMR was still on his lunch break with Senior Master De Silva. We were then split up into the four corners of the room in the same groups where we spent 45 mins in each. Corner 1 was self defence techniques, corner 2 special techniques and breaking corner 3 step sparring and corner 4 was free sparring. After 45 mins in each corner, it was near 5pm and time to finish up the seminars. As anyone who has trained with GMR would know, he would teach all night and day. This was the first time GMR and his master had done a seminar like this and it was very enjoyable. GMR entered later and did the same as before. The seminar was enjoyed by all, as we know the knowledge that Grandmaster Rhee has of Taekwon-Do is phenomenal. His age doesn't mean anything to him, as he is still a very strong and fit man. After the seminars, I approached GMR for a photograph with him (as many others did) and I would like to say how proud I was to stand next to him. He misses General Choi so much.
Grandmaster Rhee said as he was promoted the First Grandmaster by General Choi he feels he is highly responsible for General Choi's wishes that there should be ONE TAEKWON-DO. Every one can work together and make this happen - let’s just hope this is possible.
A new I.T.F. Tae Kwon Do Union has been formed in the U.K. Headed by four leading groups (the I.T.U.K., L.T.S.I., U.C.-T.K.D. and Spirit Tae Kwon Do Academies), the union has major plans to established itself into all parts of the U.K. The group, which has taken more than six months to get established, started after two of the groups (the I.T.U.K. and the L.T.S.I.) were accused of trying to deceive their National body, which resulted in them being removed. The two groups decided to start making a move to form an umbrella group in the U.K. The main concept of the U.K.T.U. is to fund their top competitors in major I.T.F. and W.K.A. Events, be totally transparent and provide an open door policy to all independents that may want to return to the I.T.F. without losing their personal identities.
Prior to the launch though, two other groups requested that they too be involved in the formation of the union. After a number of meetings, it was decided that the four groups would fund and build the structure now in place for its inception. The web development company owned by our magazines Senior Editor (www.excel-webs.co.uk) offered a free build of a ‘state of the art’ database site, which has taken him over six weeks to be designed, published and formulated. We spoke to the administrations officer about what the aims are for the U.K.T.U. now that they have arrived in the U.K. Here’s what was said the U.K.T.U. will bring to the U.K. now that it has found its path.
Hi Chris. So, can you Also, affiliated membership to the I.T.F. via the U.K.T.U., let our readers know what the help on promoting Instructors schools via our on line aims are of the union you Material and insurance, to name just a few things already set guys have set up? up. All these things will raise money for our sponsorship program. Yes I can. Like all Unions, it is open to all U.K. s the union a full member of the I.T.F. then? Tae Kwon Do groups. Its Currently, all groups reside outside the I.T.F. until we principles are built on making have our AGM in January. I want to see the union welcome it work for all that join up - what we mean by this is the all I.T.F.’S and independents but we will have to see. unions associate group members that run tournaments You mentioned insurance - is this B.T.C.? already will be asked if we can include their event to be used to find our best fighters. This will be arranged at our sub The only way B.T.C. insurance can be issued in the committee A.G.M. to be held every December. U.K. is if any of its members allow affiliates. Currently, only LTSI is affiliated to the I.T.U.K. With two other groups How will this help your members exactly? pending. The I.T.U.K. are the only members who are full The groups asked will make good revenue, as it is member of the B.T.C. inside of the union at present. We also hoped all members will push to get their members there, so have our own U.K.T.U. insurance in place for those that want they will triple their events overnight. All top fighters of these to remain outside of the B.T.C. Of course, if new groups have events will be placed on a seeding table on our website and insurance already, they simply keep that in place. full funding will be allocated for our best to take part in Who are the directors? I.T.F. top events and W.K.A. events. Will it cost? Of course there will be associated costs, but it may be that the host agrees to pay 5% of the profits to the U.K.T.U. as everything has to be placed in the central account to provide full funding of the elite. What other benefits are there of joining the U.K.T.U.? There are loads of benefits in joining us - regular black belt training, seminars, squad training, senior examinations to name just a few things but, above all, 100% transparency and fairness.
The union has four directors in place. It will pay travel costs and a wage to those that have to work set days for it, but primarily, all of us have a goal of making sure all groups are given a 100% fair deal . : It sounds good. How do Instructors and groups get involved in it then? Visit our new site at t is currently No. 1 on ‘Google’ and ‘Yahoo’. It will be live soon : Thanks Chris for your answers. Hope it all works out, as it seems a great idea to launch in the U.K.
Recently I received an e-mail from a friend who had learnt I was going through some personal issues with the I.T.F. I am registered with due to this magazine. He said “Read this, it may give you the answers you need and will keep you off the forums from arguing your point!” I laughed, but this was true as I had been warring with many trying to fight my case in a public forum.
take the money he had lost in a card game of Hwatu (a popular Korean card game - like poker, I presume)that night. He then fled to Kyoto, Japan where he would later start to learn the art called Shotakan after learning that the wrestler had fully recovered and was counting the days until General Choi would return to his homeland! The chapter moves on to where General Choi is asked if he would ever returned home and fight the wrestler Haak Soon Hu - the answer was yes. At the age of 24, after reaching 2nd Degree, he returned home but, thankfully, the wrestler chose NOT to take revenge after seeing General Choi kicking breaking clay tiles with his bare hands in a pine grove close to his village and hearing that he was now practicing Karate. There were many other stories in the book that answered questions to the stories I have heard over the years. Though the book clearly highlights how General Choi founded the art with Master Nam Tae Hi and the two men’s quest to convince many Instructors and Masters from local Kwans (gyms) in Korea to accept the name Tae Kwon Do.
I was also taken into another world when I read the chapter were Grand Master Name Tae Hi relives his memories of the I have never been a big reader of books, but I made the war, being in pitch black trenches - he explains how he exception to read about the art I am passionate about. I identified the opposite side by feeling their heads in the dark, visited Amazon online and bought a second hand copy that as they wore crew cuts (skinheads) in those days. He stated it night (what a cheapskate!) which arrived in pristine was then that he had used many of the arts more lethal attacks condition two days later. I informed my family that I was going to try and read my first book all the way through - the to either kill, knock out or break jaws to continue his journey to safety. Later on in the book are stories such as how General wife just laughed as normally I start reading, get three or four chapters in, and I give up. I began to read chapter one Choi was imprisoned and undertook a hunger strike in protest, that night and from the off, the book caught my attention. It which nearly ended his life. He explained how he befriended started from 2001 where the author was waiting in a hall for his jailers, who later on became his students. General Choi to conduct an I.T.F. Seminar. This touched The journey starts quietly in the book but, at times, has you familiar memories of when I met him in 1999 but, at this refusing to put the book down through fear that someone close seminar, the author Alex states he is late by two hours. As by may steal it, resulting in you not finding out what is going to you start to read, Alex takes you on a journey that strangely happen next. At times, you find yourself saying “Oh my god” enough makes you feel like you are there, but most imporor “Well, I never knew that”, but you also understand why tantly describing things in great detail. there are so many problems politically between North and South today. I am a full time instructor of 15 years myself so, for me, I have heard many stories about the art from my seniors about the many top Grand Masters and Masters gone before me from around the globe. Since I started in January 1986, things did not come to light until 1999 when the organisation I moved with re-joined the I.T.F. Things started to be divulged to me via those I met on the internet forums or via tournaments and seminars we took part in as a club.
The history of Tae Kwon Do is intriguing, to say the least and to not ruin the book, I have only touched on 1% of the books stories. The real account on Grand Master Choi Jung Hwa and his involvement in the rumoured assassination attempt is also disclosed which, in my opinion, would make many look at him differently, as the rumours are nowhere near to the accounts given by those that feature in the book, including him.
The book for me uncovers many things and fills in the gaps, not to mention highlights the deadly side of the art when it was used on the battle fields. I believe many call this the traditional way of learning (sport side aside) - it gave the true facts from many Grand Masters and Masters that willingly give first hand accounts during interviews with them. As you move though the book, you are taken on a roller coaster of emotions, learning and having things that seemed to be withheld in your hands, in print as facts. You go back and forth as memories are told from those many of us look up to like gods, giving first hand accounts as the author tries to capture all the information and make it seem like you are there with them. The first story I was taken by was how General Choi overcomes a wrestler by throwing an ink bottle at him, knocking him out giving him the chance to
I was taken over by the book so much. I found my imagination running ahead, learning about how the K.C.I.A. infiltrated the I.T.F. and how the history of T.K.D. really unfolded. The biggest disclosure was that of Grand Master Nam Tae He, who is said to have been the co-founder of I.T.F. in the early days. Of late, many have stated that this book is controversial, but there are many Instructors like me that have heard different versions over the years to the stories featured in it. What this book gave me was a look at the arts’ past and helped me understand the man called General Choi and many of the countries traditions. I personally think that if you want to know about T.K.D., this is the book to read. I read it in just under nine days and that was because I was gripped by the history in it. All in all a good read and a must have.
! RS E D
A RE K UR HIN O T U T .F. .uk E O ! L T Y I.T f.co Y E it SA HA TH aln UR W WOUT rigi YO NO AB @o VE K in A m H ad
Do you remember the days when we had one world Championships? Well, it seems many nowadays are asking why we cannot have the same again instead of three. Basically, what has happened is we have three world champions in the same International sport, but the outside world ( ) look at this as simply laughable. It is not the fighters fault, as we are sure all would gladly meet up and test their skill against each other in a unified clash event. The problem as many see it is none of the I.T.F.’s Seniors will agree on one such event, as all would probably want to control it. So we have a problem now, as all those that have won their titles must surely wonder “Could I beat Joe Blogs from that group”? It seems simple to understand why so many students and Instructors are asking these questions and insisting on one major event instead of the three we are currently seeing. Perhaps the answer is to have a unified event, but the question is would our Seniors agree to this? Its easy to organise, in our opinion. If we are talking about finance, then give all profit to a worthy charity. Take all the gold medallists and organise a venue where ALL titles have to be fought in a professional ring or they lose their title. We could all pay for a webcast and V.I.P.’s could buy tickets. This could happen every two years and sponsorship deals would pay for the fighters to compete and have all accommodation, food and flights free. Will anyone take on the challenge? The students of the art are asking for it, so why won’t the Seniors looking after the art organise it? Which ever country it is held in, we are sure with correct marketing Euro Sports or Sky Sports would probably take up the contract to air it - the exposure of Tae Kwon Do would be also catapulted to another level, thus increasing interest at club level meaning that all the organisations would win from one event from media exposure. The Champions would finally be able to say “I am a World Champion’ as they would have beat all worthy opponents at the ‘Clash of the Titans’ event. So, you see it is easy to organise but the question is who will pick up the gauntlet and take on this project? The students of our art want it to happen, but do our leaders?
What is going on in the I.T.F. these days? It seems to me that since the Generals passing, things have got really messed up around the globe. If you go to one I.T.F. groups website, you can download court case notes that clearly state Grand Master Choi cannot operate as the I.T.F. anymore. It is also impossible to contact him, as the office in Canada has gone and the London office seems to be running the show - are they? There are now rumours flying around that the I.T.F. will be relocating to South Korea in 2010, meaning things will be run by the South Koreans - many believe this move will get the I.T.F. back on track (after all, T.K.D. is a Korean art).
?
I attended a seminar recently in Derby and Master Choi made reference to people suing each other and making claims that they are the real I.T.F. He also spoke about why we must all stay truthful to his fathers legacy. I feel sorry for our founder - it seems that the I.T.F. cannot agree to disagree. The General led the I.T.F. with an iron fist which was good, as those that overstepped the mark would be reprimanded and put back in place. The old saying of ‘too many cooks spoil the broth’ springs to mind here. Each I.T.F. site make claims they are original - the real fact is Master Choi is the bloodline, so he really is the true leader due to the blood line. I understand that a new Kup membership is being launched in January 2010, or should we say the I.T.F. are re-installing the program as it was in place in 1997 -2000. The problem is many are saying they are going to refuse it resulting in major problems ahead as far as I see it. None of the other I.T.F.’s operate this Kup membership, so why do it? So, my question is who is running the show now - the president, or those around him? Mike (Surname and organisation has been withheld to protect the author).
I have to get this off my chest - what is going on in the I.T.F. regarding grades? I heard that a 7th Degree left the I.T.F. recently and joined the Vienna group. No problem there, but according to a 4th Degree in the group, the said Master was informed he must re-sit his 7th Degree, meaning he was demoted to 6th Degree. Now that is a hard pill to swallow - god knows why he agreed to it. Apparently, he was graded by Grand Master Choi and his Master examination panel to 7th Degree but, due to internal conflicts, months later he decided to move on. I was gobsmacked that their I.T.F. is adopting this policy. This means that if you are 6th / 7th Dan and above and you choose to leave the group you are with, you may indeed be demoted. In my opinion, the I.T.F. has lost a lot of credibility since our Founders passing. If we look at independents, there are millions more now as our seniors are not listening to the lower grades. Grand Master Choi has some good people working for him, but if groups in the I.T.F. family are saying they are not recognising your rank, the I.T.F. will diminish into nothing, yet it seems no one wants to speak out. Why? According to top Masters I have met in the I.T.F. that I have spoken to about my concerns, many are saying that this in fact is becoming common practice nowadays, so the rank really has no value as times gone by in I.T.F. All we are hearing about nowadays is court cases between the I.T.F.’s people claiming the rights to things they don’t own, not forgetting the suspensions of seniors that really have done nothing wrong in my Opinion, only promote I.T.F. to the best of their capabilities. Yes, I speak about your senior editor - did Mr. Snow not act on the readers request from the ‘Tae Kwon Do Source’ site to put all three I.T.F. Heads on the front page. Now I am told www.original-itf.co.uk plans to print a public apology and change the front of the magazine in issue three. Sorry but you need to grow a back bone Mr. Snow and tell the I.T.F. you are doing a service to help them, not discredit them. None of the I.T.F.’s have promoted the magazine to date, despite it growing in thousands in readership every month. Get the message - we want an independent magazine, and you have given it to us. I really wish you would say enough is enough and join one of the others that will respect your efforts. If the I.T.F. got behind the magazine it could be a massive project and a very powerful tool, Mr Snow has publicly stated he only want to help all of us in the ITF yet very few dare to submit to it due to politics or fear that there leaders may expell them, ‘What happened to freedom of speach?’ When I am running a school I will submit to your magazine as it will help me loads with regards to promotion of it, god only knows why no one see it my way. To me this whole thing is getting out of hand, we need to recognise each other and live by the tenets that we spurt more which some seem to disregard now days. I think this magazine needs to be congratulated not slammed for its efforts, wake up and smell the coffee beans. Edward, a disgruntled student from Scotland
His legacy continues into the future.
aturday 5th September saw many Tae Kwon Do’ists from around the U.K. and abroad attend the Derby seminar. Master Harry, 8th Degree, was the host with a number of senior Master grades attending to be taught by Grand Master Choi Jung Hwa, IX Degree. Many associations were present at the seminar including groups from I.T.U.K., L.T.S.I., U.C.T.K.D., Spirit T.K.D. and many more. The session started at 10am with Mr. Marcus Gelder, 5th Degree I.T.U.K., taking all members through a rather intense warm up (many regretted turning up to this, especially at that time in the morning!) of punching, kicking and incorporating all T.K.D. techniques prior to Grand Master Choi arriving at the hall. On the floor, many 4th and 5th Degrees waited, all eager to demonstrate their skills learnt to date and, more importantly, to learn new things maybe missed from previous courses taken.
Grand Master Choi Jung Hwa walked in to an applause fit for a king. The Master reiterated that it was important for learning to be fun but, at the same time, students must execute as much power as humanly possible. Students were on the floor throwing their techniques as Normal, only to be informed by Master Choi that kinetic linkage is an important factor (in fact, just as important as power). He moved on to talk about how the foot must finish at the same time as a punch or block, hence the term kinetic linkage.
Master Choi requested that a number of the colour belts come Looking around the arena, I could see many colour belts ranging from as young as 5 to 50 years plus. The beauty of onto the floor where he asked them to show saju jurugi. T.K.D. was on show here in the form of all body shapes - all would see its beauty and devastating techniques in full action today, yet it was only the preparation to ensure all participants were ready for phase two, not the real session. At 11.30am, Master Robert Wheatley arrived to take the class and congratulated all students on attending such events, especially parents who had made the journey to the Derby area. Master Wheatley also highlighted that all must enjoy such courses and that enjoyment of the art is the most important thing - he said “Please try and relax when our President is teaching this art�.
Master Wheatley stood alongside and threw his combinations, demonstrating the sheer power he had learnt practicing I.T.F. Tae Kwon Do. As a practitioner, I was taken by the waist twist that he demonstrated, which added loads of power and made the move some what more believable. On the first half of the junior members session, Master Choi quoted that all of us will learn T.K.D. differently due to many limitations that each of us has. He also stated that our techniques are Standardised, therefore the end results will be more or less the same, regardless of body shape. A few hours into the morning session and lunch was called. All students had some harsh training put on them, leaving them red faced and puffed out! All junior graded students were told they could join into the afternoon section if they wished - only a very few decided to stay on, but this was a good job as many Black Belts were turning up and the space was disappearing fast, despite being in a huge arena. The afternoon session got underway, which intensified as another 5th Degree was asked to take the group and warm all participants up. Grand Master Choi Jung Hwa spoke to us about many things - he spoke about how grade often results in egos forming in the students and Instructors, not exempting Masters. This is possibly the truest thing I have heard. He spoke about how we were all a large family which left me wondering - if so, why are there so many arguments in the art today? You always hear these days about groups arguing or statements being made on websites which basically are just poor practice (especially when unfounded) - in reality, if everyone shook hands and moved forward today, we could make I.T.F. what it was when the founder was here.
As the Master spoke, he touched base on people claiming to be original. These people were still claiming the rights to I.T.F. - yes, they are teaching the same style, but I.T.F. is that which was left to us, the students, via his fathers legacy. He said we must continue his legacy by staying true to his art. The other Masters stated that learning from Master Choi was the only authentic way to learn, due to the heritage of the Choi family. The session moved onto power. Master Choi made sure everyone knew what he expects from tul practice (another hard session then?). Punching, kicking and blocking, we practiced move after move, then we were sat down where it would be explained how to incorporate the use of all the body in motion. Onto sine wave and master Choi and Master Wheatley took much time explaining and making it more simplified so the few juniors on the floor also knew how to use sine wave correctly. The Masters walked around the arena talking and correcting us as we practiced the many movements. Onto pad work and Master Choi watched as we each kicked the shields, stopping us and informing us that more power could be used. Even seniors had to listen which was good as, after all, we are just students of this great art. The day came to a close and, as usual, the customary thanks from the host were made. Masters were thanked for attending the event and helping out over the day but, most importantly, students were
thanked for taking the time to attend, despite the current climate (recession). There was no official video cameras allowed, which was a pity as many of us would have liked to see things as we were taught (some individuals had cameras, but nothing was said to them). We all headed to the evening meal which was to start at 8pm which, again, was quite a good event. Master Harry had arranged for a disco after the meal. Many thanks were given to those that assisted but, surprisingly, none to Mr. Snow who
had given a lot of time to helping the event get organised from start to finish behind the scenes. Well, we thank you Sir, as it’s great to see the pictures you have caught for us. The weekend was a great one - there were other seminars over the weekend in the U.K. but, according to the editor of this magazine, no reports were sent in. I personally don’t understand why, as what I hear, all three events were great and the U.K. was on fire the weekend of 4th, 5th and 6th September 2009! I think the leaders need to get sending info to this magazine, as it really is a great tool to promote the I.T.F. Family. Like many are saying, if you missed this event, shame on you as you really did miss out. On the evening of 5th September 2009, an evening meal was put on to celebrate a successful seminar held in Derby. The special guest was the president of the I.T.F.-C group, Grand Master Choi, the late founders son. There were other masters there like host Master Harry 8th degree, Master Nicholls 8th degree and Master Wheatley, 8th degree. The evening meal consisted of
a three course meal. A group of us from the L.T.S.I. Who supported the seminar also decided to go to the meal. There were many practitioners there from all over the U.K. And Ireland. My dad, senior Instructor and Chairman of the U.K.-.L.T.S.I., was there along with vice Chairman Mr. Smith and my mum, the secretary of the U.K.-L.T.S.I., Tracey Leonard who were there to show full support to my dad, Mr. Snow. Other members from St. Albans who attended were Mr. Whitehead, 1st Degree, myself Lauren Snow, 1st Degree, Rhiannon Snow, 2nd Kup and Robert Mitchell, 6th Kup. The evening started with the customary welcome from the staff at the hotel.
be transparent in everything he does. The microphone then went to Master Wheatley who also gave a speech and a quick joke which went down well! The I.T.U.K. members then gave a special thanks to Master Harry for organising the event but, strangely, no thanks for my dads work at all. This did not go down well with him at all. After the speeches, G.M. Choi went to all tables to have a picture taken but, due to the current situation dad was in, he wanted nothing to do with this so he left the restaurant. Once we had had the pictures taken, dad and Mr. Smith came back to the table and said we were going. Apparently there was a disco immediately afterwards, where all those that stayed at the hotel had the chance to dance the night away in each others company.
The meal was served which was, as dad calls it, posh small food! Never the less, the food was nice and well received by all. Grand Master Choi was then asked to go up and speak on I personally think the night was a tense one, but this was a microphone, where he spoke of how the I.T.F. family must due to various reasons out of our control. Dad said we should attend the event anyway and try and have a good stay united and a number of other night as G.M. Choi is, in his words, a things about problems which the I.T.F. legend. We finally got home at 1.30am faces on a daily basis. The microphone and all I can say the day was a long one, was handed to Master Nicholls who but worth the aggro. gave a speech about how hard his job is and that, in doing his job, he will always
Doing it for I.T.F.
n August, five L.T.S.I. students took part in a photo session at the St. Albans L.T.S.I. Tae Kwon Do school. he session is for a book on Tae Kwon Do that is being launched in the U.K. in every school in February 2010. Chris Snow, chief Instructor of the L.T.S.I. said “We were contacted by a company a few months back who were asked by the government to release a book in the U.K. in order to get Tae Kwon Do recognised. Originally they were looking for a W.T.F. school but, after visiting our main gym, decided to use I.T.F. Tae Kwon Do students instead. here was no monetary rewards for the students to be models for the day but, as a National organization, we were happy to assist for the sake of Tae Kwon Do and our exposure in the U.K. e have been informed that the book will have an initial 350,000 books printed, which will also be sold on Amazon and many other high street shops. n behalf of the publishers, we have been asked to extend our thanks to the following students - Lauren Snow, Jade Doran, Rishi Magudia, Rhiannon Snow, Hamish Jeram and not forgetting the L.T.S.I.’s senior Instructor Chris Snow, who all gave up their day whilst the photo shoot was done (which at times was a lot of waiting around). On the right is a sneak preview of the books outlay which, we are sure, will be very helpful in promoting the art when released. All images are downscaled in quality, as all images are copyrighted to the publishers.
HOWS YOUR KNOWLEDGE?
There are times when we mortal humans need to pull together - times when we need our friends around us, times when confidence is shattered from events out of our control. Sunday 27th September 2009 was no exception, as this was a day that was to prove unity and understanding from I.T.F. practitioners. Many know about the posting that appeared on the I.T.F. Administration site back in August that informed its members I was expelled (or rather my membership was terminated), yet what many do not know is no real reason was given in writing apart from it was to do with the magazine and claims of a catalogue of reasons never disclosed. Legally, there were no grounds for removal, so we were extremely nervous about the IV Invitationals tournament (so much so, I even offered my resignation from the L.T.S.I's Directorship a few weeks after the posting appeared).
but I realised hundreds of e-mails later that politics exist in all walks of life and if I walked away, it would mean I had lost.
We published the application form and poster to all sites connected to us and, slowly, applications came in, making us sweat a bit! A week prior to the event, forms started to fly in to Head Office and e-mails from all I.T.F. coaches saying they would be there in support and to keep my chin up and persevere with the situation in hand. Up until then, I was ready to walk away from the I.T.F. and maybe leave the art I have given 24 years to,
We had given this event everything, and I mean everything! In the 48 hours prior to it, both myself and Tracey (my partner) had only had 90 minutes sleep and loads of coffee, which was not good at all! We arrived at the arena at 6.30am and unloaded the van of the 230 mats and all the equipment, which is a major task on its own. U.K.-L.T.S.I. students were on site bright and early to assist us in the hustle. At 9am, we called a umpires
The new U.K. group the U.K.T.U. (United Kingdom Tae Kwon Do Union), which I am one of the founding Directors, stood behind the U.K.-L.T.S.I. and submitted 55 students alone - including the U.K.L.T.S.I. group, we had fielded over 100 participants on the day. A staggering 130 more outside members also entered, of which 100 were from the I.T.F. family. A lot rested on this event, both financially and in the U.K-.L.T.S.I. name - financially, as we had gone from a smaller venue to a much larger scaled arena and invested over ÂŁ3000 to do so; in name because of what has gone on could have meant we lost support from our friends, but I am pleased to say this was not the case as the event was a real hit.
meeting - I made it clear to all I was not interested in speaking about the situation I am currently in, but quickly answered any questions the 40+ umpires had .
At this point, I handed the event over to the ring supervisor Mr. Smith, IV Degree (whom I call a top student and a friend) who informed all on what we require from them on the day.
The L.T.S.I. were also stamping their authority on the event by taking many medals.
The juniors from all groups showed real class, both in sparring and patterns. A real hit was the electronic pad The rings were allocated and juniors hurried to their areas as challenge which all enjoyed, looking at the hoards of kids we commenced with patterns. Within a few rounds, I turned sitting on the mat waiting for their go! and said to a visiting Master "The standards are awesome!" ,which he agreed with. I looked across the arena and saw Jade Our normal extended family members G.T.I., Rayners Lane, Northants G.T.U.K. and Harris T.K.D. were in attendance Doran (Hemel student) making light work of her division, moving on to take yet another gold - four major tournaments once again and all were ready to offer full commitment to the this year and she has been no. 1 every time, which made me event. As normal, Mr. Adams was on site coaching his students - on this day, he was to receive a gratitude plaque proud to say the least. Sparring started and Jade done it again, winning yet another from the L.T.S.I. for his continued support to us. Mr. Anslow got his in 2008, so we were simply continuing our thanks to gold. Looking around the arena, one or two rings contact levels went a bit harder than we wanted but, within minutes, our avid supporters. this was pulled back to the safe levels. Aldershot were in the house and already top of the class, with their juniors moving through the divisions to take many golds. Three new squads (all U.K.T.U. members - 'U.C.T.K.D', 'Spirit T.K.D.' and 'Master Harrys I.T.U.K.') were also picking up many medals.
Unknown to the L.T.S.I. coaches, I had organised plaques for all of them to mark the L.T.S.I.'s 5th birthday. After presenting all of them, I was ready to start the 'Team Challenge'
event, but Mr. Smith said "One moment sir". Cunningly, Tracey had organised a plaque for me on behalf of the L.T.S.I. just to give thanks for my dedication. I was shocked and confused, as I couldn't work out when she ordered it but, by the same token, I was chuffed they would want to give thanks for my efforts. The team challenge unfolded with 'Aldershot A' winning gold and my team (Team L.T.S.I.) taking silver (well done guys, you done me proud). Biggin Hill and Team Alton took bronze medals. Moving onto the Black Belt patterns, we saw the standards fly off the hook as world champions appeared to dominate their sections and show the crowd what the top athletes look like. It was a real credit to see that high profilers were on site. The colour belt 13+ section opened up after the Degree members had finished - this took around 3 hours in total due to the mass of them in this year. The colour belts zoomed through, as all five rings were run. I did not see many bouts but, to be honest, I saw a few injuries from over zealous competitors (nothing too bad though). Aldershot, U.C.T.K.D. and Spirit were doing their best to get to the top of the leader board. Hemel, Biggin Hill and Master Harrys had done great all day, but running out of students meant they were stumped, so the big guns were to fight to the end. Top fighters of the day for me were Nick Gardner, Adam Gardner, Ben Dale, Jade Doran, Josh Lee, Andrew Smith and Stephen Townshend - they were extremely awesome fighters on the day and were real credit to the art. However, these are only the ones I saw and I have probably missed many more. The area title went to Mr. Adams ('Aldershot A') once again, which means he is unbeaten for the last four L.T.S.I. events. Not a bad pill to swallow, as he recently picked up the prestigious title of the London Opens which had some of the U.K.'s best fighters there. We must thank all supporters for their help at this event as it was a huge task, but well worth the aggro. I thank all parents that made the trip with their kids, all officials who gave full support to us on the day, our door staff and the caterers. The U.K.T.U. must get a special thanks, especially as the group took 55% of all medals up for grabs. We are sure that, in future events, the union will expand and take its rightful place as no. 1 in the U.K. as, in our opinion, its mandate is unmatched by any other group which makes it special. Article by Chris Snow
Our new readers pictures section is devoted to you, our readers. Each issue, we are looking for quality I.T.F. practitioner pictures with great scenic backgrounds, like the four in this issue. If your pictures are what we are looking for, they will appear on our new gallery at www.original-itf.co.uk and in the next issue. We take the time to thank Mr Najmuddin Safi, I.T.F. Certified 5th Dan, President of Afghan Taekwon-Do. To get your pictures published, please ensure you follow these rules. Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ
Make sure background looks appealing Demonstrate something with a wow factor Make sure you wear your I.T.F. Suit Use proper techniques Submit photos 1 MB and high resolution Submit on time before next issue deadline Send to admin@original-itf.co.uk
ITF is the International Taekwon-Do Federation, founded on March 22nd, 1966, by General Choi Hong Hi, who developed Taekwon-Do, to promote the teaching of this martial art. At that time, nine countries were involved: Korea, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, West Germany, USA, Turkey, Italy, and Egypt. Taekwon-Do is now taught in almost every country in the world, and General Choi is recognized as the Father of Taekwon-Do
* 1966 March 22nd - ITF founded by General Choi Hong Hi, the Father of Tae won-Do * 1969 First Asian Tournament, Hong Kong * 1972 ITF headquarters moved to Toronto (Canada) * 1974 First World Championships, Montreal (Canada) * 1976 First European Championships, Amsterdam (Netherlands) * 1979 First Pacific Championships, Wellington, (New Zealand) * 1982 North American Federation created * 1983 Central American Federation created * 1985 ITF headquarters moved to Vienna (Austria) * 2002 June 15th - death of General Choi Hong Hi * 2002 Master Choi Jung Hwa VIII takes up the presidency of ITF C * 2008 Master Choi Jung Hwa is appointed to Grandmaster Status IX Degree Black belt
Visit com-do at http://www.comdo.com
Many of us take part in tournaments every few months throughout the year religiously, but for the thousand that do take part, thousands do not - so why practice an art, but never take part? What are the benefits of taking part in tournaments then? Well, straight away, it is a safe platform where two individuals can compete against each other in a safe environment and know that if it gets out of hand, the referee will step in and stop the bout. Of course, it is also a great way to test your self control emotionally. However, I.T.F. tends to be hard contact, but at many events nowadays, contact levels are being pulled back to safe again. If you go to International events such as the Euros or the Worlds, these tend to be excessive contact but there is no problem with this, as long as the competitors use maximum control and demonstrate proper technique for each other (again, still at safe levels but it depends on the centre referees). Practitioners that compete regularly tend to find that their confidence grows inside and outside of the ring, as there is nothing as hard as competing in a ring where a few hundred are cheering the opponents. We also see that those that attend events together tend to build friendships and work more as a team, meaning they bond and learn to look after their team mates, but the true fact is only 10% of any school tend to take part nowadays. So, why do many take part in the art and never compete? Well, that’s easy to answer whilst some say what is the point of playing football and never playing in a game, many think it is because nowadays many school Instructors school of thought is they want to return back to the days of teaching the art form, rather than teaching for sports development. Many Instructors are so fixed on winning gold medals and promoting their school as a ‘school of winners’ to feed their egos or to get new members in that they have forgotten the real reason as to why Tae Kwon Do was created. At my school, our Instructor says that it is important that the whole school trains up for tournaments to strengthen the body and build the hearts strength, even if you are not attending - believe me, St. Albans training methods are hard to say the least! On the other hand, the coach is an advocate of teaching traditional methods too, so we get a lot of self defence, solid kicking drills, set sparring and conditioning in our classes. Tournaments are good to take part in, but there are millions that will never step on the mat and they will still take away just as much with them from Tae Kwon Do as we do.
Club Directory Club directory cost just £15 per club - to get your club listed, please go to our web site www.original-itf.co.uk
South East Region ––––––––-––--–-—––--—-–-–-—--—-—–—–-–-–-–-––-—-—-––––—–––––––––––––––
ST. ALBANS I.T.F. Tel: 01727 827624 ltsi1@btinternet.com www.uk-ltsi.com —–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– HATFIELD I.T.F. Tel: 01727 827624 ltsi1@btinternet.com www.uk-ltsi.com —–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– LONDON COLNEY I.T.F. Tel: 01727 827624 ltsi1@btinternet.com www.uk-ltsi.com —––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Midlands Region –—––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– NEWARK I.T.F. Tel:01522 694766 lisablewitt@tiscali.co.uk www.uk-ltsi.com —–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– COLLINGHAM I.T.F. Tel:01522 694766 lisablewitt@tiscali.co.uk www.uk-ltsi.com __________________________________ FISKERTON I.T.F. Tel:07841 030835 cj.hurt@ntlworld.com www.uk-ltsi.com —–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– CHERRY WILLINGHAM I.T.F. Tel:01522 694766 lisablewitt@tiscali.co.uk www.uk-ltsi.com —––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––-
FE A
TU
R
ED
C
H
A
R
IT Y