Taekwondo v13i07

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TAEKWONDO & KOREAN MARTIAL ARTS MAGAZINE

VOLUME 13 | ISSUE 7 SEPTEMBER 2008

JESSICA MANDEL

Never give up your dreams!

ITF: EVOLUTION OR SEPARATION

Tae kwondo 3 times as interesting?

NIGEL HUDSON UKTDC - New hope & a new future for the WTF in the UK Visit the TKD-KMA magazine website at www.taekwondomag.co.uk


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POOMSAE SEMINAR In association with UK Taekwondo development council

Sunday 26th October Blackpool Sports Centre, West Park Rd, Blackpool FY3 9HQ Presented by; Master KYTU DANG 7th Dan 2007 World Poomsae Champion 7 times European Champion International Poomsae trainer. Model for TKD - DVD

This is a rare opportunity to Train in the UK with probably the Worlds most successful Poomsae competitor. NOT TO BE MISSED LIMITED SPACES BOOK EARLY TO AVOID DISSAPOINTMENT. Timetable 10.00-12.00 all grades, basic movements and Poomsae principles, Sah - Pal Jang 1.00 - 4.00 Dan grades only advanced Poomsae movements, Koryo - Hansoo 5.00 - 6.00 closed session by invitation only

COST £15 per session, both sessions £25 UKT003/02

Discounts available for Instructors bringing 10 or more students For further information contact UKTDC

enquiries@uktdc.org.uk

www.uktdc.org.uk


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Jessica R. Mandel

NEVER GIVE UP YOUR DREAMS! Jessica Mandel’s mother wanted her two daughters to have some idea about how to protect themselves. They regularly practised gymnastics but that wasn’t enough for Mrs. Mandel, who took them along to meet Sue Katz, a local selfdefence instructor. Ms. Katz recommended both girls take up taekwondo, which is not as well developed in Israel as it is in other countries. This turned out to be the right choice as far as Jessica’s concerned!

Jessica also credits Michel Madar (the head of Israel Taekwondo) and Mr. Gerrit. Jessica’s favourite part of taekwondo is forms, which she believes help her train and control each and every part of her body. She loves the way she can use her natural flexibility to perform those forms in an effortless way. So it’s not surprising perhaps, to learn that she regards flexibility as the main

Jessica learned the basics from Kytu Dang (Denmark), who was not only a good teacher but a great motivator. Mieke Tapia was another source of inspiration who, Jessica believes, brought out the very best in her. Others she credits for their roles in her success are Mustapha Moustarak from the Netherlands, and Nigel Hudson, both of whom helped her with the ins and outs of judging; Tony Vohra, Jung-heon Kim, and Haya Q. Karadseh. She credits the last mentioned two persons with teaching her the value of patience! Jessica is currently a 5th dan and qualified through the WTF as a judge. She describes some of the seminars she attends as “amazing”, singling out Kim Doo Man - who is one of the founders of WTF Taekwondo - and Nesibe Altun (Turkey), both of whom helped her a great deal in so many ways. WWW.TAEKWONDOMAG.CO.UK TKD/KMA 139


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trainer who is fully current, informed and capable; a trainer who comes to believe in you and will see you through to achieving your goals. But part of the success package, she points out, is YOU! She advises students to take the new insights they receive, work on them at home, and make them part of your regular training. The support of her family has provided the background to her training and a teaching job has allowed her time off to train, compete, or go to a seminar. She’s been lucky in all three aspects, and credits them as a winning combination. Where some measure effectiveness in martial practice through winning competitions or attaining a high grade, Jessica measures it by just being able to be there! But hold on - there’s a little more to it than that! Jessica just happens to be a Type One Diabetic. She wears a pump on her belt 24/7 and this delivers insulin to her body according to blood sugar readings taken through a sensor. Even so, she has to evaluate the level of activity just around the corner and judge when to tell the pump to shoot that bit more insulin!

physical requirement for success in her art. She says, “There’s nothing quite as impressive as a high kick that is focused, accurate, and perfectly timed! I’ve seen many competitions, and those competitors with flexibility, power and balance invariably place!” She regards patterns as the very nucleus of taekwondo through which you can learn the rest of the art, including selfdefence, sparring, analysis, balance, a wide range of techniques, focus, power, discipline, concentration and perseverance. Jessica notes that the wonderful thing about patterns is that you don’t need to be in a class to practise them. You can practise them anywhere and and/or everywhere. All it takes is YOU and the motivation to get down to it! So, is her success down to her natural skills? She doesn’t think so! Rather she credits the role of the good teacher who recognises what she needs to do to excel and shows her how to achieve that excellence. She urges students to find a

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She was always experiencing low blood sugar levels before competitions until she had the sensor and her first experience with one - at the Challenge Cup in Belgium - showed how it was going to be in the future. She was able to perform the creative form with no problem, and that never happened before! So for Jessica, it’s not just a matter of getting out there and performing, it’s preparing herself properly through her growing experience of coping with diabetes. So as she now says, “My first priority is dealing with the diabetes. If I succeed in that, then everything else is a bonus!” She praises the help, support and encouragement from her friends who have helped her through the hard times in the knowledge that this is something she will have to deal with all her life. One of her major sources of encouragement has been Michel Madar who was instrumental in raising taekwondo in Israel to the level of an Olympic sport. Michel has constantly supported Jessica and she points out that never once has


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he attempted to prevent her - on the grounds of her diabetes - from doing something she wanted to do. Some might have been concerned about the issues of liability but that consideration has never prevented Michel from supporting Jessica every inch of the way. Despite her handicap, Jessica believes there is no alternative but to do the best you can with the physical body you have. She stresses the need to be mentally strong, to remain focused and to practise, practise, and practise more. She urges us, “Never give up your dreams!” Yet another benefit that has come through her practice is a breaking down of cultural barriers. She notes that Israel is not a secure country and there are other cultures that are not at all happy about the fact that Israel even exists! But she goes to competitions with people are not Jewish. She is proud of the fact she has students and friends belonging to the Muslim religion and urges everyone to set aside politics and come together as friends! This attitude has, not surprisingly, made her a lot of friends in countries where Israel is not well thought of. She says, “The world is getting smaller, and by talking to other people, we all help each other!” Jessica loves all martial art though she confesses that she is not well informed about the mixed martial art scene. She also notes that relatively few women have made it through to high grade, mentioning only three who made it to 8th dan. She’d like to see that change! Maybe you’ll be the 4th, Jessica!

Jess with Kytu Dang

Date of Birth: 6 June 1967 Nationality: Israeli/American Judging Experience 2008 European Judge for Poomsae in Turkey 2008 Challenge Cup for Poomsae in Belgium 2007 Challenge Cup for Poomsae in Belgium 2005 European Poomsae Course in Stuttgart Competition Experience: 2008 Challenge Cup Belgium Individual 4th place 2008 Challenge Cup Belgium Creative 1st place 2007 Challenge Cup Belgium Individual 2nd place 2007 Challenge Cup Belgium Creative, 1st place 2006 Jerusalem Open Demonstration 3rd place 2005 Challenge Cup Belgium Individual 2nd place 2005 Challenge Cup Belgium Pair 3rd place Participation: 2006 World Championships Seoul 2005 European Poomsae Finland 1995 1st European Championships St. Petersburg Personal Facts Favourite colour Purple Favourite food Avocado Favourite film “To Sir With Love” Favourite music Classical Currently reading ‘The Saturday Wife’ Favourite technique Ap Chuk Ap Chagi. Favourite pattern Hansu


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KUKKIWON Certification Available Now! Kukkiwon grades are cited around the world as one of the most credible qualifications available to the martial arts community. Now you can apply for certification, regardless of style. ● Independent 8th Dan instructor BASED IN THE UK! ● Seminars and course in the UK and abroad ● All gradings certification direct from Kukkiwon Korea. ● Groups or individuals catered for.

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● Any and All grades up to 7th Dan catered for. ● Full certification from Kukkiwon HQ supplied. ● Check yours or anyones credentials on the Kukkiwon website. ● WTF or ITF or Independent stylists welcomed. ● No Politics - Just good practitioners invited. ● Kukkiwon gradings are open to any practitioner. ● Pre-grading tuition is also offered. ● Group visits to Kukkiwon in Korea can be arranged. Grand Master Tony Vohra. 8th Dan. Kukkiwon registered. Nottingham School of Martial Arts, Ilkeston Road, Nottingham, NG7 3FX

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I LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH YOU! If you’ve ever wanted to take a true kukkiwon sanctioned grading but couldn’t afford to go to Korea to do it - LET KOREA COME TO YOU! SSV001/02


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New hope & a new future for WTF in the UK

On The Record with Nigel Hudson Chairman of the newly formed UKTDC What prompted you to set up the UKTDC? Actually it was as a consequence to a series of actions that were totally beyond my control. After the much publicised furore following the removal from my position as Performance director for Poomsae within the National Governing Body (NGB). The whole procedure and process that the NGB pursued left me with no faith in the executive committee of the organisation. This absolutely astounded me to see certain officers of the BTCB act that way after working so closely with them, and on their behalf for over a decade. A decade that was conducted without fault and which saw the introduction of many progressive initiatives designed to develop and improve our Martial Art. It became abundantly clear that the key representatives of the NGB were not acting responsibly and looking after the best interests of its members, the lifeblood of the organisation or the large number of WTF practitioners in the UK. This was the responsibility I believed they had undertaken, and after discussions with several other Masters and Grand Masters, friends and family, (both inside and outside the BTCB) it became clear that it was time to stand up for what was right and for a credible alternative to be launched to address the issues that neither I or others where allowed to address whilst in membership. How do you view the BTCB at this time? The BTCB as an organisation has some very professional and exceptional individuals within it. There are many senior grades

and members who are committed to Taekwondo and I respect them greatly. However the fact that our national governing body has more WTF groups choosing to operate outside as affiliate or independent groups, rather than join as members of the BTCB tells its own story. Unfortunately the BTCB has alienated more of these valued people than it has managed to embrace and include. In my view it is the culture of the organisation which is failing its members and our martial art and this is manifest in four basic areas 1. The Executive committee The current Executive committee have lost touch with the membership. As an elected body their ‘reason detre’ should be to represent the interests of their members and support their needs, raise standards, increase opportunities and further develop Taekwondo. It saddens me to say they have lost sight of these responsibilities 1. Grass roots development. The BTCB have failed to consider the training and development needs of clubs, instructors and members at all levels who are the lifeblood of the organisation. Consequently, there are no meaningful mechanisms for consultation and feedback from members who have particular needs or expectations from their governing body. There are no robust development plans in place to provide a support framework and assist grass roots clubs to help them to grow and flourish. Organisations and clubs are left to find their own way without support for simple things like advertising and marketing, professional development of instructors and guidance and training in safe and equitable practices. 2. Excellence pathways There is a wealth of talent and experience in the UK in all aspects of Taekwondo; whether it is traditional, sport, self defence, or the undervalued spiritual side of Taekwondo. The governing body have a responsibility to put in place those pathways for people to progress and achieve according to their ability or interest. Talent is nothing without opportunity and unfortunately in the current climate people are finding their way despite the system -not because of it. 4. Dan promotion tests. When the BTCB was formed as a new organisation it did not have the number of 4th/5th or 6th Dans that it has now. As it has evolved over the years, it has subsequently failed to look after these high ranking Taekwondoists by restricting their ability and right to conduct or be involved in Dan promotion tests and thus be alienated from an important process which is a natural part of their development.


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Should they wish to exercise this right it would mean that either they leave membership of the Board (which many have) or give up their natural rights which they have worked for over a long period of time and this gives the appearance of controlling and stifling opportunity What was your role whilst in the BTCB? I have held several positions in the BTCB over the years. I began as the NVQ development officer helping to create the NVQ model for Taekwondo in the UK, I hold the NVQ assessors qualification. Following this, I helped form the BTCB North west region as part of the NGB regional development programme, I then took over as chairman of the region in 1994. A position I held until 1996 when I was appointed chairman of the BTCB Poomsae committee, I held this position until 2005 when the department was reformed by the BTCB with my assistance and became Poomsae UK. I was appointed as Performance director and responsible for overseeing all departments of Poomsae UK this included writing several policy documents that are still in place today. My new role included appointing the coaching staff, judging staff and all other positions. It was at this point that I appointed GM T W Shin as advisor to Poomsae UK. I also acted as Head of Team GB at several European Championships; the pre World Championships and the 1st World Poomsae championships. I represented the BTCB at several high level meetings with the European Taekwondo Union (ETU) and the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) in the promotion and development of Poomsae competition on both a National and International basis. I was also a BTCB delegate at the 2004 WTF general assembly. I was also responsible over the years for qualifying over 200 Poomsae judges for the NGB in the UK In 2005/6 I delivered a seminar to over 40 BTCB Master Grades and Technical Committee members in an attempt to educate and disseminate information gained from the WTF International Judges Qualification on the required changes to WTF Poomsae.

Tell us a little about you & your clubs achievements. I was a class 2 kyorougi centre referee for many years and then moved on to become an International Poomsae judge under ETU rules in 1997 before qualifying as WTF International poomsae judge in 2005. I was presented with 2 awards, Bronze & Gold, from the BTCB for services to Taekwondo. I was also awarded best judge award at the 2007 European championships. My associations, North west academy and Ilyo kwan have been at the forefront of Poomsae for over a decade. I was responsible for training the only European Poomsae Champion from the UK, an achievement that has never been surpassed. My Club has been crowned National club champions on 6 occasions. I have trained numerous National and International champions and my club were crowned team champions at the Belgium open Poomsae championships 2003. After working with the Local authority on several initiatives, I was given the lease to the Skelmersdale Taekwondo centre, free of charge, we now have our own dedicated centre that has helped to train and future current champions. How is the newly formed UKTDC developing? Although it has only been established for a couple of months the UKTDC is progressing very fast and beyond all expectations. We have had high level talks with several external bodies who will be involved in our early development. In a little under 8 weeks we have had a large number of clubs join us and are in discussions with a significant number of clubs who are considering their future with us. We have also had enquiries from several more clubs/associations who also are considering leaving the NGB to join us, which I believe lets us know that we are doing the right thing. We have been extremely busy putting policies into place and attaining all the required paperwork to run an efficient and professional organisation including the setting up of our website, www.uktdc.org.uk

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significant increases year on year as we grow and develop. However with the interest we have seen already and the continued support of TKD/KMA and COMBAT magazines, who knows it could all get very busy very quickly. We have set the foundations and now welcome all bona fide Taekwondoist into membership. Do you see the UKTDC assuming the role of NGB for WTF Taekwondo in the UK? At this moment in time it is not for us to make that assumption, all we can do is offer an open, honest and transparent environment as previously mentioned which is what we intend to do. We will let the readers and WTF practitioners be the judges of that. The WTF and the ETU are the ultimate authorities for WTF Taekwondo in this country along with key stakeholders like the BTC, Sport England, the BOA and UK sport. Should they see us as a viable alternative or less discriminatory body, conducting ourselves in the manner that should be expected of a NGB then they might discuss this possibility with the UKTDC. At some point in the future I personally think there will be a new body in control of WTF Taekwondo in the UK and whether or not it is UKTDC remains to be seen. We have held our first open dan promotion test for 1st to 3rd Dan promotions which attracted over 25 applicants and Kukkiwon certification has been applied for. We have a calendar of events which include traditional and sport Taekwondo seminars run by experienced and respected practicioners, establishing judges/referee courses, establishing local and regional competitionsin poomse and sport taekwondo and we are currently developing policy documents for our Instuctors and member clubs and also developing a curriculum and set of standards for Kup and dan grade examiners.

However, I must emphasise that is not our primary concern. I have outlined earlier our rationale and reasons for forming the UKTDC and at this time all our energy is focussed on putting in place the right policies and frameworks which we think represent the needs and priorities of Taekwondoists in this country. We have listened very carefully to the advice of many senior and experienced practicioners and truly believe that if we get it right for them we can only see our organisation thrive, grow and prosper. As we build a critical mass of support and acknowledgement of the quality of our work within the WTF community then who knows where it will lead,. Stranger things have happened..........

Is it correct that you will allow Dan promotion tests to be carried out by members ? Yes, it is our aim to allow any 6th Dan kukkiwon registered Instructor to conduct his/her own Dan promotion tests, there will be some conditions but in general this will be the case.

What makes UKTDC stand out from other Organisations? I would not like to comment on other organisations as there are several both inside and outside the NGB that operate very well.

We shall also allow 5th Dan Kukkiwon holders to conduct the same on the condition that they have attended the Kukkiwon International Instructors course.

What I feel makes us stand out is that we have a group of dedicated and professional individuals whose collective main aim and concern is to develop and promote Taekwondo in line with the stated aims. We shall learn from the mistakes of others and address issues that are at the top of peoples agenda.

The aim of this is to accommodate professional Instructors who see Dan promotions as part of their natural right and responsibility as senior practicioners Where do you realistically see the UKTDC fitting in the future of taekwondo in the UK/Globally? We see the future as being very bright, not only for the UKTDC but also for our members and the general Taekwondo populace. Our aim is to introduce a new era for Taekwondo in this country by creating an environment and way of working where all WTF/Kukkiwon style practitioners feel valued, can flourish and develop in a non discriminatory, professional, open and honest environment. The inspirational Mohammed Ali, arguably the greatest combat athlete of our generation, is reputed to have written the shortest poem in history with the immortal line ‘Me, We’. In a light hearted way this sums up the UKTDC philosophy and works on many levels; giving of ourselves for others, individual responsibility for collective benefit, being part of a group where you are valued and recognised............I am sure your readers can think of many more This embodies the Martial Art way and in our early discussions with founder members of the UKTDC we talked of a ‘Pool of Knowledge’ philosophy. One which includes and encourages people to share their knowledge and experience of WTF Taekwondo regardless of background or origin. Everyone has something to offer, expertise to give and insight to share and we will create an environment where this is encouraged and actively sought. This I believe is a radical departure from the current ‘closed shop’ and ‘put up or shut up’ approach which is stifling the development of Taekwondo today. In practical terms we see our numbers growing from year 1 with 1000 members to year 3 with 5.000 members, and then seeing 146 TKD/KMA WWW.TAEKWONDOMAG.CO.UK

We will also create an environment where clubs will feel part of the family and be treated in a courteous and professional manner. We shall adopt policies that are fair and open to scrutiny and make all selection events totally open to all. Do you have a development plan? Yes we do and as we consult with more people our plan is widening in scope and ambition but I believe it will give us a roadmap for the next 5 years of the UKTDCs development. Essentially this falls into 4 main priority areas; 1. Increasing participation in Taekwondo By developing a co-ordinated approach to Taekwondo and widening access through Clubs, Schools and the Community. 2. Strengthening pathways for people to improve and progress By providing quality coaching programmes and opportunities for learning to enable all Taekwondoists to realise their potential and nurture talent to succeed and be the best in the country 3. Improve the quality of instruction, coaching and learning By creating and supporting a network of highly skilled coaches, teachers, officials, volunteers and administrators committed to sharing good practice, resources and expertise 4. Develop an integrated and well managed network of clubs across the organisation By creating a diverse, sustainable, well managed and integrated network of clubs working together for the benefit of all WE are in the early stages of this plan and we are constantly updating and developing the detailed actions but I believe this gives us the appropriate framework on which to build and progress as an organisation.


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Can you tell us more about your ambitions for WTF /Kukkiwon Taekwondo in the UK? I think it is clear from the answers to previous questions, Our aims and ambitions are to be truly representative of the needs of our members and work within the expected guidelines that the WTF/Kukkiwon, ETU, BTC, Sport England, the BOA and UK Sport, would find difficult to not lend their support to. We shall cater for all Taekwondoists and allow a non-discriminatory ethos to be of paramount importance. You have been involved on an International basis can you tell us more about this. Yes my work in Taekwondo and in particular the Technical and Poomsae aspects that have been elevated over the years as I have worked with The ETU as part of its technical committee, a position I still hold. This would be primarily concerned with the development of Poomsae competition/standards and the judging structure. I was also involved with the discussion and development of Poomsae as the ETU Poomsae sector made the transition to the WTF Poomsae initiatives. I would also take part in several meetings with both the ETU and the WTF in the development and promotion of Poomsae at both European and World championship level. I am also active on the International circuit as a qualified WTF International judge, one of only 2 in the UK, qualified internationally under both ETU and WTF systems. This is a qualification that no one holds within the NGB at present. However, I am only one of a number of individuals who bring with them a wealth of knowledge and experience in Taekwondo on a national and international level. We have experienced instructors, coaches, officials and players and also people who have been at the forefront of the administration and development of Taekwondo and sport generally. We also have members who have experience in the business and commercial sectors and bring with them a wide range of skills which will benefit the organisation and its members for the future. Going back to the UKTDC, who are the senior Officers involved with its development? All members and instructors of the UKTDC will be key stakeholders and actively involved its future development and we see them as our senior officers. However there are several individ-

uals who have been involved in getting the organisation established and shaping it to this point. Mr Nigel Hudson 5th dan (Chairman) Master Chris Davies 6th dan (Secretary General ), Mr Martin Maloney (Treasurer), Master Craig Waddington 7th dan (Technical Director), Mr Joel Lavery (Development Director) Miss Diane Leatherbarrow (Membership Services). In addition there are several high ranking grand masters who are working with us and it is a very exciting prospect that more and more senior Taekwondo practicioners across the UK like what we have to say and are expressing a serious interest in working with the UKTDC more closely in the future because they understand what we stand for. It would be indescreet for me to throw names around in these early days but we envisage more Senior Taekwondo practicioners joining those people already mentioned in the very near future and bringing the benefit of their experience to the table and strengthening the organisation further as we evolve and mature. The BTCB have claimed that the officers of the UKTDC have been hostile to the BTCB is this the case? Not in the slightest, the fact of the matter is that the UKTDC wrote to the BTCB chairman outlining our aims and stating that in the future we might work more closely. This was never acknowledged but that was expected, we have also informed the WTF and the Kukkiwon of our status and aims. Any hostilities that have been forthcoming have been from the BTCB. I take all of this as a direct sign that we are considered a viable and credible alternative to the BTCB because our aims and objectives are sound, our motives are genuine and we have the courage in our convictions to make the UKTDC a real and lasting success. Thank you for sharing your future and past with us and we wish you all the very best for your/the UKTDC’s future. My pleasure, anyone interested in joining the UKTDC please feel free to contact the secretary general Mr Davies at secretary-general@uktdc.org.uk or give me a call on 07960 456414

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ITF: Evolution or Separation?

TAE KWON DO

3 Times As Interesting? Part 1 by Stuart Anslow

Some interesting situations are developing in the ITF World of Taekwon-Do, situations that in theory could be argued as limited to an organisation, but in fact have wide implications to the rest of the Taekwon-Do World and those that practice the ITF style.

away from the ITF of yesteryear; there are differences, but to most these are minor. Even with the ongoing sine-wave discussions still raging, most students are able to cohesively see past it all and train and compete together on a reasonable equal footing.

In the current state of affairs we see three different ITF groups, similar large and small organisations (GTF etc.) around the world and a multitude of solo schools, all teaching the Ch’ang Hun system in one guise or another.

The average Taekwon-Do student would prefer unity amongst practioners and the big organisations, as even though they may be in different federations they can continue to train and compete side by side. However, though the major ITF organisations claim unity (or tolerance of others from the various groups) as an aim, a couple of situations are causing a divide that will separate all students

Different groups and organisations focus on the system of Taekwon-Do they had when perhaps they broke

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under this banner from virtually all other students around the globe. There are many rumours around at the moment, but the following two situations are not rumour, but fact! One is relatively minor compared to the other, but shows a division none the less, and it is these two situations that I wish to discuss further with the readers and fellow students of Taekwon-Do. Whenever a Dan grade is questioned on certain things that don’t quite make sense, there usually follows an unsatisfactory answer of “.. because the organisation requires it that way” and most questions that get this answer refer to changing the way of


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doing something that doesn’t seem quite as beneficial as the original way, in short, they do it because the organisation has told them to!

General Choi in Malta 2nd from left

Like the controversial changing of the sine wave, which has been discussed all over the internet, despite reasons given by those at the top of the tree, many remain unconvinced it was anything more than a political move (as opposed to something truly beneficial for the student of Taekwon-Do), despite some arguments for it, including scientific studies (after the fact). Strangely enough, those that support it often simply state something like “well, it does feel better” or similar! Anyway, I digress; the two main changes I want to discuss here are the re-introduction of the Kihaps in the Ch’ang Hon Tul and something that has even wider repercussions, as both these changes further alienate those members of that particular ITF from the rest of the Taekwon-Do world! I guess, compared to the second change, the re-introduction of the Kihaps is actually a minor one. However, the reason for doing it remains unconvincing to me! The ITFCanada (Choi, Jung Hwa’s group and herein known as ITF-C) state the reason for this re-introduction was that “Master Choi firmly believes it was his father’s intention to re-introduce the kihaps...” however, this cannot be so as it was General Choi himself that took out the Kihaps in the first place and during his 50 or so years at the

head of the ITF he never once even mentioned re-introducing them, so where does this “belief” come from, more so as its expressed 6 years after the arts founder past away! Furthermore, the Kihaps in the patterns were originally intended to further cultivate the development of Ki energy alongside other Ki energy exercises such as Dan-jun breathing. I wonder if these further aids will be introduced and whether we`ll see Taekwon-do masters performing Ki feats like the Shaolin monks or if it will remain a grunt at a certain move in the pattern, with no more focus or relevance than a simple shout! For those who are actually in the ITFC that are now listed with the task of adding all the kihaps there is some

help you can get in reference form. To help with these new requirements you can actually get a list of where the kihaps originally were in the kup patterns (and so should be now re-introduced) in the 1971 books by Grandmaster Jhoon Rhee, as well as a complete list in the more recent (2006) book “Ch’ang Hon Taekwon-Do Hae Sul” by Stuart Anslow, they are also listed on http://www.kidokwan.org As I have said, this is just one step that alienates my brother TaekwonDo practioners and the next item up for discussion does this even further, as ITF-C have decided to rename the pattern “Ju Che”! However, I do not feel this has been looked into in that much detail or given as much thought as it should of been and I shall tell you why next month.

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