TAEKWON-DO GENERATION ISSUE 04

Taekwon-Do International Taekwon-Do Federation www.tkd-itf.org

generation ISSUE 04 / JANUARY 2016

a new

milestone

iic 105 in argentina P. 22

General choi and i GM MacCallum

P. 38

international Kids Course in Ethiopia

P. 60

1st International Instructor Course at Sea

International Taekwon-Do Federation • www.tkd-itf.org • 1

P. 68

08

E d i to rial Dire ct or International Taekwon-Do Federation

E d i to r M ax im e B ujo l d

Communications & Development

Current ITF

Committee:

World Champion

Stephen Ryan Paco Ferrando Fabian Izquierdo

C o l l aborat ors Alejandro Tiratel

C o ntribut ing Writ er Grandmaster Trajtenberg Grandmaster MacCallum Grandmaster Weiler Mr. Charles Foley Mr. Norbert Erseki Varinia Sandi Alejandro Tiratel

22

P h o tograp hs p r ov i de d by: The Israel Academy of Taekwon-Do ITF

II C 1 0 5 in Arg e n t in a , a New Mil e ston e

Master Jerzy Jedut Mr. Norbert Erseki Master Fabián Pini Javier Orué

74 G eneral Cho i a nd I

GM MacCallum

2 • Intenational Taekwon-Do Federation • www.tkd-itf.org

index President’s Me s sag e

Page 5 COM PETITORS FOR EV ER Maxime Bujol d

Page 8 Silvia Farig u

Page 10 Mark Trott e r

Page 14 coach experie n c e Master Vatra n o

Page 18

50 itf conve nti o n

II C 1 0 5 in Arg e n t in a , a New M il eston e

Page22 General Ch oi and I

Page 38 European Championship s 2 0 1 5 - Scotl a n d

Page 44 itf convent ion

Page 50 my dojang bol ivia

Page 56 taiwan

Page 58

62 k ids

k ids IKC in Ethiop ia

Page 62 IT F Kids Web s it e

Page 66 1 st ever II C at S e a

Page 68 KE MAL KASI M

Page 72 1 st Harmon y C ou rs e

Page 76

68 1 st ever iic at sea

International Taekwon-Do Federation • www.tkd-itf.org • 3

4 • Intenational Taekwon-Do Federation • www.tkd-itf.org

Dear ITF Community

Many significant events happened during 2015.

In this issue of the Official Magazine, we will see reflected many of them.

Events as impressive as the largest IIC since the creation of TaekwonDo, the beginning of a new format courses devoted exclusively to competition called ICC and, of course, the consolidation of the Program for Children through the IKC and the Umpire training through the IUC. On the other hand, the quality of our events reflects all the work being done steadily, taking advantage of past experiences, correcting and capitalizing mistakes and successes.

So then, we witnessed a wonderful World Championship and several other continental competitions.

And if we speak of growing, of constant evolving, I should mention the development and presentation of the new Harmony Program, exclusively dedicated to the segment

of students in adult age which will be officially launched in a few days in Israel, which will become a resource available for Masters, Instructors and students.

But like others, our Organization is built from work and daily sacrifice, we can´t forget to mention and highlight the small great experiences that happen in every corner of the planet within the Dojangs.

Therefore, I step aside so we can enjoy the contents of the magazine and by saying goodbye to you all and wishing you have had a wonderful festive period with your loved ones and auguring an excellent 2016 for the Taekwon-Do, for our ITF and for every one that comprise this beautiful family. ¡Taekwon!

GM Pablo Trajtenberg President

International Taekwon-Do Federation • www.tkd-itf.org • 5

competitor

rs for ever

Maxime

Interview with Current ITF World Champion

Bujold When and where did you start training in Taekwon-Do?

I started training at age five in Quebec City, Canada, under Paul Germain, a middle weight superstar from the ‘90s. I trained under him until my first junior world championships in North Korea 2000; we parted ways after that.

Then, I developed a strong taekwon-do relationship with GM Trân, with whom I travelled around the world and shared wonderful experiences.

Do you have or have had any role models or people who have inspired you over the years?

I was lucky enough to share the ring once with Jaroslaw Suska from Poland. I had met him when I was junior, while on a trip to train with master Jedut. I have always admired him for his hard work and dedication to the sport. His performances were very inspirational to me. That made me work harder to get close to that level one day. Now that he has retired, others will have a chance to shine; I wish to become one of them.

There are so many people that I look up to and that made me appreciate my sport even more. I wish to mention master Laquerre who has been one of my great supporters for 20 years now, and also Grandmaster Lan, who treated me like one of his sons and allowed me to reach new heights in competition.

I think what is really great about our sport is that people will share knowledge with everyone who is willing to learn; they are not rivals. I guess I always was a good learner, because I have been blessed with tons of feedbacks and advice from coaches and umpires around the world.

What are your plans for the future?

I don’t have any specific plans for the future. I wish to compete to one more world championship for sure. I will concentrate my efforts on delivering clean, sharp patterns. I don’t see myself doing anymore sparring tournaments however. Weight control, injuries and hits to the head are becoming more of a concern this time around. I want to keep my body and mind fresh for my career.

I also want to get involved more in umpiring. I completed my first IUC earlier this year, and I think it could be one of my next challenges.

Also, I am very proud to perform two of my favorite patterns for the books of Black Belt Project, alongside other superstars like Mr. Suska and Mr. Trotter.

I wish to participate in other educational materials like this in the future if the opportunity arises.

What is your opinion about how TKD has evolved over the years and the direction we are headed?

My specialties are mainly patterns and sparring, so I will only give my opinion on these. For patterns, I think everyone at World level is getting really good now. I predict a very hard time for the judges in the future, because they will all be close matches. I do hope though that we don’t lose the artistic side of things in favor of only technical appreciation; nothing compares to the beauty of smoothly executed

8 • Intenational Taekwon-Do Federation • www.tkd-itf.org

patterns with nice sinewave and rhythm! As for sparring, what I noticed was a strong influence from kickboxing and karate point sparring. Also, I think people fight a lot smarter now; it is becoming more of games of chess than just fighting. I like that.

You took a long break from competitive Taekwon-Do and made a successful comeback this year to become World Champions once agin, tell us about that.

I stepped away from the competition scene in 2007 after winning gold in free sparring at the World Championships. I felt that I needed to start focusing on my education. I spent the next five years in university, successfully completing my doctor degree in dental medicine. During that time, I kept up to date like I could with competition results and who was doing great in my weight class.

At the beginning of 2014, I had this conversation with my good friend Neil Ernest from Wales. It was he who convinced me that I should come back and that he believed I could make it to the top again. And so I decided to get back in shape and go test my skills at the World Cup in Jamaica, and later on at the World Championships in Italy. I put all my heart in my training sessions and I was so happy it paid off with some very satisfying results. I couldn’t have done it alone, though. My trainers and coaches made all this possible. I will never thank them enough for their time and dedication.

Photo credit for this interview: The Israel Academy of Taekwon Do ITF, Master Jerzy Jedut.

International Taekwon-Do Federation • www.tkd-itf.org • 9

Interview with Silvia Farigu, current ITF World Champion 4th to 6th degree patterns

SilviaFarigu When and where did you begin training in TKD? What are your memories from those days?

I started when I was 8, in 1994. It was just by chance; I didn’t know anything about Taekwon-Do or martial arts. I used to play basketball in a team and I loved football.

The first class was very fascinating for me and when I went back home I remember I tried some of the exercises. Right away I can’t stay without practicing it.

10 • Intenational Taekwon-Do Federation • www.tkd-itf.org

What was the training like, who was you trainers?

I enjoyed all the classes because I liked all the Taekwon-Do items. I started with Master Pierpaolo Lecca, then, when I was 19 I started teaching and travelling to train and learn with different instructors and masters. I think it’s very important to experience different point of view and I love to travel and to attend classes and courses.

I think what is really great about our sport is that people

I’m also very proud of my students, my team and our achievement.

I really enjoy attending the courses and compete and I had the opportunity to achieve my goal as international competitor with European and World titles.

What people inspire you?

When I started, all the black belts of my club and of course my instructors inspire me. Then there are different instructors and very good competitors all over the world. I try to learn from everyone; also my students and their progress give me lot of inspiration and energy.

Tell us about Taekwon-Do in Italy, what is your opinion aboutthe evolution of Taekwon-Do? I think every year more people start to practise Taekwon-do in Italy. Also the technical level is very good because there are many good instructors, masters and Grand Master.

With my team we are working to promote Taekwon-Do also at school and we attend to many events and exhibitions so people can see what Taekwon-Do is because many people still don’t know our martial art or they think it is something different or dangerous. will share knowledge with everyone who is willing to learn; they are not rivals. I guess I always was a good learner, because I have been blessed with tons of feedbacks and advice from coaches and umpires around the world.

When did you become involved in competition?

I had my first competitions after few months I started, it was pattern competition, from white to green belt and I arrived to the final.

Also I remember one of my first sparring competitions, it was quite hard and painful but I was determined to continue.

My first goal was to become a black belt, then to be part of the national team. I had my first international competition in Argentina 2002, junior world championships with silver medal in sparring and bronze medal in pattern.

What are your greatest memories from your career?

I have many memories. Every experience gives me lot of unforgettable moments.

It’s fantastic to travel, to know many people and share the same passion.

I think I’m very lucky because I had the opportunity to experience many different situations and emotions, as a student, as a competitor and as an instructor.

I could say my greatest memories are about my first international competition, my first course or my first world title in South Korea in 2004...but after I experienced them, I need to repeat again and more, and every time it’s different and every time is amazing.

International Taekwon-Do Federation • www.tkd-itf.org • 11

Tell us about your training regime in preparation for championships?

Competitor preparation it’s quite hard.

You have to train 5-6 times a week but also it’s important mental training, rest and nutrition.

I train with Mr. Christian Oriolani and also we have some students in the national team, so I train them but also they help me for my preparation.

What people inspire you?

Yes I teach everyday, in 2 different places.

So all the evening I’m very busy.

Is Taekwon-Do your full time job or do you work at something else?

I’m graduated as an architect but I work full time with Taekwon-Do. Also now I’m studying sport and physical education

What do you like to do outside of Taekwon-Do to relax?

I love travel and camping. I like to ride bikes and all the open-air activities. Also, in Sardinia we have nice weather, beautiful coasts and sea and I like go to the beach.

What do you think are the greatest benefits of Taekwon-Do and what do you love about it most?

There are many benefits. Of course physical training is complete and with many benefits, but also I think the mental training is very important. The DO, the way you can know yourself and try to be better everyday.

Everybody can practise and have a personal growth. It’s your own way.

What are your plans and goals for the future?

In 2016 there are many international competitions, so I’m preparing for that as a competitor.

The 13th March we host the International Mediterranean Open in Sardinia so I’m working with Mr. Oriolani to promote and organize this event. Also I continue teaching to increase number of students and also their technical level.

I would like to travel to attend as many events as is possible but also I would like to travel to teach.

12 • Intenational Taekwon-Do Federation • www.tkd-itf.org

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Trott When Did you Start training TKD and who was your original Instructor tell us about your start ?

I started training in 1990 in Auckland New Zealand at a club called Hobsonville. The instructors name was Phil Swanson and at the time was 2nd degree. I think the night I started there was around 80 kids that night and of that 80, 8 of us made it to 1st degree.

He was one of the first instructors in NZ to take a group of young kids from white belt to black belt. Being so young it was hard to teach us as we forgot many things and had to keep going back over things. At this time in NZ there was no junior black belt grading so we had to to all the same things as the adults in our examination. I was 9 years old when I tested for 1st degree and I think I weighed around 22kg so things like board breaking became very hard for me as I was so little.

After testing to 1st degree so young I had to wait until I was 14.5 years old to test for my 2nd degree so for someone of my age at only 9 it was very hard to wait with out having a grading . This was when my Mum and Dad started taking me to tournaments and extra trainings ITFNZ only had 2 tournaments a year at this time regionals and nationals so they had to take me outside of this to keep me motivated. My parents would drive all over Auckland 4-6 nights a week sometimes up to 1.5 hours in traffic to the other side of Auckland just to take me to some of the best trainers NZ had to offer. I stayed with my club but I also started training with Rua Kaiou and 1-1 training with Mark Rounthweight (Mark Rounthweight was the first NZ person to medal at a world champs bronze in 4th degree patters 1994 Malaysia). Theses two coaches were one of the reasons I stuck with TKD. As Rua had a great group that traveled around NZ competing in any tournaments we could. WTF, Karate, ISKA, Kung Fu, it didn’t matter what the tournerment style was we went and it was through the support of my parents and this coach that I started loving

14 • Intenational Taekwon-Do Federation • www.tkd-itf.org

Mark

ter to compete in TKD. I really believe if my parents had not done this for me I think I would not still be doing TKD now.

What are your Highlights in your career This is always hard to answer as there are so many things that I have been able to do through TKD I think one of the most important ones that stands out for me would be winning the first gold medal for New Zealand at a World Championships in 2002 Puerto Rico.

It was my third World Championships and my then instructor Steve McQuillan was the coach as well as good friend Grant Eccles. I think a huge thing for me in that World Championships was that after all the support my parents had given me they were both in Puerto Rico to see me become world champion for the first time. Another highlight was in 2001 being selected at 15 years old to compete in the senior World Championships in Italy 2001, I didn’t medal there but just selected for micro weight sparring and 2nd degree patterns was huge for me . I think this helped me to see after being in the North Korea junior World Championships in 2000 and Italy senior World Championships in 2001 to understand what it took to compete in this level. Since then I have been very fortunate to compete in 2001, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2013, 2015 in world championships for NewZealand as well as being team captain many times. The other moment that stands out was Canada 2007 as this was where I medaled for the first time in the senior World Championships. I had only tested to 4th degree in February of 2007 and I made the final of 4th-6th degree patterns. For me I had watched in 2001 the final of Mr Suska when he won and I said to myself one day I will be there that’s what I want!!! Then in 2007 to be

in the final was an amazing feeling and it was also with Mr Suska so that was just a massive achievement for me. Also in Canada it was the first time Traditional Sparring had been introduced and again I remember seeing the demonstration in 2001 of this and it was something I was very excited to do. Myself and my partner Luke Thompson had done some demonstrations together and done this in the Auckland demonstration team for a few years so we thought we would give it a go and created a routine. We had no idea what to expect in this competition as we had no idea what other country’s had put together. We became the first world champions for traditional sparring and this was an amazing feeling. After this we won the World Cup in 2008 so to be World Cup champions and world champions was a huge goal that we achieved.

I was just talking but sure enough in 2008 I made the first trip to Argentina for a training trip I stayed for 3 months just to train with him. I have never seen so many champions in one gym before !

I knew right away this was the place for me to train . For us in NZ it was closer and cheaper to get to and I could train with this great coach . The first night I remember thinking oh no what have I done I have another 3 months of this .....

Since then I have become 4 time world champion in traditional sparring 2007, 2011, 2013, 2015 and I love the creativity in this event.

Who has inspired you ?

There are so many people that have inspired and helped me along the way.

First would be my mother and father as they gave me so much time and the best guidance I could have asked for.

Rua Kauoi and Mark Rounthweight were 2 people that showed me from the start how to train and gave me belief that I could become world champion.

Then there are the people that I always wanted to grow up and be as successful as Stephan Tapilatu, Tomaz Barada, Julia Cross, Jarslaw Suska, David Kerr ,Neil Ernest. The last and by sure not the least there are 2 coaches that I started working with later in my career. The hardest thing living in NZ was that we are so far away from the rest of the world so to get international exposure has always been hard but in 2005 Master Van de Mortel came to NZ with NZ national coach Andrew Niven who had this amazing idea and worked very close with the Master. This was the first time we had seen a coach like this. He was so hard and I had never trained like this before. Master Willy really showed NZ how you had to train to be a champion and I believe this was the start of the rise of NZ in the world rankings. Master willy gave me a real belief that it was possible to become world champion. The last and for me one of the most important people Master Villanueva from Argentina. This man is a genius!!! I meet him in 2000 in North Korea and saw some or the Argentina team I always said to him one day I will come train , I think he thought

I know I was the worst in the gym when I arrived and I didn’t speak a word of Spanish . But this amazing coach spent countless hours with me explaining to me his experiences and how he thought I could be a good competitor. I got my butt kicked for months there and then after I came home I felt like I had this advantage of this , then in 2009 I went again and trained for 2 months before the World Championships in Argentina and it payed off as I won my first

International Taekwon-Do Federation • www.tkd-itf.org • 15

What is your opinion on ITF ?

I think ITF has made some great movement in growing our organization as of late. The amount of courses offered to us as members is amazing. I have enjoyed the IIC I have been to and always find them to be very helpful in my teachings. I am very excited about the new ICC I think this is something that has been missing from ITF and to have the opportunity to train under some of these great trainers and champions is going to be amazing when it comes to Oceania (2016). I think the movement we are getting in Africa is great and I know this must be countless hours just to make this happen so I think we are in very very good shape moving forward to the future. Just look at the IIC in Argentina 1100 people that is just crazy!! sparring medal in -54kg sparring and it was a massive thanks to this man. After this I think I have been to Argentina 9 times now and most of the time I stay for minimum of a month to train.

Following 2009 I went back again every year until the 2011 World Championships and I made the final this year in my home country so the inspiration Master Villanueva has given me has been huge and something I could never repay him.

This year 2015 was a amazing year when Master Villanueva asked me to teach a seminar for him in Argentina. I must say I have never been so nervous to teach in my life, the man that showed me how to spar was now watching my every move as I started teaching around 300 black belts in the seminar. A great man and I will always be inspired by him.

What is you training regimen and how has it changed over the years ? What types of training do you do ?

My training is not complicated, I believe to be good at TKD you have to train TKD. I have never trained in a gym or anything like this to be honest I don’t enjoy it. On a normal week for training for competition I would train around 4-6 times per week in a training environment with the team and then maybe another 4-6 times per week for my patterns alone and maybe 2 more times alone with my traditional sparring partner. The hardest thing is to compete in 3 different individual events (including traditional sparring with partner) it takes so much time and dedication. In 2013 I had a bad accident in my work and broke both my legs as well as ligaments in both my knees. I was in

leg braces for around 10 weeks getting 5% more movement given to me every week.

After this my training had to change as I couldn’t train for so many hours with out pain. The accident happened 16 weeks before the World Championships in Spain 2013 and I was in leg braces for 10 weeks so I only had 6 weeks to get ready and for me it was a massive achievement just to be at the World Championships let alone winning the traditional sparring with my partner for the 3rd time. So I think now I train more intelligent than I did in the past. I can never make up for hours spent but now I feel I have more of an understanding what to train and I don’t waste to much time like I did in the past.

What do you do for work ?

I work in film as a stunt double . As most people know we make some great movies here in NZ, Hobbit, Avatar, Narnia,Underworld, King Kong just to name a few and I have been lucky for the last 12 years to be a stunt double on these amazing films. I also have my own gym for TKD and I teach some of the World Championships competitors on a 1-1 basis for extra help and normally around 8-15 sessions of this per week.

What do you like to do outside of work and TKD ?

Well as you can see that it dose not leave a lot of time after doing all my work and my trainings and teachings. But when I do have time I love to travel, I enjoy other cultures and seeing the amazing world we live in. But to be honest 99% of my travel is with TKD so I don’t know if that counts hahaha.

16 • Intenational Taekwon-Do Federation • www.tkd-itf.org

What is your opinion about ITFNZ ?

ITFNZ OR ITKD as it as knowen as now is an amazing well oiled machine.

NZ has come very far very fast as a TKD nation with becoming top country in the world in 2011 at home but then to do it again in 2015 in Italy was amazing something I am honored to say I was a part of and I think it will be talked about for a long time In this country.

Then also we have Master Paul Mcphail who is now part of the IIC that is just an amazing achievement and something so big for us as a country to see Master Mcphail in that position. ITFNZ gave me the roots to get to where I have gotten to today and with out them it would not have happened. We have grown as a TKD nation and I am sure we will continue to do so in the years to come.

Is there any other key country’s that stand out for you in competition?

Yes there is always great country’s that stand out. Always for me you have Poland, Argentina that is just a give in but for me there are a few one was Romania in the last world champs in Italy a huge jump up to 2nd over all and they are doing great things. Ireland are always so strong and they just seem to keep finding all these young kids that are amazing. Norway have made big improvements for me in there sparring.

I have always liked there patterns a lot but the sparring has really stepped up. There are 3 more for me that I am watching because I can see what happened in NZ and they have the same makings... The first is Italy, GM Bos has done a great job there and now Italy is

starting to have many great champions and a young group that are hungry for success this is a great thing there in Italy. Ukraine- they for me are amazing and very similar to Italy they seem to have this great group of young guys that want to train hard and win and that is such a keep having a key group and also the leadership of Oleg Solovey. A man that I would love to get a chance to train with one day I hope. It is strange as I may be wrong but I think he was GM Bos student and Oleg and GM Bos seem to know this recipe for success in competition. And last but not least is USA So many talented people and they are getting stronger and stronger every World Championships.

What are your future goals ?

Well I would love to be World Champion in 4th-6th degree patterns, I have won 3rd degree and I have now won 2 world cups as 4th-6th degree and 2 silvers in 4th-6th degree so to win this event would be a dream come true so this is a goal. I have now retired from sparring and I am happy with a silver and bronze medals in this event and the last would be traditional sparring and I guess all I will say is watch this space as I am unsure as yet ...... After competing I would love to keep teaching the next generation and help give them some of my experience with them. I would also love to work my way towards being involved in the ITF as well maybe along the lines of the ICC but these are future goals and I hope I can give something back to the art that has given me so much.

Highlights for Mark Trotter • New Zealand 9 years old 1st degree 1994 • 2002 Jnr World Champion patterns (first gold medal for NZ in world champs ) • National team Captain 1998, 2000, 2002, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2007 • World Champion traditional sparring 2007 • Vice World Champion patterns 2007 • Bronze team pattern 2008 • World Cup Champion traditional sparring 2008 • Vice World Cup Champion patterns 2009 • Vice World Champion patterns 2009 • Vice World Champion traditional sparring 2009 • Bronze medal sparring 2010 • Asian Champion Sparring 2010 • Asian Champion Patterns 2010 • Asian Champion traditional sparring 2010 • Grand Champion of Asia 2011 • World Champion Traditional sparring 2011 • Vice World Champion sparring 2011 • World Champion Team pattern 2012 • World Cup Champion Patterns 2012 • World Cup Champion traditional sparring 2013 • World Champion Traditional Sparring 2014 • World Cup Champion Patterns 2015 • World Champion Traditional sparring 1998/1999/2000 • ISKA WORLD CHAMPION 2011 • Martial Arts Hall of fame young achiever 2008/2010 • WAKO Oceania Champion 007/2008/2009/2010 • WAKO National Champion ITF OCEANIA CHAMPION 2002,04,06,08,10,12 • 22 x New Zealand National Champion

International Taekwon-Do Federation • www.tkd-itf.org • 17

coach ex

xperience

master

Vatrano M

Past, present and future of Master Marcelo Vatrano Argentina

y relationship with martial arts began when I was very small. When I was in elementary school, I started practicing karate.

In those days David Carradine was on TV in the TV series Kung Fu, I think everyone was watching that series and in addition, there was a big furor for Bruce Lee movies Enter the Dragon and the Return of the Dragon. I was very small and could not go to the cinema but I was lucky to watch them many years later in another cinema.

But yes, at home, we were with David Carradine and we liked the reflections he made together with his Master.

I think that was what intrigued me and awoke in me the curiosity about martial arts.

Once, when I was in elementary school someone went distributing advertising flyers, such as is done today, they were of Karate and I began to practice it. I can´t remember for how long I did it, but I stopped because my friends did not continued training, I was alone and stopped training too. But I had the intrigue of being able to practice a martial art.

On one occasion, I remember taking the subway to go for a walk through Florida and Lavalle streets, the main walk 40 years ago, when on the Pasteur station I saw a neon sign that read “Pasteur Institute” and went along with classmates from elementary school, to visit the gym and ask for information. It was December and I could not register because I had no money to do so, then I waited for my birthday, on January 17, and asked that gifts were money. With that I could pay the first month of practice and also bought the Taekwon-Do “uniform” in the old shop “Apollo” on Guatemala Street.

So, I found myself practicing as a student of Master Han Chang Kim, without prior knowledge of Taekwon-Do and without knowing that I had started practicing Taekwon-Do with one of the introducers of TKD in Argentina.

So those were my beginnings within the TKD, a long time ago....

When the Master stopped teaching, Master Enrique Eiriz was left in charge, with whom I advanced several colour belts. Later, also for personal reasons he left the Pasteur Institute and opened a gym somewhere else, so I lost contact with him since I was very young at that time and all I knew to do was to travel by subway to the Pasteur station.

So I started practicing with Master Yong Chol Kim, who was not long within TKD because he dedicated himself to other activities, and through him I met the GM Guillermo Ramisch, with whom I graduated

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of I Degree. Through him, I got to meet another of the introducers of TKD in Argentina, Master Kuan Chung Duk, with whom I was lucky to practice for six years.

When I started practicing TKD there were no children´s class. We were two youngsters who were growing next to all the seniors. If I remember correctly, I would have 13 or 14 when I competed for the first time and in the senior category so what I do remember is being hit much everywhere (laughs). It was a very bad experience for my first competition.

And as I was graduated as I Degree very young, it was very difficult to insert myself in the sporting circuit precisely because I was constantly competing with seniors, being a junior.

I remember the first time I was able to be national champion; I won to a classmate of mine (Rodolfo Bechorouch), who always beat me in everything and always used to beat me also when we trained. It was 1985 when I became national champion for the first time (with 16 years old) and from that moment I made a very important growing and started competing at the national level and did not stopped winning national championships in both patterns and sparring for about 10 years in a row.

Also during that period I competed in six World Championships and two Pan American Championships.

I was fortunate to participate in the first Pan American Championship that was held in Argentina in 1987 and then, to reclaim the title I had won, I travelled to Tegucigalpa, Honduras to compete in the second Pan American Championships.

At world championships level, I competed for the first time in Greece in 1987, Hungary in 1988, Canada in 1990, and Korea in 1992, in Malaysia in 1994 and in England in 1998.

Among my international sporting achievements, in Greece I got the 4th place in individual sparring and the 5th place in individual patterns. In Hungary I got the 2nd place in team special technique, 3rd in individual patterns up to 3rd Degree and 3rd in team sparring.

In Korea I got the 3rd place in 4th Degree individual patterns, the 3rd in team sparring and 3rd in team special technique. In Malaysia I won a 2nd place in team sparring (in controversial decision after competing against Germany).

I was also lucky to integrate the Argentine selection many times and the time came when I had to make a decision because in the past, there was a misinformation saying that only until IV Degree was

possible to compete. Then, according to this information, when you went for the V Degree grading, was not possible to compete anymore.

While competing, I taught and worked hard in organizing the Taekwon-Do, then, my own organization required that I had more graduation so I decided to go for V Degree and, I repeat, because of that misinformation about the competition rules, I abandoned the competition.

That was very hard for me, because I was a person who competed a lifetime and was trained for that.

So it was that I began to dedicate to the National Selection. I had already worked as an assistant to Master Eduardo Palmisano and since then I always had the intrigue of what it would be to be coach of the national selection. So I started being involved in the matter after leaving the competition and for the first time I was national coach in 1995 when the national selection travelled to Poland.

After that, on many other occasions I was coach of the national selection which filled an important space that remains empty to competitors once we stop competing.

I was working with the national team and on the other hand I began to prepare a group of high performance competitors. They were my own students, because as is knowledge, competencies are divided into individual and in national selection. I’ve always had a good seedbed of students with a very good technical level. And my own students have achieved what I could not get, be world champions, Pan American champions in pattern, sparring and board breaking.

And a little while later, I began to find out in my own son (Alejo) what I was not able to achieve. He started competing since he was 5 years old and now at 21, as I say, is a young veteran in Taekwon-Do. Alejo was lucky to be Champion at the World Cup, South American Champion, Pan American Champion and I think that I see myself very reflected in all he is doing at present and I think he will close a stage I was not able to close.

International Taekwon-Do Federation • www.tkd-itf.org • 21

IIC 105 in A

Argentina

a new milestone

24 • Intenational Taekwon-Do Federation • www.tkd-itf.org

International Taekwon-Do Federation • www.tkd-itf.org • 25

grandmaster

héctor

Marano

The historic 105 IIC began to take shape in late 2014 with the help of Master Omar Merodio in the making of the poster, with Master Fabian Pini in logistics in the place, to whom Master Merodio would be added days before the course, the ongoing support of Ricardo Grande (Gran Marc) and the help of my family before and during the IIC. And also, thanks to several other people who joined when the event was developing (masters, secretary, translators, etc.). All of them made possible that this event were historic for the ITF Taekwon-do.

A separate paragraph deserves the support and presence throughout the whole event of the Grand Masters Pablo Trajtenberg (ITF President), Javier Dacak, Guillermo Ramisch and Armando Grispino, as well as the presence of Mr. Russell McLellan, who helped so much in 2003 for this ITF to be born in a democratic framework.

3 IICs took place simultaneously in three halls of 1200 m2 each, unfortunately the inscriptions had to be closed few weeks before, since not only it should had take into account the capacity of the venue, but also adapt the program, the lecturers, toilettes, parking, resting breaks, food, photography, etc., so the 200 participants who wanted to be registered at the last minute couldn´t do.

The IIC also allowed the Technical Committee to arrive a few days earlier so its 6 members could work together on the 24 patterns and their details, adjust the program and synchronize schedules, as well as to work on other items requested

by ITF, a meeting that I consider was highly productive and we will start to make annually.

While Argentina has accustomed us to massive participation events, this time with the support of all (Grand Masters,

“Only we are mistaken when we dare to do things”

Masters, and Instructors) exceeded our expectations by reaching 1053 participants, including 62 Masters and 6 Grand Masters including the President of the ITF. I thought it would be very difficult to order the IIC, separate the groups, coordinate schedules and rest periods, take photos and interviews during breaks, etc., but the Masters and Instructors felt part of this historic celebration and offered their support at all times.

To the IIC was added the Kids Program taught by Professor Fabian Izquierdo who have accustomed us with his warmth, simplicity and professionalism and also the official presentation of the Harmony Programme introduced by the President of the ITF, (who also did the IIC opening and closing) and taught by Professor Gaston Casero.

For my part, as Chairman of the ITF Technical Committee, I must say that the performance of GM Ung Kim Lan, GM Paul Weiler, Master Clint Norman, Master Pierre Laquerre and Master Paul McPhail was exemplary and so corroborated by the excellent comments received from the attendees.

Personally, I’m really proud of each of them, true ambassadors of TKD, who distribute their knowledge with passion and great professionalism and dedication.

Only we are mistaken when we dare to do things, so there will always be things to correct, there will be details to improve. This is what TKD is about, to walk along the path of this Martial Art with passion, trying to give the best of ourselves and that the path makes us grow more each day.

Huge thanks to all who were part of this event and I hope we can share more in the future, to continue enjoying together our beloved ITF TKD.

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International Taekwon-Do Federation • www.tkd-itf.org • 27

grandmaster

kim

lan ung “We only want to teach, standardize the techniques, keep the Legacy of General Choi”

The Organization of the IIC in October 2015 in Buenos Aires and the Argentina´s hospitality were super.

GM Marano, his wife and all the helpers have done a good work.

They have given us a good and comfortable feeling. I have nothing to complain. I’ve enjoyed very much all the time during my stay in Argentina.

We (all the members of the Technical Committee) came 3 days earlier to Buenos Aires. We wanted to work and train together. We discussed and practiced all the items in our TKD´s techniques and patterns. We all wanted to teach in the same way. I think all of us have done a good job in this IIC in Buenos Aires.

GM Marano has proposed a good program and therefore we did not have any problem in the teaching. I wish only we had more time to train with the participants because of the huge amount of them.

I was very happy when I entered in the venue. Even I was already in that venue 2 years before (with 700 participants) but however it was amazing to see 1100 people in the hall.

Normally is not easy to train with this huge amount of people but everyone was much disciplined and so they have made us

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easier to teach. That is why we learn in TKD through the tenets and the oaths.

The technical level of the participants was different (perhaps because of many different instructors and different organizations) but the most of them have had a high level. It was important for us that they were able to hear, follow and understand our instructions and practice our exercises correctly.

Perhaps we should have had more time to go more in details in some exercises. All of us have tried to give our best. Therefore if something was not ok in this IIC then please don´t hesitate to tell us about it and I´ll apologize for it. We don´t want to show who we are or that we are the best. We only want to teach, standardize the techniques, keep the Legacy of General Choi and share with all of you our experiences and knowledge.

We want that one of you can replace us one day in the future.

I am only a normal teacher and therefore don’t have any opinion about your organization. Your TKD organization is one of the biggest in the world and I think you are already on the right way;-).

Only one suggestion: try to work together like in a family. One tree can´t make a mountain but many trees together can make a hill.

International Taekwon-Do Federation • www.tkd-itf.org • 29

grandmaster

paul

weiler

30 • Intenational Taekwon-Do Federation • www.tkd-itf.org

The 105 IIC of the ITF in Buenos Aires (Argentina) from my point of view!

I was filled with pride and thankfulness when GM Hector Marano (Chairman of the ITF Technical Committee) appointed me as a member of the new technical team together with Masters Clint Norman and Pierre Laquerre (Canada) and Paul McPhail (New Zealand) all 8th degree. It is an honour to work with the top Grandmasters of the ITF, GM Marano and GM Ung and with the new team members and at the same time it is a big challenge and a duty to give the best and the IIC in Argentina was one of the biggest challenges in my life!

It was the idea of GM Marano to meet with the entire team a few days prior to the 105 IIC in order to harmonise the technical knowledge of each member, especially the knowledge of the newcomers. During the two days, which were very labor intensive and helpful, we went step by step through all the patterns with the explanations of the standardizations.

Although we have been working very concentrated and effective we had also a lot of fun.

At this moment we did already know that more than 1000 participants would attend the IIC. This awareness was both amazing and motivating. It was a milestone and a new dimension of participants at an ITF event. It was a new record in our ITF history for seminars (almost 600 black belts from 1st to 3rd degree, 391 instructors from 4th to 6th degree and 62 masters with 7th and 8th degree).

Historical !!!! First day of the IIC = October, 10th 2015 The technical level and the knowledge of the participants was high standard and for sure the result of the work of the Argintine GM’s, Masters and Instructors. The TKD community can be happy and proud of them.

The organisation of this IIC was almost perfect and also for this I am very grateful to GM Marano. The hospitality was amazing, especially form GM Marano and his family, GM Trajtenberg and his family and GM Ramisch. I also want to mention and thank the interpreters Master Benzaquen, instructor Izquierdo, instructor Lopez, instructor Calvez and the photographers and organizers Master Pini and instructor Tiratel.

I hope and wish to have the possibility to return some day to Argentina – a nice country with wonderful people.

With my best regards.

When we arrived to the venue on the first day I saw many black belts and instructors approaching the hall walking or driving by car and I tried to imagine the image of more than 1000 participants in the mind’s eye. Inside of the hall but still in a separate lounge a steady vibrating acoustic level was present. It rose to a hurricane of applause when we entered the hall and a warm feeling flow through my body. I could feel and see the cordiality and the heartiness of the participants. From the very beginning I had the feeling to be with friends. This feeling was confirmed during the seminar when participants attended my parts of teaching, asking questions, having photos or talks together. These moments I will never forget in my life.

International Taekwon-Do Federation • www.tkd-itf.org • 31

master

pierre

laquerre “I still remember the emotion”

I knew before my arrival in Argentina that there were more than 1000 participants in the ICC but the knowledge of it and to live it were two different things. Wow! There was an extraordinary organization.

Congratulations to GM Marano and his team who succeeded this exploit. In spite of participants’ large number, we ended the IIC with a sense of accomplishment. We had time to present all the contents prepared by GM Marano in an atmosphere that favored the learning.

and the friendly side of people in Argentina. But this time, there was an indescribable atmosphere with a lot of emotion and the warmest welcome.

The place was unique to allow our team to do the teaching in three connected gymnasiums.

I would want to tell you, dear participants and friends of this IIC, that my visit in Argentina will always stay in my memory with all these wonderful moments. It was an honor for me to be there.

I still remember the emotion in me just before entering for the first time in the gymnasiums. Since the three days we were there to prepare our trainings, the moment to take action had come. The desire to make it well and the unknown to teach to such a big group had raised in me a mixture of nervousness and a big enjoyment of being present in this event.

My first visit to Argentina was in 1999 for the World Championship, I was coach for the Canadian team. I was impressed by the welcome

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The communication during the teaching was easy, thanks to the collaboration of two translators; thanks to Gabriella and Edgardo: both of you contributed to the success of this IIC.

As would say GM Lan, it is easier to say Hello than goodbye.

It was really the same for me.

Thank you for allowing me to share my passion for TaekwonDo with all of you.

I wish you the Best.

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master

paul

mcphail

“IIC” stands for International Instructors Course, and General Choi himself conducted them in the early days. He also delegated some other Masters in the 80s and 90s, but taught most of them himself right up until the time he passed away in 2002.

After his death a new technical committee was formed comprising initially of Masters Hector Marano (Argentina), Pablo Trajtenberg (Argentina), Wim Bos (Italy) and later Grand Master Lan from Germany. GM Trajtenberg later stood down to concentrate on his role as ITF President then last year GM Bos resigned to take on his role in the competition committee.

This signalled the time to bring others onto the technical committee. This had actually been in the planning for many years and I was first asked if I was interested in 2008. Master Pierre Laquerre, Clint Norman and Paul Weiler (all 8 dans) were also brought on to the team, and we have all done one or two IICs individually. For this IIC though, GM Marano wanted to bring us all together –the whole team of 6, to give an IIC like no other in history!

It was expected that the numbers would be high –as they often are in Argentina, so a massive stadium was booked with three huge gyms side by side under one roof. We received email updates from GM Marano a few weeks before saying the numbers were 400, 500, then 600… so I sent and email back to him joking that we may hit 1.000. As we now know this was to come true and many hundreds were turned away after the closing date. In the end we had 1.053 participants incluiding 391 4th – 6th degree, 62 Masters and 6 Grand Masters.

GM Marano wanted to use this time when we would all be together to standardise our techniques with two days of

34 • Intenational Taekwon-Do Federation • www.tkd-itf.org

Inside IIC 105

training with him personally. We were welcomed into his home and he also rented another home nearby for some of us to stay.

We used a local gymnasium to train and work together for around 10 hours each day working through all the patterns and more. This alone was a real honour –and all before the course had even started.

GM Marano stressed that we are to work as a team, and any technical issues the committee needed to clarify would be discussed and decided together –as a team.

Then we all moved to a hotel in the city where we would be based for the duration of the 3 day course. We had a dinner with all the Grand Masters (there were 6 Grand Masters at the table) and had the opportunity to meet our translators. Five out of 6 on the committee would be teaching in English with Spanish translators so it was important they get to hear us speak for a while to get used to the different accents… kiwi, French, Canadian, Canadian, German/Vietnamese, German…they had their work cut out for them! Anyway, it was great steak and too much wine.

Fast forward to where this article started –just before we walked into the venue for the first time. We were ushered into a room while the participants were forming up. The room shook with what was like a thunder clap. It was over 1.000 thousand black belts yelling “TAEKWON!” Then they all clapped and we could hardly hear ourselves speak.

Okay –now I’m nervous!

Each day before we went out, there is was tradition of the team punching fists and wishing each other luck. So in we walked to the thunderous applause of a thousand fanatical Taekwon-Do instructors –in the South American way. That is when I felt Goosebumps over my entire body and realised I was right in the middle of something big.

idea if they had space at the back or how much room they had between the rows.

I could only see part way back line a sea of people… and I’m guessing from about 10 rows back they couldn’t see me either.

I attempted a few movements but quickly realised that those at the back were at the back were about 10 seconds behind anything we did at the front!

Okay –plan B. So instead of teaching a pattern as I normally would, I just picked on one key movement, sat them down so they could all see, and demonstrated what I wanted while explaining the key points. Then everyone would stand and repeat what I had shown. This way everyone got to practice the main parts of each pattern with the limited space they had.

was a highlight for me as the Argentineans just LOVE getting feedback and were so appreciative. The only problem we all had as instructors was attempting to walk from one gym to another and getting mobbed by participants wanting their photo with us.

Being a part of the technical committee was such an honour and a dream come true. GM Marano is so generous with his time and his encouragement, and has such faith in all of us. I look forward to being part of future IICs and by the time you read this I would have completed my third course in Finland, with Paris on the cards for 2016. Anyone is welcome to “friend” me on Facebook to come along for the ride.

For my self-defence classes I taught the basics of the new NZ TKD Syllabus with permission of the Technical Committee – and actually managed to cover quite a bit of it. I had practiced with my translator beforehand so she prepared translations for words such as De-escalation, Code Red, and “Haymaker”!

I had some great feedback on the classes with many saying the psychological part of self-defence is what has been missing in the ITF to date.

All 6 members of the technical committee taught classes throughout the course and while some were teaching the others would be assisting and correcting. This

ITF President GM Trajtenberg started the course by introducing the new ITF Harmony Programme (60+age group program) then I was to be the first to teach the 1-3rd dan group for colour belt patterns. It took about 10 minutes to move the people down to the other gym and form up, put on my headset and get ready to start.

It was not until I actually stood in front of the class that I realised that I couldn’t see how far back the rows went. I had no

International Taekwon-Do Federation • www.tkd-itf.org • 35

master

clint

norman

Being part of ITF History

From October 10th to 12th 2015, Taekwon-Do history was made.

Argentina hosted the largest IIC ever with over one thousand participants gathering in one location. This was also the date in which the new Technical team had the opportunity to work together for the first time. All six IIC instructors from all over the world arrived days earlier to prepare, train, standardize and exchange knowledge under the guidance of the ITF Technical Director Grand Master Marano. The team members who were carefully selected by GM Marano include: GM Ung Kim Lan, GM Paul Weiler, Master Pierre Laquerre, Master Paul McPhail, and me, Master Clint Norman. The harmony of the new IIC team was powerful and motivating.

Being part of such a large event was inspiring. I was excited, and yet humbled at the same time by participating and sharing my experience and knowledge as a member of the new team.

This was not my first time assisting and teaching at the international level. My international experience began when I had the opportunity to travel and assist General Choi Hong Hi in seminars during the 80’s and 90’s. I have also been invited by GM Marano to other IIC’s as a guest instructor when one of the original three GM instructors was unable to attend. Other Taekwon-Do experiences I have had include being a member and captain of the Canadian National team in four World Championships. It was also a huge honour when General Choi requested me to be one of the instructors to perform patterns on the official ITF training video. By living in Canada, I had the opportunity to work closely with Grand Master Tran, former President of the ITF, since the early 80’s and I consider him one of my mentors.

The preparation for the IIC in Argentina was conducted and organized by GM Marano. The team wondered how he would set the pace and keep everyone motivated. GM Marano’s sense of timing and organizational skills was amazing. The IIC Team had three large training areas at their disposal, GM Marano masterfully kept the Technical Team and participants busy every moment like a well-oiled machine. The team worked well together, assisting each other during their segments. The participants were motivated and

excited and I have witnessed their enthusiasm. There was no lapse between segments; participants were kept busy throughout the IIC with only a few short breaks each day.

Other programs that were offered during the weekend included GM Trajtenberg with the introduction of the Harmony Program, and Instructor Izquierdo with the teaching of the Kids Program.

When entering the huge gymnasium I could feel the energy and passion for Taekwon-Do in the room, for some it was perhaps their first IIC, not knowing what to expect, and for others, this was one IIC of many. I personally know many of the Grand Masters, Masters, Instructors, and coaches that were in attendance. They made the Technical team feel comfortable and welcomed. It was fantastic to see all of them.

The technical level of the participants was high as you might expect when the host country has many excellent instructors. The questions were challenging and interesting. What I will remember the most is the look in the eyes of the participants as they worked with us on our segments. I believe the goal of the IIC is not only to increase the technical level of instructors, but to also provide ideas on how to teach, motivate and spark enthusiasm while teaching.

At the end of the event all the IIC Instructors were asked to say a few words, the comment from Grand Master Ung Kim Lan put everything into perspective when he said “ It’s easy to say hello but difficult to say good bye”. All of the team could relate to his words, you could see it in the expression of all the participants at this historical event. I was left with the impression that everyone went home feeling that the ITF is in good hands with Grand Master Marano in charge of the IICs and the support of his new Technical team.

The team looks forward for more learning opportunities at future IICs where the team and the participants will continue to learn from each other. If we ever think we know everything, we will cease to learn further. The team members remain humbly grateful for the opportunity to serve the ITF members.

General C

GM Mac

Choi and I

cCallum

general

Choi Hong Hi i and

Gen. Choi and I had much in common as he served in the military and so did I. He liked a tipple and so did I. Both of us had travelled to many countries. A man of fairly regular habits which echoed my own outlook, having served 12 years in the RAF and had my share of experiences. I do not want to give the impression that Gen. Choi and I were the same but I love TKD as much as he did, although he was the Founder and I only a small time helper. Gen. Choi dedicated his life to TKD and his devotion to it speaks for itself. He said that TKD was his baby and he made sure that he looked after it so that it would grow up properly.

His philosophy was very popular and is echoed by his words that Taekwon-Do was spreading through the world like a burning fire. The importance of TKD was attracting much attention and some of it by people who were jealous and wanted to use it for their own purposes. Thank goodness that Gen. Choi was intelligent enough to document everything and publish it in books.

My first encounter with Gen. Choi was when I went to his seminars in Singapore in 1970/1/2. There is no need to tell you how impressed I was with this man who was so small but commanded attention and respect. I was practising in the RAF gym but liked it so much that I also went to the main gym in Singapore, several times a week, and eventually was presented with my first Dan certificate by the man himself. How can I explain the delight of having my certificate presented to me and then sitting down to a meal in the presence of the Founder, wonderful.

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grand master MacCallum

by Grandmaster Tom MacCallum

When you read the encyclopaedia, or condensed manual, which is a must, then you will understand the importance of TKD in the world. The moral culture and other articles are devoted to explaining why TKD must be taught properly and with the philosophy of the Founder. Like Gen. Choi, I was a bit of a boy, but I must confess that his exploits when he was young were an eye opener which I certainly could not replicate. I believe that he recognised in me a sort of kindred spirit and that is why we got on so well with each other. However, there was never any doubt that he was the General and I was one of his soldiers.

In 1972 I was posted back to UK and ended my service. I became the National Secretary for the UKTA and eventually the secretary of the AETF. During this time I met Gen. Choi several times and on one occasion at Meadowbank in Edinburgh had to sing the National Anthem, when the music broke down, in front of Gen. Choi and his wife. This may have given me brownie points but at the demonstration put on I did not succeed in breaking the board when I was doing Nopi Chagi. First time in my life? I do not know but hope that one cancelled out the other.

International Taekwon-Do Federation • www.tkd-itf.org • 41

1985 saw my appointment to go to Vienna and work for the ITF and so began many years of working directly for Gen. Choi. I learned very much in this time and was guided by contact with the General and by telephone regularly. I have no intention that this article will document everything but to give a taster of things that happened. On one occasion we were in St. Petersburg at a banquet held for the occasion. To my utter surprise, after sitting down, Gen. Choi told me that he would not be making the speech but that I should do it. Can you imagine my thoughts, how could I deliver a speech which should be from Gen. Choi. With legs shaking, I got to my feet and winged it. Happily, it seemed to go well and I was complimented.

Gen. Choi was a man of many surprises and none more so than the time we were driving past a famous fried chicken establishment and he said that he wanted some. He had been the ambassador in Malaysia for South Korea but he could certainly mix with all types of Society.

Some of the masters wanted Gen. Choi to get rid of me but he used to tell them that I was his staff and they were not to interfere with my work. However, when things occasionally went wrong then he would say that I was fired but always reinstated me shortly after. He was very clever at giving people a telling off by using me as a dummy. He would give me a real dressing down in front of the person who he intended to lecture but I don’t know if they always got the message.

Gen. Choi was a fair man but he would certainly speak about what was on his mind. I found that he would take heed of any advice he was given by thinking about it and deciding if it should be paid attention to or not. I think that he liked the way that I was forthright with him and I would sometimes tell him something that I knew he would not like to hear. However, I always explained that he should listen to what I had to say and then verify if it was only my opinion or if it was shared by others. A remarkable man in many ways, he never ceased to amaze, as the time when we were visiting Olympia which is an ancient site on Greece’s Peloponnese peninsula that hosted the original Olympic Games, founded in the 8th. Century B.C. Its extensive ruins include athletic training areas, a stadium and temples dedicated to the gods Hera and Zeus. The archaeological museum of Olympia exhibits finds from the site, including a statue of Hermes, attributed to the sculptor Praxiteles. In the midst of all this what does Gen. Choi do? He gets down on the starting line where the athletics took place

42 • Intenational Taekwon-Do Federation • www.tkd-itf.org

and at the command of ready, steady, go he races off and completes the distance at an eye opening pace.

At the end of his life, I was present on the days leading up to his death and on the day when he met the ITF delegation he said to those present “I love Tom MacCallum” and I said to him “I love you too Sir”. You are very fortunate indeed to meet and know such a person in your lifetime. The events after Gen. Choi died are known but I will dedicate my time in Taekwon-Do to ensure that the legacy is not spoiled by those who simply wish to use TKD for their own purposes. No politics spoiling the Founder’s wishes.

I feel no shame in quoting below, as my last paragraph, the words of a genius who has been overshadowed by politics and may never have the recognition that he so rightly deserves. Gen. Choi Hong Hi wrote: “It is my earnest desire that TaekwonDo should retain its original concept and technique. It is also my sincere hope that Taekwon-Do’s emphasis on promoting a healthier body and mind will provide a significant contribution to human progress for many generations to come.”

Grandmaster MacCallum retains full rights of this article and how it may be published. Not to be copied by third parties without the permission of Grandmaster MacCallum.

International Taekwon-Do Federation • www.tkd-itf.org • 43

European Ch 2015 Sc

hampionships cotland

AETF European Championships 2015

A look back

in Scotland

Article by Norbert Érseki, AETF Reporter Source www.itfeurope.org

The 30th Senior and 21st Junior AETF Taekwon-do European Championships in 2015 took place in Motherwell, Scotland on 2225th October. Motherwell is a small, hospitable town in the close area of Glasgow. The location of the event was quite an unusual choice. The arena for the competition was the Ravenscraig Sports Complex, which is a huge sport arena with a lot of facilities. The arena was the location of the Commonwealth Games in 2014, which is like a small Olympic Games for the past member countries of the British Empire, who are still keeping up the tradition. The arena where the actual competition was held was a large area covered with artificial grass, so the tatami mats were laid on a wooden installation.

The registration took place on Wednesday, the teams were arriving continously, having trainings after the actual weigh-in in the warm-up area, while the other side of the arena was getting prepared for the upcoming competition by the organizers. The arriving teams have found themselves in a huge sports complex with a lot of space to move around and in between the rings, which was quite unusual on the following competition days.

The competition started on Thursday, with the Opening Ceremony. The line-up for the teams was led by a traditional Scottish band playing on drums and bagpipes. The last team to line up was the hosting Scottish team, led by a handicapped yellow belt student, which was a very nice gesture of the organizers. The actual competition started with the pattern categories (along with some special techniques). The competition had 520 competitors registered. The tournament had a lower number than the average of the previous years (last year in Italy we had 560 competitors), so with the large arena on the first day felt more empty than usual. as the categories were commencing, and with the supporters getting warmed up for the task, with the cheering and shouting, the supporters and team members had made a nice atmosphere for the upcoming days.

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International Taekwon-Do Federation • www.tkd-itf.org • 47

The competition was well organized, with a few bits and pieces of some setbacks, but it was properly managed either by the AETF Tournament Committee (with Master Alex Dunbar, Master James Tjin-a-ton and Mr. Attila Solti present) or the Organizing Committee of the event (lead: by Mr. John Mcilvaney, Ms Gillian McIlvaney and Mr David Condi).

The tournament had a lot of guests of honour including grandmasters and masters, such as: GM Pablo Trajtenberg, president of ITF, Master Paul Weiler vicepresident senior of ITF, GM Tom MacCallum, Master Juan Ferrando, general secretary of ITF, GM Williem Jacob Bos, director of ITF, Master Tadeusz Loboda, president of AETF, and a lot of honourable members of the ITF and AETF boards.

The overall category was won again by the Polish team, they had an excellent performance again, winning 21 gold medals. They were followed by the Norwegian team of NTN and Italy, both winning in 7-7 categories, however NTN had finished second with the number of silver medals gained.

Another important event took place in Scotland during the competition, which was the AETF Congress for the member countries of the European federation. Apart from the regular points discussed, the Congress discussed the members of the upcoming years competitions, deciding to hold a European Cup in 2016 in between the European Championships (Finland, on the turn of April to May) and the World Cup (Hungary, in the middle of October). The European Cup will be hosted by Romania in Cluj-Napoca on the last weekend of June. Romania had a lot of changes in the recent years, getting stronger year by year (finishing on the second overall place on

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the World Championships in Italy!), organizing bigger and bigger international competitions and seminars.

On the third day of the European Championships, in the last hours of the competition, there was a surprise announcement – the competition was stopped for 5 minutes, as Grandmaster Trajtenberg had something important to say: the ITF has promoted Master Paul Weiler from Germany to the 9th degree for his work for the ITF. (See the upcoming interview with Grandmaster Weiler on the AETF website soon.)

I talked to a lot of competitors and coaches throughout the days, and everyone agreed that Scotland had an unquestionable hospitality with great people and a very nice countryside, making this event an unforgettable one. the next big tournament organized by AETF will be the European Championships in Tampere, Finland in 2016, see you there!

Photos taken by me and my assistant at the Euros are available on the following albums on Facebook:

By Norbert Érseki: Euros 2015 - Day 0 Euros 2015 - Day 1 Euros 2015 - Day 2-3

By Orsolya Vicze-Máthé: Euros 2015 - Day 0-1 Euros 2015 - Day 2-3 Euros 2015 - Day 4

The complete results are available from the competition’s registration webiste at http://euro2015.pztkd.lublin.pl/ on the Reports and Classification tabs.

International Taekwon-Do Federation • www.tkd-itf.org • 49

itf conv

vention

ITF CONVENTION day by day working in the professional way

During the 3rd ITF Convention the attendees will have the opportunity to participate several professional conferences that we are sure will help to all instructors and Masters to increase their professional way of working.

We will have the opportunity to see the ITF in the 21st Century and how we all will grow together with our Continental Federations and Nationals Associations, and we will witness first hand how the ITF will help us.

Day by day the ITF has developed as a professional network, connected by more than passion!!!

We will talk about concentration, coaching , Brainstorming, Do , benefits of joining our efforts and much more !!!

Our legacy in this big family will be a great success!!!

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mY do

ojang

T

aekwon-Do situation in the region: The most popular sport in the region is football, then other sports such as volleyball, basketball, swimming and to a lesser extent, the contact sports such as TaekwonDo, kickboxing, karate.

Since 1995 in ITF Taekwondo, I started practicing traditional Taekwon-Do not as much as a sport, rather as an art that cultivates the principles on which the Taekwon-Do is based as we know for every age and condition, in an effort to rescue the practice of the true Taekwon-Do, which in 1972 with the help and efforts of Mr. Roberto Kavlin, was brought into our country with the visit of Gral.

Choi Hong Hi, founder of our discipline.

Dojang location South America; Bolivia ; La Paz (Central Zone – Sopocachi , Ed. San Salvador 3rd Floor Between Abdon Saavedra and C. Héroes de la Democracia #744) La Paz is located northwest of Bolivia with an area of 133,985 km2, La Paz, the seat of the central Government located at 3649 meters above sea level.

School Name Escuela de Taekwon-Do Baek-Ho Bolivia (Baek-Ho = translated as White Tiger).

Association and/or Federation to which it belongs Federación Boliviana de Taekwon-Do I.T.F. ’Roberto Kavlin’

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This was an historic event for Bolivia and for the ITF Taekwondo, with the first diffusers of Taekwon-Do in Bolivia as the case of Master Mamboc Kim, who stayed giving instruction in Bolivia with the mandate of Gral. Choi Hong Hi. Later Bolivia experienced a period of levelling regarding the technique but also there was a period of stagnation due to a poor management.

So that young people trained in the discipline but with a different vision, after unsuccessful experiences, decided to take the leadership and direction of ITF Taekwon-Do as it is practiced today, that is why in 2014 the Federación Boliviana de Taekwon-Do ITF ‘Roberto Kavlin’ was consolidated.

The “Taekwon-Do School Baek-Ho Bolivia”, was formed in 2011 with the venture and initiative to form an independent group that would be able to train students and instructors following the philosophy of the martial art. The school would be under my direction (Engr. Varinia Sandi, by then a recent graduate IV Degree in Bogota, Colombia, by GM Hector Marano and GM Willem Bos).

With the support of a group of instructors, the school began its activities at the Sports Complex Cristo Rey in the Sopocachi zone, which is the central zone of La Paz. The complex was an area shared with other disciplines such as volleyball and Futsal.

my dojang bolivia

Escuela de Taekwon-Do

baek-ho bolivia In 2012, the Baek-Ho School hosted the first ITF Anniversary Tournament, which brought together more than 80 competitors.

In 2014 the school prepared two representatives to participate in the XII Pan American held in Asuncion, Paraguay, as part of the delegation sent by the Federación Boliviana de Taekwon-Do ITF Roberto Kavlin and they won Bronze medals in green belts individual patterns category, which was a great pride for Bolivia and for the School.

The School remained for 5 years, until it was decided to change location in the same area, to provide better service and comfort to their students. For that reason, since October 2015,

Like any beginning, the one of the School was complicated. We started working with 4 students, however, we estimate that have been through the school already more than 100 students between new ones and those who retake the practice.

The school stands out for improving technique in patterns at a competitive level. That’s why the Federación Boliviana de Taekwon-Do ITF Roberto Kavlin always tries to update their instructors and students, by participating in internal tournaments and preparing them for international events.

For that reason, during the years the school has, we participated in important events that help us to maintain the training and increasingly improve the technique at all levels.

The Baek-Ho School has its own program of assessment, prepared and registered as supporting material, which is a book of my authorship in collaboration with Dennis Castellon (Director of the School in the North area of La Paz). This material was elaborated based on Gral. Choi Hong Hi’s Encyclopedia, ITF material and several articles.

In the Baek-Ho School and as part of the Federación Boliviana de Taekwon-Do ITF Roberto Kavlin, we are proud of all the achievements in such a short time of activity.

We are optimistic and we trust in the overcoming, and that the hard work and effort devoted to Taekwon-Do will yield the deserved fruits for today students and for the future ones that are yet to come.

the school has new facilities and different schedules and we decided to celebrate with the presence of GM. Javier Dacak, who officially opened the activities for the instructors of the 6 schools which form the Federación Boliviana de Taekwon-Do ITF Roberto Kavlin.

Varinia Sandi V Dan ITF President of Federación Boliviana de Taekwon-Do ITF Roberto Kavlin Director to Taekwon-Do School Baek-Ho Bolivia

International Taekwon-Do Federation • www.tkd-itf.org • 57

my dojang Taiwan

Flash Sports Situation of Taekwon-Do in the region

T

he most popular martial arts in Taiwan are WTF Taekwon-Do, Sanda (also known as Chinese Boxing) and Tai Chi (an ancient Chinese martial art). We were the first school of ITF Taekwon-Do in the country, and since we started we had a lot of interested people coming from the WTF and other martial arts.

We made ourselves known through the concept that Taekwon-Do is not only the sporting side (WTF) that everyone has seen at exhibitions or on television; but instead we showed them the good the true Taekwon-Do has, the martial part (ITF). We received students of all ages and with different purposes that come to train with us, as there’s a place for everyone here; from the practice of a sport for personal recreation, to the appropriation of a way of life in the martial arts as well as having a full participation in national and international competitions.

武術運動館

The beginnings The beginning of the school was with kids in kindergartens of pre-school education from the hand of ITF President in Taiwan, Sabum Nim Daniel Obon an Argentine who, motivated to expand the ITF Taekwon-Do at the other side of the world decided to move to Taiwan to establish his school. Sabum Nim Obon has inspired many people in the art of ITF TaekwonDo, among students and instructors. Some of which have been devoted to martial arts, especially to work for the ITF. And that´s the case of me, Carlos Machado, a Nicaraguan that for study reasons came to this island, and for love to the ITF and the desire to help to further expand this art, decided to join the work of Sabum Nim Obon. Regarding the Dojang, everything was growing slowly and with a lot of effort, until we manage to locate a martial arts hall on the ground floor of a building, which allowed us to receive students of all ages including adults. This hall where we now teach not only ITF Taekwondo, but many other martial arts, was formerly a

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centre of other martial arts and physical contact sports for over 5 years. However, shortly after we were training there, the owner decided to move to a larger place.

That was an opportunity given to us to rent the facility, and to give to this place with a long history, the spirit of ITF Taekwon-Do. We have already been there for almost 6 years. Each year, by touching up walls, windows, fans, among other artefacts, we are trying to give a better atmosphere, as well as by acquiring new equipment for the best training of the students. Now being one of the most important centres of martial arts in the country, we offer different types of classes for all ages. And possibly in the future we would move to a better facility to provide our students and visitors even a better quality in education, training and recreation.

Present day We have become one of the strongest ITF federations in the Asian Continent. We have held two seminars with Sabum Nim

Dojang location Our Dojang is located in Taipei, capital of Taiwan, a small island (known as “Formosa”). Right in the centre of the Xinyi District, (信義區) which is one of the most strategic and populated urban areas of Taipei City, you can locate our Dojang.

Flash Sports has been consolidated as one of the most popular complex, regarding martial arts, as well as in physical training or fitness. At the present Flash Sports has expanded to other areas inside and outside the Taiwanese capital counting with dojangs in the districts of Banqiao (板橋區), Beitou (北投區) and Gongguang (公館區). To clarify our readers this article is focused especially on our first Dojang, which is located in the Xinyi District, now the headquarters of the others ITF Dojangs in Taiwan.

School Name Flash Sports “武術運動館”

Association and/or Federation to which it belongs International Taekwon-Do Federation Taiwan Original Title: “ITF國際跆拳道聯盟台灣分”

Ricardo Rieiro, former world champion.

We also had the honour of receiving the visit of the President of the ITF, GM Pablo Trajtenberg and the Secretary General, Master Juan Ferrando, whose visit was taken advantage to conduct a seminar for colour belts and black belts of all ages. The ITF Taiwan has annually organized four national competitions for children and juniors colour belts since 2012. In 2010, we travelled to South Korea with five competitors to participate in the ITF Taekwon-Do World Championship where we obtained medals in the various individual categories. We also had a presence in the First Asian Championship in 2011 with the participation of seven competitors and also bringing home medals from gold to bronze in both individual and

team categories. Not only the black belts have been fortunate to participate in competitions outside the island, we have given the opportunity to the colour belts, as in the case of the participation in the National Championship in Malaysia in 2012, obtaining medals in individual categories. The ITF practitioners in Taiwan also have the opportunity to participate competitively in other types of competitions with similar modalities as the ITF sparring, such as those organized by WAKO Kickboxing Organization Taiwan. And in order to train our instructors, and give a better teaching and understanding of what the ITF is, for the first time in Asia it will be held in March of 2016, the first “ITF Kids Course” conducted by Sabum Nim Fabian Izquierdo. And taking this step,

we hope to promote the Child Development Program in other regions of the Asian continent. Our Dojang has seen hundreds of students who have stepped on into the tatami, some of them are still with us, others have taken other directions. But of what we are sure is that each and every one of them carries the martial spirit founded on the Principles of Taekwon-Do. Children, adolescents and young adults as older adults have learned the main parameters of courtesy, to have integrity both outside and inside the Dojang, to be perseverant until the end, have self-control, and to maintain an indomitable spirit in many adversities. It is this philosophy, which we want to transmit to the Taiwanese society, encouraging day by day by teaching parents, children, adolescents and adults in general.

International Taekwon-Do Federation • www.tkd-itf.org • 59

kid

ds

IKC IN

By Sabum Fabián Izquierdo Member of the Children Development Committee

Kids Program in Ethiopia

D

uring the 11th and 12th of the past November I conducted the 16th International Instructors Course for children, in the city of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The course was taught entirely in English, thanks to the invaluable assistance of Sabum Edgardo Lopez, who accompanied me from Argentina, exclusively for helping me, also to train on the Kids Program and fundamentally to collaborate with the work that the ITF has been doing in Africa through GM Paul Weiler.

In preparing the contents to share, I had in mind that the previous

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year they already have had a first capacitation by Master Nardizzi, reason why I prepared a first module to serve as a review and, at the same time as introduction for those attendees who had not been in 2014.

For multiple reasons, a priori this was a special Course.

And indeed it was. Besides being my first time lecturing in Africa, I counted with the presence of 90 instructors (number only surpassed in the unique Course taught so far in Argentina) and ¡16 children between 5 and 10 years!

The donations As soon as my trip to Ethiopia was known, many instructors got down to work to send donations. In fact, I brought materials sent from Argentina, Uruguay and Honduras.

Among them I want to emphasize the elaboration of materials to teach in the class, done by parents and students from children classes of various schools.

But there was a strange event that happened during the flight between Dubai and Addis Ababa. It is the custom for the Emirates airline, to deliver presents to all children present on the flight. Seeing this, I asked the flight attendant to show me those presents and it was then that the Sabum Lopez explained her why my request and the reason for our trip to Ethiopia.

One thing is to prepare a class for children and quite another to keep them interested and busy for 12 hours in which most of the time is about transmitting concepts, giving theoretical basis, sharing knowledge from experts and experiences.

But if there is something I will forever remember, is the kindness, the willingness and the joy to help and participate that everybody showed, starting with the organizers and then the attendees with more experience in children classes.

It was also special because this African country, and the other African countries there, are quite different from any other I’ve ever met, in terms of culture, education, idiosyncrasies and social situation.

It took me many hours of study to know about this Ethiopia, in order to prevent that a word, a gesture or a joke turn out to be offensive or to provoke contrary effects to the pursued objective.

jokes. As a cartoonist that I am, I know that the drawing breaks down any communication barrier and so it was.

But we had a complementary plan that was possible thanks to the simultaneous translation of Sabum Lopez.

After a while, two flight attendants brought bags full of presents for the children in Ethiopia!

For all I´m telling you, the 16th IKC ended up being a different course, as I said before, very, very special.

So special, that at the time to say goodbye and I was with a broken spirit, dozens of instructors rushed to me running and using a tribal yell and then lifted me on their shoulders as a token of appreciation.

Breaking the ice Something remarkable was that through diverse activities, I was able to break the “ice” provoked by inhibition, the fear of the new, the shame in front of the possibility of being exposed, the lack of knowledge and many other sensations that condition us when we attend an event of relevance.

The smiles appeared almost immediately and from that moment, that good tuning, that bond between the one that communicates and those who receives was present there to stay until the end.

Another aspect that made this course very special was the language barrier.

While I can understand enough English and get to have a conversation, is quite different to explain concepts, objectives and games for 12 hours.

When there was a question numerous hands raised to provide answers. When we asked volunteers to perform a practical activity or a game, I had to choose, and I had a hard time making them wait until the next activity. They all made much easier and bearable the many hours of work.

Thus, as I began to prepare this course more than a year ago, even before Master Nardizzi dictated his own course in 2014, I based my exposition in the use of graphics, drawings and graphics

And the possibility of counting with children, allowed me to directly show the application of the theoretical concepts learned, not only through anecdotes, photos and videos as I always do.

I will never forget those faces, those smiles, so many kind gestures, and the kids that accompanied me to the bus hugging me, kissing me and saying the two things they learned in English: I love you and thank you.

A pity they did not learn to say do not cry, it would have been good for me.

International Taekwon-Do Federation • www.tkd-itf.org • 63

The conclusions I consider that the attending instructors already have a foundation to start a deeper learning of TKD through the Kids Program.

With that and the materials we have shown that can be made very cheaply, the instructors will be prepared to incorporate the Taekwon-Do for children in schools.

And to finish: My deepest appreciation for the welcome, the good treatment and the countless gestures received from each and every one of the organizers.

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To GM Paul Weiler, who encouraged me before, during and after the Course.

To GM Lan, for giving me his support and being present during the dictation of the course; to M. Mc Nairn and Sabum Enander, for sharing, helping and enjoying as assistants.

And finally, to Sabum López because he not only translated words, but captured and transmitted feelings.

To all of them and to the attendees, Taekwon-Do!

ITF website

by Master Donato Nardizzi

T

he official ITF Taekwon-Do Kids Development Program website http://www.tkd-kids.org comprises of 3 sections. One for the kids, one for the parents and the other for the instructors. The kids’ section contains puzzles, games, stories, jokes and animations as educational aids for the Kids’ Program. The parents’ section has news, information, articles and guides to help the parents/carers understand the Kids’ Program and suggests ways they can help the children with the Kids’ Program. The instructors’ section is a comprehensive source of information about the Program for the instructor. It contains the latest version of the instructors’ guide, a database of games and activities, all the downloadable documents needed to run the Kids’ Program, a forum to discuss the Kids’ Program, hints and tips, plus many other resources.

The instructors’ subsite is accessible to all Official Kids’ Program Instructors.

An official Kids’ Program instructor is an instructor with a 2 day Kid’s Course certificate dated in the last 4 years. The instructor must also have an ITF Plaque and ITF Degree Number.

Although the Kids’ Program is based on a core set of principles which by definition should not change, the content and method of delivering the material can always be improved. The Kids’ Program is, therefore, continuously evolving and the instructor guide is updated every time there are new developments. By having a downloadable version of the Instructors’ Guide, the instructor can be sure to have the most current version readily available at all times. It suggested that the instructor print the whole guide

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Instructors’ subsite

and place it in a folder. The Instructors’ Guide is separated into different sections according to each topic, so when new pages are added it is easy to just print the new or amended pages and add them to your folder, without having to reprint the whole guide.

The Download section also contains all the documents needed to run the Kids’ Program. For example, the assignment sheets, student folders, student record cards, grading cards, etc.

The Kids’ Program Overview is in the form of a PowerPoint presentation with narration. It will explain how the Kids’ Program works. There will be a detailed version for official Kids Program instructors and a less detailed version available for those who do not have access to the instructors’ subsite.

The Database of Games is a complete list of all the games and activities that are suggested for the Kids Program.

The Children’s Development Committee will regularly be adding new games and activities. There is filter that can be

used to search for games and activities for a particular topic. Instructors can submit new games or add comments to existing ones to suggest alternative ways of playing the games, for example.

The aim is to eventually have the most comprehensive database, containing thousands of games and activities.

The Instructors’ Forum offers an opportunity for instructors to discuss ideas and share information. The aim is create a network of instructors, together with the Children’s Development Committee, that will help the Kids’ Program evolve by sharing their knowledge, strategies and ideas. The forum also gives the instructor to get advice on any challenges they may have with running the Kids’ Program.

produce videos to demonstrate teaching strategies as well as promotional videos to help advertise the Kids’ Program.

Having laid the foundation for the Kids’ Program the future success of the project now rests with the whole ITF community. The more instructors that get involved with running the Kids’ Program and offering an input to the instructors’ subsite the more successful this project will be. The children are our future and the Kids Program is designed to teach children to live harmoniously.

The ITF introduced the Kids Program to build a better future for the whole ITF community and this in turn contributes to building a better world.

The Children’s Development Committee will regularly add educational articles to help instructors learn more about pedagogy. They will also add information about strategies to help their schools run effectively as well as provide resources to help the instructor promote their schools.

In the future, the Committee plan to

International Taekwon-Do Federation • www.tkd-itf.org • 67

1 ever IIC st

IIC at Sea

The ITF Makes

History on high seas First-ever IIC at Sea to take place in February, 2016

by Mr Charles Foley

F

ebruary, 2016 will mark a historic event for the ITF. On February 22, 2016 the majestic “Independence of the Seas”, a state-of-the-art, 15-deck cruise ship that holds 4,370 passengers, will depart from Fort Lauderdale, Florida in the US carrying hundreds of ITF black belts, Masters, and Grandmasters who are making history by participating in the organization’s first ever International Instructor Course (IIC) at Sea. The ITF participants will get an entire IIC as well as a fantastic vacation (many are bringing friends and family) in the same week.

Organized by the ITF-USA, students from across the United States and around the world have already registered at the IIC at Sea website (www.iicatsea.com). The all-inclusive cost of the cruise covers your lodging, all your meals (all you can eat, all the time!), and entertainment in one low fee that is less than most will pay to attend a ‘traditional’ IIC at a hotel, when accounting for room, meals, and entertainment. The ship itself is a marvel of maritime engineering, packed with more phenomenal onboard experiences than you would ever expect in a premiere vacation resort—including the FlowRider® surf simulator, a rock climbing wall, ice-skating rink, cantilevered whirlpools, Royal Promenade for shopping, mini golf course, spa and fitness center, full-sized basketball court, and much more. For families with kids, the ship will feature the Complimentary Adventure Ocean® Youth Program, the Royal Babies® & Royal Tots® program with nursery, Teen lounge areas and disco, the H2O Zone kids’ water park, and other family-friendly activities including games, contests, enrichment classes and lectures.

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Where else can you a) Fulfill your IIC requirements for rank advancement b) Train with the best in the world c) take your family on vacation, d) have someone watch your kids, e) eat until you can’t eat any more, f ) train with Grandmasters on the beach, g) visit numerous Caribbean islands, h) dance the night away, and i) get spa treatments to rejuvenate yourself for another day of (a) through (h) all over again…all in the same week?

The ship departs from Fort Lauderdale, Miami on Monday, 22nd February 2016 at 4pm EST (plan to arrive in the Miami area no later than noon, and be to the ship by 1pm at the latest). The IIC starts Tuesday morning (while sailing the Caribbean!), and you have an array of entertainment options on Tuesday night including live music, shows, and restaurants on the ship. On Wednesday morning, the ship docks at Falmouth, Jamaica where you and your family have the entire day to enjoy this lush tropical island. The ship leaves at 5:30pm Wednesday evening for a night of sailing the Caribbean, and docks the following morning (Thursday) at Labadi Island at 10am. IIC students will train on the beach until 1pm, and then have the rest of the day free to explore the island with family and friends until the ship leaves at 6pm; our IIC Banquet will be that evening and we’ll have lots of stories to share and compare! Friday will be a full day at sea, with two training sessions. The ship returns to port in Fort Lauderdale at 7am on Saturday morning, 27th February.

This will be a ‘can’t-miss’, history making event for the ITF. We’re excited for, and proud of, all the ITF Black Belts that are participating in this event. They’ll be able to say, “I was there!”

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KEMAL

KEMAL KASIM

special donation and help for

Kemal Kasim A

t the seminars in Addis Ababa I recognized a young handicaped athlet (now 3rd degree) who has lost his right leg as a 6 year old boy. Allthough he had this big disadvantage he practiced TKD and his performance, comparable to other Taekwon-Doin, was really good. His name is Kemal Kasim (born 1987). Currently he is working as a TKD instructor in the City of Bahir Dar which is 560 km to the north of Addis Ababa.

As a physical education teacher it was clear to me that his left side of the body would also be damaged if he would not get help. After I had learned his desire

ethiopia

for a artificial leg after the seminar in Addis Ababa 2014 I was very much motivated to help him. Back in Germany and having two preliminary calculations I started with the campaign „Donation for Kemal Kasim“ and traveled through Germany and Europe to participate at ITF events (e.g. German Open in Lünen, 96th IIC in Vienna, European Cup in Budapest, Seminar in the Netherlands, 98th IIC in Treviso.

In the incredible short period of 4 months „our TKD family“ donated 9.716,73 € and with this money I could reach the goal to get an artificial leg for Kemal Kasim. Luckily, having three different

GM Paul Weiler ITF Senior Vice-President

options for orthopaedic treatment, I found Mr. Danisch who was the perfect person to help. He was an orthepaedic technican with super knowledge and professional experience, he was a hard worker (with many sleepless nights to find the right solution) and a person with a human mind (he provided a lot of material without any costs! Above that his office and workshop was not far away from my house and this was also important because we had 2 or 3 dates a week to meet him and to test the newest production of the artificial leg. Mr. Danisch ordered the latest technology from USA to make sure that Kemal could use the artificial leg in his hometown which is usually very hot.

To give an idea about the difficulties please see the steps below: Steps of procedure to produce the shaft of the thigh bone • Measurement of the thigh • Making of a plaster cast of the thigh • Production of a plastic impression of the plaster cast to make a model of shaft of the thigh bone • Adaption of the soft inner shaft • Molding of the silicon pillow for padding the above-knee stump • Production of the shaft of the thigh bone • Installation of the fixing belt on the shaft of the thigh bone • Fittings (a total of 8 sessions) • A major problem was the thigh form!

• 2 concave emarginations and 2 epyphisis just below the skin (see photo)

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The super result after 4 weeks of hard work you can see below

Mr. Danisch on the right

The soft part of the shaft to protect the skin.

The complete prosthesis

Finally Kemal could left Cologne (Germany) with an artificial leg on March 7th, 2015. It this my sincere wish and hope that he can start a new life.

My special thanks for this result goes to: AETF Board of Directors, Master Per Andresen, Mighty Fist Company with Jason Morris, Mr. and Mrs Wagner for all the bracelets I could sell at the ITF events in Europe, ITF Belgium, ITF Germany and everybody who supported this campaign.

Expenses for the campaign to help Kemal Kasim = 7.676.59 € The rest of 2.040,14 € of this campaign was transferred to the money donation account for Africa.

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1 Harmo st

ony Course

First Course of

Harmony Program The appointment is Israel After the launch of the Kids Program to the world, GM Pablo Trajtenberg understood that within the universe of practitioners, there was a somewhat unattended age group.

So he began to outline the core ideas to give answers in Taekwon-Do to these people, the older adults.

And for this, he contacted Instructor Gaston Casero who is also National Professor of Physical Education, to take charge of the Program development.

After many months of hard work, the program is ready and its name is Harmony.

Since the presentation at the 105th IIC carried out in Argentina during the last October, and especially due to the acceptance received from the large audience, Harmony is experiencing a wide repercussion.

And this can be seen by consultations and comments received from Instructors and Masters coming from different parts of the world.

Well then, the first appointment will be in Israel between the 28 and 30 January 2016, where GM Pablo Trajtenberg himself will dictate the first International Course, with official status, organized by Sabum Nim Leo Oros Duek on behalf of the Israel Traditional Taekwon-Do Association ITF. Those interested can consult through our Web site at http://www.tkd-itf.org/event/1st-international-harmony-course/ That will be the beginning of a new stage, to see embodied the work done and see the arising of the first official Instructors of the Harmony Program for older adults, which in turn also represents a new step in the growth of the Taewkon-Do and our ITF.

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What is the Harmony Program?

It´s a TKD training system basically adapted for older adults. what are its goals?

The primary goal is then, the care of the body of those older adults, by achieving a sense of wellbeing, balance and a connection between body and mind.

In turn, and by this, it attempts to give an answer to those who are starting in the practice of Taekwon-Do at advanced ages, and to those returning to train after long periods of absence and also to avoid that those practitioners which are reaching advanced ages, can leave the training after considering they cannot continue. what are its main characteristics?

All the content comply with what established by Gen. Choi Hong Hi. The focus is placed on a more profound work in performing balancing techniques, in the application of principles of meditation, in the accentuation of the natural motions and in the use of the continuous movement, among others.

For the experienced Instructor, is of easy and fast implementation.

It covers all dimensions of the human being, the physical, the psychic, the spiritual and the social.

TKD Generation

ISSUE 04 / JANUARY 2016

International Taekwon-Do Federation www.tkd-itf.com

80 • Intenational Taekwon-Do Federation • www.tkd-itf.org