Pictures by ABDUL RAHMAN EMBONG

JOHOR BARU: For Chinese national Liu Guo Fu, a chance to learn from renowned International Taekwondo Federation (IFT) Master Trevor Nicholls is not to be missed.

Power-packed: Nicholls demonstrating how to kick with higher force at the seminar in The Zon Regency Hotel in Johor Baru recently.

Liu, who hails from Kaifeng in Henan province, flew in to attend an ITF seminar here on Sunday conducted by Nicholls, who is the federation’s secretary-general, .

“I took time off from my job as a chiropractor to attend the seminar.

“I have been practising taekwondo for eight years and teaching it part-time too,” he said.

The 44-year-old black-belt holder said he attended the seminar to refresh and update his skills.

Nicholls: Taekwondo is not a symbol of aggressiveness but a healthy exercise.

Liu was among 120 participants aged between five and 55 years who attended the event at The Zon Regency Hotel here.

Another participant, Sarawakian Goh Nae Kwang, sang praises about the seminar and Nicholls.

“He was clear in his speech and straightforward in his demonstrations.

“I would love to attend another of his classes again,’’ said the 64-year-old environment health officer.

Jonathan Sun, 23, said he took up taekwondo at the age of eight and had participated in many tournaments and seminars.

“Taekwondo is a very healthy and productive activity,” said the student from Singapore.

As for 29-year-old black-belt holder April Tiung, she took up the art to learn self defence.

“Security in the city is bad nowadays. I feel that my knowledge in martial arts has increased my sense of security,” said the sales executive, adding that she trained for about six hours a week.

Nicholls, who was in the city for the first time, said the participants were very responsive and cooperative.

“I am pleased to see the large turnout and they are sporting and willing to learn.

“The great thing about taekwondo is that it shapes character, teaches values and builds knowledge,” he said.

Tiung: She took up the art for self-defence purposes.

Nicholls added that there were many misconceptions about the art.

“Taekwondo is not a symbol of aggressiveness but a healthy exercise.

“I encourage more people to take up the art as it is suitable for everyone regardless of age or gender,” he said.