On the 02nd – 03rd of November the UKITF held its first
4TH degree and above training session. This was a fantastic
opportunity for senior instructors to all come together under the guidance of
ITF Secretary General Master T. Nicholls and train together as STUDENTS of
Taekwon-Do (a novel experience for most full time instructors). Also in
attendance were Master Creedon, Master Wood and Master Gassor whose collective
knowledge and enthusiasm was evident as the weekends training unfolded.
As instructors eagerly arrived and introductions were made, Master
Nicholls encouraged everyone to relax and enjoy the session and that all input
would be warmly welcomed. After a pulse raising and exciting warm-up from Master
Gassor, focusing on sparring foot work and body motion, the seminar was ready to
get underway!! Master Nicholls spent the morning dissecting the junior Tul,
opening the floor for instructors to highlight teaching methods and common
technical errors. This was a great start to the seminar allowing the instructors
to interact and discus, rather than simply performing the patterns.
After a quick water break, Master Creedon led us through a master class of close
combat self-defence. It was exciting to see all in attendance embracing the
experience as well as picking up some useful (and perhaps painful!) locks and
releases.
For the last section of the Saturday session, Master Nicholls spent
time instructing 2nd and 3rd degree Patterns. We were
encouraged to perform as students, executing each movement from start to finish
with power, focus and enthusiasm. After 2 hours of patterns I feel all would
agree the session finished far too quickly and could not wait to arrive early
Sunday morning and continue training.
The day was rounded off with a though provoking, and heart felt
presentation from Master Creedon to Master Nicholls, highlighting and
recognising the history of both Masters, dating back to the early 70''''''''''''''''s, and
thereafter the continued input and support to ITF under President, Choi, Jung
Hwa. After a quick shower and change of clothing we regrouped and went out for a
nice meal were we were able to come together and talk on a social front outside
the realms of the Dojang.
On Sunday morning we arrived to the news we would be starting with
5th and 6th degree patterns and working our way down
through the grades. This was an exciting opportunity for the senior grades to
perform and learn from the Masters present, (and of course was a great honour
for the lower grades to witness). As the day progressed, all students were
called to the floor to perform (and in some cases had the opportunity to learn)
their grade patterns. To break up the day, Master Wood was asked to lead a small
workshop on self-defence techniques and defence against weapon attacks. Master
Wood’s unique teaching style provided both a relaxed and fun approach whilst
understanding how to deal with the serious possibilities an individual may have
to face in our modern day society.
After a short break and another exciting warm up from Master
Gassor, Master Nicholls finished the day with one step sparring (basic and
advanced) and model sparring, a new concept aimed at developing the response to
random attacks whilst improving technique, balance and
control.
The UKITF 4th Degree and above training session was a great success and enjoyed by all who attended. At the end of the weekend Master Nicholls encouraged all present to report back with their feedback and will in the near future be setting a date for the next session, (which I am sure will receive great attendance). We would like to thank Master Nicholls, Master Creedon, Master Wood and Master Gassor for their support and input over the weekend and all those who attended, making the event a very enjoyable and memorable experience.