Taekwondo v13i04

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TAEKWONDO & KOREAN MARTIAL ARTS MAGAZINE

VOLUME 13 | ISSUE 4 JUNE 2008

TAGB ENGLISH CHAMPIONSHIPS Event Report & Photo Special!

Visit the TKD-KMA magazine website at www.taekwondomag.co.uk

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4th Korean Hapkido Federation

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS

& special Grandmaster Seminars

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Over the weekend of the 29th of February to the 2nd of March 2008, martial artists of all levels from across Europe visited the City of Newcastle-upon-Tyne to participate in the 4th Korea Hapkido Federation European Championship and Special Grandmaster Seminars.

As expected, the event, held at the University of Northumbria, was a tremendous success, with everyone who attended sharing their passion, or enjoying their discovery, of the beautiful art of Hapkido.

The gathering of like-minded martial artists from around the world is an occasion to relish and remember for years to come. Now in its 4th year, the Korea Hapkido Federation European Championships always present an excellent opportunity to do just that, as martial artists from different countries and organisations share knowledge and techniques, and are presented with the unique opportunity to learn from the wisdom and experience of the most highly-respected authorities on Hapkido and Korean Mudo (Korean martial arts). In the true spirit of Mudo, like-minded practitioners from other martial arts are always welcome too and, for example, this year many martial artists from the arts of Taekwondo, Judo and Karate participated, keen to discover the uniquely comprehensive ancient Korean martial art of Hapkido.

In 2003, the oldest, largest, most prestigious and only main governing body of Hapkido in Korea and the world the Korea Hapkido Federation, decided to inaugurate a regular Hapkido Championship and Grandmaster Seminars festival in Europe, in order to further promote and develop Hapkido throughout the world.

Since then, the European festival, hosted by the Duk Moo Academy UK Branch of the Korea Hapkido Federation, has grown from strength to strength. The huge successes of the events are very much related to the attendance of, and the support that has been received from, the world’s leading and pioneering Grandmasters and Masters. In particular, the Grandmaster Seminar section of the festival is always very popular and a great privilege to participate in. Participants from white belt to Master level have a unique opportunity to learn from the

highest authorities, not only from within the Korea Hapkido Federation but from nonKorea Hapkido Federation associated organisations too, with the leading Korean Hapkido Grandmasters from the USA and Latin America, and some of the leading Korean Mudo Grandmasters from Korea, already attending.

This year, the Grandmaster Seminars section was presented by one of the few Masters who helped develop the original art of Hapkido, Grandmaster Kim Duk In. Grandmaster Kim is a Senior Advisor to, and one of the most Senior Masters within, the Korea Hapkido Federation. He is also the Founder and President of the internationally reputable Duk Moo Academy - an Academy that, owing to

event, including complimentary return flight tickets from Korea to the UK, and are keen to support Hapkido in the future.

The entire event was once again organised by the UK Director of the Korea Hapkido Federation and Chief Instructor of the Duk Moo Academy in Europe, Master Kim Beom. As the son of Grandmaster Kim Duk In and one of the most senior Korean Masters based in Europe, many Hapkido and martial arts clubs and organisations contact Master Kim to seek his assistance in their development.

The President of the Federación Española de Hapkido (FEH), Master Jose Manuel Reyes Pérez, and the Technical Director of the Federación Española de Hapkido (FEH), Master Javier Sáez Martinez, attended this year’s festival from their Headquarters in Spain, in order discuss the possibility of working together with Master Kim and the Korea Hapkido Federation’s Duk Moo Academy in the future. As special guests at the event, both Masters also sat on the Judging Panel of the Championship event, along with the Korea Hapkido Federation’s representative in Greece, Master Dimitrios Yfantidis of the Duk Moo Academy.

Once again, Master Yfantidis attended from Greece with a team of his Duk Moo Academy Greece students. The event was also supported and attended by many of the Duk Moo Academy’s other Europeanbased Masters, Instructors and students, including Korean Master Sung Daeman from the recently opened School of Korean Martial Arts (SKMA) in the south of England, Master Antonio Blanco (Duk Moo Academy Spain Technical Director), and Instructor Nicolas Marrocco, who attended with a team of his Duk Moo Academy France students.

The European festival has grown from strength to strength!

Grandmaster Kim’s 37-generation family history of senior military warriors and of possessing good-quality weapons and martial arts techniques, teaches complete Korean Mudo.

The International Director of the Korea Hapkido Federation and the Chief Instructor of the Duk Moo Academy, Grandmaster Seo Myung Il, was also due to attend from Korea with Grandmaster Kim but, unfortunately, could not due to pressing internal matters within the Korea Hapkido Federation.

Nevertheless, the support from Korea was apparent. One of Korea’s two major airlines and a Star Alliance member, Asiana Airlines, sponsored this year’s

Friday the 29th of February 6pm - 10pm: Official Korea Hapkido Federation Grading and Training Session The festival began with the welcoming of Grandmaster Kim Duk In from Korea. An Official Korea Hapkido Federation Keup (coloured belt) and Dan (Black Belt) grading was then held, with men, women and

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children from white belt to 1st Dan (degree Black Belt) onwards honoured to be tested by a Grading Panel chaired by the highly-respected Grandmaster Kim. A special Hapkido class for all Korea Hapkido Federation members was then held by Master Kim Beom, with Grandmaster Kim in attendance. During the session, participants practised an array of disciplines from the vast Hapkido syllabus, including Kumdo (sword), Nak-Bub (break-falling techniques), self-defence and pre-emptive attacking techniques, punch and kick defence, and knife defence techniques.

Council), Mr Ian Elvin (Director of Sport Northumbria), Master Dimitrios Yfantidis, Master Jose Manuel Reyes Pérez and Master Javier Sáez Martinez were officially welcomed.

Grandmaster Kim Duk In then presented Korea Hapkido Federation Certificates of Appreciation to the Special Guests. In his speech, Grandmaster Kim emphasised his pleasure in seeing the attendance of so many dedicated members of the Hapkido and martial arts community, and asked all participants to share in the true spirit of martial arts throughout the festival.

As well as the event being important to the development and promotion of Hapkido in the UK and Europe, its importance to the local community was also emphasised in the opening speeches.

Councillor John Shipley and Mr Ian Elvin both emphasised what a privilege it was for the City of Newcastle-upon-Tyne to host such a prestigious event and

women’s self-defence, pre-emptive attacking techniques, punch and kick defence, knife defence, Jang Bong (long pole), Kumdo (sword), Dan Bong (short baton), Dan Bong against Jukdo (bamboo sword) sparring, Jung Bong (middle baton), Buchae-Sul (fan), Pobak-Sul (rope), take-away and arresting techniques, gun defence, special selfdefence and pre-emptive attacking techniques that can be executed from a seated position, and Master Ifantidis demonstrated a selection of instantly effective locks and techniques against two simultaneously attacking opponents.

The art of Hapkido has the most varied types of techniques and offers complete personal development and practical selfdefence training. As well as extensive training in pressure points, joint-locking, throwing, submission, striking, kicking, and correct breathing and falling-down techniques, personal development is pursued through dedicated study of Hapkido’s vast array weapons. Korean Mudo incorporates the study of all factors that affect the health of our bodies. Above all, the philosophy of training is to harmoniously and simultaneously develop and discipline the mind, body and spirit, and to embrace the fundamental virtues that build a good, strong and honourable character.

After the well-received demonstration, the 4th Korea Hapkido Federation European Championship officially began. Participating in demonstration-led events such as the Korea Hapkido Federation European Championship promotes and focuses confidence, dedication and discipline within all those who take part. In addition, as an event open to all skill-levels, it is also an excellent opportunity to promote the development that is achieved by all via dedicated martial arts training.

The art of Hapkido has the most varied types of techniques

Saturday the 1st of March 10am - 4pm: Official Welcoming Ceremony and European Championship Event The morning began with the Official Opening Ceremony of the 4th Korea Hapkido Federation European Championship, during which Special Guests Grandmaster Kim Duk In, Reverend Jungkyoo Sun, Councillor John Shipley OBE (Leader of Newcastle City

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stressed the importance of, and their dedication to promoting, martial arts training in the region.

After the Opening Ceremony, a Special Demonstration was held by the European Duk Moo Academy Black Belt Demonstration Team, lead by Master Yfantidis. A sample of the infinite Hapkido syllabus was presented with an array techniques and Hapkido disciplines demonstrated, including advanced kicking and Nak-Bub techniques, special

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Individual participants from 10 Keup (white belt) to 3rd Dan demonstrated techniques in the categories of pre-emptive attacking and self-defence, punch and kick defence, knife defence, kicking techniques and Nak-Bub. In the team self-defence category, groups of 3 or more participants were invited to demonstrate an array of techniques, including self-defence and kicking techniques from a multitude of situations. In the team pattern category, teams were invited to demonstrate weapon forms. Many of the participants chose to demonstrate their speciality in Jang Bong (long pole), though Kum (sword) and Sang Jul Bong (twin-baton) forms were also on display in this category.

All participants were assessed in terms of their all-round skill and manner, including their courtesy, strength of selfconfidence, and the accuracy, speed and fluidity of their techniques, and were assessed and tested according to their grade-level. For example, in the Nak-Bub category, Dan grades were asked to perform advanced Nak-Bub techniques such as side double-rotational break-falling, in addition to the length, height and emergency Nak-Bub techniques executed by the Keup grades.

At the end of what was an energetic and thoroughly rewarding day for the development and confidence of all participants, the closing ceremony of the 4th Korea Hapkido Federation European Championship concluded with an official presentation of medals and certificates to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd placed participants and teams in each category.

Sunday the 2nd of March 10am - 4pm: Grandmaster Kim Duk In Seminars Grandmaster Kim Duk In is universally respected within the Hapkido community and by all those who have the pleasure and honour to meet him. This is not only because of his vast wealth of knowledge and experience in Hapkido and Korean Mudo and his life-long dedication to promoting and developing Hapkido around the world, but also because of the obvious exceptional spirit and character that he possesses.

During the special morning seminar held for all Korea Hapkido Federation Dan grades, Grandmaster Kim emphasised that once a practitioner becomes a Dan grade they are like family and he considers them like a son/daughter or grandson/granddaughter.

The seminar began with a section devoted to practising and developing speed when executing combination and

advancing kicking techniques.

The main section of the seminar was then devoted to Grandmaster Kim sharing, and the participants then practising, chiropractic and analgesic techniques.

Chiropractic techniques are extremely valuable advanced internal Hapkido techniques. Grandmaster Kim has a highlyrespected reputation of possessing highlevel internal healing and correction techniques. His skills are sought by many and, due to his compassion for humanity, he dedicates his time without charge.

In this relaxed and absolutely fascinating section, participants were taught and practised chiropractic treatments for a range of symptoms and injuries such as lower back pain, neck pain, curvature of the spine, shoulder dislocation, elbow dislocation, finger dislocation and displaced clavicle fractures. Grandmaster Kim explained, for example, that lower back pain indicates a problem within the legs. The pain can be cured by carrying out a 3-part ordered massage and chiro-

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practic treatment to the lower back and legs in order to correct the legs, including any leg inequality. During the seminar, Grandmaster Kim demonstrated and actually carried out the 3-part treatment, curing an Instructor from France who was suffering from lower back pain and leg inequality. Throughout the treatment, Grandmaster Kim channelled Ki (positive energy) from himself into the Instructor and explained that, because of this, treating multiple patients in quick succession is unadvisable as it causes energy drainage in the practitioner.

The seminar concluded with Grandmaster Kim emphasising the weaknesses of the body that move throughout the day. The body can be divided into 3 parts, with each alternating part becom-

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ing the body’s weakness according to the time of day. Grandmaster Kim then demonstrated, and the participants practiced, various forms of striking techniques that can be executed against these weaknesses of the body.

Whilst the Korea Hapkido Federation Dan grade seminar was being conducted

by Grandmaster Kim, his son, Master Kim Beom, held a seminar for non-Hapkido martial artists. During this seminar, Master Kim introduced students and Black Belts, from the arts of Taekwondo, Judo and Karate, to the fundamentals of Hapkido and taught them some of the immediately valuable and practical self-defence techniques that the art has to offer.

During the afternoon, Grandmaster Kim conducted an open seminar that was

attended and enjoyed by martial artists of all levels, from beginners to Master-level.

The seminar began with a section devoted to Hapkido sparring techniques.

Participants practised an array of practical kicking techniques that can be used in Hapkido sparring competitions, and in real-life self-defence situations. The correct techniques that should be used to maximise the effectiveness and practicality of an array of low-section kicking techniques and advancing high-section kicks were explained. For example, when executing a low-section spinning kick, the head should be low to the floor and level with the kicking leg.

Grandmaster Kim also emphasised the importance of deception. When faced with an opponent, it is important to watch his entire body by channelling your vision through his eyes. Grandmaster Kim shared some very valuable deception techniques, which everyone was keen to practice and develop, including a technique that involves executing a rolling heel kick to your target.

Grandmaster Kim then focussed on encouraging the participants to develop skills in using an opponent’s energy and power to their advantage. The philosophy of Hapkido focuses upon the harmonious co-ordination of three principles: Won (circular movements), Yu (flow like water) and Hwa (the principle of non-resistance). Rather than opposing force with force, Hapkido techniques move with, or manipulate, the direction of an opponent’s force, in order to re-direct the accumulated energy. The principle of push-pull should be developed throughout Hapkido training, in order to efficiently unbalance an opponent and execute techniques with minimal effort.

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An array of extremely practical techniques that can be executed against an opponent with incredible ease were then shared and practised. The techniques covered an array of life-threatening situations, particularly for women, including being attacked by strangulation whilst in a lying-down position.

The final section of the seminar was dedicated to participants practising an array of kicking techniques, including various types of aerial kicks, spinning kicks, wall kicks and rolling kicks. The Korea Hapkido Federation’s Duk Moo Academy specialises in kicking techniques and various techniques were expertly demonstrated by Master Kim Beom throughout this section.

Without doubt, the entire festival was a great success. All who attended Grandmaster Kim’s seminars were honoured to be personally assisted by such a senior authority on Hapkido and, undoubtedly, the skills, knowledge and spirit of all participants will have been enriched as a result of Grandmaster Kim’s incredible wisdom and expertise.

The entire spirit of the festival was enjoyed by all, with many of the growing Hapkido community also sharing formal and informal meals held on the Saturday and Sunday evening of the event.

Many of the participants have also already arranged to attend the 2nd Duk Moo Academy Summer Training Camp, which will be held this year in Halkidiki, Greece. From the 7th to the 14th of July 2008, martial artists of all levels will participate in intensive Hapkido training under the instruction of Master Kim Beom. Many martial artists from throughout Europe, including from across Eastern Europe, have already expressed their keenness to participate in this excellent opportunity, and all Korea Hapkido Federation members and potential members are welcome to attend.

It has also been announced that, owing to the tremendous success of the events already hosted, the Duk Moo Academy UK Branch of the Korea Hapkido Federation will host two prestigious Championship festivals on behalf of the Korea Hapkido Federation in 2009.

It is hoped that members of the Hapkido and martial arts community will take the excellent opportunity to attend the events, in order to share and develop knowledge and techniques, and help promote the amazing art of Hapkido further.

A Korea Hapkido Federation UK National Championship is expected to take place in the north-east of England in March 2009, with Maiden Castle in County Durham a provisional option for location.

In addition, the 5th Korea Hapkido Federation European Championship and Special Grandmasters Seminars festival will be hosted in London in May or June 2009. It is the first time that

4TH KOREA HAPKIDO FEDERATION EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS Individual Attacking and Self-Defence 1. Nicolas Marrocco 2. Vasiliki Markotsi 3. Daniel Jimin Tremble 3. Leonidas Batsakis Individual Punch and Kick Defence 1. Panos Katakalidis 2. Nigel Roe 3. Leonidas Batsakis 3. Kelvin Gardiner Individual Knife Defence 1. Jade Alexandria Smith 2. Stauros Siskos 3. Caroline Sisouk 3. Matthew Dundon this prestigious festival will be held in the south of England and the decision to host it in London is as a result of the Korea Hapkido Federation’s expansion, via the Duk Moo Academy’s recently opened School of Korean Martial Arts (SKMA), in the region.

A lot of interest has already been generated in SKMA, as it presents an excellent opportunity to learn original Korean Hapkido from Korean Masters in southern England. Due to demand, Londonbased Korean Instructor, Master Sung Daeman is already teaching Hapkido and Korean Mudo in the Kingston, New Malden, Wandsworth, Wimbledon and Clapham Junction areas, and there are many plans for further expansion across the region. The Korea Hapkido Federation’s UK Director, Master Kim Beom, will also support and promote SKMA by holding Special Seminars and Gradings in the region.

Individual Kicking Techniques 1. Paul Stobbart 2. Nicolas Marrocco 3. Panos Katakalidis Individual Nak-Bub (Break-falling) Techniques 1. Paul Stobbart 2. Tom Bailey 3. Nicolas Marrocco Team Self-Defence 1. Duk Moo Academy Durham 2. Duk Moo Academy Newcastle 3. Duk Moo Academy Northumbria Team Pattern 1. Duk Moo Academy Teesside 2. Duk Moo Academy Durham 3. Duk Moo Academy Northumbria can also be found be visiting: www.dukmoo.com and www.skma.co.uk.

The Korea Hapkido Federation would like to thank Team Northumbria, Northumbria University, the School of Korean Martial Arts (SKMA), Asiana Airlines, and photographers Lee Rushworth and Helen Hale, for supporting the 4th Korea Hapkido Federation European Championship festival.

For more information about future events or for more information about SKMA’s programmes, classes and seminars, please contact Master Sung Daeman directly - email: info@skma.co.uk or telephone: 020 8336 2628. More information about the Duk Moo Academy and SKMA

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THE FUTURE'S BRIGHT THE FUTURE'S YOURS!!!

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Available for; Gradings, Courses, Seminars, Presentations, Training camps, Referees courses, Advice, Help and Support.

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Please contact me on the numbers below or arrange to visit my full time school, I would be most pleased to meet you and help you in any way I can.

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Nottigham School of Martial Arts, Ilkeston Road, Nottingham, NG7 3FX

Tel: 0115 9780439 Mob: 07980041864 E-mail: info@martialartsvohra.com Fax: 0115 9785567

Web: www.martialartsvohra.com I LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH YOU! SSV001/01

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Side Kick

By Grandmaster Tony Vohra

We will cover side kick in this article. Side kick is delivered while the body is side-facing. Impact is made with the heel to the middle of the foot. When practicing this kick from sparring stance, the movement follows a straight line from the floor and into the target.

Side kick, when delivered from the front or rear leg, can be an excellent technique for sparring. It can penetrate a strong defence if you use the heel to side of the foot. Remember: the most direct way to a target is the quickest way!

When working on side kick, I will show:

c) Its applications and targets.

1) The kicking leg is brought up in front of the body, bent at the knee and with the heel as close to the buttock as possible. The higher you want to kick, the higher you lift your knee.

The more bent the kicking leg is and the foot pointed down, the stronger your kick will be.

Practise with your weakest leg first and develop your technique from ground to target.

d) An exercise routine to make your legs stronger and improve your technique.

2) The leg is extended to the target with toes down. Contact is made with the side-edge heel to middle of foot.

Practise the floor-to-target movement by using a support to help with correct positioning. Look at your target as your kick

1) Ready Sparring Stance from the front.

2) Knee should come up high.

3) Kick with heel to middle of foot with body to the side.

4) Ready Sparring Stance from the side.

5) Knee should come up high.

6) Kick with heel to middle of foot with body to the side.

a) How the technique should be performed. b) How to practise the technique.

Side Kick can be broken down into its components.

Extension from bent- to straight leg develops more of a straight-through penetrating force whilst making correct foot positioning more instinctive.

The body turns to the side with the hip lifted to make impact.

3) The kick is retracted in the same way. You may wish to use multiple kicks and bringing your leg back to the heel-to-buttock position will make sure you don’t put your foot down too close to your opponent where you could become vulnerable.

Photographs by Jeff Scott-Smith. Partner in photos with Grandmaster Vohra is Joseph Turner

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7) Sparring stance.

Mirror should be used to practice balance.

completes and hold your body high. It may help you balance if you stand next to a wall or chair.

Use a mirror to help you focus on your target - which can be low, middle, or high section. Aim into the centre of the target and cover your body with a forward guard as you kick. Train so you can hit at close range when your leg is not fully extended. Train also so you can hit with the leg fully extended and your body completely sideways-on.

8) Knee up high and forewords.

Mirror should be used to practice balance.

9) Kick with heel to middle of foot with body to the side using mirror to balance and check form of technique.

foot position! Your leg is straight, toes are down, heel is up. Hold your body position using both arms for support. Hold the kick extended for 10 seconds. Then bring back your leg the same way you extended it - slowly, and with correct technique. Repeat the exercise on your other leg and do 3 reps on each.

Breathe out with the thrusting action and breathe in as you return the foot to your buttock. Do this 10 times in quick succession without dropping your knee or dropping your kicking foot to the ground.

Each time bring the kicking leg back and return to fighting stance.

Do 3 reps on each leg.

3) Next, stand as before and bring back your rear leg to your buttock before quickly extending it.

These exercises strengthen and lengthen all the muscles used in side kick.

13) Target to knee.

14) Midriff aim with heel to middle of foot.

18) Focus target practice.

19) Side on target at different heights.

Practise with a partner once you have mastered the basic technique and be sure to use a kick/punch bag, or a focus mitt because those will help your partner to check your technique. A training partner helps you by providing a static or moving target.

Apply the technique whilst stepping forwards, backwards or sideways to reach the target. Watch your opponent all the time and think in terms of a simple, quick movement.

Try not to worry about technique when you are sparring. Instead, concentrate on getting from the floor to the target.

Here is a great routine to develop and strengthen your muscles for side kick!

Begin by concentrating on leg and foot positioning.

1) Stand half-facing/half-alongside a wall. Rest the hand closest to the wall against it to aid balance. Make your posture as close to a fighting stance as possible.

2) Exercise your weakest leg first!

Your weakest leg is both furthest from the wall and rear leg in your fighting stance. Slowly bring it up, foot to the buttock and then extend it into a full side kick while rotating your hips and turning your body to the side. Pay particular attention to 136 TKD/KMA WWW.TAEKWONDOMAG.CO.UK

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10) Use a partner similar height.

Remember to keep your body as high as possible to develop better balance.

As your balance improves, you can take your hands from the wall and adopt a guard. At this stage you can practise in front of a mirror and when holding for 10 seconds on 10 side leg extensions becomes too easy, then increase those numbers to 15 and then 20.

10) Use a partner similar height.

12) Knee up high.

muscles whilst improving your overall suppleness!

UK HQ, Nottingham School of Tae Kwon Do, Ilkeston Rd., Nottingham NG7 3FX, England.

Master Tony Vohra is always pleased to advise individual students, clubs and instructors and he will arrange courses & seminars to suit at home and abroad.

For further details, for individual stretching programmes or for access to Kukkiwon certification, contact:

Tel: 00 44 (0)115 9780439 Fax: 00 44 (0)115 9785567 WEB SITE: www.martialartsvohra.com or www.mastervohra.com

President Grandmaster S. S. Vohra (8th dan), International School of Martial Arts

Email: info@martialartsvohra.com mastervohra@www.mastervohra.com

15) Side kick to throat.

16) Head kick.

17) Side kick to opponent.

20) Balance with partner to do kicks.

21) Knee up.

22) Extend and kick with heel to middle of foot.

Practise side lunges and side-stepping and/or running sideways. Side exercises both strengthen and loosen the

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Be the Best!

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RITE OF PASSAGE

Though this article refers to one dan grading in one school of one martial art, the requirements, the stresses and the strains are common to all students going for that coveted black belt.

Rayners Lane Taekwon-do Academy welcomed two new black belts Lyndsey Reynolds (Rayners Lane) and Andrew Thomas (IUTF England) following its third dan grading held March, 25th 2008.

Black belt gradings at Rayners Lane are tough, period. All dan grades awarded are earned through hard work, sweat and sometimes a little blood over a 5 - 6 year period of regular training! Consider them a ‘Rite of Passage’.

Dan gradings are physically and mentally intensive! They are designed not only to test knowledge, but also spirit and fortitude. They typically involve only a few candidates who are graded by a board of examiners, many of whom are external (not part of the club in which the examination is taking place). The practical part of the black belt grading usually lasts around 3 hours. Candidates perform against one another, and also against black belts. Before that, though, a pre-grading ensures candidates are clued-up on what to expect at the grading proper.

Gradings do not run in order (such as patterns - sparring - breaking etc). They

tend to swap around between the five main elements of taekwondo, which are theory, patterns, sparring, self-defence and destruction. Students must pass in all five elements to grade as black belts.

This is Lyndsey’s story of her Rite of Passage The day had finally come - after almost 8 years of sweat, aches, injuries, goals achieved and goals failed! I felt a wave of nausea sweep over me. This was to be it! Nothing was going to save me from what I now was facing.

We were bowed in and I was asked to say the tenets and the oath. The nausea I felt turned into stomach cramp and my brain switched off.

We began with a couple of patterns and I worried about whether I’d performed as I was taught. Would any of the grading panel members ask, ‘Is that the way you were taught?’. Just one such question would have robbed me of any satisfaction gained through completing the pattern and not ending up facing the wrong way!

But as it was, the patterns were performed and no questions were asked.

Then it was time to perform our non measure-up breaks - and my stomach cramp returned with a vengeance! One official requested I perform a turning kick break with my left foot and a back kick break with my right. I recall positioning myself for the break, and in slow motion I saw my leg extending and my foot break the board! The stomach

cramp eased a little and more so when my turning kick broke the second board.

Then it was time for a mix of 1-step sparring, 2-step sparring, some more patterns, two-against-one sparring, freesparring, self-defence and then the same - but this time with a knife! I never had any sort of action plan of what to do when.... The only strategy that came to mind during two-against-one was RUN! But I got through it!

Mr. Gautum was picked to fight me in a bout of padded sparring and he lost no time unleashing his complete repertoire of kicks on me. Then he must have realised he hadn’t done a jump backkick yet and when he did, it landed right on my solar plexus! Down I went, squealing like a hungry warthog!

Mercifully I had a couple of minutes to recover before a couple more rounds of patterns ensued. My defective walking stance was eloquently corrected in Saju Makgi and I spun around the wrong way whilst demonstrating twin elbow-thrust in Hwa Rang tul. I blame those mistakes on the fatigue and my ever more frequent asthma episodes.

With my wheezing subsiding, I faced the remainder of the breaking. First requirement was jump side-kick, breaking two boards both legs. This is not one of my favourite techniques! I jumped and bounced off the boards on both sides the first time. Thank goodness breaks were achieved on the second attempt and I just about managed to restrain myself from doing the (in)famous ‘Lyndsey dance’.

Next we had to explain and demonstrate pattern applications. By now my cognitive abilities were fading fast and I only just managed to explain an elbow break in Joong Gun, a throw in Dan Gun and a knife-hand block/fingertip thrust to the throat combination.

Finally, I performed the demo breaks. I thought perhaps my palmstrike through a brieze block wouldn’t look so awesome after witnessing an impressive knife-hand, hook-kick and flying side-kick combination. But at least palm-strike is something I knew I could do. I was right! My hand went clear through the block with more ease than it had during practice, and that was it. The End! Many congratulations to both of them on their success. You can see the grading at www.raynerslanetkd.com.

Enjoy!

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THE TAGB ENGLISH CHAMPIONSHIPS This year is the 25th Anniversary of the formation of the TAGB, that time seems to have flown by.

The English Championships were held at the Nottingham Arena on Sunday 30th March. There were 1,100 competitors taking part from

Tao Levan with his Cwymbran club

all over the UK, with 18 fighting areas being worked by the tireless TAGB officials, who largely go unsung (without them these championships would never work). The championships started at 9:30 am and were all over by 5:00 pm.

The black belt divisions were really

well supported, with this tournament was the last one before the European Championships taking place in the Republic of Ireland on 26th & 27th April. Congratulations to Mr Tao Levan and his club Cwymbran, who lifted the English Championships shield to take back to Wales for the first time in TAGB history.

‘Yellow Belt Pee Wee’ girls

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Mens lightweight sparring semi-final

Girls red belt sparring

Rising stars of the TAGB, 3 winners for 3 black belt divisions: (l-r) Matthew Molloy, Tyrrell Belony & Andrew Deer

THE TAGB ENGLISH CHAMPIONSHIPS

Mr Jackson White receives his 7th dan from TAGB vice-chairman Mr Michael Dew

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TAGB’s hardworking officials

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Ladies Black Belt sparring

Andrew Deer, on his way to winning the middleweight final

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The Annual British Student

TAEKWONDO FIGHT CAMP Reliving the Pain and the Passion With three days devoted to the teachings of tae kwon do, hundreds of students from around the UK gather under one roof, drawn together by the magnetic ties of dedication, determination, and a beating passion for tae kwon do. Once again we relived the pain and the passion that is the annual BSTF fight camp.

Before continuing, a quick word about the hosts: The British student tae kwon do federation (BSTF) are a truly altruistic group of individuals in the world of tae kwon do. They are not for profit and everyone who gets involved including some of the highest level grandmasters share this ethos. They thrive purely from the love of tae kwon do and a passion to teach and have only one agenda; to keep the true spirit of tae kwon do alive. Having personally known some of these individuals for some time now, I can’t help but notice that there is something different in the air they breathe; it comforts me to know that someone has our best interests at heart.

The BSTF fight camp; just passed this April, is hosted annually in the Stoke Mandeville Stadium in Aylesbury, providing top quality facilities, including a

fully equipped gym, running track, swimming pool, sauna and a refectory selling only the healthiest of foods and a full range of accommodation. All training, breakfast, facilities and accommodation for the three days is accounted for in the mere fifty five pounds per student, just enough to cover the costs; with the Masters instructing for free.

Every year the students look forward to reuniting, training together and learning from each other. We all come mentally prepared and raring to go, fully equipped with body, arm and shin protection, kick paddles and copious amounts of water, deep heat and freeze spray. This year drew crowds from the universities of; Bristol, UWE, Oxford Brookes, Birmingham, Southampton, Nottingham, Kent, Cambridge, London, Leicester, Sheffield and Westminster. Amongst the crowd were a few big names in student tae kwon do, including the famous siblings, Gavin and Tiffany Lin; current double gold medallists for both Sparring and Poomse at the 2008 BSTF national championships and too many other medals to mention.

This year’s annual fight camp was blessed with the presence of three of the highest level tae kwon do Masters; Grand Master Suh Ki Young (7th dan), Master Bae Dong Jin (6th dan) and

by Choi Yan Yau

Grand Master Tony Vohra (8th dan).

I know that they won’t be happy for me to tell their history but for some of these masters, modesty is their worst enemy.

I hope they will forgive me for what I am about to share with you.

Born in 1958, Grand Master Suh Ki Young was the Korean national student champion by the age of 16.

Having practised for almost 40 years now, he is a 7th Dan Kukkikwon certified International Instructor of Olympic Style Tae Kwon Do; one of the most senior masters in the UK. In his lifetime he has been coach to the National presidential Guard of Paraguay and the Argentinean, Brazilian and Paraguay tae kwon do national teams. He is also a Grand Master of Jung Sim Qi Gong (Internal Martial arts and high level meditation), which was passed down to him through family generations.

Master Bae Dong Jin, the youngest of the three masters is a former coach to the Korean Navy Team and the Inchen City team in Korea. He is currently a student in the UK, studying sports science at the University of Bournemouth and Teaching tae kwon do at Surrey University.

Born in India 1958, Grand Master Vohra has practiced martial arts since 1970. He became a professional teacher in 1982, gained his

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International Master Instructors Certificate back in Korea in 1998 and is now the UK’s highest ranked instructor.

He also competed in the World Championships in 1998 and 2000, bringing home many 1st place trophies. He has also taught the East Midland Universities Officer Training Corps the skills of Tae kwon do, SelfDefence and Unarmed Combat. .

For those of you who have attended fight camp or are thinking about coming next year; this is the level of Masters we are dealing with here, and this is why such an opportunity should not be missed at any cause.

Over the three days, the fight camp completes an incredible nineteen hours of training which leaves you in a state of nostalgia, fully battered and bruised yet thirsty for more. You know you’ve trained hard when you’re hobbling awkwardly through the streets with legs wide apart like John Wayne.

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This hectic three day weekend usually plans out as follows: Friday, 6pm arrival, registration and 7-9.30pm straight into training. Saturday, 78am track training, 10am-1pm and 3pm-7pm indoor training 8-10pm organised social and meal. Sunday, 7-8am track training, 10am-1pm and 3pm-6pm indoor training, 6-7pm breaking demonstrations, photos and goodbyes.

Throughout the three days, training consisted of: sparring training focussing on stepping techniques, attacking, counter attacking and combination kicking; paddle training working on power and speed; full contact but friendly practice in the ring; dynamic and yoga style stretching and flexibility training; Poomse training and demonstrations; meditation and qigong training and special breathing exercises; fitness, stamina and balance training at the crack of dawn on the running track; and a breaking competition to perfectly finish off the weekend.

I have been asked to write what I thought were the best and worst moments of fight camp. Like the paradox of life; my personal favourite moments at fight camp always seem to be coupled with my most dreaded. I dread what I fear I cannot achieve; winning a fight, running the track, getting up at six in the morning; yet I’m pushed to all my limits and beyond; and from that point of no return, I have learnt something new every time.

Other legendary fight camp moments, included: the all you can eat Chinese buffet, which this time round saw a black belt shamefully lose to a yellow belt in our own all you can eat ice cream competition; tae kwon do style Pillow Fights in the dormitories strictly following WTF rules; midnight snacking and lounging with pillows in the corridors; lots of photo taking and reminiscing, laughing about the day gone by and all the other little yet meaningful things that draw the student tae kwon do community closer together each year.

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For me, it’s always amazing to see my friends’ progress. Every year we come back with a new coloured belt and shock each other at how much we’ve improved technically, and joke about how bad we once were. There’s always an air of friendly competition that drives us all forward, yet we look out for each other and want genuinely to help one another progress. The student tae kwon do community is very much a family in this sense. We love sharing our time together, ever reliving old memories and creating new ones.

much fun!), and have plenty of things to take back with us for normal training sessions.

Suh - I really enjoyed training with you - and I love your training methods! See you next year or hopefully before!

As well as learning so much, we also had the chance to meet old friends, and make new ones which is always fun :-).

Thanks BSTF and everyone that helped out for making this possible!

A special thank you goes out to Trevor Page, the BSTF treasurer and David Grey the BSTF vice president, who had a huge role to play in organising this year’s camp, as well as Master Suh, Master Vohra and Master Bae for sharing their years of experience with us.

Michael Voong (Birmingham UK)

Sheena I think it’s your turn to win breaking next year :-). Thanks to everyone for making this such a memorable weekend. Roll on Fight Camp 2009!!!

Thanks for the words of wisdom Master

If you are interested in attending this three day fight camp in the future then Email student.taekwondo@gmail.com and stay tuned in at the group in the new student hub; Facebook: www.facebook.com/ group.php?gid=2261478292 For more information about the BSTF, visit the website:www.bstf.org.uk/

The BSTF fight camp is open to anyone who wishes to attend, either as a group or individually. Many non students have also attended in the past and it is open to all forms of tae kwon do.

Here is what some of the guys had to say about Fight Camp 2008: Sarah Kennedy (Oxford Brookes): Wow, fight camp, amazing as always thanks to the hard work of Master Suh and other organisers. I had loads of fun and learnt loads too. Can’t wait for a year to go by so we can go again!!

Waseem Mohammed (West Midlands): I can hardly walk but I can’t wait for the next fight camp!!

Mike Day (Kent Uni.): I think the name of this event should be “I Survived the BSTF Fight Camp 2008... barely”... lol Vicky Nesbitt (London): Fight camp was awesome! I agree with Sarah - we learned so much (who would have thought falling would be so WWW.TAEKWONDOMAG.CO.UK TKD/KMA 147

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MALYMEX

WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS John Burke was invited to participate as a judge on the Forms Section and also to take a Team with him to compete in the first ever Malymex Championships run by Black Belt International, which we did, leaving at 6.00 am to arrive at the Stoke Mandeville Stadium, Aylesbury at 9.00 am. The venue was first class with 9 competitive areas for Forms, Points, Continuous, Kumite, Free Style, Musical Weapons etc. which all ran extremely smoothly with the Forms Section starting at 10.00 am and finishing by 5.30 pm.

Considering the amount of competitors, this was a feat in itself!

Traditional Weapons performing with Bo Morgan Creasey - Gold 6-8 year old Traditional Forms

parents and students for turning up so early and accepting the late arrival back (10.00pm).

Helen Boyd also led Joshua Mercer and Jacob Chadwick-Dobson in synchronised Trio after only 10 minutes practice and gained a credible 5th place due to her usual partners pulling out the night before due to sickness. So well done, Helen.

Highlight of the day was watching disabled participants competing alongside able bodied participants and the cheers they got after each performance was deafening as everybody appreciated the effort they were putting in which only goes to show that Martial Arts has no limitations.

John Burke would like to thank all

Results for Spalding Grammar School Torite Tae Kwon Do Club: Joshua Mercer - Silver 15-17 year old Traditional Forms Helen Boyd - Bronze Adults Traditional Forms Megan Taylor - Bronze 12-14 year old Traditional Forms James Taylor - Silver 12-14 year old Traditional Weapons and Silver 12-14 year old Traditional Forms Liam Morrison - Light Continuous 9-11 year old - 8th place Morgan Creasey - Light Continuous 6-8 year old - 7th place and Points Sparring - 6th place Gold Medal winners and Malymex World Champions: Jacob Chadwick-Dobson - Gold 12-14 year old Traditional Weapons performing with Sai Liam Morrison - Gold 9-11 year old Traditional Forms and Gold 9-11 year old

Front: Morgan Creasey. Middle Row: James Taylor, Liam Morrison & Megan Taylor. Back Row: Jacob Chadwick-Dobson, John Burke & Helen Boyd Joshua Mercer was unable to attend the photo shoot

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A CUT ABOVE THE REST I.M.A.A. and Tae Kwon Do Schools of Excellence Bokken Workshop Independent Martial Arts Association and Tae Kwon Do Schools of Excellence hosted there second workshop of 2008.

Val Wilkinson demonstrating Bokken self defence

Black belts training hard

The event took place at Bewdley Leisure Centre, Worcestershire on Sunday the 9th of March 2008 where more than 30 students attended the Bokken workshop.

The session was instructed and hosted

by Sytchampton instructor Valerie Wilkinson, 3rd degree black belt and was assisted by instructor Sebastian Bird, 3rd degree black belt.

Students of various grades and ages covered an array of techniques including blocking, striking, two way partner flow drills, and a basic Bokken kata. The course was attended by students with mixed abilities ranging from high dan grades with a background in weaponry to complete novices. The session was designed as an introduction in Bokken/Sword techniques and to give all students an excellent foundation in this area.

Chief Instructor Russell Perks said “as with our last workshop, which covered the bo staff, this is a growing area for our

clubs, everyone wants to learn more, and it’s up to all of our instructors to pass their knowledge on to our students, and make them the best we can”.

The workshop was a great success and was enjoyed by all and special thanks go to, Valerie Wilkinson for running the workshop.

If you are interested in Tae Kwon Do in the Worcestershire area then please contact Russell Perks direct on 01562 636005 or email info@tkdsoe.org.uk.

Check out the website for news on up and coming events: www.tkdsoe.org.uk

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