Sunday 14th July saw the commencement of the second of a series of seminars, conducted by Master Choi Jung Hwa, VIII,  President (Elect) of the International Taekwon-Do Federation, together with Grand Master Kong Yong Il, VIIII.

The session was restricted to Black Belts only, and over 100 were in attendance, representing the member organisations on Great Britain - ITF

Also attending the seminar were Master Raymond Choy, VIII, Master Trevor Nicholls, VII, Master Ted Wolf, VII, Master Roy Oldham, VII, Master Tham Ying Au, VII and Mr Raymond Gayle, VI.

The day began with Master Choy leading the participants through a warm-up exercise, consisting mainly of partner stretching exercises. Twenty minutes later, the participants suitably stressed! (....I mean stretched....) came to attention and formally welcomed Master Choi and Grand Master Kong to the event.  Following the recital of the tenets & Taekwon-Do oath, Master Choy gave a brief but compelling introduction of both Master Choi and Grand Master Kong to the participants, detailing but a few of the achievements of the illustrious careers of the seminar Instructors.

The seminar began with Grand Master Kong explaining a few specific sparring techniques. Explanation was followed by demonstration and then followed by active practice. Grand Master Kong and Master Choi constantly moved about the hall, making adjustments & corrections wherever necessary, much to the excitement of the participants. Despite recently having undergone surgery to repair "disintegrated" ligaments in his feet, Grand Master Kong was still extremely mobile & solid, much to the surprise of Mr Anthony Manning, VI, whom was invited to attack him with his hardest side-kick, only for the Grand Master Kong to maintain a grin upon his face throughout the "ordeal" and remained for the most part, apparently immovable!

After about an hour, Grand Master Kong gave way to Master Choi who was to concentrate on the technical aspect of the Art.  Beginning with pattern Kwang Gae, Master Choi separated those present into two groups, which were, at any one time, either performing or observing. From the start, each movement of the Pattern was individually disseminated by the Instructor, with an explanation given of the purpose, focus and execution of the technique. Master Choi, impressively demonstrated each movement and described methods that could be employed to practice & improve techniques.

Master Choi, inspiring a quest for perfection, would not allow progression onto further movements until he was entirely satisfied that each and every participant was performing to his satisfaction.  At all times he was a model of professionalism, asking questions, plainly to assist the performers with their understanding of the art & and not to embarrass or demean them in any way. A most refreshing experience for many of us present!

Following a break for lunch, Grand Master Kong once again led the seminar through sparring/kicking techniques. This time with the aid of kick shields, the participants separated into multiple lines, with the shield holder being rotated at regular intervals, putting into practice the instructions which had been given. Once again Grand Master Kong and Master Choi moved about the participants adjusting posture and giving advice wherever necessary. 

Following this Master Choi took over once again, this time to go over pattern Po Eun, in a similar format to earlier in the day. The Seminar ended with Master Choi expressing his gratitude to the organisers of the event, and to the participants for their attendance.

Of course for many of us it was all over too soon and I have no doubt that all are, even now, eagerly awaiting a further opportunity to learn from the new President of the ITF.