Friday, June 4, 2010
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Kukkiwon Dan Promotional Test - May 22, 2010 at The World Taekwondo Instructors' Academy - Malaysia
By Nathaniel Rhine
Saturday, May 22, 2010, was the day in which the Taekwondo Promotional Testing took place at The World Taekwondo Instructors’ Academy at Sri Hartamas, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The Promotional Testing was administered by my master, Master Lee Byung Hee, Kukkiwon 7th Dan, who reigns from Korea.
Among those sitting for their promotional test, I went first since I was the most senior. Therefore, I was compelled to set the bar high. The first phase of the test was to perform Poomsae, traditional and pre-arranged martial arts movements. Then I had to perform self defence techniques with my Korean partner who is a specialist in Taekwondo demonstrations. I have been honoured to have been taught by him Taekwondo demonstration techniques for the past few months at the dojang. Then came sparring, the act of using Taekwondo techniques and strategy against an opponent.
And finally, I had to break a solid one inch plank of wood. The first of two techniques was to use my hand; in this case I used my elbow utilizing the elbow strike. The second technique was the back kick.
The purpose of using the hand and foot when it comes to breaking planks is because Taekwondo is the martial art of using the hands and feet. Therefore, I was tested on using my hands and feet. The objectives of this part of the test are many. One is to test the correct utilization and accuracy of the technique. It is to test one’s concentration. It is to test one’s level of determination, and to test one’s courage.
All praises are due to Almighty God, that I was successful in passing this examination. I would like to thank my master, Master Lee Byung Hee, Master Choi, my training partners, my wife for her encouragement and those who came to give their support. And last but surely not least, I’d like to thank Mr. Ang for taking wonderful photographs of the event.
Saturday, May 22, 2010, was the day in which the Taekwondo Promotional Testing took place at The World Taekwondo Instructors’ Academy at Sri Hartamas, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The Promotional Testing was administered by my master, Master Lee Byung Hee, Kukkiwon 7th Dan, who reigns from Korea.
Among those sitting for their promotional test, I went first since I was the most senior. Therefore, I was compelled to set the bar high. The first phase of the test was to perform Poomsae, traditional and pre-arranged martial arts movements. Then I had to perform self defence techniques with my Korean partner who is a specialist in Taekwondo demonstrations. I have been honoured to have been taught by him Taekwondo demonstration techniques for the past few months at the dojang. Then came sparring, the act of using Taekwondo techniques and strategy against an opponent.
And finally, I had to break a solid one inch plank of wood. The first of two techniques was to use my hand; in this case I used my elbow utilizing the elbow strike. The second technique was the back kick.
The purpose of using the hand and foot when it comes to breaking planks is because Taekwondo is the martial art of using the hands and feet. Therefore, I was tested on using my hands and feet. The objectives of this part of the test are many. One is to test the correct utilization and accuracy of the technique. It is to test one’s concentration. It is to test one’s level of determination, and to test one’s courage.
All praises are due to Almighty God, that I was successful in passing this examination. I would like to thank my master, Master Lee Byung Hee, Master Choi, my training partners, my wife for her encouragement and those who came to give their support. And last but surely not least, I’d like to thank Mr. Ang for taking wonderful photographs of the event.
Friday, May 21, 2010
Training with the Korean National Taekwondo Demnostration Team - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - May 12, 2010
By Nathaniel Rhine
Wednesday afternoon was a very special day for those who were able to find time to not only meet the Korean players, but to train with them. I thank God Almighty, that I was blessed to train one hour with the Korean National Demonstration Team.
Twenty members of the Korean National Taekwondo Team assist with the training session with approximately 100 to 120 “guests”, local martial artists of Taekwondo. I use the term “guests”, because each and every one of us felt like guests who were treated so warmly.
The most impressive element of my training with the Koreans was not their ability to do incredible things with regards to Taekwondo. Rather, it was their humbleness. They could have easily laughed at many guests, including myself, who were poorly executing the kicks we were practicing. Instead, with their poor command of the English language, they were very encouraging. They even went the extra mile to show each of us how to properly execute a movement.
As a guest that afternoon, I wasn’t able to take photographs; however, I was able to take a few shots after the training session. I hope you will enjoy them and hopefully, you will be able to train with the Korean National Taekwondo Demonstration Team the next time they are in town.
Wednesday afternoon was a very special day for those who were able to find time to not only meet the Korean players, but to train with them. I thank God Almighty, that I was blessed to train one hour with the Korean National Demonstration Team.
Twenty members of the Korean National Taekwondo Team assist with the training session with approximately 100 to 120 “guests”, local martial artists of Taekwondo. I use the term “guests”, because each and every one of us felt like guests who were treated so warmly.
The most impressive element of my training with the Koreans was not their ability to do incredible things with regards to Taekwondo. Rather, it was their humbleness. They could have easily laughed at many guests, including myself, who were poorly executing the kicks we were practicing. Instead, with their poor command of the English language, they were very encouraging. They even went the extra mile to show each of us how to properly execute a movement.
As a guest that afternoon, I wasn’t able to take photographs; however, I was able to take a few shots after the training session. I hope you will enjoy them and hopefully, you will be able to train with the Korean National Taekwondo Demonstration Team the next time they are in town.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
The Third Promotional Test of 2010 - May 22, 2010
By Nathaniel Rhine
On Saturday, May 22, 2010, the Third Promotional Test of the year will be held at The World Taekwondo Instructors’ Academy dojang at 4:00pm. To all the students who will participate in the grading, I would like to wish you all the very best.
Keep in mind that it is not the end of the world, so don’t get too worked up over it. The most important thing is to apply all that you have learned from Master Lee and the seniors and to do your very best.
For those students who are not participating in the grading, why not come out and give your support to your friends. They will appreciate it. Keep it movin’.
On Saturday, May 22, 2010, the Third Promotional Test of the year will be held at The World Taekwondo Instructors’ Academy dojang at 4:00pm. To all the students who will participate in the grading, I would like to wish you all the very best.
Keep in mind that it is not the end of the world, so don’t get too worked up over it. The most important thing is to apply all that you have learned from Master Lee and the seniors and to do your very best.
For those students who are not participating in the grading, why not come out and give your support to your friends. They will appreciate it. Keep it movin’.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
The Korean National Taekwondo Demonstration Team Visits Malaysia
By Nathaniel Rhine
Last evening approximately 300 people had the opportunity to eyewitness the live performance of the Korean National Taekwondo Demonstration Team at the Headquarters of the Olympic Council of Malaysia, in Kuala Lumpur. It was part of various events to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the establishment of Diplomatic Relations between Malaysia and the Republic of Korea. The program went according to schedule. The program was to start at 8:00pm, and for sure at 8:00pm, it began.
Unfortunately, things in Malaysia almost never begin on time, but last evening’s event was an exception that I will never forget. Perhaps, it was because the Koreans were in town, a very disciplined group of people; martial artists of the world’s most popular martial art, Taekwondo, where respect and disciplined are at the core of its teachings.
As always, the program began with the playing of the Malaysian National Anthem as well as the Korean National Anthem.
Speeches were presented by YAM Tunku Tan Sri Imran ibni Almarhum Tuanku Ja’afar, President of the Olympic Council of Malaysia, H.E. Mr. Yang Bong-Ryull, Korean Ambassador to Malaysia, and Y. Bhg. Dato’ Kwon Byung Ha, Honorary President of Korean Sports Council in Malaysia.
An interesting demonstration of Pencak Silat, a Malaysian martial art, was performed by athletes from the Malaysian National Silat Federation. The second demonstration of “Taekwondo Dance” was performed by World Taekwondo Academy, a Malaysian Taekwondo academy.
Finally, the highlight of the evening was the performance by the Korean National Taekwondo Demonstration Team. There were a number performances ranging from Group Poomsae to individual performance of poomsae to board breaking to concrete plank breaking and even a skit. The amazing thing that I really appreciated about their performance was their timing and accuracy. Even though there were a total of 16 members performing at one time, everyone was in sync. The movements were sharp. The kicks were high. I can not begin to put into words what I saw. Only a video camera would have done justice to what was performed. Unfortunately, the batteries in my camera died on me! It was amazingly entertaining.
As a martial artist, I know what kind of training they must have gone through to do what they have done, which looked to be so effortless. But of course, many years of hard work and training were required, to be where they are today.
I would like to congratulate the Korean National Taekwondo Demonstration Team, the team manager, coach and trainer for an excellent performance. I am very sure that everyone who saw last evening’s performance were in awe. I know I was. Again, thank you, thank you and thank you.
Last evening approximately 300 people had the opportunity to eyewitness the live performance of the Korean National Taekwondo Demonstration Team at the Headquarters of the Olympic Council of Malaysia, in Kuala Lumpur. It was part of various events to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the establishment of Diplomatic Relations between Malaysia and the Republic of Korea. The program went according to schedule. The program was to start at 8:00pm, and for sure at 8:00pm, it began.
Unfortunately, things in Malaysia almost never begin on time, but last evening’s event was an exception that I will never forget. Perhaps, it was because the Koreans were in town, a very disciplined group of people; martial artists of the world’s most popular martial art, Taekwondo, where respect and disciplined are at the core of its teachings.
As always, the program began with the playing of the Malaysian National Anthem as well as the Korean National Anthem.
Speeches were presented by YAM Tunku Tan Sri Imran ibni Almarhum Tuanku Ja’afar, President of the Olympic Council of Malaysia, H.E. Mr. Yang Bong-Ryull, Korean Ambassador to Malaysia, and Y. Bhg. Dato’ Kwon Byung Ha, Honorary President of Korean Sports Council in Malaysia.
An interesting demonstration of Pencak Silat, a Malaysian martial art, was performed by athletes from the Malaysian National Silat Federation. The second demonstration of “Taekwondo Dance” was performed by World Taekwondo Academy, a Malaysian Taekwondo academy.
Finally, the highlight of the evening was the performance by the Korean National Taekwondo Demonstration Team. There were a number performances ranging from Group Poomsae to individual performance of poomsae to board breaking to concrete plank breaking and even a skit. The amazing thing that I really appreciated about their performance was their timing and accuracy. Even though there were a total of 16 members performing at one time, everyone was in sync. The movements were sharp. The kicks were high. I can not begin to put into words what I saw. Only a video camera would have done justice to what was performed. Unfortunately, the batteries in my camera died on me! It was amazingly entertaining.
As a martial artist, I know what kind of training they must have gone through to do what they have done, which looked to be so effortless. But of course, many years of hard work and training were required, to be where they are today.
I would like to congratulate the Korean National Taekwondo Demonstration Team, the team manager, coach and trainer for an excellent performance. I am very sure that everyone who saw last evening’s performance were in awe. I know I was. Again, thank you, thank you and thank you.
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