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.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Taekwondo Clinic - May 12, 2010
By Nathaniel Rhine
The Korean Taekwondo Association in Malaysia, with the assistance of the Olympic Council Malaysia, will host a Masters level Taekwondo clinic on May, 12, 2010 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm, at the Sports Arena, Wisma OCM on Jalan Hang Jebat, Kuala Lumpur.
This free clinic will be conducted by 19 Korean experts who will also give a world class demonstration on May 11, 2010 at 8:00pm, at the Sports Arena, Wisma OCM, on Jalan Hang Jebat, Kuala Lumpur.
Admission is on a first-come, first-served basis. For more details call Master ES Tan: 012 660 9426.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
How to Improve One's Concentration
by Nathaniel Rhine
At this week's training, my master brought to our attention the importance of concentration in all that we do, especially when we are training in the martial arts. Many student tend to just go through the motions when training. The instructor shows one how to perform a specific movement or technique, and the student simply mimics the instructor. But is that enough?
We went back to basics. In actual fact we not only went back to the basics, we even slowed down our movements drastically. My master taught us that in order to improve our concentration, one would have to learn how to breathe correctly. Interesting. Since the day we were born, we all know how to breathe, but do we really breathe efficiently? And does breathing affect one's concentration?
Simply, in order to increase our concentration, one must inhale through one's nose as one is about to execute a movement. Then one is to exhale 70% of one's oxygen as one would actually execute a movement, through one's mouth.
Example: when one is about to execute a straight punch, take in a deep breath as one would move towards his opponent, very slowly. As you begin to execute the punch, exhale very slowly through one's mouth, keeping 30% in the abdomen. The crucial point is to retain 30% of your oxygen in your abdomen. Notice, I mentioned that the movement must be slow. Slow so that the student can focus and concentrate on both his breathing and the actual technique he is executing.
Moving slowly is not as easy as it may look. By executing the techniques slowly one is learning several things. One, he is learning how to breathe correctly and get the most out of his breathing. Two, he is perfecting his technique, the correct positioning of the hands, legs, arms etc. Three, he is learning the importance of balance and how to improve it. Four, he is learning how to relax both the body and mind, and fifth, he his learning how to focus and improve his concentration.
Many students of the martial arts may know how to performs many techniques when they are performed at normal speed, or so they may think. Practice, what was just discussed above, and one will very quickly see that he may not have been executing his techniques correctly after all. And surely, he was not concentrating very well. Enjoy your training.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
The Foot Fist Way - Movie Review
by Nathaniel Rhine
I had the opportunity to watch another martial arts movie on television tonight, and I must admit, I was very disappointed. Firstly, the movie was about a so-called Taekwondo instructor who misused and abused his authority.
The main actor, the Taekwondo instructor, made sexual advances towards one of his teen aged female students. Yes, unfortunately, there are a few "instructors" who may have misbehaved, however, should that be the message the director of the movie wanted to protray?
The instructor used very abusive language with his students who were children. One may scold their students from time to time and when necessary, however, using abusive and vulgar language is absolutely not acceptable.
Martial arts is to instill discipline and respect in the students, but with the character of the instructor in the movie, how is it possible that a man who lacked discipline and respect of self be in the position to teach it to his students? If anything, the students feared him more than respected him.
The greatest means of teaching children, and adults for that matter, is by setting a good example. The instructor in the movie set many examples, but none of them were good. He took his students to a party were alcohol was consumed, vulgar language was used and violence encouraged.
I could write more about this horrible example of a martial arts movie, but I won't. I would like to encourage martial artists and those who love the martial arts to speak out about movies such as this one. Martial arts are beautiful forms of art. The movie portrayed martial arts in general and Taekwondo in specific, that it has no value, no substance. On the contrary, martial arts, has taught millions of people throughout the world the importance of respect, discipline, hard work, perseverance, integrity, brotherhood and the list goes on.
Movie producers, actors, actresses and even those who call yourselves martial arts who want to have any involvement in such horrible movies, please think twice. You are doing the martial arts a great disservice.
I am a product of Taekwondo and proud to say that. The creation of this blog site is to promote and defend Taekwondo and the martial arts. I have done that from the very first time I stepped into a dojang (training center), and I will continue to do that has long as I have breath.
Thank you and long live the martial arts.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Koko Krunch Championship 2010 - April 10, 2010
Yours truly, Saturday, April 10, 2010 at the World Taekwondo Instructors' Acedemy (WTIA) Dojang in Sri Hartamas, Selangor, Malaysia after sparring class. Congratulations to all the students who participated in the Koko Krunch Championship 2010 held at Stadium Cheras in Kuala Lumpur! Thank you Sir Lee Cheong Boo for the photographs.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Grading: March 28, 2010
When in school most of us hated when exams and tests came about. We knew most of the time in advance, when they would take place, and sometimes, the teacher would just spring one on us! Those were the days.
Well, I am no longer in a traditional class classroom, but I will be sitting for an exam this Sunday at my Master's dojang. You got it, man. I have a grading, or a promotional test, conducted by my Master. It is usually given every 3 or 4 months, depending on the syllabus of the dojang. At the dojang where I train, we normally have test / grading every 3 months. I knew about it months ago, for it occurs every three months. But being human, one tend to put things off to the last moment. I am no exception.
As being an instructor of my very own dojang, I train regularly; 3 to 4 times a week. This weekend, will be a big day for me. I have to not only show my Master that I have improved, but I must demonstrate to my students that I have improved. With the Grace of God, I will do that. Not because, I am good. No. It is because I apply what I teach my students, that one must do their homework diligently before the exam. Not a week before, but constantly. The best advice I can give is the following: Take a big task and break it down it down into smaller steps. Practice those smaller steps regularly. As time goes on, add another smaller step. Eventually over a period of time, one will achieve their great task. So train a little bit everyday, even if it is for only 15 minutes, do it. After doing that continually, one will see great results. I assure you of that. Enjoy your training...
Friday, March 19, 2010
My First Students
Hidayah Abdullah and Nathaniel Rhine 
Shahadah Abdullah and Nathaniel Rhine
Fatihah Abdullah and Nathaniel Rhine 
Taufiq Abdullah and Nathaniel Rhine
Hidayah, Shahadah, Fatihah and Taufiq
Hidayah, Shahadah, Fatihah and Taufiq
Hidayah, Shahadah, Fatihah and TaufiqThursday, March 18, 2010
Welcome to Makevelli Taekwondo
Greetings. It gives me great pleasure to welcome you all to my blog MAKEVELLI TAEKWONDO. I have always wanted to create a blog and/or website for my dojang (training center), but I have been very hesitant to do so thinking perhaps it would not be effective. And one day I sat down and thought to myself, "Now look, man. I am a martial artist. A student and instructor of a Korean martial art that has a strong and bold history. How is it possible for me to teach my students courage, if I cannot be courageous enough to create a blog? Where would I put my face?" There was no way that I was not going to except the challenge of putting my foot down and create this blog. There it is y'all. Coming to you live and in livin' color!
I encourage you all to become regular visitors to this blog for I have so much to share with you. But you know, it was once said that it is better to give than to receive. So if that is the case, and it is the case, why don't you share and give me your feedback, your comments. Isn't that what blogging is all about? So for those of you who have never shared your views on a blog, this is the time I encourage you to do so. It's new to me as well. But I can assure you that with practice, I will get good at this thing called blogging. And so will you. I look forward to sharing with you and recieving shared views from you. Until we are to meet again, challenge yourself to accept the challenge.
I encourage you all to become regular visitors to this blog for I have so much to share with you. But you know, it was once said that it is better to give than to receive. So if that is the case, and it is the case, why don't you share and give me your feedback, your comments. Isn't that what blogging is all about? So for those of you who have never shared your views on a blog, this is the time I encourage you to do so. It's new to me as well. But I can assure you that with practice, I will get good at this thing called blogging. And so will you. I look forward to sharing with you and recieving shared views from you. Until we are to meet again, challenge yourself to accept the challenge.
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