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.
