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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