Black Belt Grading Report – 2010
Michelle Keenan 3rd Dan, Assistant Head IL Shim Gold Coast
Behind the Scenes
Last weekend, 25-26 September, IL Shim Gold Coast hosted Master Daher, Black Belt grading applicants and their families.
Organization for this event commenced 3 months earlier with Mr Abdallah organizing the venue with catering. We then began to list all the extras to make this event exciting, comfortable and successful.
Accommodation for Master Daher , Catering, Amenities for the participants, First Aid, media alert, Refreshments/coffee, set-up/take down, photography and video, accessories such, tape, and plastic bags to make ice packs if needed.
Fortunately, the venue offered an affordable catering package. This price included light lunch of sandwiches, fruit and warm food; also tea and coffee, juice, ice and water.
On the Friday afternoon Miss Madeline Keenan (utilizing her IT expertise)and I organized and released to TV, radio and newspapers a media alert about the event.
On the Saturday Mr Abdallah and I arrived one hour earlier to set up. This also allowed time to reflect and assess the day’s events on what other items may be required. On the way there I received a telephone call from John saying Master Daher wanted to utilize a white board, and did I have the white board markers. I took great pride in informing John to relax, that I had the white board markers (from the IIC 2006 course)
IL Shim Gold Coast is so fortunate to have the extraordinary IT talent in Mr Shawn Sutton. Mr Sutton took all the photos and worked with Mr and Mrs Hayden with video. Mr Sutton also organized all the uploading of information to the IL Shim website.
The Official table was arranged, covered with a black table cloth with the IL Shim Flag pinned in place. On the table we placed water bottle, pens, paper, white board markers(fortunately the venue had other colours) and for a finishing touch we placed a platter with dates, nuts dried fruit and (a gift from Madeline) lollies.
Master Daher arrived. The first challenge was transposing the information about foot and shoulder movement on the board. I was challenged by trying to draw lines straight. Mr Abdallah was writing on the other side. We discovered that his writing the same time we couldn’t just flip the board. Note to self for next time. Do one side at a time so Master Daher can flip the whiteboard over!
And of course, making sure Master Daher had his coffee double espresso and one sugar!
The grading commenced with review of all patterns, hand, and foot and shoulder movement.
During the morning session with all the photos being taken, more batteries were required. I was able to procure the batteries by running to the store. Again, note to self have extra double AA batteries.
Lunch was served and well received by all.
The afternoon session continues with review of 1st and 2nd Degree patterns. As always I learn and gain better insight to each movement. I gained enormous confidence with all six of these patterns.
Afternoon tea was served fruit and cakes tea and coffee (once milk was located) ( I discovered another little fridge in the hall again note to self ). The things you learn when organizing an event!
Patterns continued after the break. Once 2nd Degree patterns were completed, day one closed at 5.45 Pm. All participants left feeling exhausted however pleased with the efforts during the day.
Sunday, day two, I arrived at the venue 7 Am for 8 Am commencement. It’s past 7.30 and no Mr Abdallah. The mobile rings its John “I just got down the street and Master Daher rang he wants a black pen, scissors and glue, I had to go back for it”. I smiled and I said “John, I have those items already so he’ll be pleased with two of everything!” Mental note to self: always carry the pencil case make sure glue, scissors and black pen along with double AA batteries and whiteboard markers!
Day two commenced with 3rd degree and above patterns. (Making sure Master Daher had his coffee) I was challenged as I am learning these at the moment. I was humbled being on the floor with the 4th Degrees, Mr Harper and Mr Christiansen. Master Daher demonstrated his expertise in body movement. And again I gain a better understanding of both the techniques well as their meaning.
With the patterns completed and after a short break, the grading continued with a fantastic display of board breaking.
Clearing the floor of wood fragments Master Daher continued with the fitness test. What a demonstration of determination and indomitable spirit by all participants!
The morning concluded with awards ceremony. All applicants were successful. Although there were no applicants for the grading from the Gold Coast Il Shim, I did receive my 3ed Degree ITF Certificate from December 2009 and Mr Sutton received his promotion to 1st Kup.
With the grading over, the clean up was organized. Thank you to all the participants for the assistance. And I would like to say a big thank you to Mr Shawn Sutton and Gail and Ken Hayden for the IT and video support. Thank you too to Mr John Abdallah, its always great working with John,; keeping up with Master Daher is one thing, Mr Abdallah challenges me to think pro actively and I really appreciate his natural ability to problem solve whilst keeping a sense of humour.
Finally, thank you to Master Daher. I appreciate every opportunity to work with him. Continuous learning is the ingredient to success and development: To be trained and graded by Master Daher is a great honour and privilege.
Kind regards,
Michelle Keenan 3rd Degree
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