2012 Kick Off Camp Review – John Abdallah

2012 Kick Off Camp Review

 The Kick Off Camp for 2012 was set up for something different this year, as it took into consideration some of the comments that were presented at previous Kick Off camps. The general feeling from most was the degree of muscle soreness that they were experiencing after the first day. So this time the event was structured so that focus was on a low level impact on the body for the first day, leaving no excuse for when they all returned the next day.

We had a line up of spectacular presenters and speakers, all which were TKD focused, enabling us to relate what we had learnt to our own training. It was enjoyable to get such precise training from experienced instructors that have competed at world competition level and pass on their knowledge.

 The event saw Mr Gerard Kelly take us through traditional sparring, which attracted a lot of interest among the lower ranking students, giving us all a hands on practical application of this reasonably new addition to world competitions.

 This was then followed by Mr Robbie Medlin, who spoke about focus, goal setting and finding a way to enjoy your training. His talk made everyone think how they could adopt some of what was said into their own training.

2012 Kick Off Camp – Gold Coast

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 Mr Van Beelen was very impressive with his positive presentation on power breaking, giving us the tools to achieve great heights.

The all inspiring Mystery Guest Mr Darren Stephens talk was to basically say wake up, whatever you want to achieve is possible, if you want it bad enough and he used some simple techniques to help along the way.

 I (John Abdallah) was in charge of entertainment and seeing that I can’t juggle or swallow swords, although I am very funny, was just not going to be enough. I split the group into two teams and threw in three mini soccer balls. The un-organised chaos was well accepted after a full on day of focus and concentration.

 Day 2, I promised everyone that it was going to be the hardest day of training they have had for a long while. The highest ranking instructors, Mr Steve Weston, Mr Paul Harper and Master Paul McPhail took us to our limits and did not disappoint anyone.

Mrs Lauren Hall, spoke briefly about the new direction that ITF Australia will be taking, going fully automated with a live online system for the whole organisation.

Finally as always Master Daher finished everyone off in the water, as if the previous instructors hadn’t done enough damage, all were exhausted by the end and glad that they had finally made it to the finish.

A big thank you to all that contributed to make this event as enjoyable as it was.

John Abdallah