January 2012 - IL SHIM

On the 14th of January, Master Daher, Mr Kelly, Mr Abdallah, Mr Sutton and I gathered on the Gold Coast to begin the development of a new Instructional tool for our students. The group recorded footage of all patterns and four-direction kicking combinations for each color belt level from 10th Kup to 1st Kup. The footage also includes an introduction by Master Daher. The patterns and kicking combinations were videotaped from the front and the side to be able to provide varying views for use in the editing process. Mr Kelly is now in the process of editing the footage into the final product which will be available for sale in the near future. We believe that this will be a valuable additional resource to assist our students in learning their patterns and four-direction kicking combinations.

Following the recording the group met with Lauren Hall whose family has been training with the Gold Coast club. We discussed many things, including the development of an exciting new student membership registration system ( www.ivvy.com.au ) that also includes events such as tournaments and seminars. Please stay tuned for this exciting new development.

Yours in Taekwon-Do,

Paul Harper
V Degree
Il Shim Melbourne

At the grading on the 17th of December for my black belt, I was very nervous. I didn’t want to forget any of my theory or my patterns. Months and months of hard training, theory work and instructing the class throughout the 3 month period helped my confidence and power. When Master Daher arrived, I was nervous more than ever. I felt very proud when Mr Christensen asked me to say The Oath. Master Daher asked everyone if we wanted to do the grading first or the master class first, it took only seconds for everyone to decide to do the grading first – everyone was nervous and wanted to the grading out of the way.

Mr Christensen asked me to run the warm up and some of the junior grading session (naming the patterns and holding kick pads). After helping the junior class with their grading and slipping them some tips with their kicking e.g. pivot, more power etc, it was our turn. Emily Tisdell and I had put our hard training and all our effort into this next hour. After a gruelling session which included sparring against 2 opponents, Master Daher finally said the words Emily and I had been waiting for – “Brendan Love, Emily Tisdell you have successfully graded to 1st Dan”. I was so happy and proud of myself – all the hard work had paid off.

Master Daher gave us our Do Bocks and asked us to get changed for the Master Class. While I was getting changed I was so excited that I started jumping up and down and waving my arms everywhere – I was that happy.

Master Daher asked Emily and I to demonstrate the techniques throughout the Master Class which made me feel respected. Looking back at this year, I think the Instructors course in October helped me a lot because it improved my foot stance and balance techniques. I would like to thank Mr Christensen for his hard work, patience and belief in my abilities throughout the past 4 years, without his knowledge and assistance I would not have been able to achieve my 1st Dan black belt.

To all those younger students, I encourage you to continue to train hard and listen to and respect your instructors, as they will know what you are capable of even before you do and they will help you achieve your goals.

Tae Kwon

Brendan Love

1st Dan

Weekend of developments

Black Belt Grading – Brendan Love