Shawn Sutton

Gold Coast Grading Dec 13

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2013 Last grading for the year.

The final grading for the year has been and gone now and a big congratulations to Amelia & Sebastian de Viana for passing their grading and been promoted to 2nd Degree. After a big year of preparations leading up to the recent ITF World Championships in Spain, these two have never been more ready to take on the gruelling examination. As everyone knows that has been able to make the commitment to achieve such an honour can understand just what it takes to be a 2nd Degree with IL Shim International. Amelia & Sebastian were required to submit a 2000 word essay; this essay is required to be on a topic relating to Taekwon-Do. I feel it is very informative and inspirational in a number of ways, it gives you an insight to the ups and down that these two students had to encounter to achieve their goals.

Master Daher GradingWith energy levels running high, the combined Redlands, Coomera and Merrimac clubs taking in as much as possible of Master Daher presentation on the Master class. It had a great deal of depth and insight that may have been a bit over the top for some. When Master Daher begins to release the passion within, there is no stopping him. The students on the floor displayed a great deal of courage and determination to pass to the next belt level.

It makes me remember back when I was coming up through the colour belt ranks and grading, (be nice wasn’t that long ago) “oh alright it was”. The joy and relief when you are told that your grading is over and you can return to your seat, reflecting back thinking did I do everything possible within me to pass which only time will tell.

I’d like to thank Master Daher for his support and passion that he shares with us all.

Merry Christmas and see you next year for what is shaping up to be a blast.

Yours in Taekwon-Do

John Abdallah

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Shawn Sutton

2013 NSW Championships Review

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Taekwondo SparringOn Saturday 9th November 2013, competitors gathered to compete in the 2013 IL SHIM NSW Open Championships at St Monicas Parish Hall, North Parramatta in Sydney, NSW.

38 Members competed, and it was great to see the enthusiasm and commitment from all our juniors and the mentoring our senior members provided to our juniors.

It was pleasing to see our junior members and the level of sparring was very impressive and the hard work that each student had been doing to improve their flexibility & sparring, and it shone through in the event.

Junior members executed good technique and showed great determination and confidence on the floor. This group of students will provide some great competitors to represent IL Shim and ITF Taekwon-do Australia at all levels of competition in the years ahead.

Kids SparringMarcus Mouyat was praised for showing great heart and kept smiling even though he was up against much larger competition and the odds of winning stacked against him, he never gave up.

Thank you to Mr Bruce Fisher for making the trip to Sydney, and for being the Referree for the Championships. Special mention to Felix Kernot for also making the trip to Sydney, Felix displayed Good Technique and I am sure with his commitment will be competing at International level in the near future. IL Shim was pleased to also have the presence of Brendon Love who has just returned from Spain World Championships earlier this month, it was great for our Junior members to view technique from an International competitor.

After medal presentation, Master Daher spoke to all competitors about the recent World Championship held in Spain, and the successful bid of Australia to host the 2018 World Cup. Master Daher informed all competitors that Tournaments will be held more frequently to prepare students to gain experience on the mat to compete in preparation for the 2018 World Cup.

Thank you to the organising skills of Master Daher, John Abdallah, Steve Sarkis, Tanya Ross, Melanie Khadi and the many parents which made this tournament a success on the day.

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Shawn Sutton

2013 Nationals Review

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On Saturday 3rd August 2013, competitors from all over Australia gathered to compete in the 2013 ITF Taekwon-do Australia National Championships at the Parramatta Town Hall in Sydney, NSW

IMG_0828It was pleasing to see lots of junior competitors at the tournament and the level of sparring from Master Dahers young students at his Parramatta club was impressive. Discussing this with Master Daher during the tournament, he emphasised the key factor to such an improvement in their abilities was the hard work that has been put into improving their flexibility, and it shone through in the sparring. The kids were able to execute good technique and showed great determination and confidence on the floor. This group of students will provide some great competitors to represent IL Shim and ITF Taekwon-do Australia at all levels of competition in the years ahead.Kids Sparring

The trophy for Best Competitor overall went to Trent Hayden, winning Gold in Sparring, Patterns, and Special Technique, while the award for indomitable Spirit went to Alexander (last name), probably the smallest student sparring on the day, but showed great heart and kept smiling even though he was up against much larger competition and the odds of winning stacked against him, he never gave up.

Charitra Parkinson from South Perth showed great technique in the patterns performing with a level of skill normally seen in students much older than her current age, she is definitely someone to watch out for in the future

Taekwondo SparringITF Australia was pleased to host Christine Hagatun from the Norway World Champs Team who is currently training with Mr Gerard Kelly on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, She highlighted the level of competition that is required to compete in the World Championships in Spain this coming October.

Once again the organising skills of Nathan Tyson, Ken Harris, Tanya Ross and John Abdallah with the assistance of many others made this tournament a success on the day.

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Shawn Sutton

2013 Nationals Results

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Here are the results of 2013 ITF Taekwon-Do Australia National Championships held at the Parramatta Town Hall
on Saturday, 3rd August 2013

Senior   Results

Female Senior   Specialty

Male Senior 2nd Dan Heavy Sparring
1st Gillian Thornton Juntong 1st Trent Hayden Sunshine Coast
2nd Corinne Leahy Stawell 2nd Rick Scholes Aberdeen
3rd Marika Carr Dynamic  0

Male Senior 1st Dan Light Heavy Sparring

Male Black Belt   Senior Specialty

 1st Ashley Thornton Juntong
1st Trent Hayden Sunshine Coast 2nd Paul Wehbe Parramatta
2nd Rick Scholes Aberdeen

Female Senior 2nd-3rd Dan Heavy Sparring

Male Senior 1st-2nd   Dan Patterns

 1st Marlee Tyson Parramatta
1st Trent Hayden Sunshine Coast 2nd Marika Carr Parramatta
2nd Lachlan Strang Juntong
3rd Ashley Thornton Juntong

Female Senior 1st Dan Middle Sparring
1st Oxana Gorskina Parramatta

Female Senior   2nd-3rd Dan Patterns

 2nd Christine Hagatun Sunshine Coast
1st Christine Hagatun Sunshine Coast 3rd Gillian Thornton Juntong
2nd Marika Carr Dynamic
3rd Marlee Tyson Parramatta

Female 1st Dan   Patterns
1st Gillian Thornton Juntong
2nd Amelia De Viana Gold Coast
3rd Corrine Leahy Stawell

Junior Results

Female Junior   Specialty

Male Junior 1st Dan Light Sparring
1st Maya Davis Juntong 1st Sebastian De Viana Gold Coast
2nd Samira Qhayasy Juntong 2nd Tom Barry Dynamic
3rd Emily Dixon Toongabbie 3rd Jayden Massoud Parramatta

Male Colour Junior   Specialty

Male Junior 1st Dan Heavy Sparring
1st Matthew Travieso Parramatta 1st Brendan Love Aberdeen
2nd Jonathan Amirzaian Juntong 2nd Jajid Briggs Juntong
3rd James Sarkis Parramatta

Male Junior Super Fly 4th-1st Gup Sparring

Male Black Belt   Specialty

 1st Charlie Dahger Parramatta
1st Lachlan Strang Juntong 2nd John Boutros Parramatta
2nd Brendan Love Aberdeen 3rd Raymond Khadi Parramatta
3rd Luke Tyson Parramatta

Male Junior Super Micro 4th-1st Gup Sparring

Male Junior 1st Dan Patterns

 1st Matthew Travieso Parramatta
1st Tom Barry Dynamic 2nd Jacky Chau Juntong
2nd Lachlan Strang Juntong 3rd Tony Haddad Parramatta
3rd Brendan Love Aberdeen

Male Junior Micro 5th Gup – 1st Dan Sparring

Male Junior 1st Gup Patterns

 1st Jacob Khadi Parramatta
1st Liam Ervine Aberdeen 2nd Caleb Ervine Aberdeen
2nd Chris Sarkis Parramatta 3rd James Sarkis Parramatta

Male Junior 2nd Gup   Patterns

Male Junior Fly 4th – 1st Gup Sparring
1st Jonathon Amirzaian Juntong 1st Daniel Sarkis Parramatta
2nd Rishi Raj Wig Parramatta 2nd Rishi Wig Parramatta
3rd Jacky Chau Juntong 3rd Jonathan Amirzaian Juntong

Male Junior 9th-4th   Gup Patterns

Mixed Junior Super Micro 10th-8th Gup Sparring
1st Sam Massoud Parramatta 1st Sam Massoud Parramatta
2nd Daniel Sarkis Parramatta 2nd Kiara Naik Parramatta
3rd Jay Shah Toongabbie 3rd Andy Haddad Parramatta

Female Junior 1st  Gup – 1st Dan Patterns

Female Junior Light 2nd Gup – 1st Dan Sparring
1st Gillian Thornton Juntong 1st Amelia De Viana Gold Coast
2nd Amelia De Viana Gold Coast 2nd Isabella Boutros Parramatta
3rd Charitra Parkinson South Perth 3rd Sarah Tisdell Aberdeen

Female Junior 10th – 6th Gup Patterns

Female Junior Middle 2nd Gup-1st Dan Sparring
1st Maya Davis Juntong 1st Gillian Thornton Juntong
2nd Samira Ghayasy Juntong 2nd Lani Massoud Parramatta
3rd Cassie Mileto Parramatta 3rd Emily Tisdell Aberdeen

Female Junior Hyper 8th-1st Gup Sparring
1st Armanii Haddad Parramatta
2nd Cassie Mileto Parramatta
3rd Millie Leggett Aberdeen

Female Junior Fly 8th – 4th Gup Sparring
1st Chanel Azar Parramatta
2nd Natasha Haddad Parramatta
3rd Emily Khadi Parramatta

Female Junior Hyper 10th -6th Gup Sparring
1st Maya Davis Juntong
2nd Layla Saroufin Parramatta

Female Junior Super Micro 10th-6th Gup Sparring
1st Olivia Saroufin Parramatta
2nd Annie Gittany Parramatta
3rd Brianna Henry Parramatta
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Shawn Sutton

ITF World Cup report by Trent Hayden

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Taekwondo World Cup MedalsDuring the first week of October, Trent Hayden and his dad Ken travelled to Brighton, England to attend the largest Taekwon-do tournament in the world. The 2012 ITF World Cup was attended by 1560 competitors, and a total of 2421 participants including coaches and officials from 44 countries.  Many of the world’s best Taekwon-do competitors were in action over the four days of competition. Unfortunately for Trent, he was unable to compete due to a knee injury and had to be content with observing the action from the sidelines. Despite this, it was still a worthwhile experience just to be there, and renew many of the friendships that he has developed with people from around the world.

The action was very exciting with ten rings in operation, and the tournament was very well run. The “Finals Night” was particularly exciting with a stadium filled to capacity with cheering spectators, thumping music, and “live” video streaming to pay for view customers around the world.

Most of the time, we hung with the members of the New Zealand team and cheered for our friends across the Tasman. We continuously learn new things through our observation of the latest skills and techniques, and through our discussions with other people at major tournaments like this. It was a privilege to be there, and represent Australia and ILSHIM at a tournament of this international importance.

Trent at ITF World Cup

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Shawn Sutton

Hunter Valley Tournament Seminar 2012

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Hunter Valley Tournament Seminar 2012.

As you are all aware the Hunter Valley tournament was cancelled for 2012 due to such low numbers. As always with the positive approach from the ITF Australia senior members, we devised a contingency plan for this kind of occasion.

The introduction of a tournament seminar became a reality with us seizing this opportunity, bringing all the knowledge required that goes into building a tournament, running it and judging it confidently and efficiently. 

The day was no different to any other tournament day. The setup of the venue was rapidly attended to by the Aberdeen club students, creating a tournament feel was evident of what we had installed for the members. For those that had already committed to travel plans we did not want to let them down and with great credit to all making the day a success. 

A quick run-down on what is involved in the lead up to the day was done. The tournament program that we use was explained, how information is put into the system and how the draw is built. The importance of support from members  is what makes these tournaments a success. 

ITF Australia is very lucky to have such committed senior members such as Mr Gerard Kelly, Mr Charlie Van Beelen and Mr Frans Christensen, through their efforts they put on a great show. Mr Kelly for me was a big standout, getting involved in every topic, bringing his many years of knowledge to the lucky members that attended. Master Daher was able to bring more insight into successful competing on the mats, with focus on movement around the floor.

A big thank you to Rick Scholes and Trent Hayden for showing their remarkable ability and experience in competition. They are a credit to the organisation and an inspiration to many.

I personally felt the day was a success and a lot was learnt by all. Be sure to ask those that attended the event how they felt and what they got out of it.

If you ever get the opportunity to attend such an event like this again, I’m sure you would be more than happy with the outcome.

Thank you 

John Abdallah

Manager ITF Australia Pty. Ltd 

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Shawn Sutton

Tournament Seminar

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Tournament Seminar

Report by Gerard Kelly IV dan Umpiring Director IL Shim

Saturday 21st of July saw myself and Mr. Vanbeelen drive down to the Hunter Valley to help run a seminar focused purely on all of the events in a tournament.

With a decent amount of competitors we endeavored to give all participants a thorough understanding of what judges look at in all events and even got to do some of the judging themselves! Mr. Abdullah gave the competitors a rare insight into the sheer amount of work that goes into running a tournament which I think shocked the kids!!!!

Everyone got into the spirit of doing some patterns to be judged and then doing some judging straight after; giving reasons why they thought the other competitor should have won. I believe this gave everyone a really great understanding into why decisions are made!

 Mr. Christenson gave the guys and girls some sparring drills and special techniques to practice whilst I gave them the protocols to be observed in competition.

Mr. Vanbeelen and I then did a seminar on power breaking which had even the smallest martial artist doing some great breaks!!!!

Master Daher had everyone moving their feet big time with his footwork drills and everyone loved these!!!!

All in all I think this was invaluable for everyone so that they could understand ALL aspects of tournaments, not just the competing side of things!!!! 

Taekwon

Gerard Kelly IV Dan Umpiring Director IL Shim

 

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Shawn Sutton

ITF Australia Sparring Seminar 2012

Sparring Seminar1 GC 2012

ITF Australia Sparring Seminar 2012

From Sunday the 24th June – 1st July ITF Australia ran a series of sparring seminars along the East coast of Australia from as far North as Agnes Waters and as far down South as Melbourne. These seminars were held in 3 locations with clubs travelling to each to attend and believe me they were not disappointed. The first of the seminars were held in Melbourne and then the following Bundaberg then Gold Coast. I feel by the time that Master Daher made his way to the Gold Coast he had what he wanted to teach the students down perfectly. I have been getting quite a lot of feedback on the success of these seminars and that all would be very happy to have more.

Sparring Seminar1 GC 2012

I can only talk from my experience with the Gold Coast seminar and that is to see Master Daher doing what he does best and passing on all those years of experience and trying to fit it all into one short seminar of 4hrs. After the first 30mins one student Sebastian de Viana made a comment when passing for a drink break “OMG still 3 ½ hours to go” and believe me it takes some beating for him to have to say that. Nevertheless the 35 students with true TKD spirit persevered and showed Master Daher the respect that he deserves.

I have had the pleasure of knowing Master Daher for over 22 years and training with him for 12 of them, I have never felt the passion and power of any seminar such as this one. He has been working very hard with his own training ever since grading for his 8th Degree. Since breaking his hand which was very unfortunate, this set back took a considerable toll. With the lead up to his grading he was in probably the best physical and mental condition that I have ever seen. My wife Donna would comment every time that he saw him, when he visited us on the Gold Coast, just how good he looked and the confidence he had. Well he is back on track after just getting over a very bad dose of the flu and now more so committed to teaching and passing on what he can for as long as he can. 

As a student to Taekwon-Do I can’t express the importance of attending these such tournaments, especially those that want to be the best they can. As we all know we are not young for ever and even though Master Daher may not nor does he act his age, there will come a time where we all become slower and our ability decreases. I would say that if there was a time you thought you should take your training seriously then now is that time. As you all know Master Daher and I talk some times 2-3 times a week discussing ideas on how we can better each and every time we put on an event for our members. The thing that makes us proud is seeing our members and close friends do well, even though they maybe from another organization, they still have the same morals and integrity. I like to thank the support of Natalie Astwood and Gavin Moyal from the Yin Yang club for their friendship and support of our events, it is always a pleasure having you guys and your students to any of our events.

Summing up the seminar it was very well conducted and covered all the main points required to compete at tournaments and give the confidence required to give it a go. I hope you all enjoyed it and hope to see you all again at our next event.

John Abdallah
Manager
ITF Australia Pty Ltd
IL Shim Taekwon-Do
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Shawn Sutton

Sparring Seminar – Melbourne, June 2012

Drills -Taekwondo

Il Shim Taekwon-do  Sparring Seminar

It was a freezing morning in Melbourne but Master Daher ensured that no-one was left cold after participating in his Sparring Seminar. The key learning of the day was footwork and body movement and how to use it to your advantage. Everyone from white belt to black belt was able to grasp the concepts being taught, but as Master Daher explained, it is no good having the learning stop once they leave the session. The students had to commit to following through with their training so that the next time they attend a Master session the learning would be a continuation from where they left off, instead of having to refresh and relearn what has already been taught. 

All participants found the morning to be very beneficial. Here are some of their comments:

“I found the sparring masterclass with Master Daher was very interesting and lots of fun. I learnt that sparring is not just about getting points its about moving around and understanding your opponent.” – Edward Collins, 4th kup

“On Saturday (23/6/12), Master Daher made his way to Melbourne to facilitate a Master Class in Sparring for the students at Il Shim in Victoria. This session consisted of many aspects, the main of which were learning to relax our body and mind during sparring and the fundamentals of footwork. I found this session very useful. I found that using the correct footwork during sparring and relaxing the body did not tire me out as much, which meant that I could give 100% for longer. When I relaxed and cleared my mind I was able to anticipate the opponent’s attacks and was more prepared to respond. Learning to move with walking rather than shuffling side to side has helped me improve the speed of my attacks. Overall a fantastic day, I just wish I had the physical conditioning to make it through the whole session!” – Michelle Sliwinski, 1st Dan

“I enjoyed the the class with Master Daher! For the short time I was the there I was still able to take a lot out of it in the way to move my feet more and to be on the move at all times!” – Scott Hamill, 10th kup

“On the 23rd of June, three of us travelled to Melbourne from Stawell to attend the Sparring Seminar to be run by Master Daher. The seminar started a little late but we overcame some transport issues and kicked the seminar off with a quick warmup. We got down to business. The focus of the seminar was footwork and continual motion when sparring. We moved through some sparring drills, some of which I had seen before but the most important aspect I learnt from the day was learning how to relax, move and maintain body momentum. A moving target is much harder to hit than a stationary one! Thanks very much Master Daher.” – Steve Harper, 2nd Dan

“Attending the sparring seminar by Master Daher is a really worthwhile experience, the concepts we learn are simple in nature and they can make a real difference. Looking forward to the next one so we can extend what all we learned.” – Mitchell Sammut, 1st Dan

Drills -Taekwondo Taekwondo sparring Drills with Master Daher

Assisting the juniors Keeping Mr Harper on his toes

Explanation of drills Dialogue with Master Daher

Il Shim Taekwon-do Group Photo

 

 

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Shawn Sutton

Sparring Seminar report by Gerard Kelly

Sparring Seminar report by Gerard Kelly IV Dan Sunshine Coast

Master Daher’s exact words were, ” if you are not sore after this seminar then i have not done my job” Well i am indeed sore, in the legs and gut even more so now that i have finished stretching and doing some more situps tonight!

There were so many aspects to this seminar that i can’t possibly talk about all of them in this report, but i will touch on some of the things that really stood out for me!

The footwork drills in and around the targets on the floor were like a lightbulb going off above my head. Brightly burning for all to see! The way that two people can move with each other so that not just one person is benefiting from the drill was just fantastic and this one drill alone has set a fire in my belly to improve both myself and my students ability to move around!

There were many other aspects to this seminar but so much was focused on MOVEMENT and not on techniques which i just loved!

There was a definate sense of improvement with the students today and it was a pleasure to see Master Daher get the most out of all of us. The fitness test showed a lot of the younger students that they really need to work harder in class and outside of class if they want the results that they are searching for.

All in all i am so very grateful for Master Daher imparting this knowledge to us as it has really opened my eyes to how to move so much better in my own sparring as well!!!

Taekwon

Gerard Kelly IV Dan IL Shim Sunshine Coast

Umpiring Director

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