On Saturday the 30^th of August IL Shim Melbourne hosted an IL Shim squad training session prior to the ITF Victorian Challenge tournament. The training session was conducted by Mr Frans Christensen (V degree) and Mr Gerard Kelly (IV degree).

The warm up commenced with some general loosening up but we quickly moved into stretching. We then ran through strengthening exercises for the adductor muscles. Adductor strength helps to keep the front leg up for quick sidekicks.

The sparring drills included front leg sidekicks to a target and then moved onto hook kicks. I particularly liked this drill as the aim is to score points as well as drawing a warning for being kicked in the back. The opponent uses a turning kick off the rear leg, to counter a hook kick is used off the rear leg. The hook kick allows you to turn inside the turning kick which then strikes the back.

We then moved onto the “Bull Rush” or blitz punching, first with one front jab and then onto using both hands.

We then moved onto more advanced drills to try and suck the opponent into jumping back kick. The premise was to use a front leg turning kick, follow through and turn the back to your opponent. The opponent seeing an opportunity to attack is then set up for a jumping back kick.  

The session ran for 3 hours and we covered a lot of drills useful in tournament sparring. It was a tough but very beneficial workout prior to the tournament on the Sunday.

Photos available here

Aberdeen Master Class – August 2011

On Wednesday 27^th of July Master Daher conducted a Master class at Aberdeen ILShim club. Many of the new students were “first timers” for a seminar with Master Daher and were full of nerves, not knowing what to expect.

The seminar was a mix of revision on some of the basic techniques that we had learned during previous Master Classes, followed by some more advanced self defence moves that really had everyone “rolling around on the floor”. Master Daher demonstrated a number of scenarios, followed by moves that were extremely effective at controlling an attacker. As these were more advanced moves, it was made very clear to the younger ones that some of these techniques were only to be practiced under supervision in class, “not at home on your brother or sister”.  It was a rare privilege indeed, to see Master Daher in full flight whilst demonstrating some of these techniques, and to witness just how capable this man really is.

With a twisted sense of humour, a great indication of how well the class went was the amount of stiff and sore bodies reported over the next few days. As always everyone who participated in the seminar left feeling that they had really enjoyed the day and couldn’t wait until the next “Master class”.

Check out the Photos here

Report from the IL Shim Sunshine Coast Cup.

The day had come so quickly it almost made my head spin!!! I say almost because I can’t remember ever being so prepared for a tournament! The draws were done weeks in advance, all the prep had gone into this event and I think it was the smoothest ever!!! The lessons we learnt from last tournament were written down after the event had finished so we had a really great platform to begin with.

With the introductions out of the way and a quick briefing for all the corner judges we were underway on time! Patterns were first and they flowed really quickly so before we knew it we were straight into the sparring. The new draw system is fantastic and with a bit of tweaking over the next few events I feel we will have a very strong set of systems in place to ensure all Il Shim tournaments are renowned for finishing on time with great results every time!

Big thanks must go to Mr John Abdallah who has put in countless hours on the new programs and without him we simply couldn’t have been as effective as we were! Also the parents and families on the day who helped out in many areas were just fantastic! We can’t run these events without people like this so THANK YOU very much!!!

Mr Christensen was on hand to ensure the day went smoothly, and was invaluable in his vast knowledge of how a good tournament should be progressing. Big thanks to Mr Van Beelen and the rest of the sunshine coast crew who helped out a great deal to get this event pumping! All in all I feel everyone had a great time and the atmosphere was one of happiness and great sportsmanship!

Cant wait for next Year!!!!!!!

oh, and check out the photos here

Results are available here

Taekwon

Gerard Kelly IV Dan

IL Shim Umpiring Manager

General Choi Cup 2011

12^th February 2011

 Venue: National Centre for Indigenous Excellence. The venue for this event was extremely suited for sporting activities like Taekwon-Do, the facility was clean, safe and secure. The shop kiosk was well stocked and manned by adequate staff, making it very pleasant surroundings. I look forward to many more events at this place in the future.

The morning of the tournament was perfect as the competitors rolled up to enter and weigh in. Once the rings were set, all competitors lined up for the opening and introductions and then the tournament began. We were running to a very tight schedule and we knew we would have no time to rest if we were to complete on time. Everyone must be congratulated for their efforts in assisting for this to happen, which enabled us to start right on time. Firstly with the patterns, colour and black belts, all competing to take out a placing, the determination and commitment from the competitors was truly impressive.

The sparring component of any tournament is probably considered the most exciting and interesting part, as the competitors prepared themselves with their protective equipment and trying to shake off the nerves that they were experiencing. Once in the ring it is game on and they will use all the knowledge that they have learnt from training and put it into action.

The competition was fierce, with everyone looking to take out the 1^st place trophy in their division. The outstanding display of courage, respect for their opponent and their ability was an impressive sight to see. Even though some divisions were small in number resulting in some having a physical advantage, the bouts were well controlled to eliminate injury. Even though they may not have won a trophy, they have won more than that, they have learnt that the experience is by far, more beneficial than any trophy.

The special techniques were also an amazing sight, with a display of extraordinary abilities to reach the specified targets, some with ease and some disappointed knowing they should have done better, as the targets are pushed higher and higher eliminating one by one, until finally we are left with the 3 final placing.

In all the General Choi Cup has been a success, and will continue to grow with the support of our members and instructors, hope to see you all at our next event.

John Abdallah