Random Seminar Photos

Just some random photos of the warm-up section of a seminar I presented in South Africa in February, showcasing various core-muscle and balance exercises, stretching exercises and other fundamentals.

  

Seoul Dojang

A friend took this photo of me in the main dojang in Seoul, South Korea. The main dojang has two senior classes in the evening, one at 19:00-20:30 and the next from 21:00-22:30. When I go, I often attend both classes and as an assistant instructor I also occasionally teach.

Sabeomnim Kim Hoon, the Secretary General for ITF Korea, has co-opted me into an ad hoc position on the Korean executive as "International Liaison Officer". Basically this means that I help with international correspondences in English.

If I could do it, you can too!

Apart from Bsb Yolandi, you all know me only as a black belt. Some of you knew me as a 2nd Dan, others as a 3rd Dan.

But I have discovered proof that will hopefully convince you that I was once a colour belt too! The photo below was sent to me by an old Taekwon-Do acquaintance, Abrie Coetzee.


On the right is my brother, Bsb Tiny, in the middle is Abrie, and on the left is, yes you've guessed it, me. I was 18 years when the photo was taken. Now you have to believe it - that I, being as clumsy as I was, got to where I'm now. So if I could do it, all of you can and I look forward to seeing you all surpassing me!

Taekwon!

Bsb Sanko

Cheers!

A warm thank you to everyone that was able to join the little farewell last night. You are not only Taekwon-Do students to me, but most definitely my friends as well.

Here are two photos we took. The first, just after we had our fill at the Spur,

...and the other while having some decadent ice-cream.


God's been providing for me in "mysterious ways" again -- and it seems I will indeed depart on Wednesdag (20 August) and arrive in Korea after about 30-something hours on Thursday (21 August) in the afternoon.

But there is one more opportunity to see each other at the Parkour-session this coming Sunday, at 14:00 - starting in the Student Centre (Potchefstroom Campus).

Taekwon!

Bsb Sanko

Recent SA-Champs

Hi everyone. Sorry for the late update.

I'm proud of all the Soo Shim Kwan members (and friends) that attended the South African National Taekwon-Do Championship last weekend (1-3 May), either as competitors or as supporters. A special congratulations to those of you that won medals: Khatija (Silver - Sparring), Charl (Silver - Sparring), Rijnhardt (Bronze - Sparring) and Werner (Bronze - Special Technique Breaking). Of the five members that competed, four brought back medals. Well done! Even thought we are the smallest federation, we can always stand proud.

Some photos...

Charl receiving his medal:

Franco doing that famous "Crane-style" kick from Karate Kid: ;)

Philip (right) on duty as an umpire:


Rijnhardt planting a kick on a competitors face!:


Werner looking cool:


Sanko and Rijnardt (and the medic oom):


Our loyal supporter, Stuward:


Why don't we have any photos of Khatija, Retha or Gerhard?!

Taekwon!

Bsb Sanko

1st Session with Master Kim

We had a good session yesterday with Master Kim at the Vanderbijlpark Dojang. This was the first of five sessions with him planned for this year, and co-hosted by us (Soo Shim Kwan) and the Shim Duk Kwan.

I’ve learned a couple of new things. I also realised that I don’t always practise what I preach. Although I know the theory, I sometimes fail to implement it in practise. That is the nice thing about training under someone. As an instructor I seldom have someone checking my techniques – so it was great to have Master Kim showing me on my mistakes. The importance of spotters in training was emphasized I think – so when you train outside of class hours, try to train with a friend that can spot your technique, or train in front of a large mirror.

I liked how he simplified the stances by focussing on how they overlap, i.e. the knee position for the back-leg in the L-stance is the same as in the sitting-stance; the knee position for the front-leg in the L-stance is the same as in the walking-stance, etc.

Master Kim also affirmed the importance of breaking down techniques to their simplest building blocks, in order to learn proper technique and not attain bad habits – which take a long time to unlearn.

The next session with Master Kim will be hosted at our dojang in Potchefstroom.

Taekwon!

Bsb Sanko

"Secret Training"

Occasionally, once the normal training is finished students start their secret training. For instance, Khatija practises flying (with a little help from Retha)…

Franco trains his deadly monkey choke…

Gerhard practices for the handstand marathon…

Retha terrifies any would-be assailant with picture perfect side kicks…

And who knows what this dude is doing?!

Who's Afraid of Winter?

Class attendance usually drops during the Winter Break, but these Taekwon-Doin showed their indomitable spirit by coming to class regardless the weather or the varsity break. Thanks guys and gals - you make me proud! Coincidentally all the belt colours are represented: white, yellow, green, blue, red and black!

Taekwon!
Bsb Sanko