March 7, 2016

Mr. Rick Winsor, Umpire Director, conducted the 3rd ITF-TAO Umpire “A” and “B” Tournament Officials Course at McCarthy’s Taekwon-Do in Conception Bay South, Newfoundland. There were 14 Black Belt attendees ranging from 1st to 4th Dan.

This was a full-day course which involved becoming familiar with the requirements of fulfilling the duties of a Head Official as well as a Center Referee. This was done through the review of course materials and hands-on practical application exercises allowing the students to perform these duties in a professional manner.

It was a very successful seminar and all participants will be awarded the designation of Umpire “A” or “B” certification.

February 12, 2016

On the weekend of February 5th, First Grand Master Rhee Ki Ha conducted a technical seminar for the Instructors and students of ITF-TAO Nicaragua. The event was organized by ITF-TAO Nicaragua President 5th Dan Mr. Pierson Solis. FGMR was accompanied by Technical Director Mr. Mike Morningstar and Mr. Sean Sutton Vice President USA.

Keeping true to the teachings of the founder of Taekwon-Do, General Choi Hong Hi, FGMR drilled the participants on correct sine wave and the proper application of techniques. By the end of the 4 hour training everyone was exhausted but motivated in their efforts to keep Chang Hun Taekwon-Do alive in it’s purist form. A promotion test was also held after the seminar.

Congratulations to all those who were successful in their quest for higher dan levels.

February 3, 2016

Our 2nd International Instructors Course with First Grand Master Rhee Ki Ha took place on January 29-31 in Oakville, Ontario with instructors and assistant instructors from across North America. Over the three days, First Grand Master Rhee covered training secrets, fundamental movements, patterns, counting and the proper way to command class as well as some interesting TKD historical stories.

On the Saturday evening FGMR was treated to a dinner with the Executive of ITF-TAO. After the IIC on Sunday a promotion test was held for candidates for 4th and 6th Dan.

November 9, 2015

On Saturday, November 7th, ITF-TAO Technical Director Mr. Mike Morningstar conducted a 4 hour technical seminar in London, Ontario. The event was hosted by Mrs. Cathy Hadubiak, head instructor of Oakridge Taekwon-Do and was attended by students from Morningstar TKD and Oakridge TKD. Sixty participants from yellow belt to 4th degree black belt were put to the test with a very challenging warm up. Mr. Morningstar covered fundamental movements, kicking drills, patterns, step sparring and self-defense. The last two hours of the day was devoted to black belt patterns. This was the 9th annual training workshop hosted in London.

November 4, 2015

On October 6th of this year Oakridge Taekwon-Do began offering Women’s only classes.This is a small but dedicated group of women that trains three morning per week Mrs. Hadubiak and Oakridge Taekwon-Do in promoting the true teachings of the Founder, General Choi Hong Hi to the London Community.

July 10, 2015

A successful promotion test for Croatia ITF TAO Taekwon-Do students from red belt to black belt was held this past weekend. The test was conducted by the ITF TAO – CROATIA President Mr. Tomislav Dakovic and assisted by ITF TAO – CROATIA Head Instructor Mr. Zlatko Slisko. Congratulations on your promotions and good work promoting Taekwon-Do in this part of Europe.

June 3, 2015

London, Ontario and Oakridge Taekwon-Do played host to the 2015CanAm Championships which brought competitors and spectators from across Canada and the USA for an exciting day of high caliber Taekwon-Do.The cheers from the crowd were most notable whenever there was a final match between the USA and Canada, each country encouraging their country’s competitor.

The tournament started with an opening ceremony that began with both National anthems, a moment of silence to honour the Founder of Taekwon-Do, the playing of the “Ode to General Choi” and culminated with an inspirational message from FGMR. The tournament was highlighted by a fiercely competitive Black Belt division many of whom had international experience competing in the previous years ITF World Championships.

All said and done, it was a great event!

May 27, 2015

On Saturday, May 23, 2015 Mr. Rick Winsor, Umpire Director, ITF-TAO, conducted the second Tournament Officials’ Training (Umpire “A” and “B”) course, this one taking place at Cabot Taekwon-Do in Goulds, Newfoundland. The course consisted of introducing/reviewing the rules of competition, the responsibilities of all members of the ring council, the commands and signals required for sparring and the expectations of the coaches.

This particular seminar was designed to address the requirements related to local tournaments as opposed to international competitions and covered the regulations of both individual and team patterns and sparring.

Feedback from those attending the course was very positive and experienced students felt they benefited from the refresher, while less experienced individuals enjoyed participating and succeeding in this new challenge.

April 29, 2015

First Grand Master Rhee Ki Ha dropped in on Master Kenneth Hance and the students of Taekwon-Do Maximus on the Monday evening after the Oakville seminar. First Grand Master shocked Master Hance he said he would like to visit his Dojang.

“I was totally caught off guard when First Grand Master said he would visit us. What an honour to have one of the original pioneers of Taekwon-Do in our presence.”

FGMR presented Master Hance with an autographed photo of his famed two direction kick. This day will be forever remembered by Master Hance and the students of Taekwon-Do Maximus.

April 27, 2015

On Saturday April 18th competitors of all ages and levels gathered in Slavonski Brod, CROATIA-EUROPE for the ITF-TAO Croatia Championships. This years event was hosted by Sabum-Nim Tomislav Dakovic and Croatia ITF-TAO Taekwon-Do Union. Competitors competed in patterns, sparring and adult black belts also competed in breaking. Dojangs from across the region fought hard in the true Spirit of Original Taekwon-Do. Congratulations to all!