August 11, 2015
On the 8th of August, an official signing ceremony took place to welcome new members to ITF-TAO Nicaragua. Under the guidance of ITF-TAO Vice-President Mr. Pierson Aidan Solis, ITF-TAO continues to grow. We are looking forward to the visit of First Grand Master Rhee Ki Ha to Managua, Nicaragua in February of 2016.
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.
May 25, 2015
On Saturday May 23, Sabomnim Pierson Gutierrez, Sabomnim David Portas, BoosabomNim Marlon Hernandez, were invited to the Military Academy of the Army of Nicaragua, to exchange experiences.
An ITF-TAO branch will be set up there in the near future.
May 23, 2015
A promotion test for thirty-six Oakridge Taekwon-Do students from white belt to red belt was held this past weekend. The test was conducted by ITF-TAO Technical Director Mr. Mike Morningstar and assisted by Oakridge Taekwon-Do Head Instructor Mrs. Cathy Hadubiak. Congratulations on your promotions and good work promoting Taekwon-Do in the City of London.
May 2, 2015
In preparation for the upcoming CanAm Championships an Umpire A & B course was held in Oakville, Canada on Saturday May 2nd. The course was conducted by newly appointed ITF-TAO Umpire Director Mr. Rick Winsor of St. John’s, Newfoundland. Competition rules, code of conduct, dress code and referee hand signals were covered and practiced over the 5-hour course.
Upcoming courses will be in St. John’s, Newfoundland in May and Philadelphia, PA on June 20th.
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!
April 11-18, 2015
The 60th Anniversary week was a busy one for ITF-TAO Canada as we hosted First Grand Master Rhee Ki Ha. The week started out with a Taekwon-Do 60th dinner celebration on April 11th and then a Technical Seminar on April 18th. Over 100 instructors and students gathered in Oakville, Ontario for 4 hours of technical guidance form First Grand Master Rhee Ki Ha. Participants we not only from Ontario but Instructors from Pennsylvania, California and Colorado were also in attendance. We look forward to our next training with FGMR, the International Instructors Course in Canada in January of 2016.
