In This Edition:

- Alanna Daviess prepares for the black belt test Read more
- Mikayla Southern learnt all about confidence Read more
- Korea Training Trip 2010 Read more

- No Classes Monday October 3rd, Public Holiday.

- Advanced Training this Sunday at CBC 5.30 pm

- Kids TKD Make Up Test Saturday October 22 at 1 pm.

Alanna Daviess - Reynella Training Centre

My name is Alanna Daviess and I was 11 years old when I started World Taekwondo in 2007. I’m now 14 years old and a red belt. When I got my green belt I started going to power breaking classes. At first I was pretty nervous but I got used to it fairly quickly. As I got older it got easier, as do most things. When I got my brown belt I started going to Seniors Classes. They were a lot different from my usual classes at Reynella and Hallett Cove in not only the people there but the things we got to learn. That is the whole point I guess. The thing I like most about training with World Taekwondo is the fact that I am constantly learning new things at each class. I am also glad for the fact that I know how to defend myself and for the connections I have made with the people I have met. As I head towards getting my Black Belt, there is always this thought of not passing. However, I am always reassured by the confidence I have in myself and that of the people around me. I think that getting my Black Belt will be just the start of exciting events in my life and I know for certain that training with World Taekwondo is something that I will be committed to for life. Top

Our previous raffle winners from semaphore centre

Mikayla Southern - Mount Barker Centre

After being inspired to discover more about World Taekwondo by Kellie from Hi 5, I started training at Mt. Barker just before my 5th birthday. Nine years later and one grading away from my Black Belt, I am still training. World Taekwondo has been a great experience, providing me with the opportunity to improve my fitness and core strength. Most importantly, World Taekwondo has taught me self-defence techniques, which have given me the confidence and ability to keep myself safe should I need to. I have really enjoyed Power Breaking over the years, along with Seniors class which has provided the opportunity to develop further techniques not shown in regular classes. World Taekwondo Instructors are really great teachers who are very encouraging and supportive. Top

Korea Trip 2010, Training, Sight seeing, Great experience.

In July 2010 we were fortunate enough to be part of the World Taekwondo trip to Korea. Below are a few snapshots of the multitude of experiences that we had on the trip. Landing in Seoul, Annyong Haseo! Banners, bows, handshakes and hugs. Hello and welcome to Korea. We dive onto the disco bus and head south for the countryside. Roadside vegetable gardens, rice paddies and orchards of walnut trees with the occasional outcrop of apartment building complexes. Jeusong University. We are the guests of honour at an opening ceremony celebrating our training and cultural tour of Korea. After witnessing a spectacular display of poomsae, board breaking and acrobatics we gather to meet and greet the university World Taekwondo team.
Onto the bus again and into town for another meal. Bowls of bibimbap, and broths of boolgolgi, chickens stuffed with ginseng and prunes. More kimichi please! In the streets, young students, late for class, run in their World Taekwondo uniforms. Minivans plastered with World Taekwondo cartoon characters take students home after training. Back to Jeusong University for Hoshin Sool practise with the locals. Arm locks and throws take students down to the floor but with smiles still plastered across their faces.
Hapkido with Grand Master Choi. Swords slice through the air, Nunchakus crack through the defences of unsuspecting opponents. The devastating, fluid movements of hapkido set the attacker’s aggression back onto themselves. A rare opportunity to spend a night at the buddist temple, Gongri Sa. Gathered around the monk they call ‘Picaso’ we watch as he effortless pens symbols of Buddist philosophy; the lotus flower, the meditating monk, a tea drinking ceremony. In the stillness of the temple’s mountain setting we are given a chance to relax and reflect about our experiences. Back in Seoul to train with Grand Master Hae Man Park, a master of World Taekwondo poomsae. Side by side with Korean students we are focused to try and pick up every detail we can, pausing only to wipe the beads of perspiration that pour from our faces. As the trip draws to a close, we get a chance to give cheers to all those that were involved in making the trip such a unique experience. With our supply of fluffy Australian memorabilia exhausted, it only leaves us to thank Grand Master Wahid and Master Carol for making the trip possible.During our stay we experienced training with Grand Masters doing Poomsae Hapkido and One-Step Sparring classes. We also experienced the Korean culture sleeping on the floor, eating traditional food including Kimchi,as well as some other delicacies ,including something I believe was called a "black prawn", shopping and exploring markets. We travelled by bus so we were able to appreciate the country side and able to see the city sights and appreciate the skills of the bus driver negotiating the traffic. We tried to practice small amounts of Korean - not very well. We travelled to the mountains and stayed at a Buddhist temple - Gong Rim Sah and were entertained by a Monk named Moo Joo who painted in the way of Picasso. We also participated in a tea ceremony and were woken at 3am by the Buddhist bell so we could go to temple. The experience was well rounded, uplifting and exhilarating. Thank you to Master Carol and Master Wahid for the opportunity to be involved in the trip and to train in Korea, the home of World Taekwondo. Top

Inst James Forbes at the Nailsworth Training Centre with Kids Taekwondo students Top