Over the weekend of August 21st, 22nd and 23rd, Freedom TaeKwon-Do Schools hosted a Technical Training Seminar with Grandmaster Tran Trieu Quan, President of the ITF.  Taking place in the Prince George Civic Centre, situated in beautiful northern British Columbia, this exciting event brought together 99 Students and Instructors from 16 schools and 2 provinces. 

This incredible event was hosted by Freedom TaeKwon-Do Schools, under the instruction of Mr. Kurt Ottesen, VIth degree, in conjunction with the ITF of BC.  In total, over 50 black belt members attended; comprising the majority of the senior leaders in British Columbia.  It was truly a motivational sight to have all of the seniors out on the floor, training with the students.

Friday evening saw two sessions focusing on black belt skill development.  The first session covered fundamental skill development for black belt patterns, followed by an in depth session for senior black belts (4th – 6th degree) on applying training principles and methods for correcting students, including an in depth analysis on key components for each senior pattern.

Saturday morning began with a session on the fundamentals of movement for coloured belts, including practical methods of generating power and applying sine wave motion.  The participants were excited that Grandmaster Tran was able to demonstrate sine wave in a unique manner which better allowed them to understand and apply it in their patterns.

Grandmaster Tran continued the morning’s lessons with a highly energetic session of free sparring.  Topics covered included targeting, accuracy, movement, speed, distance, and tactics for creating openings.  The concepts of available targets and creating and anticipating secondary openings were discussed in detail.  By the end of the session, all participants were sweaty and thoroughly tired!
In the afternoon, Grandmaster Tran instructed a detailed session on Self Defense.  Innovative physical skills were developed, with a focus on immediate action and available targets.  The psychology of fear was discussed, along with useful skills for overcoming stress and focusing on escape.

That evening, Freedom TKD hosted a formal dinner at a local Vietnamese restaurant, the Thanh-Vu.  Incredible food and great conversation were shared by all.  The evening finished with a toast and with Grandmaster Tran taking the time to personally speak with all of those in attendance.

Sunday morning saw Grandmaster Tran begin with conditioning exercises, teaching the participants about the need for cardiovascular strength and endurance.  Training principles including strength training, anaerobic and plyometric skills were covered, as were agility and reaction exercises. 
Following lunch, the participants gathered at the Freedom TKD dojang, to end the seminar with a comprehensive PowerPoint presentation and discussion on the “Do” of TaeKwon-Do, including the system of implementation and teaching of the “Do.”

Grandmaster Tran then opened the floor to questions regarding the structure and future plans of the International TaeKwon-Do Federation.
The seminar concluded with Grandmaster Tran presiding over an examination and the successful promotion of Ms. Alexandra Vrzal to fourth degree.  Grandmaster Tran then personally presented her with her new belt.

Many thanks go out to all of the members for their energetic participation and support, and especially to the hosting committee for all of their hard work in organizing this memorable event.  Without them, this success would not have been realized.

Kurt Ottesen, VIth Dan
Seminar Host