In
April 1984, he brought his students on the international scene
during the 4th ITF Taekwon-Do World Championship in Glasgow,
Scotland, where they performed extremely well, winning several
medals.
It is on March 22, 1991 that Mr. Blake entered the circle of
Master instructors by receiving his 7th degree black belt certificate
from General Choi Hong Hi. He became the first Canadian-born
Instructor to obtain this mention.
In September 1992, Master Blake was part of the Canadian Delegation
who went to Pyong Hyang in North Korea, for the 8th Taekwon-Do
World Championship. Master Blake received the mention of referee
of the Championship. In the same championship, his student Mr
Dumaine won both the gold medal in pattern 4th Degree and the
best competitor trophy.
In June 1993, Master Blake became president of the Canadian
Taekwon-Do Federation International in Hamilton (Canada).
In May 1999, Master Blake organized the ITF Canadian Taekwon-do
Championship at the Pierre-Charbonneau Center in Montreal where
more than 1,200 athletes from all over Canada participated. In
September of the same year, Master Blake was granted 8th degree
from General Choi Hong Hi.
We were all aware that our Instructor was sick, he was postponing
the surgery which he should have been going to. He has been waiting
a little bit too much. Master Blake was not this kind of man
following advices, he has always been doing what he thought must
be done. We can remember his voice saying: "When He will call
me back I won't have a choice ..."
For those of you who did not have a chance to meet him, Master
Blake was a visionary instructor. We could describe his teaching
by: Technic Discipline and Loyalty. He often pointed out the
differences between sport and Martial Art. He was obviously mastering
the Art of Teaching, we can remember his eyes when looking at
the progress of a young child he said" Look how Taekwon-Do helped
him!" It was his conviction that Taekwon-Do was for a whole life.
Master Blake has dedicated his life to Taekwon-Do. Further,
he was among the first to oversee the development of Taekwon-Do
in Canada. With his convictions and his Korean martial art visions,
Master Blake became one of the pioneers who has contributed to
promote Taekwon-Do in Canada.
In the name of all Master Blake's Students.
Text written by: Msr. Richard Lajeunesse & Msr.
Thierry Reynaud
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