Burwood- A lesson on rationale behind actions and movements

​12 May 2023
 
​On Friday 12 May, Grandmaster Tam Fook Chee dedicated this lesson on self-defense and step sparring in preparation for the upcoming grading.  
 
GM Tam commenced the lesson with one-step sparring (ilbo-matsogi) with a transition from a rear-foot stance block to a walking stance high, middle and low attacks. After explaining the execution of the attacks, he then requested all color belt and black belts to come up with one question about the techniques demonstrated.  I feel the reasoning behind this request is to encourage us as students to understand the rationale behind every defensive and attacking technique, as these techniques correlate to both self-defense and sparring respectively. On a personal level, particularly as I gradually transition from a color belt to a black belt, it becomes increasingly crucial as a practitioner to achieve maximum power as well as effective control. GM Tam then discussed key characteristics which differentiate ITF Taekwon-Do from WT Taekwondo by stating the front snap kick (Ap-Chagi) is delivered to the mid-section and not to high section, as seen in WT Taekwondo. 
 
As the lesson proceeded, GM Tam asked the class the reasoning behind tying the belt at once, this served as one of the criteria to be eligible for promotion. This prompted me to read Encyclopedia excerpts online and search for the answer along with additional information. The ITF belt is tied once to signify concentration of one specific objective (ohdoikwan), devotion to one master (ilpyondanshim) and victory with one blow (ilkyokpilsung). Through, my personal research I understand the context behind the context of the belt, this is because Taekwon-Do was developed in the South Korean Army by General Choi Hong Hi and these concepts reflect the objectives of battle in the military. 
 
 Furthermore, on a personal level, one of the reasons I am particularly passionate about ITF Taekwon-Do is it fuels my inquisitive nature in an athletic, professional and personal context. Whilst, providing me a sense of identity and discipline in all aspects of my life. 
 
Taekwon
 
Paul (2nd Kup)