​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)

Last week, I was given the opportunity to participate at the 18th KTAA Tournament. This was quite a unique experience as this competition was not ITF rules. Nonetheless, Tam’s Taekwon-Do Mudokwan was invited to participate and I thought that this was a brilliant opportunity to spar opponents with very different sparring styles. It was also an opportunity to showcase ITF Tul to an audience that was unfamiliar with ITF Taekwon-Do… Which I believe was very well received. 
 
The preparation for the competition was an interesting experience as I had to make some adjustments to my sparring. The rules were quite different to what I am typically used to. The biggest adjustment was definitely not being able to punch the face; it was almost like fighting an instinct which I’ve been conditioned to naturally do. I was also not allowed to kick to the head… Although that may have been a blessing in disguise. 


 Another interesting factor which I had to account for was that I was competing in a weight division that was two classes above my own. That was definitely a challenging aspect as my competitors were much bigger than me. That meant I had to focus on footwork - working on angles and distances to avoid being caught by their naturally longer reach, but also being able to score. I also wanted to avoid taking too many hits from my opponents because they were so much heavier than me!
 
​Overall, it was a good experience. I felt that the other students and instructors were welcoming to TTM even though we do not practice WT style. It was also a big learning experience; how scores were taken in this tournament is rather different to what I’m used to in ITF Taekwon-Do tournaments. 
 In any case, I felt that I was able to achieve my purpose; TTM was able to demonstrate a powerful performance, and I was able to spar and challenge myself with many opponents. 
 I’m looking forward to participating in more tournaments as I prepare for the World Championships in Kazakhstan this year. 
 Please show your support to my fellow dojang mates, Grace and Kevin, as are also preparing for this big tournament.
 Taekwon,
 Elaine

Grandmasters, instructors and members from WT and spectators thoroughly enjoyed our ITF pattern Kwang-Gae performed by Sabum Mayumi Tam, Boosabum Vanessa Ly, Musk Chow, Kevin Quach, Emilian Boettger, Elaine Li and Mayah Yeung.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all jejanims and parents.
Wishing you, your family and your love one a very Happy New Year. May 2023 fill you with success and happiness.

Classes are all closed now for the festive season and school holidays. Please see below respective dojang reopening dates except Bondi Dojang to be confirmed soon as Bsb Mark Balfour is away.

• Lidcombe Dojang (PCYC Auburn): - Wednesday 1-2-2023. An arrangement will be made to resume TaekwonDults training earlier run by senior black belts while Sasung and Sabum Tam are away.
  
• Rockdale Dojang: - Thursday 2-2-2023 
• Burwood Dojang: - Friday 3-2-2023 
• Blacktown Dojang: - Wednesday 18-1-2023

​The COVID – 19 pandemic had put a significant hold on local and international competition, but, much to our excitement, Australia had its first nation-wide squad training in Melbourne, hosted by Sasung Danny Kordanovski, on 26th November after three years of lockdowns and restricted travelling.
 
This day was also an opportunity for students to be selected for the World Championships held in Kazakhstan 2023.
 
Black belt students Elaine Li, Grace Wee and Kevin Quach represented TTM on this day and gained a fantastic opportunity to train with other black belt students from Australia after three years of physical absence.
It was a long day of training, starting with patterns at 8:30AM, then moving onto sparring, and then finally finishing off at 4:30PM with power breaking and special technique. Competitors and instructors from all over the state who have years of World Championship experience in all areas of competition were also able to share and pass on to up and coming competitors.
 
The results for the World Championships Selections are expected to be announced in January 2023.  Wish us the best and stay tuned for more news.
​
Taekwon,
Elaine Li

4th December 2022 was a pivotal day that marked the 148th TTM grading, celebration of TTM’s 30th anniversary and first Christmas luncheon post COVID-19 lockdown. 
 
In the weeks leading up to the grading, jejanims attended a pre-grading workshop to refine their patterns, hand and kicking techniques, and self-defence. It is highly encouraged that all grading students embrace the opportunities to attend these pre-grading workshops in the future to boost their confidence and grading results. 
 
The grading was kicked off by the adult colour-belts and, as the morning went by, the junior colour-belts filed in punctually for their grading. The students were required to performed their patterns, kicking techniques and self-defence routines. This was followed by grading specific sparring which focused on the utilisation of a variety of attacking and blocking techniques, and the importance of footwork such as dodging and side-stepping. All jejanims performed superbly on the day, exhibiting the fruits of their hard work. Fellow jejanims were inspired and the spectating black belts were impressed by the grading jejanims. We hope family and friends also enjoyed the opportunity to spectate the grading. 
 
After the grading was the annual TTM award presentation, which recognised the diligence, performance, and commitment of jejanims throughout the year and their journey with TTM. The awards included best attendance awards presented to students that attended most, if not all, of their classes during the year, highlighting their enthusiasm and dedication towards Taekwon-Do. Awards were also presented to students for most improvement, distinguished grading results, and overall excellence. It was also inspiring to witness senior black belts, sabums and boosabums being presented with prestigious awards recognising their commitment and support for the club. The award recipients have supported the club for over decades and some since the inception of the club!

Jejanims were not the only ones to receive something. Sasung and Sabum Tam were surprised with thoughtful gifts from jejanims and their parents, as well as from AAITF members, to  congratulate them for TTM's 30th anniversary. 
 
The awards ceremony was followed by spectacular demonstrations of team patterns from the various dojangs, pattern application and breaking from the black belts. The team patterns showed team work, coordination and skill. It was heartening to see jejanims of all ages and belts participate in the demonstrations. 
 
Congratulations to all jejanims on their grading and award recipients. A huge thank you to everyone who helped make this remarkable day successful. Also, a big thank you to all the parents for attending and celebrating this special occasion with us. 
 
Taekwon,
Winston Phan Ⅱ Dan

Congratulations to all jejanims who passed your grading.
148th TTM grading result:
Probation means one component of the grading is unsuccessful although meeting the overall passing mark.

9th Gup White Belt Yellow-tip
Minji Huang, Moses Soukie, Aiden Xia, Annabell Ni, Elijah Youssef, Qi Hang and Nevaeh(probabtion-pending step sparring)

8th Gup Yellow Belt
Danny Wang, Shen Zhong Lee, Calysta Valhos, Zane Cetindemir, Adrian Abouhanna, Vanessa Yang, Isabella Shalyapina, Hamza Ibrahim and Zackery Sekulceski

7th Gup Yellow Belt Green-tip
Lucas Hua, Reyansh Mehta, Evan Huang, Meave Suwanto, Maxwell Suwanto(probabtion-pending Do-San tul), Jonathan Haklane, Zackery Sekulceski

6th Green Belt
Albert, Agsalda, Max Peng, Benjamin Marcos, Mia Cetindermir, Matthew Haddad, Jacky Peng, Aj Hawli, Will Choi,
Zayn Hage, Joshua Javier, Matias Angel, Farah Hawli, Kartikeya Pathak(probation-pending step sparring)

5th Gup Green Belt Blue-tip
Tsubasa Uno, Javis Tan, Gracelyn Neville, Hussain Ibrahim, Christopher Le, Joshua Mears, Elizabeth Le, Jordan Conwell

4th Gup Blue Belt
Misaki Uno, Nicholas Marcos, Catherin Ni, Jacko Deng, Brian Chen, Mariam Ibrahim, Benjamin Murr, Evelyn Huynh,
Clark Huynh, Ricahrd Ni, Alanna Abouhanna, Joshua Hadadd, Duc Vo, Zaynab Ibrahim, Ian Chen, Joanna Bechara

3rd Gup Blue Belt Red-tip
 Audriella Haddad, Xavier Moloney, Chloe Tan

2nd Gup Red Belt
Nathanael Chan, Isaac Neville, Tony Youssef, Brandon Kidner, Bianka Lee

1st Gup Red Belt Black-tip
Kyan Aung(probabtion-pending step sparring), River Hooper(probabtion-pending step sparring), Justin Mio(probabtion-pending step sparring)

TTM is proud to announce the following award recipients:

29 Years of Continued Support, Commitment and Dedication
Sabum Mayumi Tam

23 Years of Continued support, Commitment and Dedication
Sabum Alan Luong

19 Years of of Continued Support, Commitment and Dedication
Chris Lai
​
18 Years of Continued Support, Commitment and Dedication
Samantha Tam

15 Years of Continued Support, Commitment and Dedication
Musk Chow and Grace Wee

13 Years of Continued Support, Commitment and Dedication
Vanessa Ly

12 Years of Continued Support, Commitment and Dedication
Sabum Jacek Leszczynski, Boosabum Mark Balfour and Kevin Quach

10 Years of Continued Support, Commitment and Dedication
Joe Lee

Best Grading Result 2022
Black Belt of The Year - Winston Phan
Colour Belt - Loudonald Go
TaekwonKids - Adrian Abouhanna

Distinguished Grading Result 2022
Black Belt - Sabum Mayumi Tam and Sabum Alan Luong
Colour Belt - Loukit Ghale and Jayant Ghartimar
TaekwonKids - Kyan Aung and River Hooper

Most Improved Student
Minji Huang, Calysta Vlahos, Will Choi, Oliver Beattie, Shuen Zhon Lee, Zaynab Ibrahim, Vanessa Yang and Dina Levy

Perfect Attendance Award
Bianka Lee, Misaki Uno, Tsubasa Uno and Justin Mio

Best Attendance Award
Richard Ni, Mariam Ibrahim, Zayn Hage, Shiv Patel, Mia Cetindermir, Lucas Hua, Shuen Zhon Lee, Nathanael Chan, Nicholas Marcos, Benjamin Marcos, Clark Huynh, Evelyn Huynh, Will Choi and Dr Michael Zhu

In Grateful Appreciation for Your 30 Years of Dedication and Support
Sabum Raymond Sue, Sabum Jackson Chan, Isaac Tsui and Kelvin Chung

In Grateful Appreciation for Your 15 Years of Dedication and Support
Caroline Ting

In Grateful Appreciation for Your 10 Years of Dedication and Support
Dylan Eurlings
​

Group Photos

TaekwonDults grading photos

TaekwonKids photos

Award presentation

Demo photos

TTM sees the first grading held at Alpha Park dojang under the instruction of the very experience Sabum Rabindra Ghale on 5th October 2022. Huge appreciation is extended to all jejas for being so keen to be graded in the middle of your school holidays and support from families absolutely can not be discounted. The foundation of this dojang will not be as successful without the hard work from Sabum Rabindra Ghale and his black belts, Uttam Shresta and Chris Lai.
Sabums Mayumi Tam and Jackson Chan certainly will leave a forever impression for all the pioneer jejas of this dojang who appreciated their support.

Well done and congratulations to all first timer grading jejanims.
147th TTM grading result:

9th Gup White Belt Yellow-tip
Loukit Ghale, Loudonald and Loughlan Go, Jayant Magar, Nirveek Shresta, Amberly Gurung and Khushi Shresta

On a rare sunny morning on the Sunday 25th September 2022 whilst many were still snoozing in la la land, and Covid now firmly in the rear-view mirror, began the 146th TTM colour belt grading at Strathfield dojang, courtesy of Sabum Ray.  A momentous occasion where all those blood sweat and tears from the dedicated months of training are finally put to the test under the expert supervision of first-time solo grading instructor 6th degree Sabum Mayumi accompanied by small group of loyal black belt helpers in what would attest to be the 30th year of Tam Taekwon-Do Mudokwan. It didn't disappoint, the rigorous graders were rewarded was for all their hard work, self-discipline, display of skills and combat with a much-deserved new gup and an applauding audience.
 
The session began at coffee time, 8am for the junior-coloured belts. They were given 90 minutes in which to prove their newly gained Taekwon-Do moves were deserved of a new belt. After a quick warm-up they demonstrated their kicks, punches, blocks, patterns, written comprehension and step sparring. This was quickly followed by an entourage of green and higher belts who in addition to the line work and patterns, were required to engage in free sparring, often involving back-to-back rounds, whist utilizing their arsenal of flying kicks, spinning kicks and sublime dodging techniques. Finally, a third set of students appeared, a special arrangement for those who could not attend the earlier times. The auspicious occasion was concluded with a surprise visit from Grand Master Tam who under doctor's orders was present as a spectator only. Nevertheless, he witnessed his students make him proud with their endurance, perseverance, hard work and martial arts practice, and his instructor Sabum Mayumi run the show like a finely guided Master, albeit one belt to go! 
 
The grading ran like clockwork, and when the final bell rang it was time to reward those previously graded black belts and umpires with their new doboks, belts, certificates, and a rapturous applause from those who had experienced their dedication, those you want to experience it, and those devoted parents who without them, none of this would be possible. So a big round of applause to those newly qualified, and an honourable mention to all the selfless black belt volunteers, and Adamrinjarni whose cameo display of combat and control drew whoops from the crowd, and all the newly promoted black belts, Sabums Alan Luong and Mayumi Tam both 6th degree, Winston Phan 2nd, Cecelia Choi and Jason Yohana (probation) for their 1st degree black belt, Sabum Jackson Chan International Umpire and Boosabum Mark Balfour National Umpire. Well done! Or as my white belt student mentioned, effort equals reward!

Taekwon
Bsb Mark Balfour

Congratulations to all jejanims who passed your grading.
146th TTM grading result:

9th Gup White Belt Yellow-tip
Adrian Abouhanna, Calysta Vlahos, Xander Camilleri, Zane Cetindermir, Gabriel Youssef, Lester Pan, Mabel Fan, Oliver Barrero, Dina Levy, Vanessa Yang, and Isabella Shalyapina

8th Gup Yellow Belt
Xavier Camilleri and Reyansh Mehta

7th Gup Yellow Belt Green-tip
Isla Blye, Zayn Hage, Mia Cetindermir, benjamin Marcos, Ari Koulouris, Matias Piedrahita Angel and Kartikeya Pathak, 

6th Green Belt
Isla Blye, Christopher Le,  Amir Nikmorad, Paris Youssef, Gracelyn Neville and Hussain Ibrahim

5th Gup Green Belt Blue-tip
Anthony and Alanna Abouhanna, Mariam and Zaynab Ibrahim, Shiv Patel, Duc Vo and Joanna Bechara

4th Gup Blue Belt
Chloe Tan

3rd Gup Blue Belt Red-tip
Nathanael Chan, Tony Youssef, Isaac Neville, and Brandon Kidner

2nd Gup Red Belt
River Hooper, Kyan Aung and Paul Zhang

1st Gup Red Belt Black-tip
Tanya Liu and Aaron Le

Staying home waiting for the rain to stop and COVID over......why not join us. We are still training at Lidcombe during this school holidays

The COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns have affected many jejas' attendances which in turn interrupted their grading. 
Thanks to the recently changed Health NSW and self-isolation regulations, TTM's membership is seeing a steady growth with grading returning to the norm.

Jejas are able to return to training with less stay-home interruptions and many are ready to apply for their belt grading.

Grand Master Tam and Sabum Mayumi have always taken their time out to organise weekend pre-grading workshops. These  workshops are important  lesson to boost the confidence of the jejas  prior to their grading as well as an important technique tune up session.

All red and black-tip belt holders are encouraged to attend these workshops. Black-tips are compulsory to attend all grading sessions prior to their own grading to gain the knowledge and confidence they need for their success in their belt promotion.

Thank you to Boosabumnim Mark Balfour for preparing your jejas from Bondi dojang to attend the grading conducted by Grand Master and Sabum Tam. Thank you to black belts; Boosabumnim Vanessa Ly, Winston Phan, Dr. Michael Zhu and Adamrinjarni that not only came to support your dojangmates but also learn the commanding and running of the grading procedures.

Grading time is also a great opportunity for inter dojangmates get to know each other, develop friendship, exchange ideas  and bonding. It was great to see all jejas encouraging each other in the grading to do their best.
Moral culture is heavily emphasized in Tam Taekwon-Do Mudokwan grading as well as everyday lesson apart from many other aspect of Taekwon-Do.

There was no hiccup at all in the grading this time and everyone passed their grading.
Congratulations to you all on your promotion and proud of your effort and hard work. You are look up upon by your junior belt dojangmates to follow your success.

9th Gup White Belt Yellow-tip
Daniel Donglin Wang, Shuen Zhong Lee, Ewan Duncan, Reyansh Mehta and Zackery Sekulceski

8th Gup Yellow Belt
Matias Angel

7th Gup Yellow Belt Green-tip
Albert Agsalda, Max Peng, Ahmad Joseph Hawli, Jacky Peng, Will Yau Zo Choi, Farah Hawli, Joshua Javier and Leo Koulouris

6th Green Belt
Tsubasa Uno, Kaiden Pham, Javis Liang Yu Tan and Hugo Bergman

5th Gup Green Belt Blue-tip
Misaki Uno, Nicholas Marcos, Catherine Ni, Benjamin Murr, Richard Ni, Evelyn Huynh and Clark Huynh

4th Gup Blue Belt
Xavier Moloney and Brandon Kidner

3rd Gup Blue Belt Red-tip
Bianka Lee

2nd Gup Red Belt
Annette Fallon

1st Gup Red Belt Black-tip
Henry Bergman

The long awaited and overdue black belt grading was held over three weekends at Strathfield South dojang on 11th, 17th and 24th April 2022. The grading was held on the auspicious day in conjunction with all ITF members the world over celebrating the 67th Anniversary of the inauguration of Taekwon-Do by General Choi Hong Hi on 11th April 1955.

All grading candidates had to attend the compulsory pre-grading workshop over three weekends to ensure they are thoroughly prepared and ready for their grading.  The workshop covered every aspect of Tam Taekwon-Do Mudokwan requirements for the belt promotion which is always above and beyond what is set by  ITF.  
Instruction and was given by Grand Master Tam with attention to details for everyone from pattern (tul) to fundamental movements and its application (gibon yonsop), self-defence (hosinsul), power breaking (wi-ryok) and compulsory kicking techniques (bal gisol).

TTM is proud to see everyone is always eager and enthusiastically focused and hungry for the grading. After the strict test, everyone felt relief knowing they passed their grading and for those who were unsuccessful to break all their required breaking techniques, they had to complete it on the final session. Power breaking is not always without unsuccessful attempt. TTM is prideful of its jejas' perseverance and indomitable spirit. They came back to do more breaks!

Special requirement for Sabum Mayumi and Sabum Alan in veteran power breaking was showcased in the self-defence routine techniques. That was an eye opening experience for the younger grading candidates. 

A very special congratulation to everyone for putting in full effort for your achievement that not many people are able to and to push yourself to the next level to show your dojangmates your success.
​
Congratulations, you have now successfully completed the up-grading test, accomplished the requirement of Tam Taekwon-Do Mudowkan and furthermore gained an understanding of the ultimate truth and spiritual forces to be a true Mudoga (martial artist)

6th Dan Black Belt
Sabum Alan Luong and Sabum Mayumi Tam

2nd Dan Black Belt
Winston Phan

1st Dan Black Belt
Cecelia Choi
Jason Yohana (probation)