Continuous learning is a vital element of any good educator. Accepting that you are not perfect and that there’s always room for improvement opens up a window of opportunities and growth. Taekwondo might have been around since the 1940s/50s, but the ever-changing progressive developments of Kyorugi (Sparring) and the intricate details of Poomsae (Patterns) lead to us being students for life, no matter the color and rank of the belt.
In light of this, DAM instructors Mauro Busuttil and Luke Camilleri recently attended and successfully passed the WT Coach Certification Course [Lvl 1], making them International WT Coaches at G1 and G2 level Kyorugi competitions. The course involved technical lectures such as “Competition Rules” conducted by an International Referee and “Games Management”, as well as lectures on such important concepts as anti-doping and athlete safe-guarding.
Meanwhile DAM instructor Emvin Mifsud attended a 4hr Poomsae seminar by GrandMaster Ik Pil Kang (9th Dan). GM Ik Pil Kang is considered by many to be the bible of Poomsae and has a long list of accomplishments and accolades to his name. The seminar was focused solely on Taebek, which is the pattern required by 3rd Dans to advance to 4th Dan. Unlike the unpredictable nature of Kyorugi, Poomsae is governed by specific movements executed perfectly in succession, without any room for improvisation. This rigidity provides a perfect framework for the practitioner to channel his focus on his movements. It also means that, no matter your experience, you will always find a minute detail that you will need more practice on.
We congratulate our three instructors for their accomplishments and hope to impart their new found knowledge to our members very soon!