The first ever International Instructor Course in Finland was held on 10.-12.6.2011 in Oulu. Three ITF Grandmasters, GM Hector Marano 9. Dan, GM Wim Bos 9. Dan and GM Kim Ung Lang 9. Dan conducted this seminar, and altogether 132 black and red belts from 12 different countries attended this historical event! Additionally, we had the pleasure of welcoming Master Kenneth Wheatley, 7. Dan from Ireland to our event.
In this IIC, we scrutinized all the Taekwon-Do patterns from Chon-Ji to Tong-Il, and got acquainted with sparring exercises, self defense, step sparring, and lots of theory about the fundamentals and philosophy. The participants also asked various good questions to the Grandmasters and there was a very good atmosphere during the whole seminar. The event itself and the arrangements received very positive feedback.
In addition to the seminar, the organizing committee wanted to introduce the city of Oulu to the Grandmasters, and organized also a banquet attended by 62 people in their honor on Saturday evening. Our distinguished guests received gifts from the Finnish federation and from the local club, among other things, Finnish knives with a commemorative engraving. We also got to enjoy great weather because it was exceptionally warm (over +30°C) and sunny in Oulu. The midnight sun of the North was a new experience to many of our international guests.
Test for degree promotion was held during the seminar on Saturday afternoon and the following people took part and were promoted:
Congratulations to all!
The Grandmasters complimented the participants’ technical level which was pleasant news for all the instructors of the clubs present in the event. All in all, the seminar was a huge success and there were requests of a new seminar to be held in Finland as soon as possible.
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A big thank you to all participants and first and foremost to the Grandmasters for this wonderful seminar.
Miss Heli Karjalainen
President of ITF Finland
4th degree