The 73rd International Instructors Course (IIC) hosted by Master Sheena Sutherland VIII degree was held in West Lothian College, Livingston Scotland from the 11-13 May.

This IIC The first in nearly 10 years was of particular importance promoting the newly formed Tae Kwon-Do Scotland Ltd. (TKDSL) which represents both ITF and WTF as a equal working partnership to promote Tae Kwon-Do under the guidance of Sports Scotland formed and was formed on the 11th of April 2008.

Attended by 120 practitioners, including 11 Masters from 13 countries, Scotland, England, Ireland, France, Germany, Spain, Czech Republic, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Netherlands, Italy and Japan , was opened by Grand Master Bos on Friday 11th of May.

The Grand Masters were in top form covering colour belt patterns and basic movement which included excellent unarmed self defence techniques. The pattern part of the seminar was taken in rank order up to 2nd degree and also covering some excellent step sparring techniques up to 3rd degree covering a section on the application of various Taekwondo techniques. 4th degree’s up to an including Masters were allocated a large portion of the seminar dedicated to senior patterns and advanced techniques.

We were also honoured to be asked to host a senior black belt examination conducted by the ITF technical committee headed by Grand Master Marano where Master Val Douglas (Ireland) was promoted 8th Degree, Mr Marko Lieke (Finland) promoted to Master 7th Degree and Mr Tomi Taskila promoted to 4th degree.

Saturday evening was the official banquet where the Grand Masters were introduced to Directors WTF Directors of TKDSL, Master Brown, Mr Jim Tully (Chairman) and Mr John Haggerty (Executive Officer) who have been working closely with Master Sutherland , Master Dunbar and Master Thompson to promote ITF and WTF Tae Kwon-Do since early 2010.

We were delighted that Grand Master Marano and his team of Grand Masters were able to offer us the chance of hosting this the 73rd IIC, giving us the chance to introduce the Scottish WTF hierarchy within TKDSL to ITF namely Master Brown , Chairman Mr Jim Tully and Executive Officer John Haggerty.

ITF in Scotland has for many years sought independent recognition from the British Tae Kwon-Do Council (BTC). Only Scotland as a people really understand the needs of the Scottish membership and how best to promote and encourage the TKD North of the border. This common goal and the future of Scotland brought both WTF headed by Master Brown (WTF) and Master Sutherland (ITF) to the same conclusion, the way forward was together with mutual respect for the work and passion both have for their chosen style coupled with strength and vision.

It is the intention of TKDSL in Scotland to raise the technical standards, participation and public interest of Tae Kwon-Do. It is also our intention to actively seek to substantially raise the level of awareness and participation in the art & sport of Tae Kwon-Do in Scotland. We aim to build on our infrastructure of experience, qualified instructors & coaches building an atmosphere and culture where performance and progress are the central aims. We intend to develop Tae Kwon-Do to the highest professional level and guide ambitious Scottish TKD competitors in their pursuit of excellence. We will continually conduct National team affairs in an open, honest and constructive manner. We are committed to promoting equality and opportunity whilst ensuring a safe and fair environment for all our participants. Our practitioners’ will share benefits and joy that Tae Kwon-Do promotes throughout Scotland.

In August 1997 General Choi believed in Scotland enough to offer us our independence. At the time I myself knew it was only the beginning of the long journey we have travelled for nearly twenty years.

Those with strength, courage and willingness to embrace change will succeed ; those who show respect and tolerance will thrive while those who choose to belittle and frown will be left behind. Scotland’s practitioners deserve the opportunity to be included in everything that is available. It is our obligation as leaders to ensure they are best served.

The 73rd IIC by all accounts was a resounding success and the best IIC to date. This was summed up when Master Santaniello 7th degree (Italy) who asked Grand Master Bos to translate a few words for him personally to Master Sutherland, in which he said he had been to almost twenty IIC's all over the world and this was one of his most memorable. From the venue to the organisation and for the effort Master Sutherland put into making sure everyone was well looked after. Although he had travelled by himself and was the only representative from Italy, he expressed that he never left to feel alone.

Master Sutherland would like to thank firstly Grand Master Marano, Grand Master Bos and Grand Master Lan their hard work which helped make this event a huge success. Our sincere thanks go to all the black belts and Masters from around the world that gave their support and to our own team of instructors and black belts whom without it would not have been possible. Thank you for investing in “ Scotland our Future”.

We hope to see many of you again in September 2012 at TKD Sport where TKDSL will be present.

Master Sheena Sutherland VIII Degree