Yet another success for the INTA and their members has been their Technical Seminar held over two days in Maynooth Co Kildare, Ireland hosted by INTA President Master Brendan O’Toole (VIII Degree), Master Val Douglas (VIII) and Master Gerry Martin (VII). Over 150 members from Dublin, Kildare, Louth, Cork, Meath, Laois and Westmeath participated over the two days in this fantastic event which saw Masters O’Toole, Douglas and Martin patiently and diligently explain, discuss and expand upon the ITF syllabus. Participants ranged in experience from novice through to experienced VI Degree’s with the event focusing on Patterns (Chon Ji through to Tong Il), Step Sparring and Self Defence.

Day 1

The seminar began at 12 noon with Master Douglas putting all the participants through a very thorough warm up, Master O’Toole then led the class through a detailed examination and explanation of sine wave and the theory of power, followed by fundamental movements. Master O’Toole then led the seminar through patterns Chon Ji to GaeBaek, While Master Martin and Master Douglas took participants separately through many Step sparring exercises, sparring, kicking drills and self defence techniques as the various grades moved through the patterns.

Day 2

Mr Nigel Stobie (VI) took charge of the warm up and then Master O’Toole moved swiftly into patterns Hwa Rang through to Tong Il, discussing and analysing the finer points of their execution. Master Martin took participants through step sparring and in the afternoon Master Douglas discussed and encouraged advanced Self Defence Techniques. The event was well received by all those who attended and they welcomed the opportunity to advance their knowledge, skill and understanding of the ITF Syllabus. The INTA Masters encouraged an environment of participation and learning and welcomed all questions and discussion in a friendly and open manner.

Commenting on the event INTA President Master O’Toole (VIII)

‘ ...It has been another success for the INTA and our members. We continually look to improve the technical knowledge and understanding of all our members, young, old, novice and experienced. Myself, Master Douglas and Master Martin actively encourage an open forum of dialogue and discussion in our Technical Seminars and it is clear this approach is a successful model as our student base and membership grows from strength to strength’.