On Friday 17th of November we visited with Master Jerzy Jedut Riga, the capital of Latvia. We were invited by Mr. Armand Saltenis and Mr. Yuri Yershov from Latvian Taekwon-Do Federation. The purpose of our visit was the meeting with Latvian club members and conducting seminar for students with different technical level.

After arriving to Riga we were welcomed by Armand and Yuri. They accommodated us in very comfortable Maritim Park Hotel Riga. After small rest we went with our guides (whose part substitute Mr. Saltenis and Mr. Yershov) for sightseeing historical centre of Riga. We learned lots of interesting facts while walking and admiring beautiful places in old town of capital of Latvia. Our visit was conclude by common supper in restaurant with traditional Latvian cuisine.

From left: Yuri Yarshov Technical Director LTA, Master Tadeusz Łoboda AETF President and Armand Saltenis Latvian Taekwon-Do ITF Association President

On Saturday we went to Physical Education Academy in Riga which is Mr. Sergejs Saulite place of work. He is former President of National Association on Latvia.

The first seminar was planned for participants with belts from white to 7 cup. In this seminar took part 53 students, age 8 to 20 years old. Additionally to this seminar attempt 5 black belts. Seminar was leading by Master Jedut who was expound all information’s in English and Russian languages. Main subject was Taekwon-do composition. After warm-up competitors repeated basic techniques existing in patterns from Chon –ji to Do san, than they were practicing first three patterns step by step. In next part of seminar Master Jedut showed participants in two ways three-step sparring compatible with guidelines from Taekwon-Do Encyclopedia. At the end students tried some basic elements of self defence. Morning session ended with group photo.

The afternoon session starts on 4 p.m This session was dedicated for students with green and blue belts. Additionally there were also 8 black belts and quite many lowest grade young people, taking already part in morning session, decided to practice together with green and blue belts in the same group afternoon. In total there were 42 participants. Due to the fact mentioned group presented higher technical level Master Jedut chosen different teaching methodology. At the beginning he taught in simple way how to move during sparring. Then he went fluently to more complicated exercises concerning the same subject. Finally participants were learning how to kick while moving. In last part of the session students performed fundamental movements related to their grade. It is worth to add that Yuri Yarshov assisted Master Jedut whole day and was very helpful. This part of seminar also ended with group photo.

In the evening there was a meeting of instructors who are leaders of Latvian Taekwon-Do clubs and higher black belts. The meeting was connected with official supper. The participants were interested in rules and procedures existing in ITF, actual politics situation and activities of ITF. There were also discussed some issues concerning Taekwon-do development on the world and specifically on Latvia. The participants was very active during the meeting they were asking lots of questions, and listened with big interest. The meeting ended after midnight.

On Sunday seminar began on 10.00 am. in the Turiba University. It is modern school with major faculties in business, law, administration, international tourism and public relations. More about this university you can find on www.turiba.lv website. The Sunday seminar was dedicated for black belts. All of them, 19 persons, registered in Latvian Taekwon-Do Association took part in that seminar. Master Jedut showed and explained and participants practised all movements from Chon-Ji to Choy-Yong Class has got more personal character. It was combine of consultations and individual improving of techniques in sorted movements in patterns. This part took little bit more time than planned. All participants was very happy about this extension.

In the afternoon took place grading. There were four persons applied for 3rd degree . All of them successfully passed their exam. New 3rd degrees on Latvia are: Mr. Denis Tokarev, Mr. Aleksandr Stadnichenko, Mr. Sergey Saulite, Miss. Tatyana Novosyolova.

After the seminar all participants received their certificates of participation which were prepared by Physical Education Academy in Riga.

Master Tadeusz Łoboda