The planning for this memorable weekend started already more than a year ago when I was in Edinburgh on business and I asked Ms Cross if I could join her school for a TKD class. I typically try to visit local schools from time to time since I travel quite extensively. After a very nice training with Ms Cross and her students the thought crossed my mind to invite her to my school in Gothenburg Sweden. After some initial discussions at the World Cup, Brighton, I invited Ms Cross and soon it was decided that Ms Cross would come to Frölunda Taekwon-Do Club, the weekend of 11-13th of October.

There were multiple objectives for the seminar: To offer the national team members some last preparations before the World Championships, our black belts some good sparring training, the instructors a chance to increase their variety of sparring exercises, to offer the lower grades an opportunity to stand before a true ITF legend and a kick-off for the long term preparations for World Cup in Jamaica next year. Unfortunately the weekend collided with the Swedish Open, which made it impossible for some participants to attend the full seminar.

The weekend were split into two sessions. One longer class on Friday for our lower grades and the 5 class seminar Saturday-Sunday for the higher grades.

Even though I met Ms Cross a couple of times over the last year it was a bit nervous to actually host her in Gothenburg. However that feeling vanished straight after her arrival. Ms Cross is very professional, straight forward and has a great personality and we all enjoyed every minute of her visit.

Straight from the first class she set the expectations on everybody to work hard and she was very open to a lot of questions both on the exercises, sparring strategies as well as on more personal matters. As organizer I was very happy to see that all participants put all efforts in at all times. The initial tension soon disappeared and all classes were conducted with high intensity but in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

The feedback from the lower grades were “I’ve got a new idol”, “This was amazing” and “This gave me a boost to continue my training”. The higher grades mentioned words like “Sore body”, “Great exercises”, “Inspiring” and “Great to be allowed to ask all kinds of questions”. To all it was truly inspiring to get some understanding of what it takes to not only be on the international top level but also to manage to stay there for 6 + 15 gold medals from World and European Championships. One of the most frequent questions during the whole seminar were “When is she coming back?” and it says a lot about the appreciation from everybody.

On a personal level I’m very honored that Ms Cross accepted my invitation and offered such a professional training to us but also the fact that she openheartedly shared many good stories over lunches, dinners and in between classes. I would like to encourage clubs not only to wait for seminars arranged by national organisations but if possible take the opportunity to reach out themselves to good competitors and instructors. It brings great enthusiasm to all students regardless of grade, and a more intimate atmosphere to the training when you host a seminar in your own back yard.

Last but not least I would like to thank Ms Cross both on a professional but also personal level for taking her time to spend a weekend with myself and Frölunda Taekwon-Do Club just days before the World Championships in Spain where some of her students will compete. I look forward to seeing Ms Cross again and hope she accepts another invitation again in the near future.

Markus Wittebo, V Degree
Frölunda Taekwon-do Club
www.frolundataekwondo.se