AETF reporter
Norbert Érseki

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You might remember my interview with Lukas Grygiel from last year (http://itfeurope.org/NL2015-04-19.html). He has just released his latest project titled “The Path to Black Belt”, the latest book available for students of Taekwon-do in English language. This project in a certain way is similar to his previous books - The Art of Patterns 1&2 - however, it is also different in a certain way. Let him tell us about his work in this short interview I was able to make with Lukas.

What is the most important thing you would like to say about your latest book – The Path To Black Belt?

Without hesitation – it’s the people I have in this book. Never before have I had so many great competitors in one production; neither book nor application. This is why I am so proud of this manual. All the people who agreed to share their experience added a great value to this guidebook. Seven champions from different parts of the world – Poland, France, New Zealand, Canada, Argentina and Norway – bringing their knowledge – makes it a really unique book. They inspire and teach. Inspiration, motivation and knowledge are very important on the path.

From the title one might judge that this books is mainly for the beginners. Is that true?

I am sure that also advanced Taekwon-do students when reading through The Philosophy, Spiritual Culture and The Tenets can remind themselves what Taekwon-do is really all about. Practicing simple things like cold showers and baths, working out barefoot on the snow, build our perseverance and unwavering attitude towards reaching our goal. We use that approach in the gym, during the tournaments and in our daily life.

Taekwon-do is so much more than just a sport, it is so much more than a martial art. It is truly the way of life and the fundamentals created by the founder contain the wisdom and guidance that should never be forgotten.

The title and the cover design is quite different to the ones of The Art Of Patterns vol. 1 & 2. Why is that?

I have designed it this way because this book covers more than just patterns. You will find here a lot of theory, stances, step sparring examples and patterns. Also, as we know the black belt patterns are a lot more demanding and these give you opportunity to show your craft, your art. That’s why the title “The Art Of Patterns” is reserved for more advanced forms.

Is there a demo - a preview for the readers about this book as well?

Of course, just follow this link:
http://tkd-blackbelt.com/thepath_demo.pdf

Who are exactly the competitors you have mentioned in your book?

Mr. Jaroslaw Suska - VI DAN 6-times World Champion, 20-times European Champion - a living legend. Now he is a coach at the Polish National team. He can also be found on Lukas’ educational TKD program, the Black Belt project - www.tkd-blackbelt.com

Mr. Lylian Doulay - VI. DAN European Champion in 2014 and 2015, 3-times World Cup winner (2012, 2013, 2014) He is the president of ITF France, participant of several International Instructor Courses. He has been working in the Navy for 18 years.

Mr. Mark Trotter - V DAN Started training at the age of 5 and was the youngest black belt in Oceania at age of 9. He is 5-times World Champion and 3 times World Cup Champion. He travels and teaches seminars all over the world and loves giving and receiving knowledge about Taekwon-do as it has been his life.

Mr. Maxime Bujold World Champion in patterns (2002, 2003, 2015) World Champion in sparring (2002, 2007) World Cup Champion in patterns (2004, 2006) World Cup Champion in sparring (2004, 2006, 2014) He seeks to set an example for the future champins of the ITF by being a leader among his national team and building a friendly and respectful relationship with people involved in our martial art.

Ms. Soledad Serrano - IV. DAN 6-times World Champion as an individual, 3-times World Champion in team. She has started practicing Taekwon-do at the age of 5, now she has been practicing it for 25 years now. In 2015 she has joined Taekwon-do HALL OF FAME as a Multiple World Champion.

Ms. Marielle and Ms Madeleine Lind They both are selected as the members of the national team of Norway at the age of 15. Both of them were having various international titles such as World Cup winner and European Champion, but in 2015 they have both won the title of the World Champion in Italy.

Are there any news on Black Belt Sparring program you have mentioned in the last interview?

We are scheduling meetings for video filming and getting the structure of the program ready. I also have to invest some time now to organize distributors in other countries because more and more people are interested in my products. I am trying to automatize the process, so my clients would receive ordered materials sooner.

Where can we get our hands on your latest book?

You can of course order it from our website at http://tkd-blackbelt.com, and also you can buy it on many international events throughout the year. I am starting a cooperation with many distributors around the world to cut costs of delivery. I am sure that soon the books will be available in every country at the local wholesaler. Very often these are Mightyfist doboks distributors. We have started printing in Canada - first batch is ready, and we are working on translation to Spanish with great help of Luciano Iriarte from Argentina who is promoting Black Belt Project there. There are also chances that The Path will be translated to Hungarian. I am also working with Jason Morris from Mightifyst regarding printing in the USA. It goes really well, I am also translating it to Polish now.

Thank you, Lukas for your time once again! Is there anything that you would like to add?

On the occasions like that I always want to express my gratitude to all the people involved in the project. Many of them I have thanked before, but they keep helping me and I realize that alone I wouldn’t be able to grow this project as much as it has grown for these couple of years.

Thank you, Luciano once again for the extracts of your great book - ‘A day in eternity’, I am sure that the descriptions you provided will help us all understand Taekwon-do more deeply. It is the third project that is created in partnership with Mightyfist (www.doboks.eu) and our cooperation goes really well. Along with Jonathan Morris we are trying to provide the best materials for Taekwon-do people around the world. To share this approach makes our collaboration effective and beneficial.