August 25th, 26th and 27th saw the
President of the ITF - Master Tran Triêu Quân teaching a series of Technical
Seminars in beautiful Prince George, British Columbia, Canada. Over 55 students
and instructors from all across British Columbia took part in the action packed
event hosted by Mr. Kurt Ottesen and the students of Freedom TaeKwon-Do Schools.
The training took place over three
(3) days and lasted for 15 hours. In all, Master Tran instructed dynamic classes
in self defense, sparring, fundamental movements, conditioning and theory.
Both Friday and Saturday saw two tracks of classes; one specifically designed
for children, and one for adults. Though similar in content, each program was
delivered in a manner that made it both fun and easy for the students to learn!
Beginning Friday night, Master Tran taught two exciting classes focusing on
fundamental exercises and self defense. Everyone involved had a great time
learning both the physical skills and the psychological tools necessary to
defend themselves in the event of an attack.
Saturday began with dynamic classes on sparring, with theory on the skills and
tactics necessary to be a top level performer. Everyone then warmed up with some
great new aerobic exercises, followed with some exercises for foot/body moving.
Rounding off the evening came drills for accuracy and timing. The afternoon saw
a class covering patterns from First to Third Degree Black Belt, with everyone
working hard perfecting their skills and refreshing their knowledge.
Sunday morning began with an intense session on conditioning and stretching.
Fabulous new drills focusing on aerobic and anaerobic capacity training were
introduced. Conditioning and agility drills were added into the mix along with
some dynamic partner exercises. It was really good to see everyone sweating out
on the floor, even the senior black belts from across the province worked out
beside their students and set the example! Everyone was sweating and red in the
face, yet they all asked for more! We finished off with some excellent PNF
stretching techniques then closed the session for students. At this point,
Master Tran officially closed the seminar with some encouraging words for all of
our members and instructors. His assistance in the development of TaeKwon-Do
throughout the province of B.C. has really helped to both unite and motivate all
of our instructors to push hard, work together and invest in our future for the
ITF.
The afternoon saw a session focusing on the patterns for Fourth and Fifth Dan
Black Belt, as well as a question and answer session for technical matters.
Master Tran directed a series of Senior Dan examinations resulting in the
promotion of three members of Freedom TaeKwon-Do Schools (and three members of
the Ottesen Family) to their next Degree. Congratulations to: Mr. Orville
Ottesen Sr. - 2nd Degree, Mrs. Karli Ottesen - 3rd Degree and Mr. Kurt Ottesen -
6th Degree.
We would like to thank the President
- Master Tran Triêu Quân, for taking time out of his busy schedule to share his
experience and knowledge with all of the attendees, for offering his guidance
and expertise in the continued development of ITF in British Columbia and for
presiding of the weekends Senior Dan Examinations.
Respectfully Yours,
Mr. Kurt Ottesen, 6th Dan
Seminar Host
Seminar pictures
below (click on the thumbnail to enlarge)...
