On Saturday 2nd April, after the official opening of the ITFA Headquarters in Alexandria, Sydney, First Grand Master Rhee Ki Ha (FGMR), ITFA Patron and Taekwon-Do Pioneer, presided over the ITFA Term 1 Colour Belt Grading.
With 49 students a taking the floor, is was the biggest ITFA Colour Belt Grading to date and illustrates the fantastic growth of the organisation in Sydney, Australia. It is also testament to the high standard of teaching within the ITFA and the popularity of Taekwon-Do as a Martial Art, taught as the Founder intended.
With such large numbers the grading was split into senior colour belts, 6th Kup and above, in the morning and junior colour belts, 10th to 7th Kup in the afternoon.
First Grand Master, as Chief Examiner, had the 2nd and 3rd Kups on the floor first for pattern. After performing to the table, he turned the students left to perform again, giving him a different angle to view their techniques and to test the students ability to perform under exam conditions.
All aspects of the syllabus were thoroughly tested including pattern, step-sparring, free-sparring, destruction and terminology. The students were under pressure but the look of relief and satisfaction when leaving the floor was clear for all to see!
At the end of the examination, the successful senior grades were presented with their certificates of promotion, new belts and a special commemorative Golden Jubilee key ring by FGMR.
There was plenty of buzz in the Dojang when the junior grades arrived for their examination, along with a few nervous looks around the room!
After the group photograph, the 7th Kups took to the floor to perform their syllabus. Working his way through all the grades including 15 white belt beginners, FGMR took the time to provide corrections and feedback individually to each student.
After the certificate presentation, there was more time for photographs with the ITFA Patron for the happy students and parents. A fantastic first official event in the new ITFA Dojang and an experience with the Founder’s greatest ever student, FGMR, which will never be forgotten!
