Master Nicholls
flew into Cork airport the previous evening and was greeted by Master Creedon
and Mr JB McCarthy VI Degree. After a short visit to his hotel, Grand Master
Nicholls was taken to a Chinese restaurant for a scheduled meeting with
instructors from the various representative groups. These included Mr Ruairi
O''''Brien VI Degree, Mr William Owers VI Degree, Mr Michael Flaherty VI Degree
and Mr JB McCarthy. This gave everyone an opportunity to renew old friendships
and to meet again with Grand Master Nicholls and Master Creedon over a pleasant
Chinese meal.
After an early
breakfast, Grand Master Nicholls was promptly taken to the University sports
arena where he was given a tour of the facility. The morning class was geared
towards coloured belts, but such is the respect that Grand Master Nicholls
holds in Ireland, a large proportion of the black belts chose to participate in
this class as well.
Master Nicholls
began by explaining the correct angles of the stationary foot, along with the
correct body positioning for performing the various kicking techniques. Front,
side and turning kicks were performed over and over under the watchful eyes of
the Masters, ensuring that everybody understood the correct foot position for
each kick. grand Master Nicholls then went on to explain the different angles
and lines when performing blocking techniques. Explanation and practice of
centre line versus shoulder line were then practiced using various stepping
motions. Upset versus upward techniques were also explained, discussed and
practiced.
The afternoon class
assembled shortly after lunch with forty five black belts ranging from first
degree to Master level appearing on the floor. The Grand Master informed the
class that the afternoon topic would focus on selected kicking families. This
involved practicing the traditional way of performing kicks versus the dynamic
version which can best be described as "personalised" and can be more
suited to one''''s own body type.
Students performed
multiple drills which illustrated the variety of kicks within the "kicking
family". A typical example was the way we performed Yop Chagi versus Yop
Cha Chirugi. The difference between double and consecutive kicking was also
explained in detail and subsequently practiced on the kick shields.
Finally Master
Nicholls closed the class with a summary of all the major points that were covered
and emphasised the importance of taking Taekwon-Do as a whole package. This
included traditional values such as respect and integrity along with the modern
physical and dynamic elements of the art. Special presentations were then made
to Grand Master Nicholls and Master Creedon before the group and individual
photos.
Many thanks to all the
representative groups that made the event such a great success. A heartfelt
thank you to Grand Master Nicholls for a superb day of training and we look
forward to his next visit.
Taekwon.
JB McCarthy
Secretary - Taekwon-Do
Federation of Ireland
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