50 years of Taekwon-do

South Hams Chief PUMA Taekwon-do Instructor, has just arrived back from a 50th Anniversary Celebration Seminar in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

Lesley McGhie rd Degree, flew out last week to take part in a special Taekwon-do seminar, being taught by President of the International Taekwon-do Federation, Grandmaster Choi, Jung Hwa- 9 th Degree. It was a great honour to be training under President Choi, as not only does he head the ITF, but he is the son of the Founder of Taekwon-do, Major General Choi Hong Hi- 9 th Degree, of which Taekwon-do was inaugurated in April 1955 in Korea.

Hundreds of Taekwon-do students from around the world took part in this historical event, all going home after the 3 day course, with International Instructor certificates and memento flags of the Anniversary. About 30 students came from the UK, as well as hundreds of people from as far as Italy, Alaska, Mexico, Iran, Spain, Canada and not forgetting the Americans.

A Black Belt grading started the weekends events. Colleague Mr McAbe gained his 4 th Degree at this New Jersey venue, in front of the top Masters in the ITF. The UK was highlighted by the promotions of 3 new Masters, one of which was the Chairman and Chief Examiner of the Professional Unification of Martial Arts, who heads the fast growing Taekwon-do organisation in the South West. Master Gayle who regularly visits this area for gradings and seminars is the first Master in PUMA. And taking on his new 7 th dan responsibilities immediately, he has been invited to teach with President Choi, at the next International seminar in Italy in May. A great honour to Master Gayle and PUMA Taekwon-do.

Lesley McGhie said that this would be her 2nd best most memorable and honourable occasion in her Taekwon-do years. The first being when PUMA Taekwon-do was inaugurated in September 2005, by the founder of Taekwon-do. She found herself to be in a fortunate position to be invited to a meal with the 5 founders of PUMA and Grandmaster Major General Choi hong Hi, the father of Taekwon-do.

“ I have dined with the Founder of Taekwon-do in the UK, and trained in America with the founders son, and head of the ITF at its 50 th Anniversary. When I started training 11 years ago I never would have dreamed of the history I would be a part of. Taekwon-do truly is about living the life not just about the martial art”

At the seminar Ms McGhie was able to make new contacts with other Taekwon-do groups throughout the country. “We are all members of the UKITF, and through this event closer alliances have been made, so that local students should hope to see more UK seminars and competitions in the future” She was also able to chat to various high ranking Masters and the personal assistant to the President, who was able to share stories of life with the Founder of Taekwon-do, which was a great honour.

The rest of the weekend was mainly technical, but with a very physical end, testing the students indomitable spirit.

Overall the teachings showed that PUMA Taekwon-do, is heading the right direction in the respect of both loyalty and technical ability. “Our style and association is up there with the best of the worlds. Although we teach an ancient art of self defence, our knowledge and continued development is up to date and inline with the head of Taekwon-do. This makes me very proud to be an instructor and student for PUMA Taekwon-do, and hope all my students also share this feeling”

A celebration dinner was had, where Master Gayle was presented with his th Degree, amongst many other top dignitaries. President Choi, mingled amongst the tables to make sure that he chatted to everyone who attended this great historical event.

Lesley McGhie who teaches at the Taekwon-do schools in Dartmouth, Totnes, and Kingsbridge, has already come back from this seminar, after being presented with her International Instructors certificate, motivated, and passing on the teachings of President Choi.