Violence against women is a serious and widespread issue in Australia, as well as throughout the world. And while the long term goal is education to stop violence against women, there are actionable strategies women can employ, right now. Here are 7 very simple reasons you should consider taking a women’s self defense class.
1 – Don’t Become a Statistic
Frankly, the statistics in Australia alone are frightening. At least one woman a week is killed by a partner or former partner. One in three women have experienced physical violence. 300,000 women a year experience physical or sexual violence from a stranger.
Violence against women contributes to more death, disability and illness to women between 15 and 44 than any other preventable risk factor. Learning self-defense gives you the power to avoid becoming one of these statistics, now.
2 – Prevention and Awareness
As teens and adults we become increasingly fixated on the front and our devices, often being unaware of what’s around us. You work with an experienced instructor to develop strategies that work best for you against a variety of opponents, attacks and situations. Above all, women’s self defense teaches us awareness and prevention.
3 – Take Control for Yourself and Other Women
Women’s self defense is about taking safety into our own hands. Taking a Self defense class is our chance to take action in our own lives, to take control of our own present and future. The fact is, crimes against women happen and will continue to happen.
Women’s self defense classes can help prevent us becoming victims. Knowing how to defend ourselves gives us a better chance of stopping attacks and even lessening attacks against women in the future.
4 – Great Exercise!
Self defense classes, at the end of the day, can also be a great source of exercise, working a range of vital parts of your body. It not only exercises your body physically, it also exercises your mind, reactions and reflexes. It is also an incredible way of exercising your own power and confidence.
You do not have to be physically strong to be successful at self-defense. If you can learn to successfully escape or prevent a dangerous situation, then you are exercising good self-defense.
5 – Be Accountable
As women, we are constantly encouraged to be accountable for ourselves. We are told to be accountable for our finances. We are told to account for our stress and encouraged to be accountable for our health, weight and diet, along with our workouts and fitness.
It stands to reason that we should be accountable for our self defense. Is it really so hard to add a self defense class to our routine as we would add the latest yoga, pilates or work out fad? However, unlike a fad, this is something that will actually make a monumental, positive change to our lives.
6 – Be Feminine
There is a terrible misconception – unfortunately perpetuated by mass media – that self defense is unfeminine and unattractive. These dangerous articles claim that women who pursue self defense are masculine, “jacked up” and have a distasteful love for violence. However, nothing could be further from the truth.
In fact, many models, actresses and even pageant winners are devotees of women’s self defense. Women’s self defense is incredibly feminine because it is empowering. Encouraging women to take self defense is a beautiful, inspiring thing. So, ignore the dangerous misconceptions of mainstream media and enjoy learning self defense.
7 – Do Something Now
Of course we need better education to end violence against women and men. Violence of all kinds is unacceptable. Unfortunately, though, education is long term and may not be able to help you today, tomorrow or even next year. That is why women’s self defense education is important. This is something that can happen now. Women’s self defense provides functional strategies, techniques and training methods to stop an attacker intent on hurting you.
It gives you the security and confidence, right now, that you can protect yourself should the need arise. Unfortunately, no matter how well intended, ideologies can’t do that. So until education catches up with reality, keep yourselves safe. Invest in women’s self defense today.
We’ve released the first couple of videos here, and will be releasing more over the next couple of weeks.
If you want to get your first, directly to your inbox, please support by subscribing to our video channel, and leave us a like if you found the video useful.
After many weeks and months in lockdown or heavily restricted, it’s quite common to feeling a case of the lockdown blues.
Less than 2 years ago, the very notion of having our movements and behaviours restricted would have been scoffed at, as something that could and would never happen, especially in this country.
Fast forward a little over 18 months, and we boast the World’s most locked down city, and with much of the East Coast still in lockdown, or very heavily restricted.
Freedoms we once knew, and once took for granted, now seem a World away with QCode check-ins, mask wearing, social distancing, vaccinations, curfews, travel distance limitations, threats of fines or imprisonment.
Once easily accessible regular holiday spots are now impossible to visit, without quarantining on arrival or return, or the fear of getting stuck in transit, and that’s if you can even leave at all.
Being isolated from friends, family, your workplace, your hobbies, sports and travel has been a real strain on people’s mental health. This has been exacerbated by the loss of employment, collapse of a business, illness or even death of a loved ones.
The challenge of maintaining a positive outlook has been a real one, let alone caring for our physical health, diet, education, employment and general health.
We have come up with a few tips and suggestions to assist you and loved ones get through these tough times, and a case of the lockdown blues.
Keeping a Positive Mindset
There’s no doubt it has been a struggle, more for some than others, but a huge culture change to the way we’ve previous led our lives. Many have suffered from depression, some have inflicted self harm or worse, while others wallow in the impending doom of the situation.
The important thing to understand is it will pass. There are countries in other parts of the World, who statistically have lost more people and far greater infection levels, already starting to enjoy the freedoms we once knew. It stands to reason that we will follow in due course.
Naturally, the sooner the better for us all, but it will happen. You just have to hang in there.
Constant negative self talk, social media posting, and getting worked up doesn’t do anything to improve your situation, if anything, its only your mental health that suffers.
We know the strong link between mental health and physical health, so in time it will become a self fulfilling prophecy.
Also be aware that if you are constantly negative, it drags down the people around you, your partners, your kids, your friends. Or they may just take a wide berth to avoid the constant negativity.
Find yourself things to do that make you happy, a hobby, a craft, listening to music, making music, painting, drawing, gardening, enrol in an online course, watch funny movies etc., there’s endless things you can do …… you are possibly working from home anyway, so that in itself should keep you busy.
More importantly, don’t shut yourself off from the world. Stay in touch with friends, family, work colleagues. There’s an abundance of technology available to facilitate that, whether it be messaging online, video chatting, or depending on your locality’s restriction levels, catching up on a social walk to coffee on the go.
Exercise daily
The running joke for a lot of people, no pun intended, is the weight they have put on during lockdowns, or the loss of physical conditioning and fitness.
This doesn’t need to be the case, of course. whilst in some cases it relates to loss of motivation or some form of depression (see above section), in many other cases, people just throw their hands up in the air because gyms might be closed, or their community sports are in hiatus.
However, for maintenance or improvement of physical health and fitness, there are a plethora of things you can do with minimal equipment.
The obvious one is walk briskly or jog, get that heart rate up into the zone where it may have some fitness benefit, around 70-80% of your max HR, and do it for at least 30 minutes daily.
On your outdoor stroll you can incorporate steps, benches, playgrounds, hills, so many options for those who really want to make an effort.
If that’s not your cup of tea, kills two birds with the one stone, walk to the supermarket with your shopping jeep, or go for a walk to get your skinny latte, walk off those lockdown blues.
If you find it boring, don’t walk the same route every day, mix it up, Walk with someone else, grab your headphones and listen to your favourite playlist. Or jump on your bike and cycle at the same work rate and length of time.
If you’re a little more motivated, set up some mini HIIT circuits, even incorporate body weight exercises, push ups, sit ups, squats, burpees …etc there are so many. If you have a couple of dumbells, you can incorporate dozens more exercises. The higher intensity intervals will not only help maintain fitness levels, if done regularly, will even improve your fitness.
In many places, outdoor personal training is now permitted, even where gyms are closed. Grab a friend and share the cost of a PT.
Keep Practicing
With a lot of dojangs closed, or your Taekwon-Do training schedule and routine constantly interrupted, it can be very frustrating and even seem to hamper your progress.
There are many things you can do from home, or in the yard or park. In addition to the fitness tips above, you can practice your skill components as well.
Patterns can be performed anywhere, stretch regularly either during practice or upon waking, or before sleeping, even while watching tv.
Maybe someone else in your household can hold targets or practice routines with. Your instructor is probably running zoom sessions. If they aren’t, many other people are.
There are even regular online competitions now that you can take part in, this keeps you motivated and training. Jump on YouTube and follow some of the many online tutorials or workouts.
Eat sensibly
There is not a pandemic on good food and nutrition. Don’t fall into the trap of ordering home delivery every day of the week. That is not only financially taxing, but also not going to help with everything we just spoke about in the previous section.
Interestingly, the fast food industry has gone gangbusters during the pandemic, especially those who deliver. Sure it’s convenient, but you can’t really use Covid as an excuse for poor eating.
Leaving home for food has always been permitted, so shopping for your normal groceries was, and is, always possible.
Rediscover the joy of cooking, it will keep you focused on what you eat, and also acts as a great therapeutic tool, keeping you mentally active. Experiment with different meals, follow some of your favourite chefs online. Try to recreate some of their dishes or come up with your own. Maybe now you will have time to make some of the things your previously rushed lifestyle limited.
Whilst its OK to treat yourself from time to time, remember to eat all those things we know are good for us – lean meats, vegetables, fruits, grains and cereals. Be sure to get a good cross section on vitamins and minerals through your diet, along with your macros, lots of fluids and fibre.
Don’t forget, drinking litres of soft drink, or should I say wine, throughout the day is going to do nothing for your health or figure. Aim for sugarless or low sugar options, or even water.
Poor eating can also affect your mood and general energy levels, so you’ll exercise less, lose motivation, and it can become a vicious cycle, then your lockdown blues will be harder to shift. Often the best way to kick start a health regime begins with selection of food.
Monitor your health
With the media saturated with covid talk, you could be forgiven for thinking every other ailment which can impact your health has become obsolete.
There are many cases of cancer and heart disease going undetected, or mismanaged, as people become more reluctant to see their GP.
Compounding this problem, a lot of GP’s and specialists are wanting to do online consultations instead, which is not ideal to physically examine you.
Make sure you are still having your regular blood tests for cholesterol, prostate, blood sugars, checking for lumps and mole changes as well as monitoring blood pressure. If you at all concerned or in doubt, see your GP as soon as possible.
If you are reluctant to get to the doctors, be sure to brush up on your first aid skills and knowledge, for those household mishaps.
Don’t leave monitoring those health issues until Covid is over, remember, we thought that was going to be a year ago.
If you are on prescribed medications for a health condition, be sure to get your repeat prescriptions once you run out.
Of course, exercising regularly and eating well will help a lot, but some conditions need close medical monitoring, irrespective of fitness levels. Don’t wait until it’s too late.
Keep on top of your finances
For many people, this period has had a major impact on their financial situation. Perhaps you have had your work hours cut back, or lost work altogether, maybe your business is closed or suffering. There’s nothing like being broke to make you suffer the lockdown blues.
Maybe you are getting a few dollars from the government to support, but it may not be enough to meet your regular expenses.
It’s important that you keep an eye on your money, especially if your income has reduced. Take it easy with the online shopping, online betting and delivery meals.
For others this has been a great time to save money, with many regular expenses reduced quite heavily, such as travel, fuel costs, pokies, dining and entertainment.
Whilst we all want to go back to doing all those things as soon as we can, it has allowed us a bit of a spending and lifestyle reset.
Remember, much of the Government support is still deemed as taxable income, so you need to ensure you have enough set aside for tax time. Keep an eye on your credit card statements, watch that you aren’t paying interest through the nose on purchases.
Maybe even cut back further by considering cancelling or selling some of the things you are not using – like recurring direct debits for memberships, subscriptions, insurances for cars not being driven, look for cheaper energy suppliers given you are home more and using more gas and electricity.
Communicate
And finally, communicate, communicate, communicate. As mentioned earlier, stay in touch with family, friends, colleagues by whatever means is available to you.
Particularly if you are feeling a case of those lockdown blues, these feelings can escalate into a depressed state. Don’t be afraid to reach out.
Be mindful that your friends may be feeling the same way too, so touch base to see how they are coping.
Anyway, we hope some of these tips and suggestions help you get through this extended period of lockdown, restrictions, and beyond.
Kihaps appear in various steps in ITF Patterns. This guide is to assist you in remembering which steps or techniques have a Kihap associated with them.
The Kihap literally means to shout or yell. Kihaps are performed to assist the performer focus their concentration and energy into the impact point of the techniques.
Kihaps are also great for Taekwon-Do demonstrations, to create a level of atmosphere and excitement for participants and spectators alike.
(Step 9) Execute a flying side piercing kick to D with the right foot soon after moving it to D and then land to D forming a left L-stance toward D while executing a middle guarding block to D with a knife-hand.
(Step 23) Move the right foot to D in a stamping motion to form a sitting stance toward F while executing a high side strike to D with the right back fist.
(Step 27) Move the left foot on lone CD in a stamping motion to form a sitting stance toward F while executing a high side strike to C with the left back fist.
(Step 19) Move the left foot to D turning counter clockwise to form a right L-stance toward D while executing a middle guarding block to D with a knife-hand
(Step 28) Jump to D, forming a right x-stance toward BD while executing a high block to D with the right double forearm.
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These are some recommended guidelines for Umpiring Patterns competitions, for domestic and local events based on the ITF Tournament Rules.
Note : The ‘Official’ ITF Rules are only applicable to ITF World Championships, and as such much of it is not relevant to in-house, local, state and national level competitions.
A National Organization, or any competition for that matter, should adopt rules that are specific to:
the event/s being conducted.
the ages of participants
the experience levels of participants
the objective of the competition
the facilities being used
the schedule / time available
the umpires/officials available
Purpose of the ITF Umpiring Rules
Clarify responsibilities of officials
Outline scoring criteria for each event
Determine eligibility of competitors
Outline operational procedures of all events
Assist competitors and coaches in event preparation
Ensure the safety of all competitors and officials
Characteristics of a good Umpire:
Be consistent and fair in all judgements
Base all decisions on the Rules of the competition
Be assertive and confident in all decisions
Display Punctuality and work ethic
Be professional in appearance and behaviour
Be willing to receive constructive feedback and advice from Tournament Directors
Have a thorough knowledge of the rules – updated regularly
Integrity, honesty and strength of character
Ability to follow instructions
To be flexible and adaptable in various official roles
Some appreciation and empathy of the competitor’s task
Ability to make logical, correct decisions quickly and under pressure
Do not engage spectators or competitors while judging.
have a basic knowledge of First Aid
You must be conversant with all patterns / techniques you are to judge
ITF Umpiring uniform consists of
a navy blue blazer jacket,
white, long sleeved shirt,
navy blue trousers or knee-high skirt
navy blue tie (with no other colours or decorations- I.T.F. logo permitted)
white socks
white gym/Taekwon-do shoes
Alternatively, polo tops may be used where a sponsorship arrangement is in place, or approved by the National Organization.
The Competition area – Patterns
Patterns Ring size should be 9m by 9m square of competition space.
Patterns judges are positioned across the front of the ring.
The official Jury table is positioned behind judges
There should be adequate distance between the competition area and spectators for safety and integrity of judging
Judges should be positioned a safe distance from competition area
BOUT PROCEDURE
The pyramid system of elimination is generally used for both team and individual at Black Belt Levels
Other formats are at the Tournament Organizers discretion, but must be made clear prior to event registration.
Individual
Competitors will compete 1 to 1 and will perform simultaneously one (1) optional Pattern and one (1) designated Pattern (appropriate to their degree), selected at random by the Jury President.
The boxes containing the names of the optional patterns will be taken out of the basket by the Jury President before choosing the designated pattern. The winning competitor will progress to the next round.
Team
Designated pattern draw will take place whilst both teams are on the floor.
From the second round of the draw a coin will be tossed to decide which team goes first. The winning coach of the toss decides which team performs as first.
The first team will perform 2 patterns and the second team will do likewise.
The winning team will progress to the next round.
Team Patterns additional Guidelines
The team may line up in any format they choose and team members may perform movements individually, or together, as they choose, but it must be seen to be teamwork.
For example: one team member may not perform moves of the Pattern on his own without the other team members following in unison
Scoring Method:
Patterns are Judged according to the following criteria:
Technical Content (5 points)
Power (5 points)
Rhythm (5 points)
Team Patterns are also Judged on Teamwork (5 points)
TECHNICAL CONTENT (5 POINTS)
Technical Content refers to:
Correct pattern diagram, all steps performed
Appropriate start and finish positions
Appropriate posture and facing
Techniques performed at correct height and direction of travel
Proper tool used for blocking, striking or kicking
Correct Stance dimensions and weight distributions
Correct use of sine wave
Correct stepping, pivoting and turning
Maintaining equilibrium whilst stepping, turning and pivoting
Remaining stable whilst kicking, including slow movements
Control of body weight and momentum
Kihaps performed in appropriate places
incorrect ready stance (-1)
break in pattern sequence but continue within 3 secs (-2)
(-1 for Technical Content and -1 for Rhythm(see below))
absence of Kihups in patterns (-1)
if a movement is performed incorrectly, either once or throughout pattern (-1)
incorrect Name of Pattern called at completion of pattern (-1)
3 wrong movements performed in the pattern (0 points)
stop pattern completely without resuming within 3 secs (0)
wrong pattern performed (0)
missing technique in pattern (0) points
RHYTHM (5 POINTS)
Rhythm refers to:
Timing of the pattern movements in accordance with encyclopaedia recommendations
Absence of delayed pauses, or irregular sequences
Pattern completed from start to finish in one continuous sequence
Performing the pattern too fast (-1)
Irregular sequences or pauses (-1)
break in pattern sequence but continue within 3 secs (-2) (-1 for Rhythm and -1 for Technical Content(see above)
POWER (5 POINTS)
Power refers to:
Correct application of sine wave
Use of reaction arm
Appropriate utilization of larger muscle groups, and transfer of body weight
Acceleration of movements
The appropriate use of breath for each movement
Correct strength and timing of breath
lack of power (-1)
lack of reaction force (-1)
no acceleration of movement (-1)
uncontrolled stop power (-1)
All patterns are judged according to the recommendations of the Founder of Taekwon-Do, General Choi Hong Hi, along with updates made by the International Taekwondo Federation.
Central Umpire (Patterns)
Responsibilities
Control the procedure of the bout
Ensure competitors abide by the competition rules
Allocated penalties where appropriate
Communicate with Jury President
Clearly signal all decisions to judges.
Patterns – Umpire Terminology
CHARYOT – ATTENTION
KYONG YE – BOW
JUNBI – READY
SIJAK – BEGIN
BARO – RETURN
JU UI – WARNING
HONG – RED
CHONG – BLUE
DONG CHON – TIE
SUNG – WINNER
PATTERNS JUDGES
Responsibilities:
To score the bout according to official scoring criteria
To have a thorough knowledge of technique / patterns
To record and tally scores precisely
To be consistent and non-biased in scoring
During the bout:
the Corner Referee must be up to date with all the I.T.F. Tournament Rules
sit properly and must observe with attention the competitors’ actions
Jury President
Responsibilities
Oversee the procedure of the bout
Ensure competitors abide by the competition rules
Communicate with Tournament Organizing Committee
Monitor performance of judges and referees – provide feedback
Scrutinize score sheets and then announce results to Centre Umpire
Consult with the Tournament director in regards any appeals
DISQUALIFICATION
misconduct against officials or ignoring instructions
any behaviour deemed to be unsporting, offensive, or not in the spirit of fair competition
any competitor suspected of being under influence of alcoholic beverages or drugs
Active Participants in this course will be issued a C-Class ITF Umpire Certificate.
This level is issued by the National Organization.
Importantly, regardless of your certified level, you must possess the skills and confidence to effectively control and officiate ITF competitive matches in all events
These are some recommended ITF Umpiring guidelines used in planning and holding domestic competitions, based on the ITF Tournament Rules.
Note : The ‘Official’ ITF Rules are only applicable to ITF World Championships, and as such much of it is not relevant to in-house, local, state and national level competitions.
A National Organization, or any competition for that matter, should adopt rules that are specific to:
the event/s being conducted.
the ages of participants
the experience levels of participants
the objective of the competition
the facilities being used
the schedule / time available
the umpires/officials available
Purpose of the ITF Umpiring Rules
Clarify responsibilities of officials
Outline scoring criteria for each event
Determine eligibility of competitors
Outline operational procedures of all events
Assist competitors and coaches in event preparation
Ensure the safety of all competitors and officials
Characteristics of a good Umpire:
Be consistent and fair in all judgements
Base all decisions on the Rules of the competition
Be assertive and confident in all decisions
Display Punctuality and work ethic
Be professional in appearance and behaviour
Be willing to receive constructive feedback and advice from Tournament Directors
Have a thorough knowledge of the rules – updated regularly
Integrity, honesty and strength of character
Ability to follow instructions
To be flexible and adaptable in various official roles
Some appreciation and empathy of the competitor’s task
Ability to make logical, correct decisions quickly and under pressure
Do not engage spectators or competitors while judging.
have a basic knowledge of First Aid
You must be conversant with all patterns / techniques you are to judge
ITF Umpiring uniform consists of
a navy blue blazer jacket,
white, long sleeved shirt,
navy blue trousers or knee-high skirt
navy blue tie (with no other colours or decorations- I.T.F. logo permitted)
white socks
white gym/Taekwon-do shoes
Alternatively, polo tops may be used where a sponsorship arrangement is in place, or approved by the National Organization.
The Competition area – Sparring
Ring size should be 7m by 7m square of competition space.
There should be at least a 1m safety perimeter (total matted area min. 9x9m).
Sparring judges are positioned at each corner.
The official Jury table is positioned at the front of the ring
There should be adequate distance between the competition area and spectators for safety and integrity of judging
Judges should be positioned a safe distance from competition area
Bout Duration
Adults
Individual elimination and final bouts will be two (2) rounds of two (2) minutes duration with a one (1) minute break between rounds.
In the event of a draw, an additional round of one (1) minute will be contested.
In the event of another draw, a ‘first point wins’ scenario will occur, which has no time limit.
Each team bout will be one (1) round of two (2) minutes.
Bout lengths for younger / older categories are at the discretion of the Tournament Organizers.
Bout Procedure
INDIVIDUAL SPARRING
Competitors will commence the bout on the start positions
At the command of the Centre Referee the competitors bow in turn to the Jury table, and then
to each other.
The Centre Referee will then start the Sparring with the command “SHI-JAK” and the competitors
continue to spar until the Referee issues the command “HAECHYO”.
At this point the competitors cease to spar and remain where they are until restarted.
Central Umpire (Sparring)
Responsibilities
Control the procedure of the bout
Ensure competitors abide by the competition rules
Allocated penalties where appropriate
Communicate with Jury President
Clearly signal all decisions to judges.
Sparring – Referee Terminology
CHARYOT – ATTENTION
KYONG YE – BOW
JUNBI – READY
SIJAK – BEGIN
HAECHYO – SEPARATE
GAESOK – CONTINUE
GOMAN – END
JU UI – WARNING
GAM JUM – DEDUCTING PO1NTS
SIL KYUK – DISQUALIFICATION
HONG – RED
CHONG – BLUE
DONG CHON – TIE
IL BUNYON – FIRST ROUND
YI BUNYON – SECOND ROUND
JUNG JI – TIME STOPPED
SUNG – WINNER
WARNINGS
Warnings will be assigned for the following offences
attack to an illegal target
stepping completely out of the ring (both feet)
falling down, whether intentional or not (this means any part of the body, other than the feet, touching the ground)
holding/grabbing/pushing
sweeping
faking a blow, pretending to be injured to gain an advantage
intentionally avoiding sparring
pretending to have scored a point by raising the arm
NB If an athlete is pushed out of the ring with intent (without undergoing a technique) then he will not receive a warning
Note: Any 3 cumulative warnings results in a deduction of 1 point (NOT a foul)
FOULS
A Foul results in 1 Minus point, and will be awarded for
excessive contact
loss of temper
insulting an opponent in any way
biting/scratching
attacking with knee/elbow/forehead
attacking a fallen opponent
attacking to an illegal target with contact
excessive or uncontrolled attack
continuing to attack after Umpire’s command of Haechyo
Corner Judging
Responsibilities:
To score the bout according to official scoring criteria
To have a thorough knowledge of technique
To record and tally scores precisely
To be consistent and non-biased in scoring
During the bout:
the Corner Referee must be up to date with all the I.T.F. Tournament Rules
sit properly and must observe with attention the competitors’ actions record point(s), foul(s) and warning(s)
At the end of the match:
the Corner Referee must deduct one (1) point from the total score for every three (3) warnings
deduct one (1) point for each Foul
TARGET AREAS
Head and neck area at the front and sides but not at the back
Trunk of the body from neck to navel vertically and from a line drawn from the armpit vertically down to the waist on each side (that is frontal area only excluding the back).
SCORING PROCEDURE
In competition a technique is valid when:
it is executed correctly
it is dynamic, that is to say it is delivered with strength, purpose, rapidity and precision
it is controlled on the target
contact is made with a legal attacking tool
contact is made to a legal target area
POINTS AWARDED
One (1) point will be awarded for:
Hand attack directed to mid or high section.
Foot attack directed to the mid section
Two (2) points will be awarded for:
hand attack while in air (both feet must be off the ground) directed to high section,
jumping or flying kick directed to mid section
Foot attack directed to high section,
Three (3) points will be awarded for:
jumping or flying kick directed to high section
What to score:
A single precise blow to an open target.
Score only what you see, not what you think you see or hear
Do not be influenced by crowd or competitor’s reactions or suggestions
Jury President
Responsibilities
Oversee the procedure of the bout
Ensure competitors abide by the competition rules
Communicate with Tournament Organizing Committee
Monitor performance of judges and referees – provide feedback
Scrutinize score sheets and then announce results to Centre Umpire
Consult with the Tournament director in regards any appeals
DISQUALIFICATION
misconduct against officials or ignoring instructions
any behaviour deemed to be unsporting, offensive, or not in the spirit of fair competition
heavy contact
committing any 3 fouls
any competitor suspected of being under influence of alcoholic beverages or drugs
when a competitor is injured, the Centre Referee must stop the match and call for First Aid. (The injury to be diagnosed, treated and the Medic to decide about the match continuation)
when a competitor cannot fight on because of the Medic’s decision:
he/she is the winner if his opponent is responsible
he/she is the loser if his opponent is not responsible
an injured competitor that is unfit to fight, according to the Medic’s decision, cannot fight again during the event
a competitor that refuses to accept the Medic’s decision will be disqualified
if two competitors injure themselves at the same time and both are unfit to fight, according to the Medic’s decision, the winner is the contender that has more scored points at that moment. If the competitors are even the Jury President will decide about the bout
Active Participants in this course will be issued a C-Class ITF Umpire Certificate.
This level is issued by the National Organization.
Importantly, regardless of your certified level, you must possess the skills and confidence to effectively control and officiate ITF competitive matches in all events
The updated version includes video links to all Patterns, Step Sparring, Model Sparring, Foot Sparring and Self Defense routines to assist students preparing for testings up to 1st Degree Black Belt.
The 1st – 3rd Degree Black Belt Grading Manual ebook is available in our Online Store
Patterns
The 1st – 3rd Degree Black Belt Grading Manual ebook sets out suggested testing requirements to achieve rank advancement in ITF Taekwon-Do. You are free to adopt fully, or modify where you feel necessary.
Gradings are an important aspect of any martial arts training as they should indicate and measure the student’s proficiency in that art, and allow further learning to take place. Gradings should be a test of technical ability, knowledge, indomitable spirit, courage, and attitude.
The Grading syllabus outlines all areas that need to be fulfilled in order to test for rank promotion: these requirements include Patterns, Fundamental movements (Blocking, Kicking, Striking, Stances), Sparring, Breaking Techniques, Terminology and Theory, Self Defense and any additional requirements.
Also note that active training time and attendance requirements are also set out and should be adhered to.
The grading syllabus is designed specifically for all ITF schools to be able to incorporate, encompassing a wide range of self-defense oriented movements and theories, whilst also being consistent with the International Taekwon-Do Federation’s requirements.
Our website partner, Global Fitness Institute is offering Martial Arts School Support Packages to assist them during the huge financial impact of the COVID-19.
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Help us to Help You : the classic win-win scenario
Learn the many ways how you can help us to help you – and the bonus is, none will cost you a cent. No catches, no hooks, no risk…..and no limit to how much you can earn.
Right now with all memberships suspended, all gradings on hold, and no end in sight, any cashflow is better than none. In fact, the more money we give you, the better it is for both of us.
Become a GFI Referral Rewards Program partner
We pay your $500 per person who enrols in our Cert III/IV combo course
That’s $500 for each one !! You don’t have to teach them, just refer them. We do everything else.
Find one a month, that’s $6000 a year…… one a week is $25,000…….one a day is over $180,000
How much you can earn really depends on how motivated and driven you are – the more we have to pay you, the better it is for us, so you will have our full support and encouragement.
Most of your members will be home from work with time on their hands to study online, some may have even lost their jobs and be keen to add a qualification to make them job ready when the restrictions are lifted.
The potential to earn is limitless, take advantage of your data base and get paid simply for referring them to our PT course.
We will create a sign up form where they can nominate your Martial Arts School as their referring agent
We pay you within 48 hours of them signing up and completing enrolment paperwork. Not a week later, or a month later, or never at all …… like some others colleges who promise a lot and give nothing.
We do have lots of other ways you can EARN MONEY WITH GLOBAL FITNESS INSTITUTE, which will be more suited to when your doors are open again, but right now with martial arts schools closed, our referral program is the easiest and fastest way to see some cashflow.
ITFTAEKWONDO website wins Best Taekwon-Do Blogs award
Our blog page at itftaekwondo .com has been reviewed and awarded as one of the best taekwondo blogs out there.
The itftaekwondo.com website was analyzed based on content quality, authenticity factors, uniqueness, data security and a bunch of other aspects throughout the last weeks.
Those blogs that were considered as most reliable and trustworthy were among 20 shortlisted.
We are delighted to have received the recognition and award. We are pleased that people find our articles useful and informative.
For those people who haven’t checked out or blogs, visit our blog page here:
All our blogs are written by Master Michael Muleta, but we are keen to have input from other interested Taekwon-Do / Martial Arts blog writers.
Master Muleta has an extensive Taekwon-Do CV, having been an International competitor, coach, umpire and administrator. Having taught seminars in almost 20 countries and all over Australasia for close to 30 years, he is highly regarded for his insightful and informative approach.
With a career spanning over 30 years as both a Senior Physical Education teacher and Fitness Industry Education leader, Master Muleta is well versed to write on all matters of Martial Arts.
We also have links to non-Taekwondo related blogs from our partner site, Global Fitness Institute
Master Michael Muleta 2019 South Africa Seminar Tour
Master Michael Muleta returned after 21 years, to conduct a Masterclass, club training and visit the Arnold Classic Africa martial arts festival.
The seminars were conducted at Magua Taekwon-Do, with instructor Normal Magua, now 6th Degree being one of the students in Master Muleta’s classes during his extended stay in 1998.
The masterclass, attended by Black Belts and instructors, focussed on power development and understanding of the application of theory concepts.
It consisted of 4 hours of solid training and an interactive discussion about the techniques.
The following night, Master Muleta conducted a guest training session for regular class attendees, which consisted of lots of kicking drills, activities and some fundamentals.
Master Muleta was in South Africa as part of the Arnold Classic Africa and to promote the upcoming Arnold Classic Taekwon-Do World Championships, which he is hosting and organizing in March, 2020.