We are pleased to announce the release of the first volume of our Self Defense Manual.
The Self Defense Manual is in EBook format and includes 36 pages of easy to follow, but effective, sequences and video links.
The manual is intended to be a useful learning resource for instructors and students alike, to assist them in their own lessons, demonstrations or grading preparations.
The Manual includes step by step-by-step photos accompanied by corresponding step-by-step instructions.
Enjoy some samples below.
Contents include:
Self Defense against Single Lapel grab
Self Defense against Twin lapel grab
Self Defense against Rear Shoulder grab
Self Defense against a Front Choke
Self Defense against a Rear Choke
Self Defense against Side Headlock
Self Defense against Rear Bear Hug
Self Defense against a Charging Opponent
Self Defense against a Jab / Cross combination
Self Defense against a Front Kick
Self Defense after being Felled
Self Defense against Straight Knife Thrust
Self Defense against Punch / Front Kick combination
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.
As a result of COVID-19 we will be running our Global ITF Championships in Cyber space, that is, online.
VIDEOS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY MIDNIGHT SUNDAY 30th AUGUST
WINNERS TO BE ANNOUNCED SUNDAY 6th SEPTEMBER
Being online, that means that all ITF practitioners can take part from all corners of the World.
We welcome participants of :
ALL AGES
ALL RANKS
ALL ITF SCHOOLS
ALL COUNTRIES
Low Entry Fees (in $AUD = approx 0.7USD)
Registrations Online
All Participants will receive a Certificate of Participation
All Winners will receive a Medal (via post)
Register and train hard, then submit your best effort.
Events will include:
Individual Patterns
Team Patterns (3 people – mixed gender is ok)
Special Techniques Multi-Break
Self Defense (against 2 attackers, any age)
Here’s how its going to work…..
You need to register and pay
You will film yourself, or be filmed at your club/class, performing you patterns or routines.
You will upload these performances to a designated folder online, and our panel of judges will watch them, judge them and score them.
On the weekend of 5th September, all videos will be switched from ‘Private’ to ‘Public’ settings so you can watch every one in your category.
We will announce the results and promote the winning performances on our social media platforms, websites and other means.
You can view them, share them with family, friends and club mates.
Placegetters will have medals posted to their instructor (if classes in your area are still running), or directly to the address on your form, if you are in a lockdown area.
All competitors, coaches and judges must be familiar with the competition rules and guidelines for THIS online event.
Competitor /Official Dress Code
All competitors MUST compete in a standard Taekwondo uniform / dobok (not shorts, tshirts, tracksuits, street clothes etc). Any colour is fine.
Guidelines for filming and procedural etiquette:
Camera must be positioned front and center to performance, capturing the entire performance and all participants.
It is recommended camera should be placed a minimum of 5 metres away from performed (up to 10 metres for team events) – trial run is recommended to get distance correct.
If entering multiple events, each event must be submitted as a separate video (uploaded to a link provided closer to the event)
The file must be saved as the competitor’s name and event (eg: Fred Smith Individual Patterns)
All participants must commence facing the camera standing at attention, and bow prior to commencement and upon completion.
All Global ITF Championships Videos MUST BE SUBMITTED BY MIDNIGHT SUNDAY 30th AUGUST
Competition Rules:
ITF Patterns (individual)
All Patterns categories will be judged by a panel ITF Master instructors.
Highest and Lowest score will be removed, and an average of remaining scores will be attained.
All gups (colour belts) will perform ONE PATTERN appropriate to their rank.
Black Belts will perform TWO PATTERNS, at least one of which must come from their most recent grading (scores will be added)
Patterns will be scored out of 10 points based on factors including:
Technical accuracy; Power, Speed, Balance, Expression of energy
In the event of a tie, omitted scores will be included and an updated average obtained. If still tied, then 2 medals may be awarded for that placing.
Team Patterns
Team comprises of3 persons (may be mixed gender) – each Team patterns participant MUST be also have registered in that event on their form
Ages Categories as per registration form – team will be entered in group according to the oldest participant.
Pattern: Team will perform ONE PATTERN of their choice
Restrictions: Participants may only be in ONE team
Judging Criteria :
All Teams Patterns categories will be judged by a panel ITF Master instructors.
Highest and Lowest score will be removed, and an average of remaining scores will be attained.
Special emphasis in this division is placed on how the pattern is synchronized. Team can perform the entire pattern form in unison, or can creativity to the sequence timing without substituting the correct techniques for others.
The judges will score the Team Pattern between 0-10 points.
Hand Techniques (judged on proper hand position, speed, power, focus, tension, etc.)
Balance , Confidence, Eye Contact, Intensity
Synchronicity or teamwork
Self Defense Demonstration
Age Categories: According to age of defender only. (Attackers may be any age)
Required Number of Team Members: Each demo must consist of ONE DEFENDER and TWO ATTACKERS
Restrictions: Participants may only be in ONE Self Defense demonstration
Required Time of Presentation: Minimum 30 sec – Maximum 1 minute
Goal of Presentation: To use multiple methods of demonstrating martial arts skills. Presentation should be fast paced, high energy, exciting, dramatic, and fun to watch
Judging Criteria: Scoring will be based on presentation, realism, logical application of technique and quality of skill execution.
Scores will run from 1 -10. The highest total score will be the winner.
Special Techniques (Multibreak)
Age Categories: According to age of performer.
Required Length of Presentation: Must perform of 5 different breaks, must be completed within 1 minute of commencement of first break.
Video must be continuous (i.e. not edited)
Must contain at least ONE hand break and at least ONE foot break.
At least ONE break needs to be jumping (or performed mid-air)
Goal of Presentation: To use multiple techniques utilizing different attacking tools to break boards. Performance should demonstrate speed, power, agility and accuracy.
ONLY 1 attempt is permitted for each break
Judging Criteria: Scoring will be based on degree of difficulty, successful breaks
Scoring:
Judges will scored out of 10 points on the following criteria:
Taekwon-Do ITF Nepal organized a 2-day sparring /self-defense seminar followed by the 1st color belt open Taekwon-Do Championship between 7-9th Feb 2020.
ITF under General Secretary, Master Michael Muleta, 8th Degree from Australia, led the seminar and was assisted by the organizer, Mr. Laxman Basnet, President of Taekwon-Do ITF Nepal.
Just on 160 people attended Day 1 of the seminar, being a working day in Nepal, which focused on sparring techniques and ITF patterns. The students worked hard for 6 hours, with only a 30-minute lunch break, benefiting from the close attention and detail covered by Master Muleta.
On Day 2 the seminar focused on self-defense for almost 200 people in attendance for the whole day. Students were put through many techniques to combat against an assailant, from various grabs, holds, strikes, throws and locks. The seminar was very good and Master Muleta displayed his teaching and class management skills, where he managed to work with every single attendee during the day.
All the students enjoyed the intensive training and learned some new skills and applications from the very popular Senior Master, who was returning to Nepal after coming in 2015 to conduct seminars as part of the Nepal earthquake relief.
We would highly recommend to any country to have Master Muleta come and conduct this seminar.
On Day 3 it was competition time, with around 200 students participating from 23 different districts in the 1st color belt open Taekwon-Do Championship.
The event was a huge success, where Master Muleta kicked off proceedings with the official opening ceremony and remained to observe the championships and engage with all the competitors, special guests, media and officials.
There were 35 different categories in the Individual Sparring and individual pattern events. The standard was very good for colour belts and Master Muleta noted a significant improvement since his 2015 visit, giving full credit to r Laxman’s hard work and drive in building ITF Nepal.
Many special guests were in attendance including the Chief guest, the Honorable Ganesh Prasad Timalsina, President of the National Assembly of Parliament, along with special guest Master Muleta and Arie Hoogandooran from Netherlands. Also in attendance was Guest Honorary Member and President of the Sports for All commission, Mr.Bishnu Gopal Shrestha, Adviser of Taekwon-Do ITF Nepal and Famous Nepal identity, Ang Temba Sherpa .
Turkish Airlines General Manager, and event sponsor, Mr.Abdullaha gave out three gift hampers to three gold medalists.
Taekwon-Do ITF Nepal were honoured to present Chief guest to Master Muleta and Mr. Arie with a framed letter of appreciation, for their contribution in promoting Taekwon-Do in Nepal.
President Laxman Basnet gave a Token of Love to our chief guest and other special guests and he informed the audience about what Taekwon-Do ITF Nepal did in the past and what doing in the near future.
Mr Basnet announced that ITF Nepal will be organizing a Technical and Umpire workshop conducted by ITF Vice president Grand Master Nicholls and Master Yogi Chand in conjunction with the 4th Everest Open Taekwon-Do Championship on September 18-20, 2020 in Nepal to promote Taekwon-Do and promote tourism to Nepal during 2020.
Our member of Parliament and other guests gave speeches to motivate and encourage organizers and participants to make an even more more successful event in September 2020.
Thank you to Mr. Laman Basnet and his working party on organizing and hosting such a great and memorable event.
Special thanks to Master Muleta in taking time from his hectic schedule in the lead up to the Arnold Classic Taekwon-Do World Championships, to selflessly share his expertise and genuine love for Taekwon-Do ITF to our leaders and members.
A Nepal Masterclass is being held in Kathmandu by Master Michael Muleta over the period 7-8th February, 2020.
It will be Master Muleta’s second seminar visit to Nepal in 4 years, having previously donated his services to raise funds for earthquake relief.
There will also be a colour belt championships held on the same weekend.
The Nepal Masterclass will run over two sessions, with the focus on Sparring and then Self Defense.
Students and instructors of all ages and ranks, from all Taekwondo schools are welcome to attend.
Check out the Photo Gallery of Master Muleta’s 2015 seminars in Nepal.
The initiative was borne out of discussions between Master Muleta and Mr Basnet at the time of the Nepal Earthquakes, and an offer of assistance from Master Muleta, who had previously received citations from the ITF for his charity work after the Asian boxing Day Tsunami.
During this event all participants from Nepal and abroad had a wonderful experience, making new friendships, renewing old ones and most of all enjoying Taekwondo in its truest form.
ITF Nepal issued an invitation to Master Muleta to return in 2020 and it is hoped that more participants from more countries will take the chance to come and experience Nepal and its culture, as well as Taekwondo.
Male Adult Colour Belts Divison 2
1st Cheveau Apanui Goulburn Martial Arts Academy
2nd Henry Dwyer Precision Taekwon-Do
3rd Sang Yeop Yim Precision Taekwon-Do
Female Junior Black Belts Division 1
1st Merrin Eagles Goulburn Martial Arts Academy
2nd Isabella Pighin Choong-Moo
Male Junior Black Belts Division 1
1st Jae Evans ATI Martial Arts Sunshine Coast
2nd Allen Kappen Hwarang Taekwondo Canberra
3rd Jordon Woods Goulburn Martial Arts Academy
Male Ages 6-10 Colour Belts Division 1
1st Caleb Tapper Goulburn Martial Arts Academy
2nd Tate Gardner Goulburn Martial Arts Academy
3rd Kharn Elward Goulburn Martial Arts Academy
Male Ages 6-10 Colour Belts Division 2
1st Corbin Copeman Ataru
2nd Hudson Wood Goulburn Martial Arts Academy
3rd Ashar Zeb Choong-Moo
Male Ages 11-17 Divison
1st Leland Cerda Sangrok World Taekwondo
2nd Archie Wood Goulburn Martial Arts Academy
3rd Isaac Edwards Goulburn Martial Arts Academy
Male Junior Colour Belts Division
1st Jack Seier Ataru
2nd Xanda Doughty Goulburn Martial Arts Academy
3rd Michael Cutrale Azure
2019 United ITF Nationals – Special Technique
Junior Female
1st Marion Halas Precision Taekwon-Do
2nd Gerrida Grossel Choong-Moo
3rd Lily McCormick Precision Taekwon-Do
Junior Male
1st Cooper Roberts Goulburn Martial Arts Academy
2nd Joshua Zdybel Geelong Taekwon-do
3rd Ben Steele Choong-Moo
Master Michael Muleta visited Rockhampton on the first weekend of August to conduct Black Belt Testings and seminars.
The event was hosted by Brown’s Dojang, and supported by McNae’s Martial Arts and students who travelled over 3 hours each way from Alligator Creek to Rockhampton.
On the Friday evening, students were put through a vigorous Degree testing , comprising of Patterns, various sparring types, self defense, breaking and theory.
Congratulations to new Sabum Wayne Brown, promoted to 4th Degree and Nikki Olzard promoted to 2nd Degree.
Saturday started with a Patterns seminar in the morning, where Master Muleta concentrated on Fundamentals, Power Generation, Training secrets of Taekwon-Do and various sequences derived from the ITF Tuls. He clarified some technique terminology and interpretation of General Choi’s documented patterns.
All students were given the opportunity to perform and receive some constructive feedback to help them improve.
After a break for lunch, Rockhampton students returned to be thrown, flipped, locked, blocked and struck, all in the name of Self Defense.
Master Muleta went through a range of Self Defense scenarios and applications of Taekwon-Do movements. Students enjoyed the session immensely and learnt a few new tricks along the way.
Thank you to Brown’s Taekwon-Do for hosting and arranging the seminars.
Master Muleta is an 8th Degree Under Secretary of the International Taekwon-Do Federation, President & Technical Director of United ITF Taekwon-Do Australia.
Lindy Joy Crouch is Australia’s new Golden Girl of ITF Taekwon-Do. She won 2 Gold medals at the International Taekwon-Do Federation’s Special Needs World Championships in Argentina.
Lindy was Australia’s first down syndrome athlete to compete at the ITF World Championships, in the first fully fledged ITF Special Needs international event.
She won Gold in the Adult individual yellow belt patterns, and also in the Mixed abilities event. Lindy teamed up with Joshua Zdybel to perform self defense against weapon attacks and an unarmed assailant.
It was an incredible performance in front of a massive, and parochial, Argentinian crowd in Buenos Aires’ huge Tecnopolis complex. The event included 5 days of competition, with typical running times from 10am – 6pm.
Lindy was part of a 15 strong Australian squad, which also included 2 Special Needs athletes. The other, Master Lee Hermansson, of Broken Hill, took out a Silver medal in the patterns.
Lindy’s training regime
She trains twice weekly at Geelong Taekwon-Do, under the guidance of 5th Degree instructor Phillip Zdybel. Mr Zdybel also acted as Head Coach of the National team, as well as competing himself.
He describes Lindy as a ‘very spirited young lady who show a lot of determination along the way and put in the extra work attending regular pool sessions’ in addition to regular training.
Despite her special needs, Lindy trains in the regular class and does all the same drills and conditioning as the black belts. This was evident in her performance in Argentina.
President, Master Michael Muleta, said it was a fantastic result for Lindy and the Australian Team. He also noted how the Taekwon-Do special needs section had grown since it’s inception in 2016.
So much so, that the National Organization now has a Special Needs Committee to further develop the program domestically.
We would like to thank the State Government of Victoria and Barwon Sport Academy.
Lindy now has her eyes firmly set on the 2020 ITF World Championships in Russia, where she hopes to return as a high colour belt.
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.
Contact GFI to find out more about our women’s self defense classes and courses. You may consider taking up a structured martial arts class such as Taekwondo, Jiujitsu, Karate or combat sports such as kickboxing, boxing or MMA. Likewise, many providers offer personal training or group sessions / courses for you and and friends or work colleagues.
Over the weekend of August 13-14th, Master Michael Muleta conducted a series of seminars and degree gradings across Canberra.
The Canberra seminars included Sparring (x2) and Self Defense.
On the Saturday, Master Muleta ventured out to the Heron Taekwon-Do club, hosted by Sabum Glenn McKinnon.
The day commenced with a sparring seminar which focused on footwork, attacking and counter attacking drills. Students worked hard and enjoyed the session.
After a short break for lunch, a grading was conducted by Master Muleta and Sabum McKinnon. Firstly, all the gup students, followed by 4 students attempting to obtain their 1st Degree Black Belt.
After an exhaustive and comprehensive physical and theory examination, congratulations to Caylin Thompson, Scott Bovey, Peter Lachlan and Jasper Lachlan for passing their black belt testing.
The following day Master Muleta headed across the other side of town to conduct 2 seminars at the Choong Moo Taekwon-Do school in Amaroo, hosted by Sabum Jordan Steele.
The first seminar again covered ITF Sparring, with a high percentage of red and black belts, the session focused again on footwork and drills, but with a greater emphasis on ring craft, strategies and simulated match play.
As there was no grading afterwards, students were pushed to the point of exhaustion and worked very hard in a grueling session.
After a short drink break, seminar 2 then focused on self defense, or more specifically unarmed combat.
Master Muleta covered areas such as awareness and decision making, vital spots and choosing appropriate attacking tools along with covering various self defense scenarios.
Students went through releases, joint locks, take downs and improvisation drills in a solid session.
On Day 2 the seminar focused on self-defense for almost 200 people in attendance for the whole day. Students were put through many techniques to combat against an assailant, from various grabs, holds, strikes, throws and locks. The seminar was very good and Master Muleta displayed his teaching and class management skills, where he managed to work with every single attendee during the day.
On Day 3 it was competition time, with around 200 students participating from 23 different districts in the 1st color belt open Taekwon-Do Championship.
Turkish Airlines General Manager, and event sponsor, Mr.Abdullaha gave out three gift hampers to three gold medalists.
Master 
vigorous Degree testing , comprising of Patterns, various sparring types, self defense, breaking and theory.
of Taekwon-Do and various sequences derived from the ITF Tuls. He clarified some technique terminology and interpretation of General Choi’s documented patterns.
Master Muleta went through a range of Self Defense scenarios and applications of Taekwon-Do movements. Students enjoyed the session immensely and learnt a few new tricks along the way.
on-Do
