Tag: taekwon-do

Lindy Crouch Australia’s Golden Girl

On August 14, 2018

Lindy Crouch Australia’s Golden Girl

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.

The Geelong school is a member of the Australian National Body, United ITF Taekwon-Do Australia Inc.

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.

Check out the event photo gallery

Website sponsored by – Global Fitness Institute

Aussie Pride on show in Argentina

By Michael Muleta

On August 14, 2018

In Blogs, News

Aussie Pride on show in Argentina

Well done to all who represented Australia at the recent ITF World Championships in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

It is one of the toughest cauldrons of ITF competition with a packed stadium full of latino pride and agression. On the mats, we were super proud of the way the Aussie team showed their true spirit and had a red hot crack.

Fair to say all competitors performed very well, and most at or close to their best performance at this level of competition.

Five long days of competition tested the concentration and endurance of our athletes, but they all gave a good account of themselves.

The nature of sports is that it’s not always enough to get a medal, but we are proud to say we did come home with some.

Special Congratulations, of course, goes to our medal winners

Lindy Crouch (2 x Gold Medals)
Jodi Stanton (2 x Silver Medals)
Lee Hermansson (1 x Silver Medal)
Sasha Robertson (1 x Bronze Medal)
Jackson Riordan (1 x Bronze Medal)

Well done to the coaches Phill Zdybel, Bronnie Keating and Rob Riordan. Your hard work and encouragement in preparing the athletes for their bouts was fantastic.

Thank you to all supporters and parents who came along to cheer on our team.

Check out the Photo Gallery

Well done to Master Neil Cliff and Master Noel Keating, on representing Australia as Umpires.

To round out a very succesful campaign, Master Keating was awarded a Medal of Merit from the ITF for service.

In other big news, Master Michael Muleta was appointed under Secretary General of the International Taekwon-Do Federation at the ITF Congress. (see article)

For all those who did not attend on this occasion, there is always next time.

The next ITF World Championships will be held in Moscow, Russia in 2020.

As per ITF Rules, the INO is charged with co-ordination and management of the national team, from selection trials to team registration, including apparel. From a coaching point of view, we naturally invite coaches from all representative parties.

We will make further announcements regarding squad formation, development camps, coaching and selection trials at the appropriate time.

Affiliations to the INO for 2018 are now open for new and renewing schools.

Affiliate to the ITF National Body

Master Muleta new under Secretary General of ITF

By Michael Muleta

On August 9, 2018

In Blogs, News

Master Muleta appointed new under Secretary General of ITF

Master Michael Muleta was recently appointed the new under Secretary General of the International Taekwon-Do Federation at 2018 ITF Congress in Argentina.

Master Muleta, a foundation member of the President Choi Jung Hwa led organization, has filled several executive roles over the past 16 years including:

Co-Ordinator of ITF Administration
Director of Scientific Research
Tournament Committee Member
Director of Expansion (Oceana)
Director of Umpiring (Oceana)

Additionally, Master Muleta has held the post as President of United ITF Taekwon-Do Australia Inc, the National Body for ITF in Australia since 2002, having founded the organization in 1999.

At various times he has been Technical Director / Adviser for Australia, Sri Lanka, New Zealand and Nepal.

Master Muleta has been involved extensively internationally, having taught seminars in South Africa, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, USA, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, and across Australia.

He has participated at 13 ITF World Championships since 1994 as a competitor, coach, umpire and official.

He was inducted in the Australasian ITF Hall Of Fame in 2018 by Grandmaster Choi Jung Hwa.

Read his full profile here

Latest Thoroughbred Black Belts

By Michael Muleta

On May 1, 2018

In News

Latest Thoroughbred Black Belts

Congratulations to the latest group of Thoroughbred Taekwon-Do Black Belts promoted recently at the Balwyn (Vic) branch.

The testing panel comprised examiner Master Michael Muleta and branch instructors Justin Chin and Jeremy Chin.

The batch of new 1st Degree Black Belts included Ben Gale, Hayden Nguyen, Spencer Yap and Lachlan Nguyen.

The boys were put through the rigors and standards of the International Taekwon-Do Federation and the National Organization, of which Master Muleta is President, United ITF Taekwon-Do Australia Inc.

Each performed admirably across Patterns, Self Defense, Breaking, various forms of Sparring and Theory, earning well deserved promotion.

Gradings do form an important part of Taekwon-Do training, and play a role in maintaining and elevating standards as well as keeping students motivated to maintain focus, consistency in training and to strive for improvement.

Read the article on the Importance of Gradings

Thoroughbred Taekwon-Do won the “Best Overall Club” trophy for Best Team at ITF Oceanic Championships (1999), Master Choi Cup (2003, 2005), ITF Australasian Championships (1995, 1996, 2001, 2004), ITF Australian Championships (1994, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005,2006), ITF Victorian Championships (1994, 1995, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005,2006,2007, 2008, 2009).

Pres Choi NZ Special Needs Tour

By Michael Muleta

On February 24, 2018

In News

Pres Choi NZ Special Needs Tour

After a whirlwind tour of Australia that took in Melbourne and Sydney, President Choi and ITF Staff entourage flew across to New Zealand to help promote the ITF Special Needs program in Hawkes Bay.

The flight from Australia arrived at Wellington airport close to midnight and the touring party of Grandmaster Choi Jung Hwa (ITF President), Grandmaster Kim Jong Chan (ITF Pioneer), Grandmaster Trevor Nicholls (ITF Secretary General), Master Michael Muleta (Australian INO President) and Chris Jung (ITF Public Relations) cleared their way through customs and headed to the hotel for a nap.

In the morning the ITF Officials were greeted by NZITF Special Needs Instructor Ben Evans and Andy Meyer (Rotary Club). At this point GM Nicholls departed back for the UK and the group carried on with the NZ leg of the Australasian Tour.

The morning commenced with a visit to Wellington’s Parliament House for a meet and greet with Federal Minister, the Hon. Lawrence Yule for Tukituki. Both the Korean and Australian Flag flew alongside the New Zealand flag at the steps of parliament.

We carried on for a 4 hour drive up the East coast of New Zealand’s North Island headed for the seaside region of Hawkes Bay, with a few scenic stops along the way.

Upon arriving in Napier, the ITF Team settled in for the night to rest up for a very busy day 2 planned schedule, starting with a Special Needs promotional talk at the Hawkes Bay Rotary club breakfast.

After a warm welcome by the Rotary Club MC, Ben Evans gave an introduction of the ITF visiting party. President Choi Spoke first of the origins of Taekwon-Do and the importance of Do. This was followed by Grandmaster JC Kim giving the attendees an historical appreciation for Taekwon-Do. Master Muleta then spoke about the importance of the Special Needs initiatives, and the future direction of the movement on a global scale, and formally recognized the efforts of NZITF in this area.

The speeches were well received and guests were able to mingle after breakfast and chat about Taekwon-Do and the significant and important contribution and support given by Hawkes Bay Rotary club.

After breakfast the ITF party headed out to the Hohepa community farm, where special needs students develop life skills and confidence building activities from farming, agriculture, arts and crafts. cheese making among other things. Many of the special needs population at Hohepa are also involved in the Taekwon-Do program.

In the afternoon, President Choi Officially opened the Special Needs dojang donated by the Napier council and supported with funding from Hastings District Masonic Trust, with welcoming speeches, songs, Taekwon-do demonstrations and the ceremonial cutting of the ribbon.

From there the team headed off to Irongate school, the venue for that evenings Seminar. The students welcomed the ITF representatives with a very impressive and passionate Haka, the traditional Maori warrior chant.

The evening seminar was a huge success attracting over 100 participants integrating Special needs students with mainstream students. It also attracted local television and newspaper coverage.

President Choi was assisted by Master Muleta, as they ran students through a series of fundamentals, drills and tuls for over 2 hours. The session was high energy and lots of enthusiastic students added to the atmosphere.

The following day involved more meeting with local politicians and some well earned r&r for those who had been on the road for over 3 weeks of the Asia Pacific Tour.

We thank the ITF President, Grandmasters, Masters and ITF Staff for their support and also acknowledge the fine work being done in the area of special needs by Ben Evans of NZITF.

View the full photo gallery here

The Son of Taekwon-Do returns

By Michael Muleta

On December 3, 2017

In News, upcoming events

The Son of Taekwon-Do returns

We are excited to announce that the Grandmaster Choi Jung Hwa, the Son of legendary Founder of Taekwon-Do Choi Hong Hi returns to Australia in January, 2018.

As part of an Asia-Pacific tour, Grandmaster Choi Jung Hwa will conduct an International Instructor course, incorporating a Masterclass, in Melbourne on January 27th – 28th, 2018

The IIC course is open to all persons 1st Gup and above, whilst the Masterclass is open to all ranks.

It is the first seminar conducted by Grandmaster Choi Jung Hwa since his last visit to Melbourne in 2013, and his 7th seminar visit.

All Taekwon-Do practitioners are welcome to participate.

The seminar is being organized by Master Michael Muleta, on behalf of the International Taekwon-Do Federation

Registrations and more information here

ITF Centre of Excellence

By Michael Muleta

On April 27, 2016

In News

ITF Centre of Excellence

Stage 3 – We’re have lift off – June 5th 2016

We celebrated the first Official activity and opening of the new ITF Centre of Excellence, with special guest, 8x ITF World Champion, Carl van Roon from New Zealand, conducting his “Future World Champions Seminar’.

The event was a success with attendees coming from New Zealand, Sunshine Coast, Canberra, Mildura and across many Melbourne schools. It was only significant as it featured members from several ITF groups training harmoniously and with the common goal of learning and improving their abilities in ITF Taekwon-Do, which is the very ethos upon which the Centre was conceived and now opened.

Works are progressing well on the new ITF Centre of Excellence in Braybrook, Melbourne. Here’s a few of the latest snaps a few days before opening.

A few more items to come including a boxing ring, boxing area, cross fit cages, rowing machines and more……watch this space for updates.

The ITF Centre of Excellence is a high performance training centre based in Melbourne, Australia overseen by Master Michael Muleta, 8th Degree Black Belt.

It features a fully equipped commercial grade gymnasium for the exclusive use of our students, along with educational and rehabilitation facilities.

The Centre will host many programs across a range of martial arts, health and fitness and specialize in high performance training.

Here’s a few early shots – we’ll keep you posted on the progress.

Stage 2 – Almost ready for kick off

Works on the new ITF Centre of Excellence in Braybrook, Melbourne have commenced, here’s a few early snaps. At this stage we’re still cleaning up from previous tenant and starting to move equipment in.

Here’s a few early shots – we’ll keep you posted on the progress.

Official Grand Opening Day is Sunday 5th June, and we will be holding a seminar with 7 x ITF World Champion Carl van Roon to commemorate the occasion.