Just like the many times before, during circuit breaker (Singapore's lockdown), we all set up our laptops and phones to connect to a virtual meeting. Except this Sunday evening was different. On this day, black belts from around the world were participating in a virtual seminar led by Sir Juan Ramos Travi in Peru. 

Island Taekwon-Do Centre was one of many clubs participating. We'd joined slightly earlier to test our sound and video, and as we waited for the seminar to begin, more and more participants appeared on screen, smiling and waving as they joined the group. We were happy to see some familiar faces from teams such as India and Malaysia, and the group was a buzz with chatter as individuals and teams greeted old friends. Finally, the Peruvian club declared loudly, "Charyut" and silence descended upon the group. Just like in real life, everyone stood at attention.  

"Kyungnet," he said.

"Taekwon!" The sound was overwhelming... most microphones weren't muted. I felt a chill on the back of my neck, this was going to be a TKD experience like no other.

Sir Juan Ramos Travi addressed the group again. "Baro". Everyone relaxed.

As more than two dozen clubs from Asia, Europe and America were welcomed and introduced, with about a dozen masters among them, it became clear that this would be an opportunity to learn from an extremely experienced group. The instructor then changed to Master Rai, the technical director from Canada.

Many of the participants began to chat amongst themselves excitedly, which highlighted the fact that quite a few of them had their microphones on. It was surreal to hear multiple languages converging into one. My screen was a chess board of windows into the far corners of the world. Some participants were indoors and some out, a few were standing amongst wisps of snow while others were in tropical locales. After a few minutes, Master Rai instilled order and again, we readied ourselves.

He was in his gym, with plenty of space and a team to assist him, while I was in my kitchen with the table pushed aside. My cats stared at me in wonder. They’d never seen a virtual meeting quite like this. Master Rai introduced himself and gave an overview of the seminar before moving into warmups, which was intense and included some strength and conditioning routines. I was panting and saw others in the same situation, however all of us were smiling. We knew we were in for a tough session! 

From there were reviewed each pattern one by one before breaking down a few key techniques. I learned something in each section, even while reviewing patterns for yellow, green and blue belt gradings.

Participants asked excellent questions, which led to even more new knowledge. New information was abundant; we covered all colour belt patterns as well as a few of the first black belt patterns. In the end, the session went over time quite a bit and it was late, past midnight for us in Singapore. It was worth every second.

After we’d finally concluded and said our goodbyes, I felt glad to have had the chance to add such a unique experience to my Taekwon-Do journey.  

Taekwon,
Dylan

Written by Mr. Dylan Coughlan, 3rd Degree Black Belt, ITF Singapore
© Island Taekwon-Do Centre 2021