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Ivan Returns from Deaflympics with Regrets

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Ivan Mok, Singapore’s sole taekwondo representative in the 21st Summer Deaflympics Taipei held at the end of August 2009 in Taipei, almost did the nation proud when he narrow missed a podium finish. Only one point separated him and a place in the semi-finals.

Ivan, facing Andrew Yick Chun Ki of Great Britain in the quarter-finals, was tentative in the first round. He was punished by his opponent who took a 2-0 lead at the end of the round.

After taking some valuable advice from his coach, Brian Peh, during the one-minute break, Ivan entered the arena for the second round with greater confidence. He showed it by using some high risk techniques which earned him a total of 3 points. The round ended with 3 a piece.

For the third round, Ivan decided to play a defensive game. That was a mistake! And it cost him the match and the opportunity to move on to the next round.

Said a disappointed Ivan: “I regret not keeping the same strategy I adopted for the second round. It was so close yet so far. Nevertheless, I have learned a lot from my first international exposure.”

Ivan was not the only one who had benefited from the outing.

Brian said: “I am honoured to be his coach in the Deaflympics and delighted to have gained invaluable insight on how the competition for the hearing impaired is conducted.

“It is my ardent wish that SADeaf can attract talented hearing impaired taekwondo players for future overseas competition. Plans are afoot for a World Cup Taekwondo for the Deaf. When it happens, we want to be there with a bigger and stronger team.”

Well, coaches, you have heard from Brian. If you have any potential hearing impaired students, encourage them to join SADeaf and do Singapore proud.

Poomsae Coach Upgrading Course – Retest

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The Poomsae Coach Upgrading Course retest will be held on Sunday, 4 October 2009 at 2.00pm at STF Temporary Training Centre, Greatland Building 48 Lorong 21 Geylang.

Participants interested to take the retest must register with Jolene, Theresa or Rosalind at 6345 1491 by Friday, 2 October 2009.

Poomsae Coach Upgrading Course – Timing

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Due to overwhelming response, the upgrading course will be conducted in 2 separate sessions as follows.

–  2.00pm to 5.00pm (for coaches holding Level 1P & Level 1 qualifications)
–  5.30pm to 8.30pm (for coaches holding Level 2 & Level 3 qualifications)

No Parking at Toa Payoh Sports Hall

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We regret to announce that there will no parking available at the Toa Payoh Sports Hall on Sunday 4 October 2009, the date of the centralized grading.

The Singapore Taekwondo Federation (STF) was informed on Wednesday 23 September 2009 that the car park would be closed for those involved in the Healthy Lifestyle event at the adjacent stadium and also for security reasons.

All club leaders, coaches and parents of candidates are advised to use public transport. If driving is necessary, please park at the nearby HDB car parks.

In view of the expected large crowd on that day, car park space may not be easily available. All those who will be driving may wish to give themselves enough time so that they or the candidates will not be late for the grading.

We appreciate your understanding and co-operation in the matter.

Poomsae Coach Course for Black Belts

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The next Poomsae Coach Course will be held as follows.

DateSunday 11 October 2009
Time3.00pm to 9.00pm
PlaceGreatland Building   48, Lorong 21   Geylang #03-01   Singapore 388464   (STF Temporary Training Centre)  
Dress Code‘Dobok’
TestsTheory and practical tests will be conducted at the end of the   course
CertificationPoomsae Coach Certificate (Level 1) for successful   participants with NCAP Level 1 or Taekwondo Coaching     Qualification and   Poomsae Coach Certificate (Level 1P) for successful   participants without the coaching qualification  
Fee$50
Closing DateMonday 5 October 2009

The primary objectives of the Poomsae Coach Course are to qualify black belts as poomsae coaches and provided them the passport to become a full-fledged national poomsae referee.

Poomsae Referees will be important to clubs who plan participate in future National School Championships and National Poomsae Championships as all participating clubs will be required from next year to provide at least one poomsae referee to qualify for participation in poomsae competitions.

All clubs are advised to start planning early for their officiating needs.

A Useful Grading Preparation Workshop

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Said Michelle Wong, one of the participants in the Grading Preparation Workshop:  “It was useful to know that is expected by the examiners.  Now I have 3 weeks to prepare for the grading conscientiously.”

Like her, all the 65 participants in the Workshop held on 13 September 2009 at Bt Merah Community Club found the workshop enlightening.  Most importantly, they could ask seek clarifications from Mr Chin Khee Shin, Mr RA Jeyaraman and Mr Tan Cheng Hui –  all senior examiners – and Mr Ng Hwa Ann (Grading Chairman and Examiner) and Mr Peter Lim (Grading Vice-Chairman).

Participants were informed of what the examiners wanted to see in their performances.  They were also learned about the differences between major and minor mistakes for poomsae. 

Tips were also provided on how to prepare for the grading and what they could expect from their coaches.

All participants were presented their participation certificates at the end of the workshop.

Coaches are reminded to submit a copy of their participation certificate together with their grading application form.  For junior red 1 to 1st poom and 1st poom to 2nd poom candidates, please attach a copy of the certificate to the grading card.

Taking the Lead

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Members of the National Training Squad, TEAMgOLD and Assisi Warriors had started the practice of taking the taekwondo pledge before each training session.

National Training Squad

Before they took of the pledge for the first time, every line was explained to them to make them appreciate the significance. Otherwise, the pledge is just words.

For example, they were told that honesty is more than just telling the truth or trying not to deceive others. It requires them to be honest with themselves. If they do not understand a technique, they should clarify. They should also give of their best in their training and not try to ‘cheat’ themselves by doing less or giving less than what they can give.

 TEAMgOLD

They were also told that being humble is not about bowing only. They can learn only if they are humble. If they think that they are the best, then it will be almost impossible for them to learn anything from any one.

Assisi Warriors

All the members who took the pledge also understood the importance of renewing their promises at every training session.

All affiliated clubs which have not implemented the pledge-taking are encouraged to do so immediately. It will eventually help the clubs to produce better students.

Together, the STF and its affiliates can make taekwondo a true character development sport.

We teach taekwonDO and not taekwon!

Poomsae Coach Upgrading Course

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The next Poomsae Coach Upgrading Course will be held on Sunday 27 September 2009 from 2.00pm to 5.00pm at the Temporary Training Centre at GreatlandBuilding, 48 Lorong 21 Geylang, #03-01, Singapore 388464.

The following are the other course details.

Objectives – To provided opportunities for coaches to be better qualified and informed in poomsae.
– To help them to prepare for their upgrading.
– To equip them with the performance skills. 
Contents – Introductory Taegeuk to Koryo Poomsae (Revision for all participants)
– Keumgang to Sipjin (Revision for Level 3 participants)
– Keumgang to Sipjin (Learning of the Poomsae for Level 2 participants)
– Jitae to Hansoo (Learning of the Poomsae for Level 3 participants)
Eligibility – Coaches with Level 1 or 2 qualifications
– Poom belts and Black belts who are interested in learning higher dan poomsae.
Dress Code ‘Dobok’
Certification – Level 3 certification for Level 2 coaches
– Level 2 certification for Level 1 coaches
– Certificate of Participation for the rest
Fee $30
Closing Date Thursday 24 September 2009

In order to give the best learning experience for all participants, the Course Chairman reserves the right to separate the sessions for Level 2 and Level 3 participants if the response is overwhelming. If that happens, the time slots will be 2.00pm to 5.00pm for Level 2 and 5.30pm to 8.30pm for Level 3.

Applicants will hear from the Singapore Taekwondo Federation if the timing is changed. Otherwise, it will be 2.00pm to 5.00pm for all.

36th Nationals Prove To Be SAFE Championships

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The 36th Pesta Sukan National Taekwondo Championships held over two weekends – 29 and 30 August and 5 and 6 September 2009 – turned out to be a SAFE championships. SAFE is an acronym for Safe, Action-Packed, Fun and Exemplary.

Safe

Except for minor bruises, the four-day tournament participated by exponents from 6 years old to 50 years old had no safety issue at all. It was conducted smoothly and safely under the watchful eyes of one doctor, one nurse and numerous paramedics and medics. There were also two standby ambulances. Nevertheless, the organizers were delighted that their services were almost not required.

The Singapore Taekwondo Federation (STF) is proud to maintain its safety record for 36 years!

Action-Packed

There were non-stop actions throughout the event. Contestants tried to better each other with numerous electrifying flamboyant kicks and punches and some exciting tactics and strategies. There was never a dull moment as the supports cheered themselves hoarse. While the players entertained, the cheer teams pushed them on.

Fun

Everybody at the championships contributed to make the event enjoyable. The referees did a fabulous job. The schedule went like clockwork. The display of sportsmanship by players and coaches was simply outstanding. The job of the tournament officials and assistants was made so much easier with the co-operation of club officials.

Exemplary

The championships are a dream to many tournament organizers. The competition was not only well run but also well supported by volunteers. For the first time in the history of the STF, referees, coaches and players were seen helping to remove the mats after the event. It was indeed and excellent example of the taekwondo spirit which the STF is encouraging and promoting.

This article will not be complete if we do not mention the outstanding performers in the championships. They are as follows:

Category Champions

Young Junior ( 1 )Female DivisionACME TKD
Young Junior ( 1 )Male   DivisionJ H KIM TKD Institute S’pore
Young Junior ( 2 )Female DivisionHenderson C C
Young Junior ( 2 )Male   DivisionACME TKD
JuniorFemale DivisionMacpherson C C
JuniorMale   DivisionAljunied C C
SeniorFemale DivisionACME TKD
SeniorMale   DivisionSingapore Polytechnic
YouthMale   DivisionLeng Kee TKD
Category Champions
Overall Champions 
ChampionACME TKD
1st Runner-UpLeng Kee TKD
2nd Runner-UpAljunied C C
Acme TKD
 Leng Kee TKD

 Aljunied CC

Awards

Awards   
BEST   FIGHTING   SPIRITNicholas Tang
BEST   FIGHTING   SPIRITCheong Tien Soh
BEST   PLAYER ( FEMALE )Joyce Lim
BEST   PLAYER ( MALE )Jason Tan
BEST CHEER TEAMLeng Kee TKD
MOST IMPROVED CLUBLeng Kee TKD
BEST COACHLim Hyun
BEST ROOKIE REFEREEChua Juan Juan
BEST REFEREEBen Chong

Please see attached for detailed results.

The STF would like to put on record its appreciation to the following for making the championships a resounding success.

  • the club leaders and coaches for supporting the event;
  • the players for displaying outstanding sportsmanship;
  • the parents, spectators and cheer teams for creating the tournament atmosphere;
  • the referees for their fair judgment and amazing teamwork;
  • the volunteer for providing an invaluable service; and
  • the tournament chairman and his hardworking team for ensuring the efficient and effective conduct of the event.

Don’t Be Fooled

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Going to a club with participants wearing uniform with ‘Singapore Taekwondo Federation’ (STF) does not mean that you are a member of a club recognized by the STF.

One parent found out the truth when his son joined an STF-affiliated club.

In his letter to the STF, he wrote: “At every training session, they would put on their ‘gi’ (uniform in Japanese) with the Singapore Taekwondo Federation printed on the back.”

He also wrote: “Based on his credentials (7th dan), I had no reason to believe that he is not a bona fide TKD exponent. My wish is that the STF will recognize xxx’s brown belt status in taekwondo.”

The STF feels sorry for the boy and his parent. Is it there fault or is it not their fault?

Whatever it is, please check the status of the club or instructor carefully before you join. Know what you are in for. And don’t be fooled!