On Friday 5th April Sabumnim Michael Nguyen along with Miss Larita Bouphasavanh and Mr Tim Hon flew from Melbourne to Perth for a Training Seminar (Saturday) and Senior Dan grading (Sunday) conducted by Master Barbour (7th Dan).
Sabumnim Tony Nguyen (IV Dan) and Boosabumnim Daniel Nguyen (II Dan) departed Brisbane to meet us there to assist with the grading, videography and photography.
Day 1 consisted of a 6 hour training seminar with Master Barbour with very few breaks. All aspects of taekwondo were covered including patterns, step sparring, prearranged sparring, sparring drills and self defence. The seminar also covered the philosophy of taekwondo, training secrets, theory of power and tenets of taekwondo in more depth. It was a very enjoyable seminar.
The examination cover all aspects of taekwondo ranging from fundamental movements, patterns (Chon Ji to Moon Moo), sparring (3-step, 2-step, 1-step, prearranged, model and free), 4 on 1 random self defence, power breaking, theory (Chon Ji to Moon Moo) and fitness was assessed and scrutinized thoroughly. It was a tough but fair grading and above all a satisfying grading. Despite the few setbacks from injuries sustained on the day, I successfully completed my grading requirements and was promoted to 5th Dan by Master Barbour.
The trip allowed our team to visit local tourist attractions such as the Caversham Wilflife Park, Cottesloe Beach, Fremantle, South Perth Foreshore, Perth CBD and Kings Park. It was amazing!!!!
Congratulations to everyone that graded. A special mention goes out to Mr Paul Evensen and Mr Roger Bartholomeusz who were also promoted to 5th Dan black belt.
Photos courtesy of Mark Julian Smith, Daniel Nguyen and Larita Bouphasavanh.
