Ashhurst Taekwondo

Just a reminder that training starts back for 2023 next Tuesday the 7th of Feb

Victoria University TaeKwonDo Club Dan Grading 18 June 2022 Congratulations to all the candidates and many thanks to our supporters from Victoria University TKD and Ashhurst TKD ❤️ 🥋 We were treated to an amazing demonstration of kyukpa by Master Sean, seen here breaking 6 boards with his yopchagi (sidekicks). The grading syllabus consisted of Poomsae, 3 step sparring, kibon (basics), kyorugi (sparring), hosinsul (self-defence), kyukpa (breaking), theory and the club tradition of ring of fire. Promoted: Billy Tien Dang Nguyen Kukkiwon 1st Dan, Lonnie Liu Kukkiwon 2nd Dan, Master Nick Jury Kukkiwon 4th Dan, Master Sean Freeman TUNZ 5th Dan. Keep on kicking and training hard. All the best for your TaeKwonDo journey. Examiners Masters Sophia and Belinda

Training for term 1 starts back tonight. With the current guidance from Sport NZ (based on type of facility and numbers) no changes in terms of the current processes we have in place - physical distancing, attendance tracking etc. Hope everyone had a great break and will see you tonight!

Training back tonight (Wednesday). Has to be in accordance with current Alert Level 2 Delta guidelines for sports clubs so hand sanitiser available as well as physical distancing when training. I'll do the sign in with the app but will note down attendance as not everyone will have cellphones I expect. There are going to be some things we unfortunately can't do when it comes to distancing but still plenty of other TKD things we can work on. See you all tonight!

Poomsae Director Spotlight
Name: Sean Freeman
Started TKD: 1991
Region: Manawatu
Profile:
- 4th Dan
- 3rd Dan ITF
- Instructor Ashhurst Club
- Poomsae Judge / Coach

Why did You Start Taekwondo?
At the time when I was in primary school the club trained in the school hall in Ashhurst, as well as that my school teacher at the time who was also training in it. I had tried a few other things and they didn't really take but found TKD came very naturally to me so just stuck with it.

What's your favourite part of Poomsae?
For me it is the highly technical side of things, trying to understand things beyond the obvious - how a movement is performed in a certain way and most importantly, why that is. I find this leads to a much better understanding of the actions we perform in TKD and how we can do them efficiently while also delivering powerful and practical techniques.

What is the highlight of your Poomsae journey?
Representing NZ at the world champs in 2013, that was a really difficult event but it was a real eye-opener too to see the global level of Poomsae and be able to compete against the best in the world. It really provided the drive to try and keep improving and to push myself to grow my knowledge.

What is it like at a Poomsae seminar?
It is a really valuable upskilling opportunity, it is great being able to work with other instructors and pick up different tips and ways of being able to teach things. Everyone at a seminar is there to take some step towards trying to improve something. It is really encouraging to see the level of Poomsae across TUNZ being lifted over the last decade.

Trainings start back tomorrow night so if you are thinking about joining for this year make sure you get in touch with us