Students from the SA Global Taekwon-do Federation attended the GTF Grand Master Park Jung-Tae World Cup in Toronto, Canada which took place from 24-29^th July. 

After national selections, seven competitors from the Ballito & Johannesburg Martial Arts Masters Academy Clubs qualified to represent South Africa at the World Championships.  Each country sent their strongest sportsman to the World Cup and the event was filled with eager anticipation from competitors and coaches alike.  After four days of competition our South African team achieved outstanding results, with each person achieving a medal.

Janine Correia – Under 80kg – Sparring: Gold
Innocent (Lucky) Ndlovu – Under 80kg Sparring:  Bronze  - Power Breaking - Gold
Miki Oshua – Under 65kg – Sparring: Gold
Natasha Oosthuizen – Under 60kg – Sparring: Silver – Power Breaking – Gold
Mix Swart – Under 80kg – Sparring: Bronze
Darryl Smith – 90kg+ - Sparring: Silver – Power Breaking – Gold
Kim Mulder – Under 80kg – Sparring:  Gold

 The President of the (GTF) Global Taekwon-do Honorary Grand Master Linda Park and the Masters were impressed with the technique and sportsmanship demonstrated by the South Africa Team.  We congratulate the team on their excellent results!

We wish to thank all our many supporters and in particular the generous Team donations and sponsorships given by Mr. Eric Page of HERS and Siza Water of Ballito.

This event was an excellent experience for the SA Team, many of whom this was their first international championships.  The team has returned, ready and eager to prepare for their next world championships which will take place in 2013 in Cyprus.

The team wishes to express their appreciation and gratitude for the world-class training received by their Coach, International Instructor and Master Vladimir Grachev – 6^th Degree Black Belt (Taekwon-Do & Hapki-Do).

Congratulations to husband and wife team, Avi & Mel Singh, who have just completed their first three months of Hapki-Do Training!

It's been such an honour to train with you and see the incredible changes happening for you.  Increase in fitness, flexibility and strength.  Weight-loss and getting healthier by the day.

Thanks for your commitment Avi & Mel!

         Avi & Mel with Bo-Sabum Nim Natasha Oosthuizen - 2 Degree Black Belt - Hapki-Do

A 13-Week Hapki-Do Seminar started in our Centurion Dojang this week!   Our training includes Basic and advanced self-defence techniques ~ Grappling, Wrist Locks, Throws and Step-Sparring.  Basic weapons training in, Short & Long Stick, Nunchaku, and Sword is included.

This is a very exciting journey for us and a real honour to be trained by Master Grachev.

  Training with Master Vladimir Grachev ~ VI Degree Black Belt Hapki-Do & Taekwon-Do ~

Congratulations to our SA GTF Team for their achievements at last weekends Veritas Competition.
 
A big thank you to all our Instructors and Team members for their support during the day we appreciate you!


For Sparring (Contact) Gold goes to Sabum Nim Timur Kurmanov and Roger de Charmoy - you did us proud.  Silver Medals to Lucky Ndlovu, Miki Swart, Janine Correia, Natasha Oosthuizen, Grant Sutherland, and Vounal Nandlal. 


The Teams would like to thank Guk-Jae Sabum Nim Vladimir Grachev for his instruction, coaching, constant and unfailing support. Thank you!!

Go Team Go! 

Some of the SA GTF (Global Taekwon-Do Federation) Team seen here with 

 - Master & International Instructor - Guk-Jae Sabum Nim Vladimir Grachev - 

- VI Degree Black Belt Taekwon-Do & Hapki-Do - 

                                                  

Families and Martial Arts

It is one of the most beautiful things in the world to watch parents and children train side by side!

What I love most is the bond of love, friendship, understanding and respect that develops between parent and child.

I enjoy watching the glow on a parents face as they see their child’s accomplishments, like the perfect execution of a turning-kick, and the satisfaction of when their child has a personal breakthrough and achieves something they never thought they could.   

It’s great to watch a family share in each other’s challenges and successes. Amongst many other benefits I have seen parents become younger and healthier and their children become more mature and confident.

Respect, trust and open communication are the foundations of strong families. Taekwon-Do training promotes values such as honesty, courtesy, loyalty, and cooperation. Each is an essential component in maintaining a good family structure.

Our sincere congratulations to all the families out there training side by side! Happy training and family building!

PS: If your family is training side by side ... let me know how it's going and what the benefits are?