The venue of the event was a serene surrounding at Mohamad Shatak College in Sholinganallur.
The anticipation for the grand masters’ arrival was palpable, yet the beginning of their journey proved to be anything but smooth. Despite efforts to ensure a seamless experience, unforeseen travel disruptions cast a shadow over their initial hours. Flights were significantly delayed, and to compound the frustration, of stress to their long-awaited arrival several bags went missing, adding an unwelcome lateral.
After finally finding a brief moment of respite at the Citadines hotel, our team swiftly picked up the grand masters and brought them directly to the venue.
The atmosphere quickly shifted as participants and masters gathered, sharing a light lunch and preparing their minds for the day’s events.
The day officially commenced with a short yet heartwarming opening ceremony. We were honored to formally welcome Dean, Grand Master Paul Weiler, Grand Master Jurek, and Master Yogi Chand. Each distinguished guest was presented with traditional garlands and a commemorative memento, symbolizing our respect and appreciation for their presence.
Following the ceremony, the highly anticipated sessions began. Grand Master Jurek masterfully kicked off his segment with a series of engaging and fun warm-ups. This proved to be a brilliant move, instantly lightening the spirits of the participants. The relief was palpable, especially considering Chennai’s typical offering of warm and sultry weather, which had left some feeling a bit subdued.
For the next four hours, Grand Master Jurek captivated the audience, exhibiting the fine nuances of the basic moves that form the fundamental patterns in the art of Taekwon-Do. His expertise shone through as he meticulously broke down complex techniques into understandable components, providing invaluable insights to everyone present.
The intense session concluded around 6:30 PM. Afterwards, the organizing committee convened to discuss and iron out a few logistical issues for the days ahead before returning to the hotel. The masters enjoyed a well-deserved dinner in-house, finally retiring for the day. Despite the initial travel woes, it was indeed the end of an exciting and enriching day, setting a positive tone for the rest of the event.
Continuation of a brilliant start
The rain from the previous night had worked its magic, cooling down the lingering heat and setting the stage for a perfect day of Taekwon-Do training. The fresh, crisp air and the softened sunshine made for a truly enjoyable and energizing atmosphere, ideal for both focus and physical activity.
Grand Master Jurek, with his characteristic passion and precision, dedicated the entire day to guiding us through the rich tapestry of Taekwon-Do techniques. The morning began with a thorough revision of the foundational skills covered the day before, ensuring that everyone had a strong grasp of the basic stances, blocks, punches, and kicks. This set a solid platform for what was to come.
The main focus of the day’s training revolved around some of the more complex and demanding elements of the art—specifically, the intricate movements and sequences found in the patterns Chon-Ji, Dan-Gun, Do-San, Won-Hyo, Yul-Gok, Joong-Gun, Toi-Gye, Hwa-Rang, and Choong-Moo. Grand Master Jurek meticulously broke down the finer points of each pattern, emphasizing the challenging transitions, the correct application of power, and the harmony between breathing and movement. We practiced each pattern in its entirety, paying close attention to accuracy, rhythm, and flow.
The evening session brought a shift in focus towards sparring techniques. Grand Master Jurek provided us with a comprehensive introduction to three-step, two-step, and one-step sparring, explaining their importance in developing timing, distance control, and practical application. We began with structured three-step sparring drills, reinforcing the basic attack and defense sequences. As we progressed to two-step sparring, we were encouraged to tap into our creativity, designing unique combinations and responses that tested both our skill and spontaneity.
By the end of the day, we not only deepened our technical understanding but also experienced the dynamic and evolving spirit of Taekwon-Do under the expert guidance of Grand Master Jurek. The pleasant weather, the engaging lessons, and the shared commitment among all participants made it a truly memorable and enriching day.
Grand finale to a wonderful event
The third and final day of the training began with the same infectious enthusiasm that had filled the previous sessions. Any lingering tiredness from the intense days before had now completely disappeared, replaced by a renewed energy and a deep eagerness among the participants. The excitement wasn’t just about pushing physical limits anymore—it was about the anticipation of learning the subtle “tricks of the trade” that would help each one of us excel in Taekwon-Do, shared directly by Grand Master Jurek himself.
The main focus of the day was sparring, with particular emphasis on self-defense techniques. Grand Master Jurek demonstrated a variety of practical and effective defensive moves, carefully explaining each step and its application. Throughout, he consistently reminded us of a core principle in martial arts—that these techniques are to be used responsibly, never to cause harm, and only in situations where there is no other option for ensuring safety. This strong ethical reminder reinforced the discipline and integrity that lie at the heart of Taekwon-Do practice.
As the day drew to a close, the event concluded with a warm and heartfelt closing ceremony. The participants were awarded the certificates and they expressed their gratitude to Grand Master Jurek Judut, Grand Master Paul Weiler & Master Yogi Chand for his invaluable guidance and shared wisdom, and the volunteers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes were also sincerely thanked for their contributions. Mementos were presented as tokens of appreciation and as lasting memories of the enriching experience.
Following a final lunch together, the participants gradually began to disperse, carrying with them not just the skills and knowledge gained, but also a deeper respect for the art and the camaraderie built over the past few days. The seminar left everyone inspired, motivated, and eager to continue their Taekwon-Do journey with renewed dedication.
IIC 186 in Chennai, India: A Challenging Start and an Uplifting OpeningRead More
Sparring principles – practical drills focused on timing, distancing, and intelligent movement
