PENANG, Malaysia, the 14th of July 2024 – The 178th International Instructor Course (IIC), held from 12th to 14th July 2024 at the Mercure Penang Beach Hotel, was a landmark event in the history of ITF Taekwon-Do. Bringing together 82 dedicated practitioners from Malaysia, Nepal, India, Singapore, and Indonesia, this course underscored Penang’s historical significance in the ITF Taekwon-Do landscape.
| 1st Gup – 3rd Dan | 4th Dan – 6th Dan | 7th Dan – 8th Dan | 9th Dan | |
| Malaysia | 32 | 32 | 8 | 1 |
| Indonesia | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| India | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Nepal | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Singapore | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Attended Pax | 36 | 37 | 8 | 1 |
Honouring General Choi’s Legacy
General Choi Hong-hi, the revered founder of Taekwon-Do, visited Penang numerous times, further cementing the martial arts’s presence in Malaysia and Southeast Asia. His efforts laid the foundation for establishing Taekwon-Do schools in Penang, which played a pivotal role in popularising the martial art nationwide.
Penang has hosted several significant training seminars and demonstrations, often led by General Choi and other senior instructors. These events provided invaluable training opportunities and ensured the maintenance of ITF Taekwon-Do’s high standards. One notable location is Han Chiang High School, which frequently hosted Taekwon-Do events during General Choi’s visits.
The influence of Penang’s Taekwon-Do practitioners is profound, with many prominent Malaysian instructors hailing from this region. Their contributions have been vital to the growth and development of Taekwon-Do in Malaysia and internationally. Penang’s rich cultural and historical context has provided a unique environment that fosters a thriving Taekwon-Do community, reflecting its deep-seated support for sports and cultural activities.
Day 1: Grading Sessions and Opening Ceremony
On the early morning of the 12th of July, Grand Master Najmi bin Abdullah, Master Nandakumar P. N. Nambiar, Master Balachandran Sangkaranayar, and Master Yong Kin Chong conducted a rigorous 4th – 6th Dan grading session. Participants demonstrated exceptional skills and discipline, reflecting the high standards of ITF Taekwon-Do.
Then, another grading session for 7th – 8th Dan led by esteemed examiners Grand Master Paul McPhail, Grand Master Jerzy Jedut & Grand Master Najmi Abdullah was conducted. The grading session was unique and inspired those who witnessed it, as one of the candidates completed it despite being on a walking aid.
Official Commencement and Training
Following the grading, Grand Master Najmi Abdullah, President of the Malaysian Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF), officiated the IIC. Training sessions began with Grand Master Paul McPhail leading warm-ups and stretching, followed by a focus on patterns. Grand Master Jerzy Jedut then provided in-depth instruction on sine wave techniques.
Tribute to Master Abdul Razak Bin Haji Hussain
The day concluded on a sombre note with the unfortunate news of the passing of Master Abdul Razak Bin Haji Hussain, MTF’s State Chief Instructor. Participants held a minute of silence and prayers in his honour.
Day 2: Comprehensive Training and Gala Dinner
On Saturday, the 13th of July, participants gathered for a group photo by the seaside, performing the Chon-Ji tul. The Chon-Ji pattern, symbolising the beginning of Taekwon-Do, mirrored the serene and boundless horizon of the sea, representing purity and the start of a lifelong journey in martial arts.
Morning and Afternoon Training
The day’s training was divided between two esteemed instructors. Grand Master Paul McPhail led sessions on one-step, two-step, and three-step sparring and black belt patterns. Concurrently, Grand Master Jerzy Jedut focused on essential footwork for sparring and foundational techniques for colour belt patterns.
Evening Gala Dinner and Lifetime Achievement Award
The evening featured a gala dinner where appreciation plaques were presented to various contingents. Several recognitions and awards were also bestowed upon MTF Masters, individuals, and state associations for their outstanding contributions from 2020 to 2023.
The highlight of the dinner was the moving video montage and the Lifetime Achievement Award presented to Grand Master Najmi Abdullah. This award recognised his promotion to 9th Degree Black Belt. It celebrated his decades-long dedication to Taekwon-Do, his exceptional teaching, and his role in advancing martial arts in Malaysia and internationally.
Day 3: Final Training and Closing Ceremony
The final day, Sunday, the 14th of July, began with the announcement of 4th – 6th Dan promotions by Grand Master Najmi based on the previous grading on Friday. Newly promoted black belts were celebrated for their achievements:
- Sabum Biplap Laskar – 4th Degree Black Belt (India)
- Sabum Gurubaran Mohan – 4th Degree Black Belt (Malaysia)
- Sabum Muhammad Kamal Bin Ghazali – 5th Degree Black Belt (Malaysia)
- Sabum Leong Kok Wah – 5th Degree Black Belt (Malaysia)
- Sabum Mohammed Amin Bin Yahya – 6th Degree Black Belt (Malaysia)
- Sabum Abdul Hafidz Bin Russly – 6th Degree Black Belt (Malaysia)
- Sabum Jayasilen Sivapragasam – 6th Degree Black Belt (Malaysia)
- Sabum Ng Guo Liang – 6th Degree Black Belt (Malaysia)
Tailored Training Sessions
Morning training was divided by rank, with Grand Master Paul McPhail teaching colour belt patterns to 1st to 3rd Dan. At the same time, Grand Master Jerzy Jedut instructed 4th Dan and above on advanced techniques. The day continued with practical self-defence movements and concluded with comprehensive sparring methods.
Masters Promotions & Closing Remarks
Grand Master McPhail announced further promotions for 7th Dan & 8th Dan candidates based on their exemplary performance, particularly noting the high level of prowess of Malaysia’s Masters. He praised Master Tham Yip Seong’s indomitable spirit:
- Master Tham Yip Seong – 7th Degree Black Belt (Malaysia)
- Master Choy Wai Leng – 7th Degree Black Belt (Malaysia)
- Master Yong Kin Chong – 8th Degree Black Belt (Malaysia)
- Master Ow Wee Leong – 8th Degree Black Belt (Malaysia)
Grand Master McPhail also applauded the organising committee, led by Jayasilen Sivapragasam, for their exceptional effort in making the event a success. The course concluded with a certificate presentation and group photography session, marking the end of a highly successful and enriching International Instructor Course.
ITF’s National Associations Committee starts enthusiastically
