Europe’s first IAC held in Ylöjärvi, Finland

The first International Adapted Course in Europe was successfully held in Ylöjärvi, Finland 28th and 29th of January 2023. The course was organized by the local club Taekwon-Do Center and ITF Taekwon-Do Finland in conjunction with International Taekwon-Do Federation and conducted by the Chair of ITF Inclusion Committee, Master Leonardo Oros Duek

The course gathered almost 30 participants from different clubs all over Finland. The event took place at Taekwon-Do Center’s dojang in Ylöjärvi, which is located 15 minutes away from Tampere – the host city of the upcoming World Championships later this year.

The first day of the course on Saturday started with a few words from GM Paul Weiler, ITF president. The course started with practical warm up exercises which targeted on developing the motory as well as sensory skills of the practitioners. During following sessions the most common disorders were explained, and suitable teaching methods were studied.

Also important learnings were the methods to create trust between student and instructor as well as between students. Good communication between instructor, student and his/her family is important.

After the first day of the course, discussion continued over dinner in a relaxed environment. And what would a Finnish Saturday be without going to a sauna! After dinner the participants enjoyed a traditional Finnish smoke sauna and hot tub.

On Sunday the course continued with practical and well focused exercises. The exercises were efficient and a lot of fun.

This IAC was an important step to educate and encourage instructors to adapt their methods in such ways that any student can practice Taekwon-Do and benefit from it.

As Master Duek reminds everyone, “Remember the words of General Choi Hong Hi – Taekwon-Do is for everyone!”

In the end of the course the participants were tired but happy and determined to take the learnings to practice in their dojangs.

Some comments from the participants

“This is really helpful in increasing the knowledge and confidence of participants to instruct an adapted class”.

“It would have been nice to see a course structure, how to teach in basic schedule and what to start with (as an example). Very nice material and training”.

“This was very good course and gave a lot more new tools for teaching adapted courses”

ITF Taekwon-Do Finland and Taekwon-Do Center would like to express their gratitude to master Duek for the inspiring Adapted Course. This is absolutely recommended for every instructor.