After a very long break due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the much anticipated first IIC to be held in North
America since 2019 took place in Colorado, USA.
On June 24th – 26th, 2022 the Westin Hotel Westminster Colorado was the venue for the 154th
International Instructor Course hosted by Grand Master Fred Akard and the ITF-USA. The three day IIC
was attended by 118 participants from the United States, Canada, Jamaica, Ireland, Trinidad, Puerto
Rico, Kyrgyzstan, and Columbia.
The course was taught by the ITF Technical Committee Chairperson Grand Master Hector Marano,
Grand Master Ung Kim Lan, and Grand Master Pierre Laquerre, with Dr. Janel Gauthier and Master
Joliette Tran teaching the Do course element. Also in attendance was ITF-USA President Grand Master
Van Binh, ITF Senior Vice President Grand Master Clint Norman, and ITF President Grand Master Paul
Weiler who opened and closed the course.
Day one started with an energetic warm up conducted by Grand Master Laquerre which consisted of an
all around body warm up, as well as, core and leg strengthening exercises. The day continued with
patterns by Grand Master Marano, one, two and three step sparring with Grand Master Lan and the day
concluded with remaining color belt patterns and questions with Grand Master Marano.
There was a 9th Degree certificate presented to Grand Master Pierre Laquerre and newly promoted
Grand Master Carlos Ramirez.
Day two consisted of 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th & 6th Dan Black Belt Patterns, as well as self-defense. The
seminar continued after lunch with the “DO” course taught by Dr. Gauthier and Master Tran.
On Saturday evening, all participants enjoyed a wonderful banquet and group photographs with the
Technical Committee and ITF President and Senior Vice President. Gifts were presented to the Technical
Committee and their wives, along with the ITF President and Senior Vice President.
Sunday morning started with a stabilization drill session conducted by GM Paul Weiler (ITF President) and a sparring session led by GM Clint Norman (ITF Senior Vice President), then continued with a full test of Masters carried out by the Technical Committee, to end with a review of the last patterns and thus go on to close the course.
The ITF-USA would like to thank the support of so many Grand Masters from the United States including:
Grand Master Richard Mitchell, Grand Master Robert Neidig, Grand Master Fabian Nunez, Grand Master
David Karstadt and newly promoted Grand Master Carlos Ramirez.
Thank you to the local businesses and Taekwon-Do schools who provided financial support for the IIC.
Special thanks to Mightyfist, our ITF Platinum Sponsor, for supplying the official IIC T-Shirts and product
booth.
Special thanks to Ms. Arlene Gimple for her hard work liaising with the ITF and organizing the 154th IIC.
Thank you,
GM Akard
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