From August 15 to 18, a historic ITF National Taekwon-Do Technical and Umpire Workshop took place in Camagüey, Cuba, with the participation of instructors and practitioners from the Island.
The training sessions began on August 15 with an official welcome for Master Gato-Gato, Sabum Luz Mulero, Sabum Bolívar García, Sabum Michael Rivera, and Boo Sabum Yara Gato in the protocol hall of the Rafael Fortún Multipurpose Hall. The event was attended by local authorities, including Yanet Castellón Muñoz, Deputy Director of the “Sports for All” Area; Roberto García Canino, Martial Arts Methodologist; Jorge Andrés Piñeiro, Provincial Commissioner of the World Taekwondo Federation; Isnel Lobet Fernández, Provincial President of the Cuban Martial Arts Association (ACAM); and Lázaro Bravo Salvador, First Vice President of ACAM provincial.
Following the welcome, technical activities began under the direction of Master Gato – Gato, focusing on technical aspects of the tull, combinations of blocking and attacking techniques, and various types of sparring.
On August 16, a Dan rank examination was held for 11 practitioners from Santiago de Cuba and Camagüey, evaluated by an international panel, who demonstrated their skills, technique, and theoretical knowledge.
August 17 was dedicated to the Umpire Workshop, led by Sabum Luz Mulero (Puerto Rico) and Sabum Bolívar García (Dominican Republic), combining theory and practice. As a result, 23 practitioners were certified as international referees, Class B, and 14 as national referees, Class C.
On August 18, the National Technical and Refereeing Workshop concluded with special activities for the Gup ranks and the children’s school of Camagüey. At the closing ceremony, rank certificates, teaching licenses, international instructor certificates, and seminar certificates were awarded. During the event, a message from Grand Master Paul Weiler, ITF President, was read to the Cuban practitioners.
The workshop included participants from Camagüey, Santiago de Cuba, and Havana, along with invited guests who attended the various sessions. The ITF expresses its gratitude for the commitment and dedication of Master Gato – Gato, 8th Dan and Board Member, as well as the collaboration of all participating instructors from Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico.
Sabum Pedro Rodríguez
President, ITF Taekwon-Do Organization – Cuba
Report on the 188th IIC in Trinidad & Tobago
