ITS 09 was a huge success!
ITS 09 was a huge success! The ITS (International Training Seminar) is a week of Hapkido training that happens every two years that attracts Hapkidoists from all over the world. The first ITS was in Sydney back in 2005. ITS 07 was in Finland. This year was Lancaster. The Monday after Easter marked the first day of ITS training. Starting at 9am, we had a full day of training. Twenty-three Aussies, six Fins, and a handful of Americans (including 2 Minnesotans) worked through the revised colored belt curriculum.
Monday night we had our welcome dinner at Trios on Marietta Ave. Owned by brothers and LFMAC students, Rob and Dave Garpstas, Trios offered a top-notch buffet style meal. Master Booth, my Hapkido instructor from Australia and chief instructor for the ITS, was more than pleased. Typically very critical of American cuisine, Master Booth stated that the meal at Trios was the best he has ever had in the US!
Tuesday was a half-day of training. We finished revising the colored-belt curriculum by noon and after lunch most of the internationals hit the outlets for some shopping. Understand that a $20 pair of Calvin Klein jeans that we can get at BJ's cost the Aussies about $200 at home. In the evening, I taught a BJJ seminar for several of the Fins and a couple of the Aussies. We had lots of fun before heading out to Wasabi. Master Booth and Sir Corey (from Minnesota) challenged Sir Jimmy and Sir Yash to a "Love Boat" sushi-off. Wasabi offers a sushi platter that is served on a large boat ("the Love Boat") that could easily serve 3-4 people. It has become a tradition for Master Booth and Sir Corey to tackle a boat themselves.
Wednesday we hosted the founder of Hapkido, Do Ju Nim (founder) Ji Han-Jae. It was the first time DJN came to Lancaster. DJN started the day with some thoughts/questions on Hapkido and life. The remainder of the day we worked through the "8-steps", four-directional throwing, and the 24 basic kicks. It concluded with certificate presentations and a very special promotion of Master Booth to 8th-degree, now Grand Master Booth! It was exciting not only to be there for DJN first trip to Lancaster, but also to be apart of this once-in-a-lifetime promotion of my instructor.
Thursday and Friday were full ITS days. We worked through the new black belt curriculum 1st-3rd degrees. Friday night was the first International Black Belt Challenge. Challenge is an understatement. Colored-belts will have to wait and see. The Challenge is hush-hush and must be felt to be believed. Immediately after the Challenge, ten black belts went through a Technical Review. Eight visiting black belts were promoted to 2nd degree. April Booth (no relation to GM Booth) was promoted to 3rd-degree. And I was promoted to 4th-degree (Sa Bu Nim).
Saturday started with a Children's Seminar. We all had lots of fun. The black belt helpers were also asked to teach a technique. It was an instructor challenge and the kids chose my technique as the best, woo hoo! The adult seminar started at 1pm. Again the high ranking black belts were asked to teach a segment. I chose gun-defenses - always an popular topic, especially for the internationals that have very limited hands-on experience with firearms. Saturday night we held our Farewell Dinner at the Symposium. Though the meal didn't come close to Trios, having the upstairs balcony made for a great venue to make presentations. ITS 2011 was also announced - it will be held in Sydney! At 9pm the live band kicked in and several stayed and partied. A small group of the black belts came back to my home to watch the UFC on pay-per-view.
Sunday we continued with more seminars. I continued with gun-defense. Sir Jimmy taught offensive throwing. Ma'am April taught some chokinig techniques, and Sir Adrian taught movement and mindset during multiples. Several of the internationals left Sunday afternoon, with several destinations including New York, Florida, California, Hawaii, etc.
It was a fantastic week with several once-in-a-lifetime moments. Thanks to everyone who made the event a success. A special thank you to Nancy Clinger, Anne Martell, and Nancy West who drove the internationals to almost every shop in Lancater county. To the LFMAC Hapkidoists, the Sydney ITS is in October 2011, that's 30 months away. Start saving $50-$100 per month now and you'll be able to attend. Start now, don't wait! GM Booth is also planning trips to Ayres Rock and the Great Barrier Reef. It will be a great trip - don't miss out!
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