Two Days Tong-Il Moo-Do workshop in Mombasa, Kenya

The workshop's had a primary purpose was to train and educate leaders in both the technical skills and internal knowledge to enable them take responsibility of new Clubs that are to be opened in the Coast Province. The workshop began on 7th may and was to end on 8th May 2004. It had a total of 25 participants, out of which 20 of them were able to undergo a promotion test.

The program was running during early morning from 4.00 am-6.30 am. It included jogging for several kilometers followed by a session of physical fitness exercises, basic techniques and basic forms. The evening session began from 4.30pm - 8.30pm. It comprised of character education lectures, general exercises, circular motion and self-defense techniques.

The participants were able elevate their level of physical fitness and flexibility through the jogging, stretching and other exercises to polish the basic and advanced linear techniques. We had extraordinary afternoon session training at the Beach where the participants learned and practiced basic falls and all the throwing techniques (major/minor, inner/outer reaping, shoulder throw, hip throw, body drop, jumping fall etc). We utilized the beach sand serving as the natural mat. The session was very instrumental in helping the participants to refine the one-step sparring (formation and Growth stage) and the ground combat. The participants refined the circular motion basics and the circular forms. This culminated with the learning and practicing the Form of Peace.

The IEF Lecture: - Through the use of Slide projector, I comprehensively covered the Need for Educating in Character (NEC) and the Three Life Goals. The Hiv/Aids Awareness Lecture: - The Regional Family Federation leader and Association for Education and Development (AED) representative, Mr. Frederick Owuor was the guest speaker and he gave the Lecture, through the use of Chart on Health Lifestyle Series. The response towards the lectures was very encouraging. The participants even suggested that some more time be created in future so that they can have greater understanding of the TIMD philosophy and in living a life of purity. Many people were also surprised seeing people who they thought only kick and punch in class learning on how to build their character, loving and harmonized family and also to contribute positively to the larger society. They suggested that next time we have such a program we should invite them to attend the lectures.

On the 8th may afternoon, the participants performed a demonstration in the presence of the journalists; Mr. Ernest Ndunda from East African Standard and Mr. Maundu from the Nation Media Group. Later the grading took place with the result as follows:- 3 Blue belts, 10 Green belts, 5 Y/greens stripe and 2 Yellow belts.

We received a lot of publicity from the media and appreciate their support for TIMD, especially Ibrahim Owiti of Pwani FM (a local broadcasting station which covers the Coast Province), Mr.Ernest Ndunda (East Africa Standard) and Mr.Maundu (Nation Media Group). The story about the workshop was published in the East African Standard, and Coast Express (a local newspaper in Coast Province)

The participants promised to put more efforts and started preparing for the up-coming tournaments and demonstrations during the National celebrations. I encouraged the participants to be the role models to the society by enhancing goodness at all times.