1st TIMD workshop in TONGA, Oceania!!

In Tonga, the 1st Tong-Il Moo-Do workshop was held for six days, from May 14 to 19, 2004. We began as soon as TIMD international instructor Master Venus Agustin arrived from Philippine early in the morning. The venue was offered by courtesy of Rev. Siketi Tonga at All Saints Anglican Hall in Fasi, Nuku'alofa, Tonga. The opening ceremony was held at the church chapel just next to the hall in the presence of FFWPU(Tonga) President, Hon. Veikune and Rev. Siketi Tonga together with about 30 participants. During the opening ceremony 2 sets of TIMD demonstrations were presented by Master Agustin TIMD 6th dan). Everyone was very much fascinated by his demonstrations with its harmonious circular and linear motions.

15 ~ 20 participants attended the workshop daily. Most of them were full-time participants including 6 Tae Kwon Do black belts some of which even cancelled their own daily Tae Kwon Do practice because of this workshop. The spirit of the workshop was very uplifting and spontaneous. Everyone was eager to learn TIMD and learned very quickly during the six day period.

Every evening the philosophy of TIMD and Character Education were presented by Master Agustin. Up to 25 participants came every evening to listen to the evening lectures, including many high school students. Enthusiastic discussions, questions and answers were exchanged after every lecture.

On the last day of the workshop, a promotion test was held for the workshop participants. Among them 19 participants were newly promoted, including 7 TIMD new black belt holders.

The Tonga TIMD committee was newly formed and weekly TIMD practice is scheduled in the evenings of every Mondays and Wednesday with the hope to participate in the World Martial Arts Peace King Cup in October, 2004.