First Grading for Children in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire, Africa

After our seminar for the higher belts last February 2004, we decided to open clubs to train children so that we can give them our education. Everything has been going on very well with the children so excited about this new Martial Arts which they are informed that it was inspired and founded by Dr. Moon, now after 3 months of activities with them, the parents have now started to discover that all their children are changing in attitude and behaviour and they are better in their school work more than ever before.. During our training sessions many parents often come to the clubs to give encouragement and to express their gratitude to the TIMD instructors for all that they are doing for the children.

On one of the occasions organised for the children's birthday, we gave a demonstration to the parents and guests to show the beauty, techniques and harmony of TIMD as expressed by the TIMD members and this was very successful. On July 31st, 2004 we held the first grading for 20 children which also included 7 members. The venue was Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire, we started at 9.30 am and the ceremony was graced by the National Leader of the FFWPU- Cote d'Ivoire.

It was well attended by parents who gave very sincere and positive testimonies about how surprised they really are to see the reality of positive tremendous change in their children both in school and at home after having joined the training in TIMD. The children also expressed their joy and pride to be members of TIMD and said that they are determined to be the best in school and at home by practicing what the instructors are teaching them in terms of behaviour, attitude, discipline, service and hard work.

The grading was a big and exciting event for both the parents and participants and all the children passed with good points especially also in their understanding of the TIMD philosophy. All the members are determined to promote the TIMD philosophy and to practise it in they are daily lives.