Tri-State Interclub Seminar At New York City Tong-Il Moo-Do Academy

On Sunday March 5, 2006 clubs from the Tri-state area gathered together for a TIMD seminar that end up in very victorious activity for the progress and advancement of TIMD in USA. It was time for true brotherhood and for reuniting with those Tongilmoodokas, masters, friend or students that are part of our WTMF. The atmosphere was really great, everyone enjoy the three-hour seminar and gave 100% of focus and enthusiasm. The weather was just great in New York City, which made it a more pleasant day to practice.

13 participants from New York City Tongilmoodo Academy participated and showed and good spirit and courtesy, some of the students have been training for a long time at the academy and it was the perfect occasion to promote them to the next level; some were promoted to yellow and green belt; Master Shota Iwazaki hand out the green and yellow belts the participants.

From UTS there were 2 black belts and one Judo Black Belt who's now learning TIMD at UTS. They showed their high level and proficiency, they showed and corrected the forms and circular movements. >From Connecticut there were 3 young college students participants, one brown belt and two beginners that are learning Tong-Il Moo-Do at the University of Bridgeport. They showed a high level of skill, some are black belt holders in Taekwondo who are now learning the TIMD techniques.

From New Jersey Master Vincent Belmonte was present and accompanied by two other black belts. The seminar was a total victory for Tong-Il Moo-Do in the US and inspired all of us to keep working hard.

The Seminar was Lead by mater Shota Iwazaki Tong-Il Moo-Do Black belt from UTS, He read and inspirational phrase from the TIMD text book and explain to the class what is the heart that we should have to train martial arts and immediately he and his assistant Master Sato Yuichi lead the very first section reviewing all circular and linear forms.

After a good while of exercise and practice of the circular and linear techniques we all took a 5min to recover for the second and third part.

The Second part was lead by Mr.Ueo from UTS TIMD club. He showed us in detail judo throws which we all have lots of fun and a great workout.

The third and final part consisted in TIMD advance grappling lead by Instructor Luis Carreno, participants learned how to pass the close guard and how to apply triangle submission chokes as well as arm bars from the side hold.

By the end of the workshop everyone paired up and have some friendly sparring in grappling techniques. The students from New York City Tongilmoodo Academy showed a good skill in the ground fighting techniques.

Highlight was the students of NYC that were promoted to green belt after almost one year of practicing TIMD, they were very inspired and happy to receive the next belt we thanks our Master Shota Iwazaki he is a great teacher and gave us all a good talk and class; every one was so inspired and made new determination for this year.

We will keep working hard to develop Tongilmoodo in the US.

Luis Carreno