IPLC TIMD FESTIVAL

“ADVANCING BRAVELY FORWARD WITH DISCIPLINE…”

March 8, 2009

The level of spirit in the second Tong-il Moo Do Festival, held in the International Peace Leadership College- Philippines (IPLC) last March 8 this year, was high. Participants were students of IPLC, taking Tong-il Moo Do classes as physical education subjects. Eliminations had been held a week before, for the Individual Form Competition, with only the top 3 in Men and Women’s Division of yellow to black belt categories competing in the festival.

In the morning, the festival started with the final competition in the Individual Forms, where each challenger performed one circular bon and a linear form according to their belt levels. The competition was judged by Master Venus Agustin, TIMD President of Asia; Dr. Celso Talaba, National Adviser for TIMD- Phils. and IPLC president; Master Ann Arevalo, Executive Vice-Pres. for TIMD- Phils and IPLC Physical Educ. Instructor; and Mr. Rizalino David, one of the Won Hwa Do pioneers in the Philippines.

The highlight of the event held in the afternoon was attended by many leaders from the different regions that were fired up by the performances of the participants. Eleven participating teams from the yellow to green belt level competed in the Pre-arranged Team Form competition and six teams from blue to black belt tried to outdo each other in the Original Ballet Form competition. Each team chose their own team names signifying their roles as peace ambassadors through TIMD.

“The world must see this….” These were the words of Dr. Michael Zablan, the Universal Peace Federation (UPF) Philippines Executive Director, after he watched the dynamic ballet presentations created by the students themselves. He also talked about how the current generation is better than the previous generation, but still the present generation should maintain and develop the spirit and true heart of the martial arts. Finally, Dr. Zablan reminded each TIMD practitioner about their role in empowering more the providence of TIMD in achieving world peace.

One interesting part of the event was when Master Venus performed Chang Jo Eui Bon (Form of Creation) that challenged a lot of the old generation practitioners to renew their passion and commitment to TIMD. He showed through the form that behind the young, dynamic and talented present generation was also the young, passionate and committed heart of the Masters which built the strong foundation of TIMD now.

The event finally ended after the awarding ceremony of the winners. The following were declared the winners in each event: