E-ToUrnament

May 7th-14th 2020 an online championship in tul was organised by ITF Germany, with the participation of 248 competitors, 41 clubs from 10 countries (with even Malaysia). Amongst them 9 members of Taekwon-Do Club Gent and the instructor, Koen Hoerée.

Koen made a report: once the tournament started, each competitor had 24 hours to send in a video with their performance, the next 24 hours the referees had the time to give their decision. To be sure the competitors only took those 24 hours, a new code was send to them each day. A link to the video had to get the stamp ‘approved’ to be sure it fulfilled all restrictions. I was both competitor and referee, judging was not so different as in ‘real’ competitions: scores were implemented in Sportsdata after watching the video once, scores appeared after all of the referees had scored.

The level of the competitors was high, some even had the chance to performe their tul in the dojang. This was not the case for the belgian competitors, as the restrictions are still severe.

Two members of Taekwon-Do Club Gent made it to the final, Sakina Khajou and Imane Mouselli. Sakina won the category. Her impression: “having an online competition is a very good idea, at least we’re still doing Taekwon-Do this way. There’s no stress, not like in real competitions, and you’re not aware of the level of your adversaire when performing. Really nice to be able to compete against persons from all different countries”.

Imane: “After 2 months of quarantine it’s nice to be able to perform Taekwon-Do, even if it’s in a virtual competition. Normally I have a lot of stress, so I make mistakes or performing to fast, but now the focus was there. I would do it again”. Angeliki Kourtesi: “I would definitely do it again, with less stress and being able to perform several times until you have the best possible video”.

I would really recommend other members to participate if more of these events would be organized. Staying busy with Taekwon-Do in a different way, feeling connected (online) with others worldwide for a week, a sense of competition and striving for perfection.

Stay strong!

Restrictions Covid-19

As from May 18th on, sportclubs can restart their classes under certain conditions:

  • groups can not be bigger than 20 participants, instructor(s) included
  • classes can only be conducted outdoors, and without the use of changing rooms, showers etc.
  • contact is not allowed
  • with respect to the measures, e.g. social distancing

Next steps will not be taken before June 8th.

National Instructors Course via Zoom

Due to the restrictions for Covid-19, the National Instructors Course of May 24th was postponed to a later date this year. You will be informed on the new date soon.

As an alternative we’ll be hosting a Zoom-session of the NIC, Thursday May 21st, 10.00-12.00h. Like any regular NIC, this is open to instructors and assistant-instructors ITF-Belgium I° degree and above only.

Topics: in the first part we’ll be performing tul Hwarang, the second part is reserved to (technical) questions. Do you have any specific question? Any topic you want to discuss? Please send all of your questions May 18th latest to taekwondo1@telenet.be

New coaches national team appointed

ITF-Belgium and the belgian national team have some new coaches. After sending in their candidatures, they have been appointed by the board:

  • Coach tul, teamtul, pre-arranged sparring: Master Virginia Dionisi
  • Assistant-coach tul, teamtul, pre-arranged sparring: Andreea Musca
  • Coach sparring: Erik Van Hoeck
  • Assistant-coach sparring: Nicolas Taylor
  • Assistant-coach power breaking: Hans Van Lierde

Congratulations to all of them. We’re sure they will do a great job.

Some positions are still vacant: coach and assistant-coach special techniques and coach power breaking. If you believe you could be an asset to the team, don’t hesitate to send your CV and motivational letter in within the next couple of weeks.

The coaches can start working towards the 2021 World and European Championships!

Covid-19 Update

Dear members,

As from Monday May 4th on some of the measures taken in the battle against the Covid-19 virus will be changed, depending on the evolution of the pandemic. This will happen in several phases, with May 11th, May 18th and June 8th as next points.

In the first phases the re-opening of sportclubs, such as martial arts gyms, is not on the agenda. Dojangs will not be able to restart before May 18th, and even afterwards for now there are still some questionmarks.

However, we are following the situation and some authorities have been informed about our concerns, as with respect to (extra) precautionary measures, personal hygiëne (which is always very important for Taekwon-Do ), adapted classes etc. a lot can already been done.

As soon as we have more news, you will be informed.

Meanwhile, stay connected, keep on moving and practising. Most clubs and instructors have set up online classes through all kinds of different channels. ITF has organized some webinars and charla’s, and May 17th ITF-Belgium will host the Zoom Kids Day & Zoom Day of Taekwon-Do. If necessary, more activities will come up.

Stay safe, stay strong and take care of yourselves and the others,

Master Annick