SEAL 2010 - Darwin

This year, the Australian Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan Federation Region 1 was proud to host the 2010 South East Asian Leadership Seminar with Kwan Jang Nim HC Hwang. The event was held in Darwin, Australia from Wednesday 23rd June to Monday 28th June 2010. Moo Duk Kwan members from all around the world such as Korea, Malaysia, United Kingdom, United States of America, Argentina, Brunei and Australia attended, making it a successful trip as practitioners enjoyed participating in the seminars training with different people from around the world.

A group of Region 2 practitioners attended the South East Asian Leadership Seminar (SEALS) held in Darwin, Australia. Region 2 students were able to train with seniors and instructors from all over the world, learning new and refining old techniques as well as having the privilege to train with the Kwan Jang Nim. The aim of SEALS 2010 was to strengthen our foundations through the 5 Moo Do Values.

Through the 4 days of training, each day consisted of 3 sessions for the seminar, each day focusing on a different aspect of our Moo Duk Kwan training.

On Day One the focus was on Gi Cho with the theme was connection and standardisation. Hwa Kuk  technique was strongly used to focus on the increase of internal power, alignment and hip movement. The Dans and Gup members then worked on the Dan Gi cho and basics which was taken by Connor SBN and Andrew Brown SBN. Hand techniques were used to emphasize breathing through your Dan Jung and not you shoulders.
On Day Two, another motivating session was kicking. Practitioners learnt that being grounded and the contraction of a kick is critical when doing a kick technique, as well as the application of contraction and expansion. For an afternoon session, Kwan Jang Nim took everyone for Chil Sung Hyung where he was able to standardise and refine movements. Chil Sung IL Ro was the main focus as he strongly emphazised the contraction and expansion of the body throughout the form.
On Day Three, a young kids class was also able to learn from the Kwan Jang Nim. The Kwan Jang Nim talked about being balanced in MDK as well as in everyday life. This year, a Young Ambassador program is taking place which shapes one to become a great leader. Kwan Jang Nim outlined the roles of a leader and their qualities  as the kids currently in Moo Duk Kwan are the future of our organisation.
On Day Four, a session included Ko Dan Ja members taking specific groups for Chil Sung Hyung philosophy and application where practitioners  concentrated on proper contraction and expansion, natural movements, proper relaxation, opposing forces, variation in techniques for discussion and the hand techniques in the hyung. It was a great experience learning and being taught by different Masters.

The final day of SEALS was an opportunity for members to perform demonstrations for the Kwan Jang Nim. Region 2 demonstrated Il Soo Sik Do Ryun, sparring and a four directional exercise incorporating the Hwa Kuk technique. We ended the demonstration with Moo Pahl Dan Kyum to show the tension and relaxation. We also supported and participated in a Dan Shim Sa grading with the Kwan Jang Nim.

As well as training Region 2 members attended social events where we were able to meet MDK practitioners from around the world. On Thursday night we went to Mindil beach market which is well known in Darwin for its variety of cuisines and entertainment. On Friday night there was a BBQ at the Darwin Sailing Club which included all members and their families. Saturday night was a free night which gave practitioners the chance to relax after a hard days training. On the last day following our training we attended a formal banquet at Kantilla’s Restaurant. It was a great a night full of entertainment and delicious foods.
SEALS 2010 left us with great memories and an enjoyable training experience with different Ko Dan Ja members and MDK members from around the world.