|
|
MAY 2007
United Kingdom Trip
I arrived Friday morning May
11th, after flying overnight Miami to Chicago, then Chicago to Manchester, England, where I was met at 7:30 A.M.
by Mr. Crawley 5th Dan and Mr. Radcliffe (Mr. Radcliffe drove since Mr. Crawley does not drive). An hour's drive
later, we arrived in Southport to check in at the Prince of Wales hotel, one of the oldest hotels in the area,
built of wood in the '30s and with a Victorian décor. The room was not ready so we walked 15 minutes out
into the cool, rainy weather, out to the end of the Southport pier which looking backward could be seen the whole
of Southport and part of Formby. Needing caffeine to offset the jetlag of the 5 hour difference from Miami time,
we stopped at a seashore café to discuss Taekwon-Do history. A short time later, I went back to the hotel
for a nap in order to rest up for dinner at a local dining spot where we had an excellent meal of Beef Wellington.
The rate of exchange was certainly an eye-opener since one pound was equal to 1.90 to the US dollar (so almost
2 dollars to one pound).
Saturday morning after a hearty breakfast at a local combination garden supply and restaurant, we were off to the
first seminar of the day held from 10 A.M. to 6 P.M. as hosted by Mr. Darren Walsh in Southport.
I reviewed fundamentals as well as patterns, ending with a one hour sparring session. A great time was had by all
and much was learned throughout the course of the day.
The following day, Sunday on to Formby, for a shorter, smaller seminar from 3 to 6 P.M. where again I covered fundamentals,
step sparring, self defense applications and information from the encyclopedia. The students enjoyed "Chon-ji
in a box" as well as performing patterns while telling me their life history !!!!
Special thanks to Mr. Crawley, Mr. Radcliffe, Mr. Haney, Mr. Walsh and all Black Belts, for taking care of me with
such great hospitality, as usual. Welcome aboard to Mr. and Mrs. Richard Khafagy, who recently joined the ICTF
soon after the seminar. Look forward seeing the UK team in October for the World Cup in Edmonton as well as look
forward for my return trip for next year.
Grandmaster Steiner
May 23, 2007
|
|
|
