Just one of the milestones at the camp was the promotion of two students to 4th Dan black belt who joined in 1996.
Sabum Ann Browne and Sabum Rachanok Moulden enrolled together at the YMCA the very month the Academy commenced. They have both contributed significantly to the development and growth of the Academy. In addition to progressing through the ranks, both have dedicated their time to instructing and assisting administratively at the academy. Sabum Ann is currently Senior Branch Instructor at the Chermside classes and Secretary for the Academy in Australia. Sabum Rachanok is Senior Branch Instructor at the Inburi classes in Thailand and Secretary for Thailand. I remember the number of students training at the Academy in 1996 and to know that only two have continued to this level, highlights the significant percentage that drop out.
Sabums Jeff and Marcelle Dieben were recognized for 10 years in Far North Queensland. It was in 1998 that they opened the first branch in Mareeba and today they are responsible for classes at three locations – Cairns, Kuranda and Mareeba. In September 2007 Sabum Marcelle became the first female 4th Dan at the Academy and in September 2008 Sabum Jeff was one of the first three students to achieve the rank of 5th Dan. Sabum Jeff moved to the North from the Wide Bay region to commence a career in the Firefighting Service and 10 years on finds him moving again due to a promotion. I wish Sabums Jeff and Marcelle well in their move to Mackay and look forward to supporting the establishment of classes in due course.
Sabums Anthony Coleman, Kris Richardson and Jeff Dieben were all promoted to 5th Dan black belt. These three gentlemen epitomize the true spirit of Taekwon-Do as documented by the Founder General Choi Hong Hi. All have clearly demonstrated how it is possible to sustain a dedicated approach to the Art of Taekwon-Do in addition to living a “normal” life in the 21st century. Collectively they have amassed in excess of 70 years of self improvement and instruction. In their current roles they are responsible for the development of the Academy in their respective regions along with their duties as Examiners. I am certainly thankful to have these three students as my right hand men.
Senior Master Lai officiated as the International Examiner for the six Dan applicants and his presence at the camp was also a first. Camp Chon-Ji was the seventh such camp in 12 years and the first to have an official, other than from the Academy, involved in proceedings. Senior Master Lai, an 8th Dan, is the President of the All Australian ITF and in recent years he has become involved with our senior promotions. He very generously took charge of the six applicants for a two hour training session immediately on his arrival at the camp. This after travelling up from Melbourne. The examinations were conducted after dinner on Saturday night and at the conclusion Senior Master Lai presented all six applicants with their new belts.
Many junior Instructors found themselves in new positions of responsibility and the experience no doubt exposed them to what lies ahead. Rank is earned by meeting the criteria as set down in the General’s Encyclopedia. Positions within the Academy are earned through a combination of learning, experience and dedication to passing on the benefits derived from your seniors. There will always be opportunities to expand the number of Academy branches. However, the time and place will be solely dependent on the availability of suitably qualified and experienced Instructors.
I was honored to have received my 6th Dan ITF Certificate personally presented by Senior Master Lai in front of the largest camp to date. Some 72 students and Instructors were present and I am sure from all reports, thoroughly enjoyed what was a very unique weekend and one that will be very hard to surpass in milestones.
Pictures:
Sabum Graham Moulden
6th Dan ITF Int. Inst. / Examiner
Founder QSDTA