For two days, we were going to experience something special and unlike anything that would come around again. A once in a lifetime opportunity to train with the most experienced Taekwon-Do martial artist in the world First Grand Master Rhee Ki Ha.

It all started within a vast gymnasium at the Curtin Stadium, Curtin University of Technology in Perth, Western Australia at 8.45am on Wednesday, the 2nd of December 2009. Close to around 130 people from different backgrounds and Taekwon-Do training clubs from as far as Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney, Wagga, Singapore and the UK, assembled in the immense space to endure something unique.

Everyone from white to 8th degree black belt waited eagerly with excitement for him. We waited and waited. Finally the time came and with looks of much admiration and inspiration, the legendary First Grand Master Rhee Ki Ha and his son, Master Andrew Rhee appeared, walking briskly into the gym, looking very agile and lively for his age. Everyone applauded. They have travelled 15,000 KM from Glasgow to Perth, Western Australia to teach us to be better Martial Artists.

As soon as FGM Rhee made his introductory speech, we all went straight into warming up with Master Andrew Rhee 7th Degree. Subsequently, we performed the simple 4 directional punch, block and kick sequences, the Chon-ji pattern and had various drills with our partners. FGM Rhee stopped us at certain times to explain the reasons for why we do the blocks, strikes and kicks that we do. He explained the concepts of obverse and reverse, outward and inward movements including the various correct stances with intense focus and concentration.

Following the 2 hour lunch break, we all were back into the intensive training session, focusing on the ITF patterns and its techniques. Every single movement was being constantly monitored by FGM Rhee. Everytime we wouldn’t do a certain movement with correct technique or effort he made us do it again and again until we did it right!

Day two of the seminar brought many Taekwondo members excitement but also aching muscles from the first day of the training course. Everyone however were eager to get started and with another Master Andrew Rhee warm up, we were executing the basic movements like punching and blocking, focusing on Choong-moo pattern till perfection and getting involved in drills which comprise of doing two to three kicks in the air at the same time and also the ever so fun 360 degree kick. FGM Rhee also informed us about the body positioning whenever you are in an L, walking or fixed stance (quarter, half, full) and also the importance of balance and pivoting! He also explained the practical aspects of Step sparring which is vital in practical and effective self defence.

This exceptional training seminar ended with the presentation of certificates and many thanks and photos towards the end of the day. FGM Rhee was very humorous and witty at times which made the seminar very interesting and lifting. He is also a perfectionist and has dedicated his whole life to Taekwon-Do and wants to share his commitment, passion and immense knowledge to others worldwide. We have benefited immensely from this seminar and has inspired us all to improve our techniques and become better Martial Artists like GM Rhee.


Daphne Defrance
1st Gup
Taekwon-Do Kidokwan