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MAY 19-MAY 27, 2004 BRUSSELS - MOSCOW

History continues to be made by Master Choi as he travels through Brussels and Moscow teaching orthodox Taekwon-Do as originally taught by his father.

The last time General Choi visited Brussels was in 1968. Master Choi has come in the name of Taekwon-Do to continue his father’s legacy and hard work. His historic three day seminar in Tervuren, Belgium had in attendance more than 125 black belts including Masters from all over Europe. In attendance were Taekwon-do practitioners from Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, England, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, and Switzerland.

The host for this event was Ms. Siraut. She, her husband and students made sure that everyone was comfortable and well looked after for the three days. Their indomitable spirit was evident in their attention to detail and attendance on their guests. The seminar was intense and reviewed the finer points of Taekwon-do. In addition to perfecting their skills, students had an opportunity to listen to Master Choi discuss the importance of a moral culture in our martial art. He spoke of the long family tradition in Martial Arts and the need for every student to remember the words of his father, our father, General Choi Hong Hi. Master Choi, like his father, wants to continue to spread the teaching of orthodox Taekwon-do without the influence of politics.

Those in attendance were also reminded of the important role they play in the lives of their students. Instructors are role models and accordingly, must practice what they teach and set the standards for behavior and morality. The true Taekwon-do practitioner must distinguish genuine spirit for the martial art from ulterior motives. They must look deep within themselves and set the standard that others follow. The world is filled with people who profess to be leaders but in fact, very few are prepared to lead and assume the responsibility that goes with leadership.

The Masters and students were invited to a reception at City Hall with the Mayor, Sports Director and Finance Director for Tervuren on May 22, 2004. Master Choi was presented with the key to the city by the Mayor. The Mayor was pleased to have us in his city and extended an invitation for Master Choi to return and perhaps even hold a major championship in his city.

May 22, 2004 was also a special occasion for Master Choi. It was the day he turned fifty! We all had the pleasure of celebrating his birthday with him. While we all laughed and smiled with him, you could not stop to ask yourself why he does all this and sacrifice so much. His dedication to Taekwon-do is evident at times like this when I am sure he would rather be at home with his wife and children. It also exemplifies the dedication his father had for the martial art when he put Taekwon-do ahead of his health and even family. Clearly, Master Choi’s dedication was instilled in him by his father and the art of Taekwon-do will be safe while under his leadership!

On May 23, 2004 after a full day of teaching, and testing, our flight departed from Brussels for Moscow. It had been a grueling three days, but we left satisfied that we had accomplished a great deal. Our family continues to grow, be strong and act cohesively. We flew all night and arrived in Moscow at 7:00 AM. A quick coffee and it was into our next seminar!

Mr. Lazos Tsilfidis organized a one day seminar in Moscow for students from all over Russia, following a 3 day national competition and selctions for the upcoming world championships. In attendance were students from the regions of Ussuriysk-Vladivostok, Novosibirsk, Stavropol, Habarovsk, Ulan-Ude, Krasnodar, Volgograd, Kabarda and Karachaevo-Chervessa. In addition, there were individuals from Azerbaidjan, Uzbechistan and Georgia. It was clear during the seminar that the students were well prepared technically and it was a pleasure for Master Choi to work with them even if it was without sleep! Their dedication to Master Choi was also clear when one student announced that he had come from Habarovsk, more than 11 hours by air for this one day seminar. Several students tested successfully and received there new ranks.

The trip to Moscow also gave the opportunity for Master Choi to meet with Master Liguy to discuss the preparation for the World Championships in South Korea. We are all looking forward to the Senior and Junior World Championships which will be taking place in the birth land of Taekwon-do. In less than two years, Master Choi has succeeded in making one of his father’s dreams a reality. It has been as a result of the dedication of all his supporters that this dream has become a reality so quickly.

Master Choi was also invited to the offices of the Sports Ministry in Moscow. He had the opportunity to meet with various officials and discuss with them his vision for a united Taekwon-do where those that wish to practice it as a sport can belong to the same organization as those that practice it as a martial art. It was enlightening to hear that in Moscow, the various groups are required to work together regardless of affiliation.

Throughout this journey, there has been a great deal of excitement building toward the Senior and Junior World Championships to be held in October in South Korea. Our organization continues to make preparation for this historic event and look forward to seeing everyone there to be a part of it.

Special thanks to Mr. Howes for accompanying us on this difficult trip. His dedication and skill is much appreciated.

Michael A. Tibollo

Vice President

May 31, 2004