TKDI Summer Boot Camp 2014, Wrap Up

TKDI’s annual summer Boot Camp was held at New Jersey Christian Academy August 22nd through 24th.  More than 40 martial artists from TKDI member schools in New Jersey, New York, Ohio and North Carolina attended. The camp this year included 10 hours of training over five sessions focused mainly on free fighting techniques, strategies and their applications. ‘When to hit, Where to hit and How to hit’ was the theme.  Participants engaged in dozens of individual matches, sparring both with and without protective gear, all under the tutelage of Grandmaster Kim and other Senior TKDI Instructors.  

The indomitable spirit and the fierceness of effort on display from each camper was exemplary.  Throughout the weekend new experiences and techniques were brought to life and many new friends were made.  

One happy camper said it was a great opportunity to collaborate with martial artists from other schools who may practice a little differently, and an amazing experience to learn from Grandmaster Kim and other senior union instructors.  

On Saturday afternoon Master John Meany from Glen Ridge Taekwon-do taught an advanced black belt patterns class, and Master Tony Morris from Asheville Sun Soo Taekwon-do drilled campers in self-defense applications and close-range sparring techniques.  Saturday evening Master Park from Rutherford, New Jersey led a high energy session in Olympic-style training drills prior to more free fighting matches.  

In the final session on Sunday morning Master Mark Nathanson from Dumont, New Jersey wrapped up the theme of the weekend with additional insight from his free fighting experience and a final round of drills for the Campers.

There were many highlights, best of which was having Grandmaster Kim demonstrate techniques and receiving his words of wisdom on free fighting.