Coaching Course Report

The Taekwon-Do Advisory Board (TAB) of the Irish Martial Arts Commission (IMAC) ran the first of this year's Introduction to Coaching Courses over the weekend of the 10th & 11th July 2010 in Mulhuddart Sport Taekwon-Do Club in Dublin. Nineteen instructors and assistant instructors from all over Ireland took part in the course which is the first step in the Taekwon-do Advisory Board's Coaching Education Programme. This course was especially enjoyable as there was a very broad range of experience among the delegates which ranged from Blue Belt to 7th Dan Black Belts. The course included 12 contact hours over the weekend, which is split 50/50 between classroom workshops, presentations and mat based exercises. What makes this course particularly interesting is that actual Taekwon-Do students take part in modules prepared and coached by the various instructors and assistant instructors on the course and then give feedback to the coaches. The course was presented by TAB Tutors; Mr. Adrian Byrne and Mr. Donal O'Donoghue. Click "more" for delegates feedback and here to See Photos

Some areas covered included; coaching skills; coaching process, key factors in working with beginners, learning needs of participants aged 6‐8 years; technical, tactical, physical, mental, lifestyle and personal capacities related to the development of this age demographic. The course participants will next complete the IMAC Coach Level 1 course which will be conducted by the Taekwon‐Do Advisory Board in 2011. The atmosphere of the course was very positive and enjoyable for all taking part and it was a great opportunity to see olds friends and make new acquaintances with fellow instructors from around the country. This was the first major event since the Republic of Ireland Taekwon-Do Association (RITA) rejoined IMAC and the TAB. It was great to see the camaraderie and cooperation between all participants. Some comments from the delegates are included below:

“The course was very relevant to coaches of all levels and experience. The relaxed atmosphere made it easy for all to participate.”
Master Robert Howard 7th Dan Black Belt

“Very enjoyable relaxing event, learning lots of new ideas to teach my students. Sincere thanks.”
Ms. Valerie Keane, 6th Dan Black Belt

“After 25 years of practicing and teaching Taekwon-Do it was great to learn new approaches that I can use in my dojang…”
Mr. Stephen Doyle, 6th Dan Black Belt

“Tutors were very approachable, topics were well covered, good interaction and discussion. Level of difficulty appropriate to new coaches.”
Mr. Floyd Keane, 6th Dan Black Belt

“I will definitely use what I have learned at our school and look forward to doing the next course.”
Ms. Audrey Condon, 4th Dan Black Belt

“Learned a lot from this course in a most relaxed and enjoyable manner. I got some fantastic new ideas. Thank you very much. I look forward to the next course.”
Ms. Deborah Manning, 4th Dan Black Belt

“I felt the course content and delivery was excellent. The atmosphere was both friendly and relaxed making for a very enjoyable two days. Many thanks.”
Mr. John Paul Nestor, 4th Dan Black Belt

“Excellently run course, would recommend it to all!”
Mr. Mark Pollock, 2nd Dan Black Belt

“All material was relevant and it has made me a better coach!”
Mr. Darren Doherty, 1st Dan Black Belt

“Very professionally delivered. Tutors were very confident in the approach. Also from the start a fun environment was developed.”
Mr. Gavin Crosbie, 1st Dan Black Belt

“Good balance of class and practical. Friendly and enjoyable. Very good tutors.”
Mr. Les Fitzsimons, 1st Dan Black Belt