ITF Radix Seminar Report – Kłobuck, Poland
By Roy Rolstad
January 17-18, 2025
What an unforgettable weekend in Kłobuck! The ITF Radix seminar was a tremendous success, thanks to the incredible enthusiasm and dedication of all who attended. Over two days, we explored the fundamental and advanced techniques of ITF Radix, focusing on practical applications and deepening our understanding of the system’s core principles.
Day 1: Exploring Core Concepts
Session 1: The Heart of ITF Radix – “Chon Ji Tul, a Complete Fighting System!”
We launched the seminar with the cornerstone of ITF Radix: Chon Ji Tul. This pattern is the essence of ITF Radix, and if you grasp the concepts within it, you have a strong foundation to build upon. The session focused on breaking down Chon Ji Tul, demonstrating its practical applications, and understanding how its movements create a comprehensive fighting system. Participants embraced the opportunity to explore how the traditional patterns translate into effective self-defense techniques.
Session 2: Practical Applications – Daebi Makgi and Sonmuk Sul
In the second session, we focused on Daebi Makgi as a frame, emphasizing isolating an arm with follow-up strikes and thrusts. We then delved into “Sonmuk Sul”, covering techniques for dealing with a firm grip at the opponents wrist. The key techniques we practiced included:
• Moa Jumbi Sogi A
• Sonkal Anuro Terigi
• Bakkat Palmok Najunde Makgi
• Ollio Jirugi
• Son-badak Miro Makgi
• Gutcha Makgi
• Sonkal Yop Terigi
• Dollyo Chagi
• Yop Chagi
• Ap Cha Busigi
Each movement was examined for its practical application, and the participants showed remarkable progress in executing these techniques with precision and control.
Day 2: Advanced Techniques, knife and Grappling
Session 3: Knife Defense Program
The second day began with an intensive knife defense program, focusing on six basic attacks, covering most angles, and addressing them from both heaven and earth grips (Chon Ji). This session was an excellent demonstration of how the principles of Chon Ji can be applied in high-pressure scenarios, emphasizing the importance of technique and positioning, chambering for high or low blocks depending on the height of the attack.
Session 4: Wrestling and Takedown Applications
Our final session was initially planned to cover free sparring for self defense and multiple opponents. However, due to a mix-up with sparring gear (Łukasz, we’ll be ready next time!), we shifted focus to close wrestling-style applications. We explored Dwijibun Sunkut Tulgi as a takedown, along with responses to takedown defenses, resulting in a variety of effective grappling techniques which was all reference from the patterns.
Special Recognition from Kłobuck
A highlight of the seminar was the presence of the Mayor of Kłobuck, who graciously attended the opening. The mayor presented a beautiful plaque from the city as a token of appreciation for conducting the seminar. This gesture was a testament to the growing recognition and support for Taekwon-Do within the community, and it was an honor to receive such a warm welcome.
Reflections and Gratitude
The seminar was a vibrant and enriching experience, thanks to the incredible dedication of all participants. Your commitment to learning and improving was truly inspiring. A huge thank you to everyone who attended, Łukasz, Artur and the organizers, and especially the Mayor of Kłobuck, Jerzy Zakrzewski, for the wonderful gesture of support.
For those who missed it, you can check out some highlights here: Facebook Link.
Looking forward to our next seminar—until then, keep training hard and exploring the depths of ITF Radix!
