TTA London students share their taekwondo Summer School experiences

TTA London students at this year’s taekwondo Summer School

This year, seven participants from the Traditional Taekwondo Association’s London clubs embarked on the six-day TTA Summer School taekwondo course hosted by Grandmaster Loh (9th Dan, Chief Instructor of the TTA) at TTA Nottingham. From the 12-17 September, our members took the opportunity to step away from their day to day routines to fully immerse themselves in their taekwondo training.

Ms Foong, one of the senior instructors for TTA London had a quick catch up to hear how they got on….

It looks like we have a nearly even split between first timers and returners to Summer School from London this year! For those who attended for the first time, what sparked your interest in joining Grandmaster Loh’s one week taekwondo training at Summer School?

Lizzie: I was excited to have an intense training session and really progress in my skills, and I just felt like Summer School is perfect for that. I also enjoyed the London course with Grandmaster Loh so Summer School is like an even better version of that.

Petra: I wanted to improve my skills especially because I’m planning to compete for the first time later this year. A week of taekwondo sounded like a fun and unique way to challenge myself and push myself to the limits.

It certainly is a great way to take your training to the next level. How about those returning, what is it about Summer School that keeps you coming back?

Chris: Summer School is an opportunity to wrap yourself in taekwondo practice, develop your skills, test your limits, and see where you are in your training. It’s also good times with friends, a really great shared experience.

Tom: I really wanted some dedicated time to focus on improving my techniques under the instruction of Grandmaster Loh. It feels like there is a step change when you can have so much training without the distractions.

Absolutely, it’s such a privilege to be able to train under Grandmaster Loh and learn from his extensive knowledge and experience. This year our London group included students from Yellow belt / Green stripe all the way to 3rd Dan, and it’s great that everyone can get something valuable from this experience, whatever their level! What do you feel you gained from your experience?

Lizzie: I feel like I’ve started to understand the logic behind every move rather than just the motions.

Claire: Having immersive time in the taekwondo space with Grandmaster Loh is such an invaluable opportunity. I have attended Summer School previously and have always come away with many learnings, areas to work on and an enhanced passion and drive to train. The wonderful and inspiring people I have met are also a really important part of my experience.

Jen: Having started my first sport at 41, I really have never done anything like this where I fully disconnected from parenting and work for a whole week (I’m self-employed) and just connected deeply with something both physical and very mental. I hope it really pushed my practice to the next level — and definitely broke bad habits — as I learned from all these practitioners who have taught this for years and years. Bonus, TTA continues to be a great community.

That’s a great point. There are 5 TTA London clubs, but Summer School brings together students from many other TTA clubs across the UK, how did you find training alongside new training partners and connecting with students from the different  TTA clubs?

Tom: It's an amazing experience, everyone is so friendly and really supported each other through the week.

Lizzie: It’s the best part to be able to meet so many people who are able to provide help and feedback, and to be with a community where you share the same interests.

Claire: I absolutely loved this part of Summer School too. Meeting the people I have from other clubs, inside and outside London, has been such a privilege. Lots of support, encouragement, inspiration and aspiration by and to others - and also laughs!

Petra: It was great to find such a wide and friendly community from all over the UK. I also loved seeing how many people return to Summer School year after year whenever they can.

Glad to hear you experienced that supportive and motivational environment within the TTA. It sounds like everyone both trained hard together while also pushing each other to succeed! Would anyone like to share a favourite memory or achievement during their week?

Jen: LOL I finally figured out a jumping back kick and Grandmaster Loh asked the most junior student to come high-five me because Americans love them — and he wasn’t wrong because it felt great to unlock that and to celebrate it for a moment.

It’s great to celebrate those wins whether it’s learning a new skill or improving your fitness or flexibility, to take your training to the next level!  On the flip side, were they any hurdles you were proud to overcome over the week?

Jen: It’s clear that I overthink too much and I appreciated that it was called out to me (a bunch) to just do.

Chris: Fatigue is always a challenge, everyone finds it hard going at times. You will feel a big sense of achievement towards the end of the week though!

Certainly, I imagine the length of training would put your perseverance to the test - apt as perseverance is one of the tenets of taekwondo! Thanks Jen for your thoughts as well. That “Just do” mindset is a great one for  both inside and outside taekwondo!  Sometimes taking that first step and giving something new a try is the hardest part!

So to wrap up…let’s finish on one last question - what would you say to other students considering summer school in the future?

Jen: I put it on my calendar and shared my goal to attend with my teacher a whole year in advance, so I had no excuses. It pushes you with hard work, but it’s not scary as everyone supports each other.

Tom: Do it, you get so much out the week from both a training perspective but also it’s so much fun to catch up with people.

Claire: Absolutely do sign up. It is a positive challenge which everyone is embarking on together. It’s a week of annual leave like no other. You’ll come away with a sense of achievement, enhanced drive and reinforced friendships, as well as new friends.

Chris: Let’s go!

A huge thank you for sharing all your thoughts and reflections on your Summer School experience, and congratulations to all of this year’s participants. It sounds like it was a week to remember!