Senior Master Robert Lai & Sabum Jason Lai
Umpire B seminar
19 December 2009 Brisbane

Umpire B Course Attendees Group

I breathed a sigh of relief on meeting my fellow instructors and seniors at Cairns airport Friday afternoon.  I was anxious and excited all week in the lead-up to a full weekend of challenges. Trying very hard to relax and get some sleep on the plane was not easy. When we finally arrived in Brisbane I decided it was too late to turn back now, so I would have to make the most of it.

We woke up early and headed for the training venue in preparation for the arrival of Senior Master Lai.  The hall was large and provided ample space for two competition rings to be set out.  Having a light stretch and easy warm up we received the signal that Senior Master and his son, Sabum Jason Lai, had arrived and we lined up in rank.

SBI Chris practicing umpiring skills

The next hours of the day were brilliant!  Most of the nervousness had left as Sabum Jason asked for volunteers to break some boards.   I jumped at the chance.  We learned the fine details of scoring a board break in a tournament setting; the technical correctness of the foot shape and body posture as well as the starting and finishing protocols. Luckily all the black belts attending had studied the tournament rules, asking sensible questions which kept the day moving and cleared up some grey areas of the tournament rules. Everyone was excited to participate in the sparring.  More than enough volunteers ran forward to spar or act as referees and judges.

The longest day of the weekend seemed to go the fastest.  We had all learnt a lot and we were very grateful to be under the instruction of Senior Master Robert Lai and Sabum Jason Lai.  However, the day was not over yet.  Sabum Jackson  Lau, from Bundaberg, tested for his 5th degree ITF black belt.  Senior Master Lai and Sabum Jason were the examiners as Sabum Jackson went through his patterns with impressive power and technique. It was an awesome example of indomitable spirit and discipline of Taekwon-Do.

Inst Kerri practicing centre umpiring

The next day, our Academy Founder, Sabum Graham Moulden, reinforced our learning with a morning revision session.  There was plenty of sparring, with sideline noise to simulate a real competition environment.  The afternoon brought more challenges, in particular for branch instructors Regine Isautier, Greg Santos and junior black belt Jaidyn Buiatti.  Despite a very demanding weekend of vigorous training they underwent their Dan tests with impressive results.

After a very full-on weekend, packed with mental and physical challenges, it was over.   I look forward to introducing my new found skills to the students of Far North Queensland and to participate in tournament events in the future.

Senior Branch Instructor Christopher Camp
QSDTA – Mareeba - FNQ