AIMAA INTERNATIONAL SEMINAR 09

On the 20th of September, 2009 a piece of history was made in the National Basket Ball Arena, Dublin, Ireland, as world renowned Grandmaster Hee Il Cho walked out to a arena full of 1,000 cheering and applauding souls. No one had ever seen the like of it in A.I.M.A.A history, and we will probably not see the like of it in the future.

This man, who had come from humble beginnings, is a living legend within the martial arts community, and a benchmark for all martial artists practising today. With a commanding voice, he can explode from one technique to another, leaving the younger generation behind. People say you reach your prime in your 40's or 50's, however, Grandmaster Cho is just reaching his, and he is about to turn 70!

In comparison this was the equivalent to a rock concert, except our main event, was one of the greatest martial artists the world has ever seen. Everyone went wild when each A.I.M.A.A Master entered the Arena, however the accolade for everyone, was the entrance of the one man that they had come to see, Grandmaster Hee Il Cho.

The seminar started off with mediation and stretching, to get everyone focused and warmed up. within a short time we moved onto kicking and punching techniques, combinations and one step. Grandmaster Cho bounded from one technique to another, never slowing down, but building a fast and steady pace. Seasoned martial artists struggled to keep up, as the seminar took a more quicker pace, exploding from one kick to another, performing axe kicks, side kicks, spinning kicks. His flexibility was just unbelievable.

Everyone watched in amazement as Grandmaster Cho stretched out in box splits and meditated for a while. In each and every move he made, he executed it with power, precision and grace, all seemingly effortless to Grandmaster Cho.

At centre stage, within a sea of over 500 adults and teenagers, stood over 40 young A.I.M.A.A Panthers, ranging from 3 yrs upwards, in awe of this person in front of them. Grandmaster Cho captured their attention and imagination as he directed his orders towards them. He filled the arena with their shouts of " I love TKD", "I love My Mum", I love My Dad" and lastly " I love Master Darcy", much to the excitement and relish of all the young students. He joked with them, had fun with them and they loved every minute of hearing his voice, booming down on them!

They looked on intently as Grandmaster Cho took time out to speak to them directly. These young students will never forget the kind face that looked down on them, from the stage, smiling and speaking words of wisdom, telling them to train hard, do well at school and to love their family. We are sure many young minds have been changed and shaped through their participation at this historical event.

This 2 hour seminar was over to quickly for those taking part, and the months of waiting and preparation soon became a part of the past, as the seminar came to a close. it took over 2 hours for Grandmaster Cho and the A.I.M.A.A Masters to take photographs with all the students, in groups and individually, also they undertook the momentum task of signing all the books, posters and banners that everyone had brought along, enjoying each moment with each student, meeting and greeting everyone who had come along.

I know each and every A.I.M.A.A Master and indeed Grandmaster Cho was very proud of everyone who had taken the time to come along that day. We thank all the Instructors for their hard work and dedication in making this historical event happen, and we also give thanks to all the parents for supporting their children, and attendance at this event. it is only through Grandmaster Cho that we are all together, under one banner and under one roof, with no politics, just sharing and learning from one another.

On Behalf of Grandmaster Hee IL Cho, Master John Darcy, Master Peter Byrne and Master John Kirkwood, we thank everyone within and outside A.I.M.A.A who supported this International Seminar.