A Day of Tradition, Power and Discovery – Special Trainings with Master Martin Zamecnik VIII. Dan

On Sunday, 12th October, our Training Center in Spreitenbach became the stage for a truly unforgettable martial arts experience. We were honoured to welcome Master Martin Zamecnik (VIII Dan) – one of Europe’s most respected Taekwon-Do masters – for a full day of special training sessions in Taekkyon, Taekwon-Do, and Hopae Sool.

This seminar was much more than just another training day. It was a journey through the roots of Korean martial traditions, a chance to refine our skills with expert guidance, and a reminder of how deep and diverse the world of martial arts truly is.

A Private Introduction to Korea’s Living Heritage: Taekkyon

Before the group sessions began, Olaf and I had the rare privilege of 1.5 hours of private instruction in Taekkyon, the ancient martial art recognised by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Korea. More than a fighting system, Taekkyon is part of Korea’s soul – a graceful yet powerful discipline that blends rhythmic movement with practical self-defence. Experiencing it firsthand was both humbling and inspiring..

Session 1 – Taekkyon for All: Tradition Comes Alive

At 10:30, our first public session introduced the essence of Taekkyon to our Taekwon-Do members, friends, and family. While attendance was smaller than we had hoped (Sundays can be tough mornings!), those who joined were rewarded with an enriching and joyful experience.

We explored:

• The fascinating history and cultural significance of Taekkyon

• Dynamic stretches and mobility exercises specific to traditional Korean martial arts

• Unique kicking techniques that challenged our balance and coordination

The enthusiasm and smiles on everyone’s faces were a testament to how much fun we had. I was particularly proud of our younger students for their focus and discipline – and a special thank you goes to the two dads who joined their children in training. Hopefully, the muscle soreness the next day was worth it!

Session 2 – Taekwon-Do: Mastering the Fundamentals

After a well-earned lunch break, we shifted gears and went deep into the heart of ITF Taekwon-Do technique. Master Zamecnik guided us through an intensive session focused on:

• Sine-wave motion and how to use it effectively

• Proper pivoting on the ball of the foot to maximise power

• Generating maximum impact in strikes through precise mechanics

Although we only reached Chon-Ji during the session, the detailed corrections and insights were invaluable. We also explored Hosinsool (self-defence) techniques, including joint locks, finger manipulations, and pressure points, combined with practical discussions on prevention and awareness.

As always, Master Zamecnik’s authoritative yet approachable teaching style held everyone’s attention. And I must say – I was deeply impressed by how well our younger members followed his English explanations!

Session 3 – Hopae Sool: History in Your Hands

We concluded the day with something truly special: an introduction to Hopae Sool, the traditional Korean art of the wooden identity tag weapon known as the Hopae.

The session included:

• A brief historical background and traditions behind Hopae

• Proper grip, stance, and striking techniques

• Partner drills focused on blocking and counter-attacking

• A lively final session of sparring practice – which left a few of us with red marks but plenty of laughter!

It was fascinating to see how many Taekkyon movements and kihap principles also appear in Hopae Sool, highlighting the deep interconnectedness of Korea’s martial heritage.

Gratitude and Looking Ahead

A heartfelt thank you to all members, parents, and friends who supported and attended this special event. I’m confident that everyone walked away not only with better skills and improved fitness, but also with a deeper appreciation of martial arts as living culture.

And the journey doesn’t stop here…We’re thrilled to announce that Master Zamecnik will return on 29th November for another day of exceptional training. This time, the programme will be even more structured and inclusive:

📅 Sunday, 30th November – Special Seminar Programme

• 09:00 – 10:45 Taekkyon (for members who have already practised Taekkyon)

• 11:00 – 13:00 Taekwon-Do (open to all Taekwon-Do members)

• 14:00 – 16:15 Introduction to Taekkyon, Hopae Sool & Self-Defence (open to everyone – members, family, and friends)

• 17:00 – 18:00 Advanced Hopae Sool (for those with previous experience)

This is a rare opportunity to train directly under one of the most knowledgeable masters in Europe, deepen your understanding of Korean martial arts, and experience the spirit of tradition, technique, and self-improvement.

I look forward to seeing even more of you on the mats next time!

Kind regards,

Peter Regan