Courses

Kiwisport

International Taekwon-Do & Kiwisport

NEWSFLASH: We have just been advised that we have been approved for delivery of iTKD Kiwisport in schools in the Sport Auckland region, focussing on Tamaki Schools. This is in addition to our delivery in Counties Manukau. We will be able to embark on this programme in the New Year. Now we will concentrate on establishing Kiwisport in other regions next year!

International Taekwon-Do has been included in Sport New Zealand’s government funded sports initiative to promote sport for school-aged children: Kiwisport.

KiwiSport was launched late 2009 by the Honourable John Key. KiwiSport is a national initiative that aims to increase the number of school-aged children participating in organised sport (at least 3 hours per week) – during school, after school and during holidays. KiwiSport is underpinned by the following 3 objectives:

1. More kids playing sport: increase the number of school-aged children participating in organised sport – during school, after school and by strengthening links with sports clubs.
2. More opportunities: increase the availability and accessibility of sport opportunities for all school-aged children.
3. Better skills: support children in developing skills that will enable them to participate effectively in sport at both primary and secondary level.

Internationals Taekwon-Do has applied for and received fund from the Regional Partnership Fund administered by Counties Manukau Sport to pilot a programme in that region. An application has been lodged with Sport Auckland and the CEO is planning to eventually apply to most if not all of the 17 Regional Sports Trusts around the country.

International Taekwon-Do aims to achieve the following objectives:

• Provide a positive introduction to both the physical and mental aspects of the sport to school-aged children
• Introduce children to the cultural and historical aspects of the sport
• Teach children core values in a way that is fun and understandable
• Teach children basic skills to “release” from a grab.
• Using Taekwon-Do as a method to improve children’s basic movement skill development
• Teach safe and effective stretching techniques to improve flexibility
• Create a fun experience of the sport while at the same time introducing martial art style discipline and training
• Improve the children’s self esteem by positive encouragement and achievement.
• Enhancing a school-club link between the school and the local International Taekwon-Do club.
• Provide coach development through younger Instructors gaining teaching experience under the guidance of more senior adult instructors.

Core Values & Philosophy

The mandated core values of the New Zealand Education Curriculum fit well with the International Taekwon-Do philosophy. This syllabus introduces children to the International Taekwon-Do Tenets: Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self Control and Indomitable Spirit.

The Tenets are explained to children in a way that is easy for them to understand and relate to:

• Courtesy: Being polite, using manners and respecting adults, teachers and parents

• Integrity: Being honest and knowing the difference between right and wrong

• Perseverance: Trying hard and never giving up

• Self-control: Thinking before you act, controlling your temper and not mis-using skills you learn at Taekwon-Do

• Indomitable Spirit: Having the courage to stand up for what you believe in and doing what you know is right

The Taekwon-Do philosophy is based on discouraging fighting and building a more peaceful world. This can be achieved through encouraging a balanced approach to aspects in life and a positive attitude based around the physical, mental and moral aspects of the art. This model is not dis-similar to the Māori health concept of ‘te whare tapa whā' - the four cornerstones (or sides) of Māori health. With its strong foundations and four equal sides, the symbol of the wharenui illustrates the four dimensions of Māori well-being.

Should one of the four dimensions be missing or in some way damaged, a person, or a collective may become 'unbalanced' and subsequently unwell.
For many Māori modern health services lack recognition of taha wairua (the spiritual dimension). In a traditional Māori approach, the inclusion of the wairua, the role of the whānau (family) and the balance of the hinengaro (mind) are as important as the physical manifestations of illness.

For further information or questions contact the Kiwisport Co-ordinator for Counties Manukau: Master Paul McPhail