TAE KWON DO
LITTLE NINJA
One of Samuels’ biggest achievements was through his participation in Tae Kwon Do which gave him a great personal joy and sense of achievement.
He started age 5 under the ‘Little Ninja’ programme run by instructor Master Gordon Fearn, 7th Degree Black Belt. Samuel would not have been in a position to develop and learn Tae Kwon Do had it not been for the tremendous skills of Gordon. Gordon has been a top competitor at World, European and National Level for many years, but as we all know great ability to participate in anything does not necessarily convert into the ability to teach that same activity. Gordon however excels in both and had the drive and willingness to adapt to the needs of Samuel.
Samuel chose his 6th Birthday as a TKD party.
TKD
Samuel stepped up from ‘Little Ninja’s’ to Tae Kwon Do lessons run by Master Fearn and colleagues. The students ages varied from adults to Samuel as the youngest. Everyone was very supportive of him and he formed some lovely friendships.
Samuel had a mixture of one-one and group lessons that enabled him to develop his gradings to yellow belt. He also had the confidence to participate in the club competition, performing pattern Chon-Ji.
He had an uncanny ability to remember the Korean language involved, and would always have a good laugh testing others or assisting them to remember. He would make it challenging for Gordon to think of new words relevant to Samuel.
At the group lessons one young friend Lauren was particularly helpful with Samuel and has kindly said that it was working with Samuel that has encouraged her towards teaching tae kwon-do.
Tae Kwon Do has 5 tenets that we think are excellent and would stand any person in great stead through life. They are:
Courtesy; Integrity; Perseverance; Self Control; Indomitable spirit, we always felt that these tenets depicted Samuels approach to life.
HONORARY 1ST DEGREE BLACK BELT
When Samuel was at home from hospital, just weeks before the end of his battle, we had a wonderful moment when Master Fearn presented Samuel with an honorary 1st degree black belt, and his personal Gold Medal from the English Championships a week earlier!
The black belt has been officially approved through Tae Kwon Do International and Tae Kwon Do Association of Great Britain. It was wonderful for Samuel who was so proud to receive it. We will cherish that moment and the wonderful certificates and letters that came with the award.
A letter from an 8th Dan Master was worded:-
"The TAGB Committee have heard of your many visits to hospital and how brave you have been.
When all the TAGB fighters and TAGB Masters were asked what they would like to be ie: would they like to be the best fighter the highest kicker or the fastest puncher. They all said no, they wished they were as brave as Samuel.
Because of this it has been decided that you will be awarded a black belt for your bravery and indomitable spirit."
As parents we are so proud of Samuel and his award and of his laughter when he realised that as a black belt he should be referred to as “Sir”!
