Taekwon Do demonstrated at Pincher Creek Trade Show

Toni Lucas, Pincher Creek Voice

Dennis Sokownin and Taekwon Do students
T. Lucas images and video

During the Pincher Creek Trade Show at the MCC Arena on September 8 a Taekwon Do demonstration was held by local instructor Dennis Sokowinin and approximately one quarter of his current students. Taekwon Do is a Korean martial art that was founded by General Choi Hong Hi in 1955.  Sokowinin is a fourth degree black belt with 28 years of martial arts experience and has been teaching in Pincher Creek since 1998.  During his demonstration he stressed  respect, discipline, and control.

Sokownin ran his students through fundamental exercises, explaining that once you have fundamentals down you can move to patterns.  He stopped his class at specific points to explain the reasons for their stance, posture or various body angles.

"I do not teach how to hurt people, I teach how to defend yourself," Sokowinin said.  He continued by saying, "Can you show me your best.  I'm testing them, so I want to see their best," and emphasised the importance of technique and awareness.

"I tell them they should feed three things.  Feed their mind with clear, good, clean thoughts.  I tell them to feed their bodies with good food.  I also tell them it's important to feed their soul.  By the time they've got their black belt, they're good, and I hope that I've taught morals."

An unfortunate mishap brought the board breaking demonstration to an early close, a reminder that even this gentlest of martial arts comes with risk.

Free class:

If you would like to try Taekwon Do, there will be a free class held at 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm on Thursday, September 13 in the small gym at St. Michael's School.  Registration for Sokownin's classes will be held from 7 pm to 9 pm the same day.  

To find out more, visit http://sokowninstaekwondo.com