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Pfingstlager 2026 – Friendship, Training and Fantastic Food

Over the long Pfingstwochenende from Friday to Monday, 18 members of our Taekwon-Do school had the pleasure of attending the annual Pfingstlager hosted by Tai Jutsu-do Karate at the Pfadiheim in Weisslingen.

We arrived on Friday evening just in time for dinner — and what a welcome it was! After the journey, the delicious meal disappeared quickly and set the tone for a weekend where nobody would go hungry. Following dinner, we headed straight into our first training session, learning the school’s self-created kata called Scorpion. While some of the movements felt a little unusual to us, it is always fun and valuable to experience something new and challenge ourselves with unfamiliar techniques. The explanations behind the philosophy of the kata were interesting, even if at times a little abstract and somewhat removed from the traditional Japanese cultural concepts many of us are used to.


What was immediately clear, however, was the fantastic atmosphere throughout the camp. After training, we gathered around the campfire, shared stories, laughed together and strengthened old friendships while making new ones as well. As with every good martial arts camp, accommodation was shared in multi-person rooms, naturally separated appropriately, which only added to the authentic Lager feeling.



The Pfadiheim itself was excellent — spacious, well equipped and more than capable of comfortably hosting around 30 people. With a large kitchen, generous sleeping areas and a very practical Mehrzweckraum, it provided the perfect setting for the weekend. The weather could hardly have been better either, although at times the sunshine reminded us that Swiss summers can occasionally become very warm!

Saturday evening brought another highlight with a fantastic barbecue dinner. During the afternoon, five Shotokan Karate black belts joined the camp, which created plenty of excitement and anticipation. Although many of us had hoped they might teach a session, we instead revisited the Scorpion kata before moving on to kata work using bamboo swords similar to those used in Aikido and Kendo, as well as knife defence exercises with a strong focus on breathing techniques. Later, training continued outside in the shade of the Pfadiheim with a discussion on morality, spirituality, and personal development, which was maybe better suited to a different audience, and we took the opportunity to teach Taekwon-Do patterns to our members.


Sunday morning began with yet another outstanding breakfast — honestly, better than in some hotels I have stayed in! Afterwards came one of the most exciting activities of the weekend, especially for our younger members: archery, crossbows and air rifles. The setup and organisation by Martin Gloor from the Karate school were excellent, with safety and structure clearly well prepared. As can sometimes happen when many senior grades become involved, there were moments of confusion, but overall, the activity was extremely enjoyable and very well received.



At the same time, some of our older members enjoyed a foot reflexology session, which they thoroughly appreciated before later getting the chance to try the various weapons activities themselves during the afternoon.


Another memorable part of Sunday was the first aid training based on realistic scenarios. Participants had to assess the situation, ensure personal safety and decide on appropriate methods of care for the “victims.” I personally played one of the victims — a role I seem strangely suited for! It was genuinely impressive to watch the students work together calmly and methodically to provide assistance. Once again, Martin Gloor had organised all the equipment and programme materials exceptionally well. His dedication, energy and organisation truly make him a valuable asset to the Karate school.



After dinner, our Taekwon-Do members held an additional one-hour training session covering patterns, sparring and self-defence. It was especially rewarding to see the younger members taking responsibility, helping lead training and approaching everything with such enthusiasm and maturity.


The evening naturally ended the best possible way: back around the campfire with a late-night barbecue to finish off the remaining chicken and sausages while enjoying the company of friends.


Monday morning was dedicated to the traditional cleanup of the Pfadiheim before handover. Thanks to everyone working together efficiently, everything went smoothly and was even completed earlier than planned.


Overall, the Pfingstlager 2026 was an outstanding weekend filled with interesting activities, excellent training opportunities, laughter and great company. A very special mention must go to our kitchen goddess, Rhea, supported by Matteo, who kept everyone incredibly well fed throughout the weekend with excellent meals, endless snacks, goodies, coffee and soft drinks. Anyone who has organised an event like this knows how much preparation and hard work happens behind the scenes, and we are extremely grateful for all their effort and dedication.


Finally, we would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Martin Gloor and all the members of the Tai Jutsu-do Karate school for welcoming us so warmly as guests at their camp. We greatly appreciated the friendship, hospitality and organisation throughout the entire weekend.


We are already looking forward to next year’s Pfingstlager — whether once again together with the Karate school or perhaps as a dedicated Taekwon-Do event for our Swiss members. The decision will be made in the coming weeks, but one thing is certain: this year’s camp created many great memories that will stay with us for a long time.



Upcoming Events – Don’t Forget to Register


Members are reminded not to forget to register for the upcoming events and seminars. In particular, the seminar with Truc Nguyen will be extremely valuable preparation for the upcoming grading examinations on 13 June and again later in November.


Upcoming events include:


• 6.–7. Juni 2026 – Taekwon-Do-Seminar mit Truc Nguyen (5. Dan)

• 13. Juni 2026 – Taekwon-Do Gürtelprüfungen

• 27. Juli – 7. August 2026 – Sommer Taekwon-Do Trainingslager in Tschechien

• 7. November 2026 – ITF Taekwon-Do Friendship Cup in Spreitenbachhttps://www.tkd-training.ch/event-details/7-november-2026-itf-taekwon-do-friendship-cup





 
 
 

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