Training, Learning and Friendship – Seminar Weekend with Truc Nguyen

On the weekend of 6–7 June 2026, the Swiss Korean Culture & Sport Association (SKCS) had the privilege of welcoming Sabum Truc Nguyen, V Degree from ITF France, to conduct a special seminar for our members. As a multiple-time European Champion and highly respected instructor, Mr Nguyen travelled from Grenoble to share his knowledge, experience and passion for Taekwon-Do.

As instructors, we often spend years teaching our students. While consistency is important, there is tremendous value in occasionally learning from someone new. Different instructors see different things, explain concepts in different ways and bring fresh ideas and experiences. Seminars such as this allow students and instructors alike to broaden their horizons and continue their development.

Saturday morning was dedicated to our younger members aged 6 to 10 years. Eighteen children

attended and worked exceptionally hard throughout the session. While it would have been nice to see even more children participating, those who attended benefited enormously from the personal attention available from the many black belts in attendance.

What impressed me most was not their techniques, but their attitude. The children listened carefully, showed respect, worked hard and represented our school extremely well. As their instructor, I could not have been more proud of their behaviour and enthusiasm.

A particularly pleasing aspect of the morning was seeing several black belt parents training alongside their children. Taekwon-Do is at its best when families participate together; it creates a wonderful atmosphere throughout the session.

The training focused on fundamental movements, beginner patterns, coordination drills and kicking exercises. These are often viewed as simple topics, but they form the foundation upon which all future development depends. Small improvements in balance, coordination and technique today can make a significant difference over the coming years.

Saturday afternoon welcomed 29 older children, youths and adults. The level of detail provided by Mr Nguyen was exceptional. From flexibility training and fundamental movement to patterns, jumping kicks and spinning kicks, participants received countless technical corrections and practical advice.

One of the most valuable lessons was a reminder that excellence is often found in the details. A small adjustment in body position, timing or balance can completely transform a technique. It was a useful reminder that improvement is not always about learning something new, but often about doing the basics better.

Sunday morning focused on sparring. Many people think that sparring is simply a matter of putting on protective equipment and exchanging techniques. The reality is quite different. Effective sparring requires intelligence, timing, footwork, tactical awareness and emotional control.

Mr Nguyen guided participants through a series of exercises designed to improve movement, coordination and tactical thinking. Rhythm changes, feints, deception and intelligent positioning were all explored in depth. It was a valuable reminder that successful sparring is as much a mental challenge as it is a physical one.

I want to thank the members from Klein-Döttingen and Basel who made the effort to attend, as well as our own members from Baden and Spreitenbach. I would also like to thank Sandra Cox for her excellent translation work and Aurora Vitrac and her daughter for preparing lunch for the instructors.

Most importantly, I would like to thank Sabum Truc Nguyen. After a six-hour journey on Friday evening, a full weekend of instruction and a long drive home to France, he delivered a seminar of the highest quality. His generosity in sharing his knowledge and experience was greatly appreciated by everyone who attended.

Hopefully, we will have the opportunity to welcome Mr Nguyen back again in October ahead of the ITF Taekwon-Do Friendship Cup on 7 November 2026. I am certain our members would benefit enormously from another weekend of learning.

Peter Regan

VI Degree

President, SKCS

President, ITF Suisse