Reflecting on a Month in South Korea: A Journey as a British International Poomsae Referee

I feel incredibly blessed to have spent an entire month in Korea, immersed in the world of Taekwondo. This journey has been filled with remarkable experiences, opportunities, and personal achievements that I will feel humble to have forever.

The atmosphere was electrifying, starting with refereeing at the Gangwon-Chuncheon 2024 World Taekwondo Demonstration & Breaking Championships held from the 1st to 4th July, setting the tone for an amazing month ahead. Shortly after, I headed to the Daegu 2024 World University Taekwondo Festival held from the 5th to 9th July, in Daegu, a vibrant event showcasing young athletes’ incredible talent and spirit.

Another highlight was presenting my research at the 4th Sport Taekwondo International Convergence Conference held in Muju Taekwondowon on the 7th July. I was officiated as a Presenter at this conference. It was an honour to share my work with fellow Taekwondo enthusiasts and academics, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the sport we all love.

Returning to Chuncheon, I had the privilege of refereeing at the Chuncheon Korea Open International Taekwondo Championships from the 10th to 14th July, followed by the Gwangju International Open Taekwondo Competition on the 20th and 21st July. Each event was a unique experience, offering valuable lessons and reinforcing my passion for Taekwondo. Training at 2024 Gwangju International Taekwondo Academy at the facilities of the Chosun University further enriched my skills and understanding of the Poomsae competition, pushing me to new heights.

Competing at Hanmadang was a personal triumph; a referee should also understand the player’s point of view, so I decided to have a go and participate as the new regulations had been in place, side by side tournament system with a random Poomsae notified to the player just before going into the court. Securing three bronze medals in individual poomsae, team poomsae, and knife hand-breaking was a testament to my work and dedication. The camaraderie and spirit of the competition among the UK players were truly inspiring.

It was an honour to be guided by my senior referees, who were always willing to support my team. Being awarded the Best Female Referee at the Chuncheon Korea Open International Taekwondo Championships was the cherry on top of an already incredible journey.

Life is a series of ups and downs, and this month has taught me the importance of lifelong learning. Never stop believing in yourself; always respect those who support you and believe in your capacity; British Taekwondo, my club LTA, and my Poomsae Referee colleagues, I am always learning something new. Their encouragement is invaluable.

Thank you, life, for this blessed month of Taekwondo. I am humbled and grateful for every moment.

My key highlights of the month-long journey in Korea:

• Refereeing at the Demonstration Team and Breaking in Chuncheon.
• University Games in Daegu.
• Presenting Research in Muju.
• Refereeing at the Korean Open in Chuncheon and Gwanju Open.
• Training at Chosun University.
• Competing at Hanmadang: 3 bronze medals in individual poomsae, team poomsae, and knife hand-breaking.
• Recognition: Awarded Best Female Referee.
• Life Lessons: Embrace lifelong learning. Believe in yourself. Respect and appreciate the support of those around you.

Thank you, Taekwondo, for these unforgettable experiences. Here’s to more journeys, more learning, and more growth, ready to share the knowledge in my role at the Poomsae Referee department.