Self-Defence with Grand Master Pierre Laquerre – Practical ITF Training

Self-Defence with Grand Master Pierre Laquerre

Filmed at an International Instructors Course in Australia

In this detailed session, Grand Master Pierre Laquerre (9th dan) shares his practical and down-to-earth approach to teaching self-defence within ITF Taekwon-Do. Filmed during the International Instructors Course in Perth, Australia (2023), the class captures his clear instructional style and his focus on helping instructors deliver self-defence that is realistic, simple and usable for students of all levels.

Grand Master Laquerre emphasises that effective self-defence training must start with strong fundamentals. Instead of over-complicating techniques, he encourages instructors to concentrate on movements that are natural, direct and instinctive. The goal is not to create perfect choreography, but to develop skills students can recall instantly under pressure. He highlights the importance of mindset and situational awareness—understanding how threats arise and responding decisively to create opportunities for escape.

For instructors, this video offers valuable guidance on structuring a self-defence class, selecting appropriate techniques for different student levels and communicating the purpose behind each movement. It serves as a reminder that self-defence training should balance safety, realism and responsibility, giving students skills that reflect real-world demands while still being grounded in ITF Taekwon-Do technique.

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Grand Master Paul McPhail