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National team head coach Mariusz Steckiewicz

Mariusz Steckiewicz is the instructor of Vammala Taekwon-Do Club, the Finnish national team head coach and the president of ITF Taekwon-Do Finland. During his time in Finland sabumnim Steckiewicz has managed to develop Finnish Taekwon-Do both in sports and on organisational level. Sabumnim Mariusz has had a big role in my competition success as well. He’s brought a lot into my sparring and patterns with his wide technical knowledge as well as his experience in competing and methodical way of coaching. I can say that I’m truly privileged to get instruction from experts like sabumnim Mariusz.

Name: Mariusz Steckiewicz
Date and place of birth: 19.11.1973, Biala Podlaska, Poland
Black belt degree: 5th dan
Started Taekwon-Do: 1988 in Biala Podlaska
Years in the Polish national team: 1995-1999 as competitor
Years in the Finnish national team: 2002: technical advisor, 2003-2004: head coach, 2005: 2nd coach, 2006: head coach
Best achievements:
1996, Italy, European Championships: gold medal in 2nd degree patterns
1997, Slovenia, European Championships: gold medal in team patterns
1998, Greece, European Championships: bronze medal in 3rd degree patterns
1999, Italy, European Championships: gold medal in 3rd degree patterns
6 times Polish Champion in individual patterns (95, 96, 98, 99, 2000, 2001). Last gold medal I won 2001 over Jaroslaw Suska, who became World Champion in Italy in 4th degree patterns just a month later.
Coaching/instructing: Kontra Taekwon-Do Club in Warsaw (1994-2001), Vammalan Taekwon-Do Seura, Ylöjärven Taekwon-Do seura, Pauliina Heiskanen (patterns). Of course Finnish National Team members, among others: Terhi Mikkola, Saara Koivisto, Helena Hanhikangas, Jani Turunen, Michael Holler and I think I can consider having some credit on Ismo Mäkinen’s patterns success.
Other hobbies: Digital photography, skiing, basketball, movies.

If I remember correctly you started training under a Korean instructor. How do you see the trainings of that time now that you’ve been an active instructor for several years yourself?That’s not exactly true. My first and only instructor was and still is Mr. Zbigniew Bujak, currently 6th degree. He has taught me basics and led my trainings until 1992 when I got promotion to 1st degree.

/web/media/sivukuvat/Marsun-hyppybituro.jpg But indeed when I commenced Taekwon-Do training in 1988 there were several Korean instructors residing in Poland. Those instructors were working for Polish TKD Association. Each of them was responsible for certain region to support Taekwon-Do teaching. Sabumnim Chon Dae Yong, at that time 6th degree was taking care of our region. He was visiting our dojang every few weeks. Usually when he came we had weekend’s training sessions. Sabumnim Chon Dae Yong used to be Korean Champion in power breaking. His trainings were very physical with big emphasis on techniques and generating power. You can only imagine his amazing techniques. When in 1991 his contract expired he replaced by another instructor Kim Zong Su, at that time 5th degree. Sabumnim Zong Su had very wide experience in Kyoksul, a Korean art of self-defence, which emphasized on the practical aspects of self-defence. His trainings consisted of lots of sparring and self-defence. Next Korean instructors, Sabumnim Pak Bong Dok and Sahyunnim Ri Myong Chol didn’t have that much influence in my training.

All the trainings in the end of eighties and beginning of nineties were physically very hard. Training always lasted 2 hours and methods usually were not very sophisticated. Of course we were very excited about training so doing gunnun so najunde makgi for one hour didn’t bother anybody. Pain and blood were parts of the training. Drinking during the training was not allowed. Breaks between exercises were only in order to change partner or to put equipment. Talking was absolutely out of question. We were training in the hall where temperature during winter dropped to about 5-10 degrees. I remember that when we changed our clothes and entered the hall before the trainings the best thing to do was start jumping to keep cold out of feet. I am very lucky to receive teaching from true experts in their fields. Unfortunately usually they were not very well prepared for teaching, so many things could have been learnt the easier way but at that time we knew only one way – The Korean Way.

How has Finnish Taekwon-Do developed in your opinion during your time here?
I am not sure if I am a proper person to answer this question since I am myself trying to contribute to the Finnish Taekwon-Do development according to my possibilities.
Anyway from what I have noticed Finnish Taekwon-Do has changed within two aspects.
I think that technically Finnish practitioners are having more updated techniques what can be confirmed by very good results from the competition and definitely in terms of organization. I am most happy from the fact that young, ambitious and very talented people got active. They are real engines of our federation.

How is the training of Taekwon-Do in Poland different from training in Finland?
It is difficult for me to say how much trainings are different since I teach and train in my clubs here where probably the training and teaching model is closer to Polish that Finnish for obvious reasons and in fact I have not really trained much in Finnish clubs. I believe also that even among clubs in Finland trainings differ dependent on the club. Definitely the biggest difference I have experienced lays in the trainees’ attitude. In Finland in general trainings are treated mainly as hobby, meaning that if people have time then they come for trainings.

One of my most disliked excuses for not coming to training I have heart in Finland was: “Because I don’t feel like”. In Poland if you like doing something you just feel like doing it, if you know what I mean. Usually if people enrol to Taekwon-Do classes they treat it seriously and put it quite high in the list of priorities, at least for some time.

Of course I have also met lots of very dedicated and hard working students, like Ismo, but in general that would be the one difference. Another is that when people come to training in Poland they give 100% and then they go happily to their homes. Here I have often noticed that practitioners are “saving” energy “for later” what of course results in wasting precious time during training.

What are your best memories of your own competition career? What about the worst ones?
Of course the nicest memories are connected to winning. I will just mention two. Winning European Champion title in 1996 in Italy I will remember till the end of my days. Standing on the 1 place of the podium and having known that nobody at that time came better than me gave me unforgettable feeling that years of hard work paid back and that everything is possible if you only maintain perseverance in doing what you believe in.

Second best memorable moment concerning competition comes from 2001. I was competing then in 4th degrees patterns. Polish Championships took place in Lublin, just 20 km from hometown of Jaroslaw Suska.
Since the beginning of my competition career Jaroslaw (in Poland we rather call him Jarek) used to be “my personal” opponent. When we were colour belts competing in the same category usually my competition ended in loosing against Suska. He was and of course still is well known for his fantastic leg techniques. In those times he eventually became one of my strongest motivation to compete. I have put small goal for myself to win Jarek Suska.
2001 was the second year in a row, as black belts, when we have been in the same division. (Earlier I was planning my belt tests to not be in the same division as Jarek so that we both could be selected into the National Team.) In 2001 after qualifications we ended up in the finals of Polish Championships. The event was prepared very well. 4th degrees’ patterns final was supposed to be shown for spectators. In the sport arena gathered about two and a half thousand people mostly from Lublin and neighbour towns. That was the place and time where Jarek Suska was just supposed to win for his spectators. I knew Suska would perform Moon Moo and having known that I had no chance to win with his leg techniques I chose Yong Gae as my optional pattern so that I could take advantage of my better rhythm and hand techniques. The finals were on an elevated stage, which was very unstable. With every step we could feel the stage moving. As designated pattern we got Choi Yong and at some point I almost lost balance and in my thoughts I lost already chances to win that match. Nevertheless the moment of waiting for the result was one of the longest in my career. In this final there were three umpires judging our performance, Master Ri Myong Chol was sitting in the centre. On the command “sung” the flags rose up. 2 for blue and 1 for red. Blue was my lucky colour that day. I was in particular happy of the verdict as Master Chol gave his flag to me.

I have to say that unfortunately my worst moments in a way also concern Jarek Suska when after winning over him 2 times (2000 and 2001) he was still the one who got places in the National Team for Euros and World Championships which he of course won.

You’ve been a top competitor in Taekwon-Do yourself. Which patterns champions have impressed you the most? What about the ones in sparring? How about coaches, teachers and other persons in the background?
Talking about patterns champions I don’t really recall anybody who would have impressed me entirely. Of course there are lots of good athletes who have for instance very good leg techniques like Jarek Suska, what has been always my problem. From the present times I can mention Maxime Bujold from Canada who I think might have very good chances to get good results for upcoming World Championships.

Among sparring champions I have to mention most of all Paul Germain from Canada. Later on the Tapilatus, especially Stephen, from the Netherlands and Tomaz Barada from Slovenia. From female competitors Monika Jablonowska from Poland and nowadays Katya Solovey from Ukraine. All of them present very individual styles and have left their marks on the way we fight in Taekwon-Do at present times.

Concerning other individuals in the Taekwon-Do (not only sport) community I can mention personalities like: Gen. Choi Hong Hi for his visions, Master Bos for his passion, Master Tran for his wisdom, Master van de Mortel for his determination and Mr. Jedut for his analytical mind.

Do you have any idols?
I would not call them “idols” but I have people I admire. Except for those I have mentioned above I have to point Lee Lacoca, one of the widest recognized managers who brought Chrysler Corporation from the edge of bankruptcy to one of the most powerful corporations in the world. In general I respect most and admire individuals who are not afraid to stand up and fight often alone for what they believe is right no matter what it costs.

You have a Finnish wife Saija (4th degree) and you’ve been living in Finland for 5 years now. How do you like it here so far?
I am very happy to have wife who understands and shares my passion for Taekwon-Do. I think this is something all the Taekwon-Do instructors secretly dream about. My dream came true.

Concerning differences coming from distinct cultures and climate of course it’s not easy but longer I am here more I learn and I think more others are learning about me what allows me little by little feel more like at home.

You also have a beautiful daughter, is she already doing patterns and kicking holes in the ceiling? Do you think she’ll do TKD too?
Oh, that is lovely subject to talk about. Yes, Silvia has just turned 3 and so far has not had much chance to see other ways of living than Taekwon-Do centred life. She is coming with Saija to every training, so the movements we teach and practice putting lots of efforts are just funny games for her. She is often copying techniques and has fun kicking, punching or just running. I suppose I am no exception to other father-instructors and we wish our children would learn to love what we love. But no pressure

What are your aims and goals in Taekwon-Do in near future?
My personal goals are constant: to develop as practitioner, teacher and leader. My nature is: to do what I believe in and what I do, to do it the best I can. And the more I do the more I notice how much I still have to learn.
Of course a big part of my Taekwon-Do future is clubs. I want to develop them to strong and stable organizations. And eventually to be able to live on what I love to do – teaching Taekwon-Do. Of course I want my students to feel that I give them everything they need for their development.

How about your life in 5-10 years, any big plans about Taekwon-Do?
Talking about 5 to 10 years plans I can only say that I want and I am sure I am able to contribute to development of ITF Taekwon-Do without limiting myself to any country.

The World Championships will be held in Canada next May. What are your expectations and aims for the Finnish national team?
The next World Championships will be very tough. We will see many competitors who we haven’t seen for few years. Many countries have rejoined ITF what will definitely make the competition stronger. Last year many members of the National Team were replaced by younger and less experienced competitors due to many reasons. We are working hard to get the standard high but some important elements, like for instance experience takes time. After last World Champs we ended on 5th place in the general classification. I will be satisfied if we can maintain place in top 7.

What do you think are Ismo’s chances this season?
Ismo is a very hard working athlete. Probably one of the hardest I have met. His name is also becoming known what is very positive. I am sure that if everything goes right he will be among those who will share places on the podium. I would only recommend to stay focused and open-minded with what he is doing.

Thank you very much, sabumnim Mariusz, and all the best!
Thank you and good luck.

ismo

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