Dear Madam and Sirs, Finnish Taido Association Official Invitation to The

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Official Invitation to the WTC2013-Event

Date: January 2013 To: Taido Soke Taido Hon’in Board of the WTF Presidents and chairmen of the National Taido Associations From: World Taido Championship Organising Committee

Dear madam and sirs,

This is the official invitation to the World Taido Championship. We have gathered you some detailed information about the event. FTA reserves the right to make small changes.

This information package is to help You planning (flights etc.) your trip to Finland. We hope that you would inform your National Taido Association and all its members about this event.

We hope that taidokas from every part of the world will meet next summer here in Finland.

On behalf of the World Taido Championship Organising Committee,

Finnish Taido Association Sera Kaukola Brand Manager

Tel: +358 – 50 – 542 3431 E-mail: [email protected] or [email protected] Address: Radiokatu 20 00093 SLU FINLAND

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General Information

Finland and Helsinki

The tourist season in southern Finland and the Lakeland is from early June to late August. This is when all attractions and summer accommodation options are open, steamboats and ferries ply the lakes and rivers and festivals are in full swing. Things are at their busiest during Finnish holidays, typically from the summer high season in late June until the end of July. This is the time of long, light nights, when Finland doesn't seem to sleep.

Helsinki is unique among Northern European cities. The lifestyle in the second-most northern capital city in the world is full of contrasts and activities in the form of hundreds of events and friendly people. Helsinki's identity has been formed by cultural influences from both the East and West.

Distances

The WTC2013 Venue is located in the Länsi-Pasila district of the Helsinki city. Public transportation connections by train, bus or tram are excellent.

Distances from Sokos Hotel Pasila:  Pasila Sport Hall 700m (Seminars, IFG,WTC)  Pasila Railway Station 600m  Helsinki City Centre and Sokos Hotel Presidentti 3km (Banquette)  Harbour 5km  Helsinki-Vantaa International Airport 16km

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Preliminary Schedule of the WTC2013-Event

Date Event Place Note

30th July Arrival to Finland, Sokos Hotel Pasila, Helsinki

31st July Sightseeing and for persons who do not participate in shinsa excursions: - Day Trip to further information about the excursions in Tallinn the attached brochure - Sightseeing or shopping in Helsinki Shinsa Pasila Sport Hall, Helsinki EuTai meeting Sokos Hotel Pasila, Helsinki

1st August International Pasila Sport Hall, Taido Seminar Helsinki International “ age 7 to 15 year Junior Taido Camp Judge meeting “ confirmed Judges only for Event judges WTF meeting Sokos Hotel Pasila, Helsinki Sightseeing and non-taidokas and tourists Excursions: - Sightseeing or further information about the excursions in Shopping in the attached brochure Helsinki - Ultimate Sauna Experience

2nd August International Pasila Sport Hall, open for all taidokas from age of 7 Taido Friendship Helsinki Games

3rd August World Taido Pasila Sport Hall, Championships Helsinki

Banquette Sokos Hotel Presidentti, persons under 18 years old only until 9 (includes Dinner) Helsinki p.m.

4th August Sightseeing and further information about the excursions in excursions: the attached brochure - Sightseeing Tour in Porvoo - Hiking Tour in Nuuksio National Park

5th August Departure from Finland

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International Friendship Games 2013

Events for the International Friendships Games

(changes in events possible)

Event Birth year Belt rank Note

B1 Hokei, men ≤1997 ≥ 2 kyu tai or in hokei only

B2 Hokei, women ≤1997 ≥ 2 kyu tai or in hokei only

B3 Jissen, men ≤1995 ≥ 2 kyu

B4 Jissen, women ≤1995 ≥ 2 kyu

B5 Hokei, men ≤1997 6-3 kyu tai or in hokei: only sen, un, hen

B6 Hokei, women ≤1997 6-3 kyu tai or in hokei: only sen, un, hen

B7 Jissen, men ≤1995 6-3 kyu

B8 Jissen, women ≤1995 6-3 kyu

B9 Sonen hokei, mixed ≤1978 ≥ 6 kyu tai/ in or sei hokei only

B10 Sonen hokei, mixed ≤1978 ≥ 6 kyu mei hokei only

B11 Sonen jissen, men ≤1978 ≥ 2 kyu

B12 Sonen jissen, women ≤1978 ≥ 2 kyu

B13 Junior hokei, mixed ≥2001 ≥ no belt limitation tai or in hokei: only sen, un, hen

B14 Junior hokei, mixed 1998-2000 ≥ no belt limitation tai or in hokei: only sen, un, hen

B15 Boys, jissen 1999-2001 ≥6 kyu

B16 Girls, jissen 1999-2001 ≥6 kyu

B17 Boys, jissen 1996-1998 ≥6 kyu

B18 Girls, jissen 1996-1998 ≥6 kyu

B19 Dantai hokei, mixed ≤2003 > no belt limitation team: 5 competitors tai or in hokei only

B20 Dantai jissen, men ≤1995 ≥ 2 kyu team: 5 competitors and team leader/team

B21 Dantai jissen, women ≤1995 ≥ 2 kyu team: 5 competitors and team leader/team

B22 Tenkai, mixed ≤2003 > no belt limitation team: 6 competitors

B23 Taido trick-track for Juniors ≥2001 ≥ no belt limitation rules and directions as attachment

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Other information for the International Friendships Games

 The general rule is that one team consists of members from one country. Teams with members from more than one country are allowed.  In Dantai jissen the general rule is that one team should consist of 5 competitors, however, if a player is not able to participate due to injury or similar and no substitution is available, the match for the absent player will be counted as a "default loss" and the team can participate in the event with four (4) competitors.  In case of very few or too many applied competitors in specific events, the competition committee reserves the right to make alternations in the event-compositions. Any changes will be informed to the national taido organizations the effected competitors belong to.  Competitors have to be members of a national taido organization belonging to the World Taido Federation.  Participants of the World Taido Championship (WTC) are not allowed to participate in the International Friendship Games (IFG).

Competitor substitution – IFG2013

Only for team events might a competitor be replaced, if the below conditions are fulfilled.  Only if a competitor has to cancel participation due to illness or injury or similar reasons, the substitute that has been registered might replace the competitor as from the next match. (One substitute per team can be registered. No competition fee is necessary.)  Before any replacement the replacement has to be reported to and approved by the competition head office.  If a competitor has been replaced, even if the competitor recovers from his/her illness or injury, s/he will not be able to take part in the same event again.  If a competitor is stopped from participating by a physician s/he will not be allowed to participate in any competition event what so ever.

Jissen regulation – IFG2013

 For jissen men are allowed to wear specified chest protections, and women and juniors both the specified chest protection and the specified face protection especially. With own responsibility competitor can choose not to were protection. WTF upkeeps list of acceptable chest and face protection.

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World Taido Championships

Limitations in Worl Taido Championships

Limitations for participation.  Individual events: 6 persons per country.  Team events: 2 teams per country.

Limitations for the age of competitors  In jissen and in dantai jissen the year of birth of the competitors should be 1995 or earlier.  In hokei, dantai hokei and tenkai the year of birth of the competitors should be 1997 or earlier.

Events WTC (changes in events possible)

Event Birth year Belt rank Note

A1 Hokei, men ≤1997 ≥ 1 dan tai or in hokei only

A2 Hokei, women ≤1997 ≥ 1 dan tai or in hokei only

A3 Jissen, men ≤1995 ≥ 1 dan

A4 Jissen, women ≤1995 ≥ 1 dan

A5 Dantai hokei, men ≤1997 ≥ 1 dan team: 5 competitors tai or in hokei only

A6 Dantai hokei, women ≤1997 ≥ 1 dan team: 5 competitors tai or in hokei only

A7 Dantai jissen, men ≤1995 ≥ 1 dan team: 5 competitors and team leader/team

A8 Dantai jissen, women ≤1995 ≥ 1 dan team: 5 competitors and team leader/team

A9 Tenkai, mixed ≤1997 ≥ 1 dan team: 6 competitors

A10 Tenkai, women ≤1997 ≥ 1 dan team: 6 competitors

Other information for the World Taido Championships

 The general rule is that only black belts are allowed. In jissen one should be born 1995 or before and in hokei and tenkai events 1997. However National Taido Organization can apply exception to belt rank or age with Letter of Recommendations, which should be send via email to FTA office [email protected] preferably before entry time ends. All application will be documented and gone through with WTF.

 The general rule is that one team should consist of 5 competitors, however, if a player is not able to participate due to injury or similar and no substitution is available, the match for the absent player will be counted as a "default loss" and the team can participate in the event with four (4) competitors.

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Qualification – WTC2013

 Competitors have to be born 1995 in jissen events and 1997 in hokei and tenkai events. Competitors have to be members of a National Taido Organization (NTO) belonging to the World Taido Federation. The general rule is that person represents country he/she are member of NTO and have citizenship. In case person does not have citizenship of that country which member person is, that National Taido Organization can submit their consent for person to be their national team member. In case of conflict between 2 or more NTOs, WTF will be negotiator between NTOs.

Jissen regulation – WTC2013

Participation – WTC2013

 There is no limitation of the number of events one competitor can participate in.  In case of very competitors in specific events, the competition committee reserves the right to make alternations in the event-compositions. Any changes will be informed to the national taido organizations the effected competitors belong to.

Competitor substitution – WTC2013

 Only for team events might a competitor be replaced, if the below conditions are fulfilled.  Only if a competitor has to cancel participation due to illness or injury or similar reasons, the substitute that has been registered might replace the competitor as from the next match. (One substitute per team can be registered. No competition fee is necessary.)  Before any replacement the replacement has to be reported to and approved by the competition head office.  If a competitor has been replaced, even if the competitor recovers from his/her illness or injury, s/he will not be able to take part in the same event again.  If a competitor is stopped from participating by a physician s/he will not be allowed to participate in any event what so ever.

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Judges

Judges/Referees – IFG2013 and WTC2013

 All judges has to enroll as judge in both events IFG and WTC. General rule is that person should have experience in judging and should have at least 4 dan. If person has 4th dan shinsa in WTC Event he/she can roll as judge. Enrollment as judge is binding and judges cannot compete either in IFG nor WTC. Enrollment to judge will be done when enrolling to WTC event via web enrollment page bu National contact person, enrollment to judge has to be made before entry closing time 15th of April. Enrollments cannot be done after that. FTA with WTF will review all judges enrollments and will confirm if person is qualified. When choosing judges to both events, experience and amount of judges per country will be reviewed.

Insurance

Insurance policy in IFG and WTC

 All participants are obliged to take out private insurance which is valid abroad and covers accidents in Taido competitions. By signing the entry form participants accept that the participation in the event is at their own responsibility and their own risk in every aspect.  FTA will see to it that an English-speaking doctor or First-Aid Group is available for the participants during the IFG and WTC. If any treatment that is not or cannot be carried out by this doctor becomes necessary, it will be a matter between you, the local therapists and your insurance company.  European taidokas: European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is valid in Finland. Get yourself a free card before your trip to WTC2013-event.That card gives you access to medically necessary, state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay in Finland.

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Accommodation and Banquette

Hotel Accommodation Packages Sokos Hotel Pasila ***+ Spacious, air conditioned rooms with cable TV and free Wi-Fi. Buffet breakfast is included in the room rate.

Standard Single Room* Standard Double Superior Jr. Suite** Room** room** 1 night 95e 50e 70e 90e 2 nights 190e 100e 140e 180e 3 nights 285e 150e 210e 270e 4 nights 380e 200e 280e 360e 5 nights 475e 250e 350e 450e 6 nights 570e 300e 420e 540e

* Price/ person ** Price/ person (in double room)

The Sokos Hotel Pasila provides peaceful and cozy accommodations in Helsinki’s Länsi-Pasila district. The Pasila Sport Hall (venue for the WTC2013 event, 700m), Helsinki Congress and Exhibition Center, Hartwall Arena ice stadium, and Linnanmäki Amusement Park can all be found a short distance from this hotel. The Sokos Hotel Pasila is located 15 kilometers from Helsinki Vantaa Airport. A tram stop that allows for easy access to central Helsinki can be found right outside the hotel. Guests traveling by car can make use of the hotel’s garage and outdoor parking spaces as well as the car wash.

Banquette

Banquette will be arranged 3rd of August 2013 in Sokos Hotel Presidentti in the Helsinki City Centre. Banquette is included to most WTC2013 Event Packages. Participation just to Banquette only costs 50 euros.

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WTC2013 Event Packages

WTC2013 Taido Tourist Package, Price/ person 155 euros, children under 12 year 145 euros.

Price includes:  International Taido Seminar or International Junior Taido Seminar  Event T-shirt  WTC2013-Ticket  3 x Lunchboxes (Thu, Fri, Sat)  Participation in Banquette (including Dinner)

WTC Competitor Package Price/ person 185 euros

Price includes:

 International Taido Seminar  Event T-shirt  WTC2013 Participation Fee  3 x Lunchboxes (Thu, Fri, Sat)  Participation in Banquette (including Dinner)

WTC2013 Judge Package Price/ person 115 euros

Price includes:

 International Taido Seminar  T-shirt  3 x Lunchboxes (Thu, Fri, Sat)  Participation in Banquette (including Dinner)

Other Optional Services Price/ person

Event  International Friendship Games 30 euros (participation fee)  Banquette (only) 50 euros  Entry Ticket to WTC2013 (only) 20 euros (10 euros under 12 year old)

Sightseeing and Excursions  Ultimate Sauna Experience 35 euros  Hiking Tour in Nuuksio 70 euros  Sightseeing Tour in Helsinki 35 euros  Day Trip to Tallinn (Estonia) 70 euros  Sightseeing Tour in Porvoo 70 euros

*Excursions will be arranged only if there are enough participants. Day Trip to Tallinn minimum 20 persons. Other excursions: minimum10 persons.

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Transportation

Helsinki Region Transport

Please note that all the transports between events in the WTC are on participants own responsibility. FTA recommends that all participants purchase the Helsinki-ticket as the tour prices do not include transportation from the hotel to the starting point of the tour(s).

A day ticket available on a single-charge card is handy if you need to make several journeys during one day or several days. You can choose the number of days for your ticket from 1 to 7 days. The ticket is valid from the time it is first used, including during the night fare hours.

The tickets are available at R-kiosks in the Helsinki metropolitan area, VR’s booking offices, Stockmann department stores, K-Citymarkets, Prisma stores, Helsinki City Tourist Office, Tourist information at the Helsinki-Vantaa airport, HSL’s service points at the Central Railway Station and Pasila. Hint: You can purchase yourself 2 x Capital Area Tickets (arrival and departure day) and 1-7 days Helsinki-ticket. It’ll cost you 31-52 euros.

Read more www.hsl.fi (sites can be found in English)

Capital Area Helsinki-Espoo-Vantaa (airport transport is included)  1day 12,00 €  2days 18,00 €  3days 24,00 €  4days 30,00 €  5days 36,00 €  6days 42,00 €  7days 48,00 €

Helsinki  1day 7,00 €  2days 10,50 €  3days 14,00 €  4days 17,50 €  5days 21,00 €  6days 24,50 €  7days 28,00 €

Entries and deadlines

Entries

Entries will be done by each National Association via WTC2013 webpage www.taido.fi. Registration for WTC Event opens in March 2013. Entry will close by 15th of April 2013. Each National contact person will get detailed guidance about filling the entry form.

Information

More information from www.taido.fi

Taido2013 blog, Facebook and Twitter… Follow us in internet! Click the event icon in the www.taido.fi page, find us on Twitter or start to follow the blog. All information can be found on our web-page.