Student of the Month April:  We are proud to announce the Axe Taekwon-Do Student of the Month for April 2007 is Mr. Evan MacCaffrey.  We believe that he is an excellent example of the finest qualities in TKD, and displays the tenets of Taekwon-Do (Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self-Control and Indomitable Spirit) at all times.  Congratulations!

Tournament:  The Axe Taekwon-Do class will be traveling to Kansas City, Missouri on Saturday April 21st, 2007 to participate in a Taekwon-Do tournament.  We have emailed the registration forms and they are available on our web site.  Currently we have about 13 students traveling to compete and would love to have more attend this event.  We will leave the Youth Center at 6am and return later that evening.  We will contact parents when we get closer to home so they can meet us at the Youth Center on time.

Testing:  We will have our next on Saturday, May 19th in the small gym at the Offutt AFB Youth Center.  The testing will start promptly at 9:00 am, so don’t be late.  The Youth Center will be open at 8:00 am and we expect all those testing will be in uniform and stretching not later than 8:30 am.  All students, even those not testing, are expected to attend the testing.  If you cannot attend you must let Mr. Todd or Mr. Bushor know in advance.  Parents, family, and friends are all invited to watch and take pictures or video during the testing.  Come and support all the students testing to their next level.

Camp:  We should have the camp information posted on the web site soon.  The camp this year will be held August 10th through the 12th in Trenton, Missouri.  This is about 3 ½ hours from Bellevue and is over 2 hours closer than the camp has been in the past few years.  This is a new location with a new training and food format.  It should be exciting and offer great training.  The prices will be:  White belt through 3rd degree $95.00 per student.  A family rate is offered this year with the first student being full price than each additional family member paying $75.00 per student.  Any students that want to attend and not stay at the camp will pay $65.00 per student.  Parents, etc., that want to attend but not participate in classes will pay $65.00 per person.  Again, these fees pay for all your training, lodging, food and a camp t-shirt.  Everyone will receive a t-shirt this year.  You will be required to bring your own pillow, linens, blankets, etc.  You will also need to bring bathroom items and towels for showering and sleeping.  Last year Axe Taekwon-Do had the largest group there and we want to do the same again this year.  As the camp time approaches we will put out more information, but please plan on attending.  There will be enough adults to offer rides this year.  We still have hope that Mr. Finan (pressure added) can come through on a bus for this year.  We will keep you posted on that.  We need the applications and a deposit of $25 turned into Mr. Todd by June 25th.  The remainder of the camp fee can be paid at camp.  Please see Mr. Todd or Mr. Bushor if you have any questions.  This is a big event and we take students of all ages. 

2007 Events:  (all dates are tentative)

April 21st –Taekwon-Do Tournament - Kansas City, Missouri (NO CLASS)

April 28th – Youth Center Family Fair (NO CLASS)

May 5th and 6th – Offutt AFB Air Show (NO CLASS)

May 19th Testing, Small Gym – 8:30 am

June 9th and 10th – Class C Referee Course – Kirksville, Missouri (will require an overnight stay)

June 30th – Grand Master Sereff’s Retirement

July 19th-22nd – USTF Nationals Taekwon-Do Tournament – Madison, Wisconsin

July – Black Belt – Pre-Test – 12:00 pm

August 10th-12th – TKD Camp, Trenton, Missouri

August – Testing, Large Gym – 8:30 am

September – Battle of the Belts Taekwon-Do Tournament – Harrisburg, Missouri

October – Black Belt Pre-Test – 12:00 pm

November – Testing, Large Gym – 8:30 am

December – Holiday Party

Step-Sparring (by Ricky J. Todd, 6th degree):  Do you know the six types of sparring? 

1. Pre-arranged also known as step-sparring;

2. Semi Free Sparring,

3. Model Sparring;

4. Pre-Arranged Semi-Free Sparring;

5. Foot Sparring; and

6. Free Sparring 

Pre-arranged or “step-sparring” is often the most under practiced area of Taekwon-Do.  When I was a student I think we spent more time on step-sparring and less on free sparring or self-defense.  I think it became “second-nature” or easy to perform step-sparring when I was a colored belt since we practiced it more.  Now we train on other areas then rush students through step-sparring near testing time.  This will change as Mr. Bushor and I have noticed we need to spend more time with students on this area.

Remember as you learn each level you are still required to perform each level below you.  For example, when Mr. Bushor tested for 5th degree at camp last year he performed step-sparring and could have been asked to perform any level of sparring.  We always ask black belts to perform pre-arranged sparring, free sparring and whatever level is required during their testing.  Here is another example:  Mr. Finan will be testing for 2nd degree in June.  He will perform pre-arranged sparring, free sparring and model sparring. 

Students need to spend time on their training for step-sparring and devote the same intensity as they would patterns or any other area of training.   You do not need a partner to practice your step-sparring.  You can do either the attacker’s or defender’s portions without an opponent.  Remember back when you were a White Belt and learned to do three-step sparring alone?  You can learn and practice all your step-sparring routines in the same way.

I encourage all students to spend additional time on their step-sparring.  It is graded as critically as any other area.  You might find that it actually helps you with free-sparring, balance and power development.  Please see me if you have any questions.