Promotion Testing
Testing is scheduled for Saturday, April 16th in the Large Gym at the Youth Center. It will start around 12:30pm and last for about 3 hours. The Youth Center opens at noon. Everyone should have received their testing forms by now, please ensure they are returned along with your test fee paid by April 14th. In addition to the color belt test, Mr. Toppi, Mr. Navratil and Ms. Finan will be testing for 2nd degree. Mr. Cochran and Ms. Buckley will be testing for 1st degree.
Instructors Course (Master Todd)
The instructor course was held March 26th & 27th and taught by Grand Master Winegar, the USTF Director of Technique. We had great group of students who attended. I think everyone came away motivated and full of knowledge and maybe even a few questions. If you have questions, first look at your notes and any study materials you have. If you still have questions, direct all questions to Ms. Bowing or Mr. Bushor for clarification do not ask each other. This could lead to further confusion. If there are any issues to be resolved, I will make the final decision using my experience or I will contact Grand Master Winegar. I did not see anything at the course that was inconsistent with the teaching of Axe TKD. There are a few minor adjustments. The adjustments for everyone are to ensure your belt ends are even and focus on a proper L-stance. The remainder of adjustments will be made in class. While none of us will ever be perfect, the challenge is to perform our techniques as correctly as possible. All of you helped to make this event a success and I thank you greatly for your commitment to the art
A special thanks to the people that worked behind the scenes setting up the Youth Center, the food, etc. Also, thank you to the parents who paid for the younger students to attend and the adult students for attending. I hope you agree with me that the cost is worth the sacrifice to train and learn from one of the great instructors in Taekwon-Do. Grand Master Winegar was certified to teach this course by the founder of Taekwon-Do, Gen. Choi and the President of the USTF, Grand Master Sereff.
All of the AXE Taekwon-Do students who took the final exam passed, congratulations. You will see new Assistant Instructor flashes and patches in the class. The new Assistant Instructors will not be tasked with assisting with the 5:30 pm class. If you cannot be in class on an assigned teaching night it is up to you to find a replacement.
Axe TKD Tournament
The fourth annual Axe TKD tournament will be held in the Youth Center on Saturday, May 14th. We hesitate to make anything mandatory, but students should consider this event strongly. The success of the tournament depends on your participation. All ranks from white belt through 4th degree are eligible to participate. Black belts are required to participate in one tournament per year, and there is consideration currently to make this a requirement for all students. It is the only local tournament where students can utilize the techniques they have learned in class. Registration is at 8:30am and the tournament will start at 10am. The cost is $30 and includes all events. Students can compete in patterns, sparring and breaking. Breaking is for all ages from green stripe and above. We also have team patterns competition. For any students not comfortable with sparring yet, you can compete in patterns only. Black belts will compete in all divisions. Parents are encouraged to attend, watch and learn. There is no charge for spectators. We have more information on the web site.
USTF Internationals
We will be going to the USTF International Championship tournament in Broomfield, Colorado June 25th and 26th. This will be the largest tournament our class will have the opportunity to attend. There will be students from all over the world, and it's a two day event. We have been to a couple of these large events, and they are very exciting and fun. Whether you compete or watch it’s an experience you won’t forget! The USTF will ensure it is a safe and coordinated event for all.
There will be patterns and sparring for all, and breaking for black belts, 16 years old or older. The tournament will start with color belts at 9am on Saturday June 25th. Currently Australia, Ireland, Canada, New Zealand, Scotland and Puerto Rico are attending.
Black Belts MUST pre-register. All adults must weigh-in on Friday, June 24th between 3pm-7pm (Denver time). Color belts need to pre-register, but if there are last minute signups, we can add them on the 24th. All Axe students will pre-register. The pre-registration form and payment must be in by June 13, 2011.
For your planning and decision making, we will hit the road early that Friday morning in order to be there for the weigh in. We will return sometime late Monday, June 27th. We understand that we have a lot going on this year in class, and that June is still some time away. We have made reservations for those who are committed to going; those who are non-committed but decide they would like to go will now need to make their own arrangements. Of course, we will help and try to accommodate individual students and their families. We want to give total expense figures as soon as possible and confirm room arrangements. If you would like a t-shirt to remember this awesome tournament the order forms are on the website, www.axetkd.com.
Axe Taekwon-Do Jackets
Currently, Ms. Bowing is working on obtaining warm-up jackets that will feature either the Axe TKD patch or it will be embroidered. This will be a great way to show your class spirit as you attend TKD events. More information coming soon!
If you want a new uniform, sparring equipment, or any other item from Century see Mr. Bushor and send him an email to ensure get the correct size, color, design, etc. He is getting old and doesn’t remember everything he is told during class!
Saturday Classes
Saturday classes have started to get ready for nationals! The classes are from 12:30-2:30 every Saturday unless otherwise stated beforehand, no class on April 16th due to testing. The classes will cover patterns, sparring and breaking. ANYONE is welcome to the Saturday classes (no matter your rank). You will help out yourself as well as fellow TKD classmates who are competing in nationals! TAEKWON!
Calendar
April 16th – Promotion Testing, Axe TKD, 12:30pm
May 14th - Axe TKD Tournament
May 21st & 22nd USTF Class C Instructors Course – Broomfield, CO
June 13th – Registration deadline for USTF Internationals
June 25th & 26th – USTF Internationals – Broomfield, CO
July – Promotion Testing, Axe TKD
July 29th, 30th, and 31st – Camp Taekwon-Do, Mexico, MO, Missouri Military Academy
August 13 - Advanced Ground Tactics Course 9:30, Broomfield, CO (replaces advanced HSS)
Sept – Battle of the Belts, Kirksville, MO
Oct 16th – Grand Master Sereff Championship – Broomfield, CO
Oct – Promotion Testing, Axe TKD
Nov 6th – Testing in Missouri (Mr. Bushor for 6th degree)
Dec – Holiday Party – Axe TKD
Testings – Master Todd
Testing is approaching quickly. In Axe Taekwon-Do we have a strict method of determining who is ready for testing. Mr. Bushor produces a list of who is eligible to test time wise a month prior to every test. I look over the list separately from Mr. Bushor and then we both meet to compare our lists. I typically make my adjustments based on attitude and if the student has been active in class. There are many reasons a student may be removed from the testing list, but typically attendance, attitude or not being able to perform their pattern is one the main reasons. After I talk with Mr. Bushor, we notify the color belt students if they are testing.
The black belts are a little different. First, they must meet the time requirements according to the USTF testing requirements book. I track all 1st gup and black belts to ensure they meet the required USTF courses. If they are missing any of the pre-requisite classes, they are not considered. After my initial review for requirements, I consider their attitude and performance. I then request Mr. Bushor to conduct a pre-test. Mr. Bushor returns to me a list that in his opinion can pass the physical requirements of the test. I may still add or strike students from the list for testing. For some students we make allowances on some of the requirements such as breaking and/or flying kicks due to individual abilities or limitations.
All students regardless of rank must be able to pass the physical and written test to be promoted. However, I may adjust these requirements based on individual abilities. For example, not all students possess enough athletic ability to perform the flying multiple kicks. I consider if they can do it and are not trying hard enough or if they simply will never be able to perform the technique. Again, if a student has a “bad knee” I would ask them if they were considering surgery or some other type of repair. If a doctor has informed the student that their knee will never be fully functional, I may waive the flying kicks or give them a different test. This is my decision.
Breaking is the same, for example the breaking for 2nd degree was never designed for peewee students. In the past peewees were not allowed to test for 2nd degree. A peewee testing for 2nd degree that weighs 70 pounds probably does not have enough mass to break a 3 board side piercing kick. One of the factors in the theory of power is mass. Again, I will make that determination. I watch to see if the students are trying as hard as they physically can. If so then I may make an adjustment. If they are not trying hard, then I will not make an adjustment.
I can make adjustments to a test for any reason, to include weight, age, physical problems, mental, etc. Every person that tests for black belt is unique and there is no “iron clad” policy. The required courses, time and some physical requirements are necessary, but other requirements can be adjusted. This is a personal matter between the student and me. However, I will make every black belt test challenging for that individual student. It’s not my goal to have an exclusive black belt standard that only the top students can achieve. Each student as their own journey and issues they must overcome to reach black belt. I will help anyone motivated and loyal to me reach this accomplishment.
In Taekwon-Do we have students that are elderly and very young attaining black belt ranks. We have students that have physical issues and mental challenges reach the rank of black belt. No problems are too big if I work with the student and both they and I approach the black belt goal with an open mind. I encourage any parent that has questions to talk with me if you have any questions pertaining to your student or testing.
Why Color Belts Should Attend the Class C Instructors Course - Mrs. Sharon Buckley, 3rd Gup
I recently attended the Class C Instructors Course hosted by Axe Taekwon-Do. Grand Master Winegar, IX Dan, developed and teaches the course. He is the United States Taekwon-Do Federation (USTF) Director of Technique and ensures that all the technique in the USTF is taught and performed consistently. What a tremendous opportunity to be able to learn from someone with his knowledge. Grand Master Winegar is an outstanding instructor. He really has a knack for breaking down the techniques into steps to make it easier to learn.
We started the day with Grand Master Winegar explaining the basics of the class and the eventual test. He then asked for volunteers to perform the patterns throughout the two day class. I was so proud of our school because every single volunteer was from Axe Taekwon-Do.
I was the second volunteer up front. Performing in front of Grand Master Winegar, all the other Masters and senior black belts was one of the most nerve wracking experiences I’ve been through in a long time. However, Grand Master Winegar was there to help me and the others learn what we were doing incorrectly and to improve. He calmly helped everyone correct stances and hand techniques, complimenting on good techniques.
After each volunteer performed the pattern step by step, Grand Master Winegar explained and demonstrated the new hand techniques, kicks and philosophy/knowledge required for that belt rank. It is absolutely amazing to see him jump so high in the air on a flying kick or the power he uses during a pattern. His personal stories were interesting and memorable, helping everyone to remember the philosophy and knowledge, instead of just memorizing lists.
Miss Sarah Navratil, 5th Gup, and I were the only color belts attending that were unable to stay through the entire course and take the certifying test. Miss Navratil stayed through the first day and I attended another half day. However, we both learned so much information on the material we covered. I took lots of notes and referred to them numerous times in the weeks since the course.
The entire course and the chance to learn from an outstanding instructor is an awesome experience. The days are long but so worth the time and effort to attend. I learned so many things and am working on applying them to my patterns and kicks. I highly recommend that all color belts, especially after you reach Green Belt, attend this course. It’s worth the effort, time and money for all that you’ll learn. I look forward to attending the course again and hopefully, I’ll be ready to test for certification.
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