The newsletter for December is a little late!  My apologies to all it was my turn (Mr. Todd) to produce the newsletter.  Our desire is to produce this within the first week or two, every month.

Holiday Party
     We would like to thank all students and their parents for attending and making the class Holiday party a success.  The food was great!  It is a great time for students and parents to meet and get to know each other outside of class.  It also helps develop the sense of a Taekwon-Do class or family atmosphere which is important for us.  We would also like to thank everyone for the nice presents.  We were really surprised by this gesture and sincerely thank you all.  We will schedule more class events during the next year and solicit any ideas.

Perspective (By Ricky J. Todd, 6th Dan)
     I want all Taekwon-Do students and their families to keep the following in mind.  While I really push students to become deeply involved in the martial arts both mentally and physically you have to keep it in perspective.  During my younger years I did not.  I spent all my free time training, watching videos, reading, and doing anything I could to progress in the martial arts.  I have been promoted to every rank either at the minimum time or early.  While this has led me to learn quite a bit about the martial arts (there is still much more to learn), this came at a cost.  I delayed promotions in the military and in finishing my degree.  I also never participated in any outside activities other than Taekwon-Do.  During this time my wife was also heavily involved in Taekwon-Do and attained the rank of 4th dan and my children were small.  I have seen this type of dedication be very hard on kids, missing events and led adults to martial problems by them missing out on too much family time or by the adults not spending enough time with their kids.   Now that my kids are older and my wife is inactive in Taekwon-Do I have a new perspective.  I am taking time off from class sometimes to attend their events, this is possible now with Mr. Bushor sharing the teaching duties.  During my first 18 years of Taekwon-Do I never missed a class and even during the moves in the military I still taught without a break. 

      I have established and taught at schools sometimes 5 nights a week.  This was not keeping Taekwon-Do in perspective.  I always felt slighted when students were not as dedicated and took time off or participate in other events, I have also changed my outlook on this.  I think it is important for all students to be dedicated to Taekwon-Do but I want it to be in perspective.  I want them to enjoy other activities.  If you always wanted to try out for a sport or activity you need to do it now.  I would hate to see a student miss the opportunity to participate in a school sport or event because of Taekwon-Do.  The martial art of Taekwon-Do will always be here, your opportunity for school events will not.  Part of Taekwon-Do is enabling you to have the self confidence to try things.  Maybe you always wanted to be in a school play but were too shy.  I would consider your Taekwon-Do training a success if we enabled you to have the confidence to try out for this type of event. 

      I want all students to be dedicated but do understand when outside activities conflict.  The requirement still remains to let Mr. Bushor or I know when you are missing class for any reason.  If you have to take off for events like wrestling or a school dance just let us know and enjoy your time.  Taekwon-Do is way of life, not your entire life. 

 USTF MEMBERSHIP & MAINTENANCE FEE
 Initial Membership:
      The United States Taekwon-Do Federation (USTF) (www.ustf-itf.com) is our national governing body, and requires all students to join the Federation before they can test for 6th Gup / Green Belt.  Students may join the USTF at any time; however, all students must have their application filled out and sent in “prior” to testing for 6th Gup.  The Membership Fee is $25 for which you will receive the USTF Membership Card and both a USTF and ITF patch for your dobok (uniform).   See Mr. Bushor for a membership form. Turn in the filled out form with cash or check to either Mr. Todd or Mr. Bushor.
 Maintenance Fee:

      Annually all members are required to pay a $20 maintenance fee to remain active within the USTF.  You must be an active member to participate in events and be promoted.  The maintenance fee is established by the USTF to assist in the spreading of Taekwon-Do and operate as a national headquarters.  You will receive either a sticker each year or new membership card.  If you are a current member please have your money turned into Mr. Bushor by 15 January 2005.

 TESTING
       The next testing is quickly approaching.  You still have time to train hard and prepare for the next testing, tentatively set for February 2005, hopefully we will have a black belt testing.