Testings-

Initially we considered splitting the testing into two nights, but now testing will be on Thursday, February 20^th.  The testing will start promptly at 6pm. Everyone is encouraged to attend even if you are not testing. All black belts, if not participating in the testing need to be in their dress blues.

USTF Referee Course –

March 8th, at the Youth Center.  All blue belts and above should attend for initial, refresher or upgrade.  I expect all black belts to be in attendance.  The cost is $75 for initial or upgrade and $35 for refresher training.  The course will be taught by Master Todd.  We anticipate the course running from 12:15pm to 5pm.  The course will end with practical scenarios and a written test.  The course covers information for the Class C, B or A, depending on what level you are trying to attain.  Written tests are only administered for initial and upgrade certification.  Recently Mr. Bushor sent the flyer, registration forms and sample resume to all students.  A resume must be submitted for any students requesting an upgrade to Class B or A.  All students must be at least Class C prior to testing for 1^st degree black belt.

USTF Breaking Seminar – (by Master Todd)

April 12^th at USTF HQ in Broomfield, Colorado.  This is the first time a breaking seminar has been offered.  Grand Master Sereff has requested that I teach this course.  This will be a full day of breaking and instruction.  We will take any students that would like to attend.  It would be great if I had a nice show of support from Axe TKD.  More information on this in the future. 

Tournaments-

This year we have four tournaments that we encourage students and parents to attend.  The first is the Axe TKD Tournament, May 3rd. This one we highly encourage everyone to attend since there are no travel expenses. Every student needs to have at least one tournament a year. It is a great time to get to know your competition for the rest of the tournaments.  In September we have two opportunities in Casper, Wyoming and Kirksville, Missouri.  Finally in October we have the annual tournament in Broomfield, Colorado.  If you have questions or would like more information regarding the tournaments please ask one of the instructors.

Upcoming Trips-

This year we have quite a few out-of-town trips. We collect aproximate lists of people attending events so we have ample amount of time to reserve rooms. If you know you can make it to an event let Ms. Bowing know, if it is a “maybe” let her know so we can be prepared with enough rooms. Parents/Adults, know that there are fees for the tournaments and courses along with money for food, room and gas.  We try to make the rooms full to keep the cost down for all students.  Ms. Bowing will be compling lists now so get your names in to her.

Sparring Gear-

You will need sparring gear to spar in class or at any of the tournaments we will be attending. Everyone is required to wear head gear, hand gear, foot gear, and a mouth piece; additionally all male competitors must wear a protective cup.  Shin pads and arm pads are allowed and are encouraged but are not mandatory.  If you would like to order a set of sparring gear (head gear, gloves, and boots) for your very own, please let Mr. Bushor know as soon as possible.  The cost is $69 for the entire set of sparring gear.  There is an assortment of colors and sizes.  You can purchase a mouth guard and protective cup at any major sporting goods store or at Walmart.

Newsletters-

We encourage any student or parent to submit articles for inclusion in the newsletter. Especially with all of the upcoming events, it would be nice to see what all of you liked. We will review all and if appropriate publish them. There are many new students that may want to hear what they can look forward to in class and at tournaments! Students of any age/ rank can type up their story and submit it, or parents that would like to send one or more in. They will be reviewed by Master Todd before it is/is not put into the AXE TKD Newsletter. 

USTF Memberships - Initial and Annual

The Initial Fee for USTF first time memberships is $50.00.  The Annual USTF Maintenance Fees are determined each year and for 2014 the fees are $75.00.  This fee is due no later than Thursday, February 27^th, payable to Mr. Bushor.   The Annual USTF Maintenance Fees for 2014 stayed the same this year. These fees allow the USTF to operate a full time office.  In order to continue to help our Taekwon-Do families, the following discounts will apply:

  For family discounts;                       1^st family member is $75.00

                                                        2^nd family member is $50.00

                                                        3^rd family member is $25.00

                                                        4^th family member is Free

As the USTF Nebraska State Director, Mr. Bushor, 6th dan is responsible for collecting, tracking and working this program.  All students Green Belt and above must be members of the USTF.  We collect your initial fee when you test, typically for Green belt.  The appropriate forms and fees are forwarded to the Headquarters in Colorado. We pass out the USTF and ITF patches and membership cards when they are returned to Mr. Bushor.  Students who recently joined the USTF (since October) will not need to pay the maintenance fee this year.  If you have any questions please ask Mr. Bushor or email kbushor@cox.net.  

Testing (By Master Todd)

When do I test?  Wow, it's time for testing already?  I didn’t know I was testing!  These are some of the questions and responses I have heard over the last 31 years of Taekwon-Do.  First, at any school that I have taught, it is never a surprise when people are eligible to test.  Every color belt student is considered for promotion every three months. Red Belt Black Stripes can be considered after 6 months from their last testing. Black belts are a little different, but their times are clearly listed in the USTF black book and on the axetkd website.  To be promoted in the black belt ranks the time periods are as follows:

1^st degree to 2^nd degree:  1.5 years

2^nd degree to 3^rd degree: 2 years

3^rd degree to 4^th degree: 3 years

With those minimum standards clearly stated in the handbook, you can gauge your advancement.  Whatever black belt rank you are currently wearing (with the exception of 1^st degree) you will wait that amount of time.  For example, I will wait 7 years prior to being considered for 8^th degree. 

For all ranks, these waiting times are the absolute minimums. However, there are many other factors that I take into consideration before you are given the approval to test.

• Attendance: I look to see if the student is attending the minimum number of classes or do they attend more than 2 classes per week.  Often minimum attendance will make the wait longer.  Also, does the student attend courses and tournaments outside the local area?  If so, that favors strongly for testing at the minimum.
• Attitude:  Does this person answer up with “Yes sir/ma’am!”  Do they show courtesy to me and to other students?  This is very important to me.  If a student’s attitude is suspect or disrespectful, they will not test until their attitude has been corrected.
• Fees:  Is a student current on all fees, memberships, etc.?
• Age:  There is no minimum age for testing until testing for 3^rd degree.  However, for juniors I consider what they have done between 2^nd and 3^rd dan.  Since they have to meet the age requirement were they just attending the minimum number of classes?  Did they not deem it important to attend since they couldn’t test, or did they continue training hard?  Additionally, those who attend the minimum may not test at the minimum time.
• Effort:  Another important factor.  I really don’t care if a student can execute a flying double kick in the air, as long as they are trying as hard as they can.  I do care if they have proper stances, foot, hand positions, loyalty and respect.  The basics of stance work and foot positions are more important than the ability to be an excellent flying kicker.
• Ability:  You may be surprised that I list this last.  That is the problem with some people.  They feel that ability is the most important.  I have heard my seniors state; they can teach any athlete to perform TKD movements.  I agree. I have said in the past, I could train a monkey to do some of the breaking and TKD techniques.  What I want is good ability, over the minimum attendance, respectful, loyal students that give 100 percent in the dojang and are proper ladies and gentlemen outside the dojang.  Anything less is not going to be considered at their minimum time for testing. 

 In addition, comments like, “I can’t believe that person is testing?” “Who allowed that person to test?” These types of comments from students are disrespectful. They should really hang up their dobok or start over at white belt because they obviously have missed the entire point of etiquette, courtesy and respect for their art and instructor.

If you have never owned a school or ran a school longer than a few classes or covering for someone, you cannot have an opinion.  I am talking being in complete charge of a school for years; you really don’t have an idea of what is considered for promotion or isn’t really a factor.  I have seen students that love TKD and are never going to be able to do some of the techniques, but they attend more than the minimum number of classes, travel for courses and tournaments and are loyal to me as their instructor and TKD.  Those students will enjoy their TKD journey and get a lot of the moral lessons that General Choi intended for us to share as well as the technical side of the art. 

Every student should challenge themselves. Be ready when your time is approaching.  Be proactive; ask if you feel you need help on something.  Remember it takes time to become skilled.  That is the reason for the waiting periods between degree testings.  For example Ms. Bowing was very skilled as a 4^th degree, then tested for 5^th degree.  Now her skill set has to change, improve, learn new technique, patterns and more importantly mature into being a 5^th dan, that is why she has the requirement of waiting for 5 years before she can test for 6^th degree.

Obviously, I am not a perfect instructor, but this can be a perfect martial art.  I am challenged in passing it on to you as the founder, General Choi intended.  I work under the guidance of the most senior American in TKD, Sr. Grand Master Sereff, the USTF Technical Director, Grand Master Winegar, Grand Master Sereff and Grand Master DeBaca.  Your journey in TKD began when you tied the white belt around your waist.  For me the journey continues. For some, they tire and have excuses why they quit.  Together, we can learn TKD correctly and pass it on to future students.  It takes time, effort, respect, dedication and loyalty.  The journey you take is yours to choose.