Student of the Month:  The student of the month for October is Mr. Jakob Dyson.  We believe 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). Taekwon!  Please visit the webpage to review his information. 

Testing:  On Saturday, October 3rd, 2009 we had an excellent promotion testing.  As you probably know, Ms. April Bowing tested for and was promoted to IV Dan, Instructor.  Mr. Peter Rouse from Kansas came into town and also tested to IV Dan in front of Master Todd.  Mr. Patrick Finan Sr. tested to III Dan, and Ms. Kayla Matos and Mr. Graysen Ragone both tested to I Dan.  As always there were some things that we need to improve on, but overall Master Todd and Mr. Bushor were very satisfied with this testing.  After the testing was complete we all had a great dinner at Famous Dave’s BBQ.  Belts and gifts were handed out and everyone had a great time.  We would like to thank the “Team Moms” and everyone else for helping arrange and set up for the testing and dinner.  Mr. Rouse and his wife both complemented Master Todd and our school for the testing and dinner, and particularly commented on how well they were both treated by our school.  Congratulations to everyone who tested and thank you to everyone for making Master Todd, Mr. Bushor, and our school look professional.  For those of you who did not get to test this time, we will test again in January 2010, so start training hard now.

Tournaments:  The 21st Annual Battle of the Belts was held Saturday, September 26th in Kirksville MO.  Master Todd led a large group of parents and students to the tournament.  As usual our school had an excellent tournament, winning numerous medals and compliments from our friends in Missouri.  Unfortunately, this year Ms. Bowing was not allowed to compete in the men’s sparring division (something about last year’s competitors being too embarrassed to fight her again).  Congratulations to all the competitors and winners who made the trip with us.

The next scheduled tournament is October 18th in Broomfield, Colorado.  This is the Grand Master Sereff Fall Championship for 2009.  This will be a USTF sanctioned tournament.  While we will not have as large a group this year, Master Todd will be leading a small group of students.  The competition at this tournament is as good as Nationals.  In addition to the tournament, Master Todd and Mr. Bushor will be attending the USTF Class “A” Instructor’s Course on Saturday, October 17th in Broomfield, CO.  This means that we will depart for Denver on Friday, October 16th. 

Remember that all students must compete in a USTF sanctioned tournament prior to black belt.  After promotion to black belt you should attend at least one sanctioned tournament per year and referees must maintain their proficiency.  Competition is not your thing?  Then attend and participate as a referee, time keeper, or score keeper; there is something for everyone.  Referees will not be allowed to compete during the Colorado tournament.  You must be in proper uniform to perform referee duties (white shirt, tie, blue dockers, white tennis shoes, suite jacket, etc).

Black Belt Class:  The next scheduled Black Belt Class is Saturday, November 7th starting at noon.  All Black Belts and Black Stripes are required to attend and must talk to Master Todd if you will not be there.
                                                     
Schedule 2009
Oct 17th – USTF Class A Instructor Course – Broomfield, CO (One long day)
Oct 18th – GM Sereff Fall Championship – Broomfield, CO
Nov 7th – Black Belt Class
Dec – Axe TKD Class Holiday party
Dec 27-31 – Axe TKD Holiday break

2010
Feb 6th and 7th – USTF Class C Instructor Course – Broomfield, CO (Two full days 8-7)
Apr 17th and 18th – USTF Class B Instructor Course – Broomfield, CO (Two full days 8-7)
Jun 13th thru 18th – USTF World Camp – Snow Mountain Ranch, CO (see Mr. Bushor for info)

USTF Courses:  Remember there are no exceptions for the requirements to attend the following classes prior to being considered for promotion:

1st degree black belt:  Students must become USTF certified class “C” referees.  This can be done any time prior to testing for black belt.  Axe TKD will host this course every other year.  Typically Missouri or Colorado will also host these courses on a more frequent basis.

2nd degree black belt:  Students are required to become USTF certified class "C" instructors.  This course is held every other year typically in Missouri.  Colorado will host the course at least once per year.  Axe TKD can’t produce enough first time attendees to host this course at this time.  Adult students are required to become USTF certified class “B” referees; there is no requirement for juniors and peewees to become class B referees.

3rd degree black belt:  no unique requirements, since you are typically an adult and have met the instructor and referee requirements at 2nd dan. 

4th degree black belt:  Students are required to become USTF certified class "B" instructors.
Students are required to become USTF certified class "A" referees.  Same notes as above pertaining to the USTF courses.

The last course is the USTF class A instructors course which must be completed prior to 7th degree black belt.  The push now is for all students to complete these courses prior to promotion.  Please see Master Todd or Mr. Bushor if you have any questions.

The 10 parts of the student’s responsibility to the Student-Instructor Relationship:
1) Never tire of learning.  A good student can learn anytime, anywhere.  This is the secret of knowledge. 
2) A good student must be willing to sacrifice for his art and his instructor.  Many students feel that their training is a commodity that is bought with monthly dues and they are unwilling to take part in demonstrations, teaching, and working around the do-jang.  An instructor can afford to lose this type of student. 
3) Always set a good example for lower ranking students.  It is only natural that they will attempt to emulate their seniors. 
4) Always be loyal and never criticize the instructor, the art of Taekwon-Do, or the teaching methods. 
5) If an instructor teaches a technique, practice it and attempt to utilize it. 
6) Remember that a student’s conduct outside the do-jang reflects on the art and his instructor. 
7) If a student adopts a technique from another gym and the instructor disapproves of it, the student must discard it immediately or train at the other gym. 
8) Never be disrespectful to the instructor.  Though a student is allowed to disagree, the student must follow instructions first and discuss the matter later. 
9) A student must always be eager to learn and ask questions. 
10) Never betray a trust.