Bike Ride: Axe TKD had a bike ride on the 30th of July. Mr. Bushor had water and fruit for us at the park where we rested from the first half of the ride. Even though our bums hurt after the 12-mile ride, it was loads of fun! We may have more in the future, in which we hope more people will attend!  If you have an activity you think the whole class might enjoy, please let one of your instructors know so we can discuss it.  Class is only as fun as you help make it!

Promotion Testing:Congratulations to all who tested Saturday August 13th.  The testing dinner at Golden Corral was a great success and we thank all that attended.  Please let Ms. Bowing know if that is something you would like to continue after testing.  We will have testing pictures posted on the Axe TKD webpage and Facebook soon. 

TKD Events:  (Master Todd)  We held the testing and a dinner August 13th, and all went very well. I think the etiquette and dress were proper.  I will share the following with all students so you can have a better understanding of what is expected of you for future events.  When we travel to any event as a group, you need to consider the travel and event as an extension of the TKD class.  All rules and etiquette are present at all times.  All courtesies will be followed, Taekwon-Do is not an exercise class or workout routine.  It is a martial art with a strict martial code.  It is a way of life for the black belts and any student that wants to become a black belt must conform to the art.  It is a continuing education process and your senior black belts will help guide you along the way.  It can and will be both fun and rewarding, however our customs and courtesies will always be followed. The following dress codes will also assist you:

Black Belt Dress Code:  For black belts that attend testing, unless I tell you otherwise you are to be dressed in the USTF suit.  For 1st-3rd degree that means white shirt/blouse, blue pants/skirt and the USTF tie/tab.  If you do not have this please ensure you do.  For the black belts this as essential for TKD as your dobok and belt.  For the 4th degree and above you should also have the embroidered USTF blue jacket.  Typically, at testing I will have some of you in doboks, and other times in the USTF suit.  This will be worn also at testing dinners and other TKD events.  I will announce the dress code for black belts prior to all events.  Parents, I understand the black belts require new doboks, etc.  However, they look sharp when dressed in the USTF suit, and it is required by their status a black belt.  The tie will last forever.  All you really need to purchase is a nice pair of blue pants/skirt and a decent white shirt/blouse.

Color Belt Dress Code:  Color belts participating in testing and other TKD events wear the dobok.  If you are a spectator at a TKD event, I would expect you to dress nice, meaning no jeans, shorts, etc.  If you have questions please ask.  If you are a qualified USTF referee, regardless of your TKD rank, you must wear the USTF suit if you are judging in any capacity.  USTF ties/tabs can be purchased at anytime.  They are considered essential for black belts and color belt judges. 

Battle of the Belts:  Sept 17th (Saturday) Missouri is hosting their annual tournament. We will leave Friday the 16th, typically around 3pm and return after the tournament Saturday evening. We plan to stay one night in a hotel. Axe TKD will reserve rooms, but if you wish, you may make your own reservations. We have always had a large group attend this tournament and would like to keep it up! Everyone rank 10th gup to 4th dan are able to participate. If you do not want to participate, and are referee certified, you may go and help and still enjoy the tournament!

Axe Taekwon-Do Jackets:  Since the weather will be getting cooler in the next couple of months, look around for the new Axe Taekwon-Do Jackets, they look great.  We will place another order if there is enough interest.  Please see Mr. Bushor for an estimated price and more details.

Tuition (By Mr. Bushor) The Youth Center is the single point of contact for paying your monthly tuition.  Their requirement if for it to be paid not later than the first class in any given month.  Axe TKD also requires you to be a student in good standing (meaning all your tuition is paid) before you will be considered for promotion testing.  If you are unsure if you are a student in good standing, please check with the front desk at the Youth Center.  If you will miss an entire month of class for any reason, let your instructors know and notify the front desk at the Youth Center so they can put you in a “Leave of Absence” (LOA) status.  You will not be required to pay the monthly tuition during the month(s) you are in an LOA status.
 
Sr. Grand Master Sereff Tournament:  Oct 16th (Sunday) Broomfield, Colorado is hosting their annual tournament. We will leave Saturday the 15th, typically very early and return after the tournament Monday evening. We plan to stay two nights in a hotel. Axe TKD will reserve rooms, but if you wish, you may make your own reservations. We typically have a decent sized group attend this tournament and would like to keep it up! Everyone rank 10th gup to 4th dan are able to participate. If you do not want to participate, and are referee certified, you may go and help and still enjoy the tournament!  This is the largest tournament held yearly. 

Black Belt Testing:  (By Master Todd)  November 5th (Saturday) Kirksville, Missouri is hosting a black belt testing.  Mr. Bushor will be testing there for his 6th degree black belt.  His testing requires a 9th degree Grand Master.  There will be many people testing some for 7th degree and other ranks.  Grand Master Sereff is scheduled to test all.  We are not certain of the testing time yet.  This will dictate when we travel there for the testing, how many nights we need etc.  Typically, there is a dinner of some type after these large tests.  I encourage all students if possible to attend this event. A good time to wear your Axe TKD jackets!  Black belts that are not away on vacation or for something else are strongly encouraged to attend.  The dress for black belts at this event would be blue pants, white shirt and tie/tab.  I will announce more details when I have them. 

Departures:  Mr. Finan, 3rd dan is scheduled to leave in October for a year to Korea.  He will continue training/teaching there and return to the U.S. in 2012.  At this time, we are uncertain where Mr. Finan will be stationed.  Ms. Matos, 2nd dan will also leave in October for three years to live in Spain.  She will return to Axe TKD hopefully when finished in Spain.  We wish them both luck and will see them off properly before they leave.   

Calendar
Sept 17th– Battle of the Belts, Kirksville, MO
Nov 5th – Testing in Missouri (Mr. Bushor for 6th degree)
Nov – Promotion Testing, Axe TKD (Date TBD)
Dec – Holiday Party – Axe TKD (Date TBD)

Stickers:  Mr. Bushor has AXE TKD stickers for sale.  We have 2 sizes, 3” stickers are 2 for $1.00 and are coated to resist the weather.  The 2” stickers are 4 for $1.00 but do not have the weather coating.  Make sure you have permission from your parents before putting these stickers on doors or windows because they will not come off easily.  See Mr. Bushor for samples.