Promotion Testing
We had our quarterly testing on Saturday, April 16th at the Youth Center.  It was one of our largest testing’s and everyone did well.  All of the color belts completed all of the requirements and have been promoted.  Some of the Black Belt candidates still have to complete some final things, but all of them have been or will be promoted to their next rank.  Congratulations to everyone who tested and helped with the testing.  Our next testing will be in July.

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 and Bags
Currently, Ms. Bowing is taking orders for warm-up jackets that will feature the Axe TKD patch.  This will be a great way to show your class spirit as you attend TKD events.  The jacket will be primarily black with red accent and the Axe TKD patch embroidered onto the jacket. Order forms are available by the sign in book, or contact Ms. Bowing for more information.  If you would like your name embroidered there will be an additional cost.  The Cost is $34.00, and the sizes are: YOUTH: S, M, L and ADULT: S, M, L, XL, XXL.  If you would like to purchase a jacket please get the order form, or e‐mail, in to Miss Bowing NO LATER than Tuesday May 10th!  arbowing11@hotmail.com
In addition to the Axe TKD Jackets, we have some sport bags available.  These are ideal for lugging around all of your Taekwon-do gear.  The bags are $30, and are available on a first-come-first-served basis.  See Mr. Bushor for details.

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. The classes will cover patterns, sparring, breaking, and physical conditioning. 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
May 10th – Last day to order Jackets
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

Sparring by Kevin Bushor V Dan
In Volume 5 of General Choi’s Encyclopedia of Taekwon-Do is says “Sparring is the physical application of attack and defense techniques gained from pattern and fundamental exercises against actual moving opponents under various situations.  It is, therefore, not only indispensable to promote the fighting spirit and courage, to train the eyes, to read the opponents tactic as well as maneuvers, to forge, toughen or develop the attacking and blocking tools, to test his or her own skill and ability, to learn other movements hardly to be gained from pattern or fundamental exercise.
“In fact, nearly all students are anxious to move into this phase of instruction.  Not only does training become more interesting but for the first time the student begins to achieve a degree of satisfaction through actual application of these techniques.
“The danger lies in a student who has not built up a solid basic foundation, developing bad habits that are extremely difficult to lose when a student progresses.  Therefore, the instructor should encourage the beginner to learn the necessary patterns and fundamental movements before participating in class sparring, especially tournament.”
Sparring can be very stressful for some new students.  No one wants to get in the ring and look or feel foolish.  Some may feel they are going to get injured, or they may afraid to hurt someone else.  The General wisely started adding different levels of Sparring beginning at White Belt and adding new and harder types of Sparring through all level of Black Belt.  White Belts are taught very basic techniques (punch with forefist and Front Snap Kick) at their level and they are introduced to Sparring with 3-Step Sparring without a partner.  They learn to properly measure attacking and defense distances, how to use proper tools for attack and defense, and start learning correct vital spots to attack.  Yep, you learned all that at White Belt.  Then as you progresses in rank you learn new fundamental movements and means to apply them in your new patterns.  As you progress the number of attacks decrease while the number of counter attacks increase as well as the difficulty of the attacks and defensive techniques.  Finally you are free sparring against 2 or 3 opponents and the fear and anxiety of sparring is gone.