Axe Taekwon-Do |
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| History | Our History | Master Todd | |||
| USTF HQ | Current News | Mr. Bushor |
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May |
Congratulations to our two new assistant instructors! Ms. Staci Chamberlin and Mr. Zachary Ostrander This past month, Senior Master Todd and a few students traveled to USTF headquarters in Broomfield, Colorado for two days of instruction by the Director of Technique, Grand Master Mike Winegar. The Instructor’s Course is a requirement of every black belt student in the USTF. Miss Chamberlin and Mr. Ostrander passed their tests and will be assisting during the 5:30pm class!
Go for the GOLD! by Mrs. Ragone
As each tournament approaches, we need to ask ourselves the following questions. How can I better myself? Where are my weaknesses, my strengths? A good student looks inward and finds some area of Taekwon-Do that can be improved. With over 3000 techniques, there is always something.
Have you set a goal yet? Maybe you need to kick with good foot position or fix your stances in your pattern. For me personally, blocking my head is the always one thing I strive to fix before competition. I still take hits to the head, but there are less of them than in the past. During patterns, I need to remember sine wave throughout my pattern. Parents, have you watched your child yet? Do they know their pattern well? Whether in TKD or not, you can tell if it looks like the student knows their pattern or if they have confidence in themselves. Students, what are you going to work on this month? I hope you have already thought about it as our tournament is coming up!
If you haven’t, here is a simple list of areas to improve: correctly bowing as you enter and exit the do jang, standing still at attention during opening and closing ceremonies, showing effort and pride during class, looking strong on the outside even if you are questioning on the inside, having a positive attitude, and most importantly—respecting your seniors while they are instructing. While they are the basics of what we have learned, they are most important! How you practice during class, is how you will perform when you compete.
During competition, we are judged not only for our technique, but also for our character, pride, and honor. Two competitors doing the same pattern and both executing moves with precise power, rhythm and technique, the person with a stronger presence may determine the winner. Practicing proper etiquette and courtesies in class, is equally important. Anyone can learn to kick and punch, but to show pride and honor in yourself and your school is the true test.
I always try to remember, competing is for me, not just for the medal-to challenge myself and perform better than I did before. After all, isn’t that the highest achievement? So take a few moments to look at yourself; are you doing all you need to do during class to be a better martial artist? A better student. A better you! USTF Tournaments Information By Senior Master Todd This information is subject to change as the events get closer, but I am providing it to you so that you can begin marking your calendar! I understand that students and families may not be able to attend all events, but remember that ALL students are required to attend at least one tournament per year. We only participate in USTF sanctioned events which follow all safety guidelines and tournament rules to ensure the safety and fairness for all competitors. Parents can travel with us or we can chaperone students to any of these. As each tournament approaches, we will compile a list of anyone wanting to attend so we can plan rooms/rides. As always, if you have any questions about these events please email me.
May 16 - Axe TKD Tournament Offutt Youth Center This will be our 8th annual tournament. I would like to see all Axe Taekwon-Do students attend our home tournament. It is the easiest tournament to attend since we don't travel! We will have competitors from Colorado, Wyoming, Kansas and Missouri who have already inquired about our tournament. Students will compete in patterns, sparring, and if over 16 years old may compete in breaking. The flyer and registration form has been sent home with each student. Forms need to be turned in by Thursday, May 14th. We would like all Axe TKD students to pre-register!
July 25/26 - USTF Internationals Boston, Massachusetts USTF has invited schools from Canada, Puerto Rico, Australia and South America. I personally know there will be competitors from the following states: Washington, Oregon, Idaho, California, Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, Alaska, NEBRASKA, Kansas, Texas, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Missouri, New York, Massachusetts, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Arkansas and Mississippi. If you are interested in attending this event, Axe TKD is renting a 15 passenger van and driving whoever would like to attend. If we get more than 15 people we will rent a second van. We will plan rooms to keep the prices down. Please contact Sr. Master Todd for more information, either in class or at ustfneb@cox.net. We are still looking for other fundraising opportunities to defer some of the cost for Axe competitors. So far we have raised $400.00. If you have any fundraising ideas, please let me know! Planning for Internationals is underway. Mrs. Ragone and Mrs. Chamberlin are working out the trip details. Please let me know ASAP if you are going to attend. This will be one of the largest competitions the USTF has held in recent years and sure to be a great experience for the students.
Sept 19- USTF Tournament Casper, Wyoming For this tournament we would leave Bellevue on Friday and return Sunday.
Sept 26- USTF Tournament Kirksville, Missouri For this tournament we would leave Bellevue early Saturday morning and return Sunday. Some students go down and back the same day, but makes for a long day.
Oct 18 - USTF Tournament Broomfield, Colorado This tournament is on a Sunday so we would leave Bellevue Saturday morning and return Monday
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