Travel & Courses – by Master Todd:  I am a Regional Director of the USTF and a master instructor.  I believe we are a strong organization of students under the leadership of Sr. Grand Master Sereff and the USTF.  We have direct linage to the creator of Taekwon-Do, Gen. Choi.  We have a duty to carry on his dream and we are still directed by Sr. Grand Master Sereff and the USTF.  I try to travel a lot every year to as many Taekwon-Do events as I can.  I want to be the best student of Taekwon-Do that I can.  I am writing you in hopes that you remain motivated toward spreading Taekwon-Do.  I hear so many comments when I travel and in my class, some positive and some not.  We have lost some people but we move on, that is the way it is with Taekwon-Do.  The USTF offers so many courses that I find it impossible that any student would be lacking in their quest for knowledge or to remain motivated and challenged.

     One of the most disturbing comments I have heard is students and instructors that have attended the USTF Instructors course one time and feel they “have it down”.  I have experienced the opportunity to host the Class C Instructors course twice and travelled to attend the different levels many times.  I attend these courses to become a better instructor and student of Taekwon-Do. 

      The USTF requires us to attend the courses one time for qualification.  Many professional organizations require their members to attend annual training for proficiency, teachers, lawyers, medical professionals, etc.  While this isn’t a requirement in Taekwon-Do I would challenge that you should consider this.  The first time you attend a course you are typically focused on passing the test and maybe not truly listening to all that is being taught or demonstrated.  My humble opinion is that you need to attend the course a few times to really get the information down.  Especially the Class C course which contains the information that many of you will be teaching.  It will raise our standard in the USTF.  In all the courses I have attended I have never failed to come away with some adjustments that I make immediately.

      I would challenge you as serious students of Taekwon-Do and those that are charged with continuing the legacy of Taekwon-Do to attend as many events as you can.  We are charged as black belts to become as technically proficient as we can.  I don’t think we can do that by just reading the books or training in our own schools.  We need the USTF courses.  Remember we have Instructors Courses for the Class C, B, and A.  We have the Referee Courses for Class C, B, and A.  We have Ho-Sin-Sul Courses and now a Breaking Seminar.  While some of the courses are required for promotion I would challenge to attend them for the knowledge you can gain

Promotion Testing:  August 21^st will be our next promotion testing. It is a Thursday and will start as soon as Master Todd arrives. THIS DATE HAS CHANGED! So, please mark your calendars accordingly to try and accommodate the new date.  It is during regular class time so most students should be able to attend and support those that will be testing.  This may be a smaller testing due to the attendance during the last three months, but we have Mr. Daniel Cook and Ms. Staci Chamberlin testing for 1^st degree black belt.

School, Holidays and Weather:  Students, school will be starting a couple of weeks! This means school activities, sports, homework etc. Remember to let one of the instructors know if you will not be at a class/classes. We do not need to know a reason why, just that you will not be there. (Black belts remember to let Master Todd know if you will not be there.) This includes your vacations.  Traveling may take a few days for With holidays and school starting the weather will be getting cooler and soon snow will come with. Parents/Students who drive, first, decide whether you think it is safe enough for you to drive or not. Second, if the base is closed the Youth Center will be closed and we will not have class. Keep your eye on email/text/facebook notifications to see if we will be having class.

USTF World Camp 2014: Last month Master Todd and Ms. Bowing shared their experiences from the USTF World Camp.  This month we provide the following experiences:

Mr. James Bushor – 3^rd dan:  During the last week of June I went to the USTF World Camp in Colorado, it was a good time and I enjoyed myself.  Overall it was not what I was expecting initially. My previous camp experiences were at the old Region 6 camp that was held in Knob Noster Missouri. I was quick to learn that these were two totally different experiences. The old region 6 camps were roughing it pretty bad. No air conditioning, we were in cabins at a camp ground in the woods. It was hot and humid and nasty. Defiantly an experience to be had, I was pleasantly shocked to see that we had nice accommodations where we were at in Colorado. The one thing that both camps did have in common that I was prepared for was a lot of Taekwon-Do. Meeting new people and experiencing the kind of training that other people do in their schools. It’s always nice to see another perspective of the art. It is always good to see that the kind of training we get is of a quality that most other schools don’t have.  The class we had with Senior Grand Master Sereff was defiantly worth every bit I spent on the trip. Not to mention the training we did with all the other Grand Masters. There were other experiences there that I enjoyed and will always remember. The polar bear plunge; I have never done anything like that before and probably never will again. Man, that water was cold, burr.  Climbing underneath the waterfall! I never thought I would do something like that. The whole week was one long trip of a lifetime that I am grateful for partaking in.

Mrs. Deborah Ragone – 3^rd dan:       Over the past few years, my commitment to the USTF and to Axe Taekwon-Do have grown. As a result, attending a World Camp became something I really felt was something I needed to experience. Of course, the mountains, waterfalls, and games were an added bonus! Yes, it was an expense that I had to add to my budget but I have absolutely NO regrets. During our week, we had the opportunity to meet and train with people from around the world. It was amazing to see such a large group of students from one organization be so in sync! Sure, there were subtle differences and strengths, but for the most part we all were together in technique and skill. More importantly, there were men and women from age 11 to 50+ who believed in a philosophy that joined us all together to make a better and more peaceful world. It was a safe environment protected by a set of tenets and beliefs that ALL were to be treated with respect and courtesy. Also, providing us with a week's submersion in the art taught by Grand Masters! We are very lucky to have such knowledge to guide us. There was something for everyone, each day we trained on a different aspect of Taekwon-Do.  It was an amazing experience that I will never forget!

          I look forward to more events held by the USTF in the future!  Lastly, we need to thank Master Todd and his family for sacrificing a week from his vacation time to escort us and give us this experience.  During the week of World Camp, I have solidified my belief that we are fortunate to have one of the best instructors in the organization. We were well prepared for all of the activities both physically and mentally.  We are very lucky students and I am grateful for all he has done for me and my family.

     Next year, internationals is in Boston. I would encourage all of you to seriously consider attending. There is so much more to be gained in TKD when you travel with us! I can guarantee you that!

Mr. Sean Toppi – 3^rd dan:  As you may know, the USTF hosted a World Camp this June in the beautiful Rocky Mountains of Colorado. I could write about the friends I made, the group activities, or the food (which was actually very good), but I instead I would like to share some of the things I learned at camp. Although I did not learn many new techniques, I learned new ways to practice some techniques, and hope to utilize these in my teaching.

      Doing patterns may sometimes seem redundant, and teaching them can be difficult. When a student is learning a pattern, there are different ways that we can make it more exciting, and gain students’ interest. For example, team patterns are not just for tournaments! If you are teaching the same pattern to a small group of students, you can have them make a simple team pattern in class. Give them half an hour to choose a starting position, add a couple of effects, and practice, and they will have a complete team pattern! In addition to breaking the monotony, the students will have to do a pattern while facing a direction that they normally would not, making them think more about the movements in the pattern.

      Next, have your students do patterns “in a box.” This is where the student jumps up in between every move and lands in the same spot, only executing the next move and changing stance (if necessary) upon landing. Practicing patterns in this way offers several benefits. First, it is more physically demanding. Second, if you are practicing in a relatively confined space, this will make it easier for the students to do patterns without constantly readjusting. If you want to take the “in a box” idea one step further, have the students do a jump kick before landing every movement. This will get the blood flowing!

      Finally, do patterns “with a dead guy.” This is a simply and fun exercise. First, pair up students by size (and probably by gender). Then have each student perform a pattern while the other “hangs” on them like a dead guy (the “dead guy” can put their arms over their partner’s shoulders, or bear hug them from behind, etc…). This is more physically demanding than regular patterns, and can also be a lot of fun. Obviously, this wouldn’t work with some techniques (e.g., jumping and flying techniques.

      I learned these exercises from Sr. Master Steadman, Master Moormeier, Ms. Fung and Ms. Osterhout. Patterns can be done many other ways as well. Have your students face each other, as if they are step-sparring, then do Chon-Ji one move at a time returning to ready before each technique. Or let one student try to distract the other as they perform a pattern. Maybe one student will do their pattern in slow motion while another performs corresponding attacks/defenses around them. There are many possibilities, and each one should help ingrain patterns into you students’ minds. Train well!

Ms. Jackie Brumbaugh – 2^nd dan:  Since I have been gone for the last 6 years almost, I have been playing catch up since returning to Axe Taekwon-Do. I feel like I have so much ground to cover.  That being said, spending the time at World Camp was a welcome challenge and learning experience.  We were up with sun and in bed well after it.  We learned from Sr. Grand Master as well as the Grand Masters and representatives from the other countries at camp. As a school, Axe Taekwon-Do jumped into the lake as part of the camp "Polar Bear Plunge" and we hiked to the waterfall to take pictures standing in cold water to prove our grit. Seeing so many people united as students and instructors with such dedication and enthusiasm reminded me why I came back.  The time I spent at camp making friends and learning new things, or remembering the things I had forgotten, was an immersion I loved. The diversity in instruction and location of schools was impressive to see. It was a great experience that reminded me I made the right choice returning to Axe Taekwon-Do. Training was my passion and that has be reignited

Ms. Ashleigh Ragone – 2^nd dan: World Camp in Colorado was phenomenal and a life changing experience!  Our team was a mixed group of Australians and other USTF students. We won first place!
Riding a horse through the mountains was amazing. It was Mr. Toppi's first time!  I loved taking the polar bear plunge and standing in the ice cold waterfall. Also, doing patterns with Sr. Grand Master Sereff and the other seniors was spectacular. We worked out hard, but it was fun!  Cherokee was the name of my horse. He was a beautiful horse. Also, asking the Australians questions was fun!  They have awesome accents. They have a VERY difficult physical test they have to pass for new rank.  Master Todd had prepared us well. There was little we couldn't do! :)
Practicing TKD for a week with the Grand Masters and Seniors was extraordinary and I won't forget the trip!

Mr. Daniel James – 1^st dan:  Camp was an awesome experience and well worth the money. I met so many new friends there and became closer to so many people within our own school. The instruction from Senior Grand Master was amazing and the instruction from each of the Grand Masters made the trip worth it. The constant training and swapping of ideas was something that I would recommend every student in AXE and the USTF experience as often as they can.  Then to add on the beautiful scenery of the lakes, mountains, and wildlife made camp second to none. It was great to see the Australians that focus so much on fitness, still be taken back by the dayllon that AXE trains in regularly. All of that showed the diversity of the art and how much dedication it requires to be a solid all around practitioner of Taekwon-Do. I wish we were able to spend a month training with each of the Grand Masters and Masters. I am happy to be able to return home though and see the immediate change in our own school adapting in the good ideas from the other school and working hard to apply those lessons each and every day.

Ms. Samantha Seaman – 1^st dan: Taekwon-Do Camp was a whirlwind of new places, experiences, ways of thinking, and especially new people. Everyone there provided a new point of view, whether it be on the mental or the physical aspects of Taekwon-Do, and I learned so much because of the different viewpoints and philosophies that were represented at Camp. Moreover, I had fun getting to know people from not only all over the country, but also the world. Camp was an unforgettable experience and I am grateful for the chance to have met the people that I did.  I hope that I’ll be able to attend again in 2017.

Ms. Staci Chamberlin – 1^st gup:  My awesome adventure at World Camp: 

Waterfall                   Colorado Rocky Mountain

Outdoors                   Axe Taekwon-Do

Riding horses            Mr. Hill (from Australia)

Love it                       Polar bear plunge

Days training

4th Annual Axe TKD Bike Ride: On Saturday, July 12^th, Axe Taekwon-Do held their third annual bike/walk/run! The weather was enjoyable as well as the company that went for the event. We try to hold a bike/run/walk at least once in the summer, but that doesn’t mean that students can’t get together and do a daily/weekly/monthly ride! It helps with stamina, strength and perseverance, especially with “tournament season” coming up I’m sure some of us would really appreciate that! If you would like to improve your stamina to prepare for upcoming tournaments please contact Ms. Bowing.

USTF Class B Instructors Course: There will be a Class B course in Broomfield on November 8-9^th.  You must be a 3^rd degree black belt to certify for the Class B, but the course is open to all black belts.  This course covers requirements from 1^st degree black belt through 4^th degree black belt.  It also covers all the various flying kicks, it is very challenging but a fun course.  Only the 3^rd degrees will take the written test.  Cost for certification is $200.00;  2^nd degrees are $100.00 and recertification is $75.00.  You must be Class B certified prior to being allowed to test for 4^th degree.  This course is typically offered every other year. 

Upcoming Tournaments: Tournaments are a safe way for students to challenge themselves and utilize what they have learned in class instruction.  A reminder, students who are red belt and above are required to attend at least one per year to be eligible for promotion.     

September 13 Tournament – Casper, Wyoming.  We will depart early Friday the 12^th (it's a long drive),  the tournament is on the 13^th, we will travel back Sunday, the 14^th.  This is their 15^th Annual Tournament.  Cost is $30 for one event or $40 for both.  The tournament features sparring and patterns competition.  If you register by September 5^th there is a $5.00 discount.  The flyer is attached and on the Axe TKD website.  This tournament is close enough to Denver that it's a fairly good sized tournament. 

September 20 Tournament – Kirksville, Missouri.  We are considering departing very early Saturday the 20th (it's about a 5 hour drive),  the tournament is on the 20th, we will travel back Sunday, the 21st.  This is their 26^th Annual Tournament.  The cost is $40 and you can compete in sparring, patterns and breaking (green stripe and above for breaking and you must be 16 years old or older to break).  This tournament also features team patterns for $20 per team.  The teams will be formed/approved by me based on who is attending.  We can enter black belt and color belt teams (minimum of 4 per team, maximum of 5 per team).  The flyer is attached and on the Axe TKD website.  The Missouri school always supports our tournament and we try to do the same for them.

October 19 – Tournament - Denver, Colorado.  We will depart early Saturday the 18th,  the tournament on Sunday the 19^th, and we will travel back Monday the 20th.  This is the biggest tournament of the USTF every year.  It typically features over 45 divisions.  The cost is $25 for one event or $50 for both.  There is also a pre-registration discount of $2 for one event or $5 for both and a $5 family discount (one per family).  The tournament features sparring patterns and team breaking competition.  The team breaking will be approved by me and we can enter adult and junior teams.  More information is including on the breaking on the attached flyer.  I am also being promoted to 8^th degree black belt, Sr. Master status by Sr. Grand Master Sereff, 9^th dan, President of the USTF during the tournament.  The flyer is attached and on the Axe TKD website.

All traveling tournaments are planned in advance to include hotel, food and gas expenses.  In order to keep costs down, we would like to know if you are planning on attending, even if you are a maybe at this point.  Students can travel without their parents and will be supervised at all times.  If you are considering going to a future tournament, it is never too early to let Ms. Bowing know!  She will keep you informed and up to date as we have information to share.  As always, we welcome any questions to help you make a decision.