Future Events-

As this year progresses, there are still several opportunities for travel with Axe Taekwon Do.  Listed to the right are the upcoming events our class plans to participate in for the rest of this year.  All students are eligible and encouraged to attend any and all events as they can.  We let students know as far out as possible so you can budget and prepare for these events.  Axe TKD only participates in sanctioned USTF events which follow strict guidelines to ensure the safety of all. 

Axe TKD tournament-

Our tournament was a great success thanks to you!   We had a total of 73 students this year which was a little larger than last year.  The competitors in the the tournament has changed.  Last year, we had more black belts and fewer color belts.  Our goal is 100 students so hopefully next year we can meet that goal. Congratulations to all!  Mrs. Ragone for achiving the Black Belt Grand Champion and to both the Black Belt team and Color Belt team. 

Promotion Testing- (By Master Todd)

Congratulations to all that were recently promoted.  Mr. Toppi was promoted to 3rd degree black belt and Mr. James was promoted to 1st degree black belt.  A special recognition to these students as they had previously trained in our class and took a long break from training.  They were both gone in excess of 10 years and returned to pick up the art of Taekwon-Do again.   Few if any students that leave Taekwon-Do ever return.  The path to recovering your lost knowledge is often too challenging and frustrating.  Also, many students that when you left you are senior to surpass you in rank and become your seniors upon your return.  I am extremely proud of the students who swallowed their pride and returned to training with us.  Also as a reminder, all students that are in junior high and older (including all adults) are required to take the written test.  Only the younger students are given an oral test.  The oral test guidelines are on our website at:  http://www.axetkd.com/StudyGuide.html.  Students taking the written tests need to purchase the USTF Testing Requirement Books. 

***USTF Headquarters National Tournament-

Senior Grand Master Sereff will be hosting all USTF students to compete in the USTF National Championship.  We will be traveling to Broomfield, Colorado June 21st through 24th. This will be the largest tournament our class will have the opportunity to attend. There will be students from all over the nation, and it's a two day event.  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.  Axe TKD registered one adult black belt team that will compete in team patterns, team sparring and team breaking.  Team Axe will be comprised of Ms. Bowing, Mr. Bushor, J., Mrs. Ragone, Mr. Toppi and Mr. James.  All teams must have three men and two women.  We also have many other black belts and color belts that will be competing in the individual divisions.  All back belts have been pre-registered.  However, color belts can register at the door, and we can take non-registered black belts to judge.  We will hit the road early that Friday morning in order to be there for the weigh in. We will return sometime late Monday.  We can still accommodate last minute competitors interested in going.   Contact Master Todd if you have any questions.

Etiquette:  (By Master Todd)

        On our website at http://www.axetkd.com/Etiquette.html, there is some great information about Etiquette.   However, I would like to share an experience I had recently.  I was shopping in a local grocery store and a young student was rushing through the store quickly picking something up.

He appeared to be in an extreme hurry.  I recognized him as one of our yellow belts.  When he saw me, he stopped in his tracks came to attention, bowed, shook my hand appropriately, addressed me as Master Todd and took the time to talk politely with me.  He stated he was on his way to a movie and in a hurry, but I had the feeling he would have stayed and talked for as long if I wanted.  I told him to get going and that it was good to see him.  That quick interaction showed me a lot about this student and our training at Axe Taekwon-Do.  I was extremely impressed by his attitude and etiquette.  He was and is exactly the type of student I want in our school.   I know I can teach him Taekwon-Do, and I don't have to worry about him misusing Taekwon-Do or becoming a bad example.  This young man was very impressive.  Again, exactly what we all should want in class and what we should strive to be like.  When I was in the Air Force I would stop and bow to students or to my instructor if I saw him, anywhere.  Did people look at us like we are odd?  Yes, but who cares?  They don't understand the respect, the hand shake, the bowing, the art. That is okay, they don't have to understand it's our special bond.  I take great pride and care in my students, and I appreciate each of you.  Again when you have the opportunity, I invite you to read the section on our website regarding etiquette. 

3rd Annual Axe TKD Bike Ride:  

              On Saturday, July 13^th, we will have our 3rd Annual Bike Ride.  Like last year, we will start and end at the trail head near Capehart Road and Highway 75.  There will be drinks, fruit, and some food at the half way/turn around point.  Everyone, to include your family members, is invited as long as you have a bike that will make the trip (about 12 miles total).  Master Todd volunteered to stay back with the slow group last year and may be convinced to do it again this year!  It was a great time last year and should be again this year.  We will talk about moving it to a different day if the weather is too bad (rain, temperature, etc.).