USTF 1^st  Breaking Seminar –

Master Todd and 12 other Axe students will be traveling to USTF Headquarters in Broomfield, Colorado the weekend of April 12th.  Grand Master Sereff requested that he come and share his knowledge and skill in breaking to members of the USTF. There will be students coming from many states.  This invitation is a great compliment to our school and a huge honor for Master Todd as he has dedicated much of his life to Taekwon-Do!  We are fortunate to have his instruction every week in class.  We wish all of those traveling a safe trip!

Upcoming Tournaments-

The first of the year is quickly approaching. The Axe TKD Tournament is on Saturday, May 3rd. Every tournament is sanctioned by the USTF and strictly regulated for the safety of the competitors.  Students will compete in patterns, sparring and yellow belt green stripes and above will compete in the breaking competition. 

Although traveling tournaments are optional, Axe students are expected to attend in support of their school whether competing or not.  However, we hope all compete!  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.  If it is not possible for you to attend, written explanation needs to be given to Master Todd, Mr. Bushor or Ms. Bowing.  

There are three other tournaments to participate in this year.  In September, we have two opportunities in Casper, Wyoming and Kirksville, Missouri.  Finally, we will travel to Broomfield, Colorado for USTF headquarters, Sereff Tournament.  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 now!  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.

Protective equipment-

Students must wear certain protective gear during both class sparring drills and tournaments.  Everyone is required to wear head gear, hand gear, foot gear, and a mouth piece.  All male competitors must wear a protective cup.  Shin pads and arm pads are allowed and are encouraged but are not mandatory. Axe has some head, hand and foot gear for students to use as they first join Taekwon-Do, but as students progress, we encourage students to purchase their own.    If you would like to order a set of your own sparring gear (head gear, gloves, and boots), please let Mr. Bushor know as soon as possible.  There is an assortment of colors and sizes.  Mouth guards and protective cups can be purchased at any major sporting goods store or Target and Wal-mart.

Benefits of Taekwon-Do (By Mrs. Ragone, 3^rd dan)

I started my Taekwon-Do journey over 6 years ago when we felt the need to start our first son in the martial arts.  There are now four of us “Ragones” in class.  During this time, I have witnessed the benefits of TKD in every facet of my life-mom, teacher, and student.  As a mom, I have watched my children grow in the areas of confidence, determination, and respect.  At times, they struggled with believing in themselves and pushing beyond what they thought capable, but as the years have passed, they now are able to handle challenges better.  They don’t give up as easily or get scared as a conflict approaches.  This has benefited them in other areas like band and advanced classes.  As a teacher, I have seen significant changes in students who are having trouble in school.  The martial art demands that students get control of their bodies and helps with concentration.  In addition, it strengthens the connection between the left and right brain which helps students to think more clearly and have better body coordination.  Pay attention the next time while doing a pattern and watch the different foot positions and hand techniques being performed.  A front snap kick requires the mind to control even your pinky toe!  Watch your child from the beginning of their journey, and I think you will find that their handwriting, coloring, reading, and quality of work is better.  Students in our class have made huge gains in their attitudes.  I have seen some students come in with behavioral issues at school and over time those have become less and less which allows them time for the important things like learning!  As a student in TKD, I have noticed a change in myself over the past few years.  My “fear factor” has lessened.  During self defense and sparring, I still feel my adrenaline start pumping but it doesn’t fog my thinking like it used to when I first started class.  My reaction time is much better!  Other benefits have been developing a stronger core strength, improved balance, and better flexibility.  

No matter what the journey is for you or your child, if you are part of Axe Taekwon-Do’s class, there will be positive changes ahead for you and your family.  Don’t just take my word for it, Google “benefits of Taekwon-Do for children,” and read through the countless medical journals/health articles written which support taking a martial art.  So, keep training.  There is a whole TKD family to support you!