Student of the Month:  The student of the month for May is Ms. Kelsey Jones.  We believe she is an excellent example of the finest qualities in TKD, and display the tenets of Taekwon-Do (Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self-Control and Indomitable Spirit). Taekwon!  Please visit the webpage to review her information. 
 
Black Belts:  After our most recent promotion we now have 14 black belts in our class.  Remember the Saturday classes are for red belt black stripes and above. At this time the first Saturday of each month will be for this advanced class.  The next testing in July could produce 9 more black belts!  Keep training hard.

USTF Class “B” Instructors Course:  Master Todd, Mr. Bushor, Ms. Bowing and Ms. Ragone travelled to Denver, Colorado in April for this course.  The course lasted 2 full days starting at 8am and ending after 5pm.  The course was taught by the Director of Technique for the USTF, Grand Master Winegar, 9th degree black belt.  There were roughly 40 people in attendance including four 8th degree black belts and several other master instructors.  The first day featured Grand Master Winegar running everyone through double and flying triple kicks for one and a half hours.  Master Todd and Mr. Bushor were a little sore the next day!   You can see pictures from the course at the following link:
 http://gallery.me.com/weaver_group/100191

As a reminder students must become certified Class “C” Instructors prior to testing for 2nd degree black belt.  Students must become certified Class “B” Instructors prior to testing for 4th degree black belt and Class “A” Instructors prior to testing for 7th degree black belt.  USTF will no longer grant waivers for testing, if you do not have the required certifications you will not be allowed to be promoted. 

Tournament:  We will be hosting our 2nd Annual tournament on May 9th at the Youth Center.  We have received information from students in Missouri, Kansas, Wyoming and Colorado that will be attending our tournament.  This is a USTF sanctioned tournament which for you means that it will meet your requirement for participating in a USTF tournament.  While we encourage all students to attend, this is a requirement for black belts.  You must participate in one tournament per year as a black belt.  Last year we hosted our tournament and attended one in Missouri and one in Colorado.  We should have the opportunity to attend three tournaments again this year.  Information for the tournament can be found at:    http://www.axetkd.com/2009AxeTKDTournament.html

Class Changes:  We will make several changes immediately.  No longer will students bow or say Taekwon when saluting the flags.  Simply render the salute and remain silent.  During testing all black stripe and above will perform their advanced flying kicks (twin, double, consecutive, combination & triples) on kicking targets.  Any student testing will not be promoted until they accomplish all requirements for example:  written test and breaking.  Recently we made changes to the written tests for black belts and the color belt tests are undergoing a complete re-write at this time.  As a reminder all students 6th grade and below will take the oral tests.  Everyone else will take a written test and must score 80% or better to pass.  Failing any portion of a testing will hold your promotion until you satisfy that requirement.  If you have any questions please contact Master Todd or Mr. Bushor.

Tentative Schedule 2009
May 9th – Axe TKD Tournament – 2nd Annual
Jun 25th – 27th USTF Nationals – Kelso, WA
July 10th – Promotion Testing
Aug 15th – USTF Referee Course – Broomfield, CO
Sep 19th – Battle of the Belts – Missouri
Oct 18th – GM Sereff Fall Championship - Broomfield, CO
Oct – Testing

Summer Vacation or breaks (By Master Ricky Todd)

As we approach the summer vacation time frame I understand that many of you will either take a vacation or maybe visit relatives in another state.  Remember that you have a requirement to inform the Youth Center when you are taking a break.  More importantly you must contact either Mr. Bushor or me anytime you are going to miss class.

This is a lesson about responsibility.  As I tie each belt around your waist it signifies more than your accomplishments or a new belt color.  It also signifies that Mr. Bushor and I feel you deserve the promotion and are ready to learn additional techniques.  No promotions are automatic and if you have been in class for very long you will notice that not everyone tests.  My job as the head instructor is to produce technically proficient students.  It goes beyond that and I also want to ensure students are ready to move on to advanced techniques both mentally and physically.   The worst thing I could do for Taekwon-Do is to promote students that are not ready. 

How many times have we seen students from other styles visit our class and you wonder, “How did she get to be a black belt”.  It occurs too frequently.  If you leave our class as a black belt I can guarantee you that no one will question you.  Your technique will be good.  Your etiquette will be perfect.  If not, you will not become a black belt. 

So when I ask for something simple like for a student to email or call when they are going to miss class I have a hard time understanding why they can’t do it.  Remember you can email ustfneb@cox.net or kbushor@cox.net.  You can call cell phones at 650-4399 or 321-7545 you can also call the youth center at 294-5152.  This requirement includes all white belt through 3rd degree black belt students.  You can also text message us.  Remember to display the proper courtesy when sending these messages or emails.  Do not send “what’s up, sorry can’t do tkd”.  That will earn you a discussion with us that you will not really enjoy. 

We do not take a break for summer, classes continue year round.  If you are planning a vacation please enjoy your time away and we want you to return safely and motivated to train.  If you have questions about anything regarding the class or Taekwon-Do please ask.