These 3 icons have never done a seminar together before and from what I am told, may never again. Grandmaster Park, Grandmaster Han and Grandmaster Lee gave a 4 1/2 hour seminar at the Don Valley Hotel. There were 40 participants, including Master Gorino and I-Dan Gorino, plus Sa-Dan Greier and Sam-Dan Costello. Just to be in the same room with these legends would have been enough. But to be trained by them is indescribable. When all was said and done, we were drenched with sweat, new knowlege and, at least for me, even more humility than I had going in. To see men in their 70′s move like young athletes was inspiring. To be given some of their vast knowlege and experience was priceless. And to be a part of this event was our great fortune. It is opportunities like this that add that intangible to our training. Pil-Sung!

Master Gorino was honored by Grandmaster Park asking SaBum-Nim to run the event. “It was a little scarey when he surprised me with that request at the tournament, but I knew I could assist him. It was my honor and pleasure.” said Master Gorino.

Martial arts are alive and well in the world if last Saturday’s event is any indication. Plan on attending next year’s trek to Toronto. If you wish to experience the thrill of participating in a small tournament, join us at Master Patterson’s event on 5/5/12 at St. Leo’s. Details are available at the Dojang.

On May 26th, we will be hosting our Super Pages Invitational Tournament, that will highlight some of the best competitors anywhere! (Of course! Because OUR students will be there!) Be there to show your school pride, whether you are a White Belt or a Black Belt. There are divisions for ALL AGES and ALL EXPERIENCE LEVELS. Also Grandmaster Summers will be awarded his 8th Dan (8th Degree Black Belt) at this tournament! We will see you all there.

Master Gorino and 17 students traveled to Charleston, West Va. to compete in the 39th Annual US Open. To the competitors credit, they returned with 36 trophies, including many 1st place awards. Although SaBum-Nim stresses the sportmanship and martial art spirit aspects of the competition, he is pleased to see his students perform so well and receive trophies as a reward for their training.

Tournaments are a fun, exciting and educational experience. Travel tournaments provide additional benefits and Master Gorino hopes to see even more competitors at next year’s US Open. Until your next tournament opportunity, train to be your best. Pil-Sung!

Ranks tests are a great way for students to assess their martial art skills. It is also a vehicle for your humble SaBum-Nim to check how well he is disseminating information to his students. Lastly, KwaJang-Nim Summers has the opportunity to do a final quality control review of the students and SaBum-Nim’s teaching.

So take a few moments and savor the joy of passing your test. Then, get ready for the new challenges and exciting Tae Kwon-Do journey that lies ahead. Pil-Sung!

The banquet is a wonderful opportunity for our students and families to get together and share a meal, laughs and stories. Additionally, some of our students will put on a demonstration that will be exciting and even a little educational. Every student in attendance will receive a trophy for making our Dojang the best anywhere. Also, students who competed in last year’s East Coast Championship Series will receive their awards and other honors will be given out as well. There will be music and dancing and well, a good time for all!

Reserve your spot by 2/3 and take adavnatge of the Early Bird specials. You are guaranteed a great experience. If you have any questions, ask a staff member or SaBum-Nim. And remember to dress appropriately as this is definitely a semi-formal affair!

During the break, the Dojang will be available for “Open Workouts.” We will post specific times when students may use the Dojang and practice; however, no formal classes will be held.

Monday, 12/19 @ 6:00pm- Children

Tuesday, 12/20 @ 7:30pm- Adults/Teens

* The only group of students that should attend their new class times in order to receive their belts are Yellow Stripes that just tested for Yellow Belt: *

New Yellow Belt Children: Belt Ceremony- Tuesday, 12/20 @ 5:30pm

New Yellow Belt Adults/Teens: Belt Ceremony- Tuesday, 12/20 @ 8:30pm

11:00am - Children testing for Yellow Belt through Blue Stripe

12:30pm – Children testing for Blue Belt and Higher

Red Belts and Higher will need wood and music for the test.

*Reminder: There are no classes on test days!*

Child Seminar: Friday, December 16 @ 5:30pm

Adult/Teens Seminar: Saturday, December 17, after Child Color Belt Testing (usually 1:30pm)