Master Gorino and 27 of his students traveled North of the border to compete in The General Choi Memorial Cup Championship. The event was hosted by Grand Master Jong Soo Park, one of the original Pioneers of Tae Kwon-Do. This tournament dates back to the late 70’s and is known for it’s fierce competition both in forms and in sparring.
Although our dojang has competed in this tournament before, this was the first year that our students would be competing in sine wave divisions for pattern (form). The tournament also has continuous sparring rather than point sparring for Black Belts. As has been the custom each year, Master Gorino is honored by being selected to assist GM Park in running his tournament.
As this article is being written, all results are not in. However an early tally shows over 30 trophies including many 1st place awards. But what is most important is the amount of compliments Master Gorino received from his fellow Masters as well as from Grand Master and Mrs. Park. Once again it was noted how respectful our students are, how competitive they are and that their technique is awesome. Grand Master Park noted that our students display all of the qualities that make up true martial artists. Mrs. Park said she is impressed by how happy and helpful our students are, and that win or lose they always smile. We all know how happy that makes Master Gorino!
As an additional surprise, Master Wilfred Marcano and Master Abdulah Surbree (long-time friends and colleagues of Master Gorino) were awarded their 7th and 8th Dan respectively on Sunday afternoon. Pil-Sung!
Master Gorino wants to thank the students and family members who traveled to Toronto and represented the dojang so well. He is please with the results on all fronts and looks forward to next year’s event.
Master Gorino wants to thank Grand Master Park publicly for all he does for Tae Kwon-Do, for teaching him and for being the best role model possible. We are unbelievably lucky to have Grand Master Park in our lives and should be thankful for any time or opportunity he affords us. Pil-Sung!
