Jan  2002       Warriors News Letter

Happy New Year!

Congratulations to the following Dec 2001 promotions:

A motto you might use:   Don't mistake my humbleness as a sign of weakness.

As of January 2002,  the YMCA TaeKwonDo program completes 24 months of operation.  As a business enterprise for the YMCA,  the program looks successful.   As the instructor, I base it on the growth and accomplishments of each student.  Some look at how many students you enroll or how many Black belts you produce.  Those goals are certainly important, however your individual growth as a student of the martial arts is more important. As an instructor, I have certain standards required for you to reach as a Black belt.  I will extend them somewhat, depending on your age and abilities.  But the Black belt you wear around your heart will certainly be the one I aim to achieve for all.  My goal is also to make you leaders and mentors.  Those rolls are hard to wear, but I hope you  will embrace them as you grow closer to the rank of 1st Dan or Poom (Jr.Black belt).  The rank of 1st Dan is another beginning and opens new doors of opportunities.

For those that have been here since the YMCA started the TKD program, we have seen many students come and go.  So you know that those that reach the rank of Black belt are few.    The wearing of the belt is not as important as the inner belt that you can wear.  Meaning you can train hard and let the tenets of TKD show in your class participation as well as your outside behavior.

For those that have been here for two years, your are half way to the Black belt rank and some are closer.  Some of you will never make it.  Prove me Wrong!  My new year's resolution is to be a better father and husband.  So far I am doing terrible.  But I am not giving up!   I challenge each of you to be the best student that you can be.

Training can be  somewhat boring and I attempt to make it fun while  you learn to defend yourself.   Set goals for yourself- better kicks or a particular technique.  Work on controlling negative emotions.

Becoming a competitor gives you additional goals.  As some of you know, I expect more out you if you chose to compete.  It is as additional expense for your parents, so you should produce for their efforts as well as the extra effort in your  training. It is a chance to try your skills in a safe and control environment.   Remember when you are not training-your next opponent is training!

2 Feb- Master Grant's Friendship tournament in Chesapeake-All ages and belts.

March-The Adult USTU State Championship-18/green and up.  Also USTU open for all ages and ranks.

 6 April- Master Owen's DeRonda tournament-Ft. Belvoir-all ages & ranks

13 April- AAU regional qualifier for juniors and adults-red belts and up!  The AAU nationals for the adults is 3~6 July in Greensboro, NC.  The AAU nationals for the juniors is 7~10 Aug in Knoxville, Tn. I presently don't know where or the dates of the USTU junior and adult nationals. 

May- The junior USTU State Championship- 6~17 yellow and up.  Also USTU open for ages and ranks.

If you place 1st thru 3rd in the USTU state championships, you qualify to go to the USTU nationals.  The same for the AAU qualifier at Ft. Belvoir on 13 April.

I appreciate all of the families that participated the Christmas - Skating- Promotion party last month.  To whomever made the  chili-pasta dish, my Mom would like the receipt.    Thanks   Wayne Spencer