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2009
Atlantic-Pacific Tang Soo Do Federation
Southeastern Regional Championships
by Shanon Jett - Sam
Dan
Karate World, Suwanee, Georgia
On the
weekend of October 23-25, the southeastern region of
the Atlantic-Pacific Tang Soo Do Federation had its
fall cycle Dan Shim Sa (Black Belt test) and review,
as well as its annual championships in Trussville,
Alabama.
Over
100 Black Belts and Cho Dan Bo (Black Belt
Candidates) tested or reviewed at the Trussville
Athletics Center on Friday night October 23rd. Two
hundred (200) plus competitors gathered the next
day, October 24th at the same facility for the
regional championships.
Birmingham Academy of Martial Arts, owned by Master
Heather Potter and Mr. Will Potter, hosted the very
successful event. The black belt test opened with
the announcement of the high scores on the written
test. Sarah Parish scored highest among the
children, and among the adults, Scott Parish, Jackie
Parish, and Michelle Hensley all of Karate World in
Suwanee, Georgia tied with a perfect score.
The
Black Belt test was quite challenging, which I
participated in this cycle. Of particular note was
Sister Kathleen Navarra of Coker’s Tang Soo Do, who
tested for her Sam Dan at the age of 62. Best test
was awarded to Lydia Potter of Birmingham Academy of
Martial Arts for the children and Sun Leverett of
Two Dragons Martial Arts for the adults.
The
tournament took place the following morning and
started at 8 am sharp with a judges meeting. Black
belt competition which started at 9 am was completed
before many of the color belt competitors arrived so
that everyone could witness the awarding of the
championship cups. The women’s cup went to Rachel
Lynn-Chisum of Karate World, and the men’s cup was
awarded to Will Potter of Birmingham Academy of
Martial Arts.
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Following this were black belt presentations for all
candidates who had successfully completed their six
(6) month probationary period. It was a very special
occasion, for three Master’s belts were presented.
Luis Parra-Flores, owner of Tennessee Tang Soo Do
Studio, was promoted to Master Instructor, Master
Deborah Jett, co-owner of Karate World, was
presented with her Oh Dan (5th degree), and Senior
Master Carole Coker, owner of Coker’s Tang Soo Do,
was presented with her Yuk Dan (6th degree). This
last presentation was especially momentous as Master
Coker is the first women to reach sixth degree Black
Belt in our Federation. Afterwards, several Masters
and their students presented awe inspiring
demonstrations which included everything from
weapons forms and self defense to kicking apples off
of live blades. Then, competition opened.
The tournament lasted into the afternoon, and was a
great success. All of the students performed
admirably. The weekend finished with a studio owners
and instructor’s workout Sunday morning at 9 am
sharp with Kwan Jang Nim St. James. Afterwards, Kwan
Jang Nim taught a Master’s only workout which lasted
past noon. Overall, it was an excellent weekend of
Tang Soo Do.
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