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Author with Grandmaster
Richard Byrne |
On March 7th and 8th I had
the opportunity on behalf of Tang Soo Do World to
attend Grandmaster Richard Byrne's 35th Anniversary Championship in
Lynnfield, Massachusetts. The weather was wet and cold but
spirits were high among the large turnout of guest Kodanja, school
owners and competitors, many traveling very long distances. They
included Grandmaster Charles Ferraro - Tang Soo Do Mi Guk Kwan
Association, Grandmaster Dominick Giacobbe - International Tang Soo
Do Organization, Master Carl Tate - First Canada Tang Soo Do
Association (Alberta - Canada), Master Peter Oien - North American
Tang Soo Do Association, Master Wesley Jenkins, Master Richard Collins - PKSA,
Master Jeffrey Mignogna, Master John Trudgill and group - Traditional Tang Soo Do
Federation (UK - Wales), Master Jan van der Schee and group - All
Tang Soo Do Organization (Netherlands) and Mr. Maarten Van Der Spek,
also from Netherlands. Grandmaster Robert Cheezic -
Cheezic Tang Soo Do Federation was out of the country and could not
attend.
Up until my arrival, my only
contact with Grandmaster Byrne had been by telephone. He always took my
calls and was generous with his time, so I was very much looking forward
to our first meeting. From the moment I arrived at the hotel to the time
of my departure I was treated as an extended member of his Tang Soo Do
family. Most impressive was Grandmaster Byrne 's availability throughout
the weekend - from greeting guests at the hotel, posing for photos with
anyone who asked, to signing books and other articles - and yes, to
answering my many questions. His wife, Mrs. Paula Byrne, was also
instrumental in making attendees feel welcome. She went to great lengths
in preparing gift baskets that awaited guest visitors in their
rooms, and her warm and friendly presence at Friday evening's hospitality
suite as well as at the event also added much to that feeling of
"family".
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Collage of Kyo Sa Nim Blincoe |
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The tournament itself
was run smoothly and efficiently owing to a well-oiled
organizational team headed by Master Penny Mitchell and Master Ken
Herbert. It started on Friday evening with weapons, Haidong Gumdo,
and Black Belt Chil Sung and non-traditional forms competitions. The
opening ceremony on the 8th began with a number of presentations and
promotions. (See News section
for promotions),
In his commencement speech, Grandmaster Byrne dedicated this year's
Championship to Kyo Sa Nim Deborah Blincoe, a student of Master
Dalen Espie in Port Jervis, New York. Sadly, Kyo Sa Nim Blincoe
passed away in September 2007 at age 52. Grandmaster Byrne spoke of
her dedication to training, even in her final days, and presented a
plaque in her honor to her son, Badger Forrest-Blincoe. Now 16 and a
3rd Dan, Mr. Blincoe has been training with Master Espie since the
age of 5.
Two other special awards included the 2008 ATA Hall of Fame award to Master John Trudgill
and the John Byrne Award (in memory of Grandmaster Byrne's father) to
Master Robert Kage.
Grandmaster Byrne was
himself
honored by Master David Rexer on behalf of the ATA for his
dedication to Tang Soo Do and to the membership. In view of his love for art of
the American West, he was presented with a bronze statue of Wyatt Earp.
Grandmaster Byrne, obviously pleased remarked, "I don't have any room on
my walls for more plaques, but this I have room for."
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Statue of Wyatt Earp presented to Grandmaster Byrne |
This Championship was also the kick-off of
Grandmaster Byrne's "Worldwide Tang Soo Do
Series Challenge", a ranking system through
which registered competitors earn points for
attending and placing in other rated events
throughout the year. Winners will receive
cash prizes and a Championship Belt at a
banquet held at year end.
Click here for more information.
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Series Challenge Championship
Belt |
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And then the second round of competitions
began - forms, board-breaking, sparring and
the Masters demonstration competition. The
action was non-stop. The photos and videos
(links at top of page) will help tell the rest of the story. In all, it was a great
weekend. Thank you Grandmaster Byrne and the ATA for making my visit a memorable one. I made many new friends and got
to meet others that I had only corresponded with prior. I look forward
to doing it all again one day. TANG SOO!
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