On April 25^th and 26^th, the Atlantic Pacific Tang Soo Do Federation (APTSDF) held its semi-annual regional dan shim sa (Black Belt Test) and championships for the southeastern region. Federation Masters, black belts, and color belts from all over the southeastern United States came to St. Bede’s Catholic Church in Montgomery, Alabama for two days of learning, competition, and celebration. The event was a tremendous success and everyone enjoyed the entire weekend. Events included over 50 people testing to Dan and higher Dan rank, a Leadership workout for Masters and school owners, and of course the championships.  

With over eighty divisions there was plenty of fierce competition in all ranks and categories. One of the highlights of the competition was the breaking divisions and also the awarding of the men’s and women’s overall Grand Champion cups. Two big winners were crowned at the end of the day on Saturday, April 26^th. They were Mr. Mike Jett, Sah Dan, representing Karate World of Suwanee, Georgia, and Mrs. Laura Lee Sandberg, Cho Dan also representing Karate World of Suwanee, Georgia. Congratulations to all the champions!

For the second year in a row, the Championship was done in the memory of Master Morris Coker, Oh Dan. Sensei Morris as his close friends called him, was both a member of the Board of Directors of the APTSDF and also co-owner of Coker’s Tang Soo Do under the directorship of Senior Master Carole Coker, Oh Dan. He was also a Board member of the APTSDF. As part of the ceremony, the Federation again awarded the Master Morris Coker “Warriors Way” plaque to a person who had distinguished him or herself in and out of the dojang. This year’s recipient was Taylor Brooks, a Cho Dan, who was awarded her E Dan posthumously at the event. Taylor would have tested to her 2^nd Degree at the dan shim sa on Friday night, April 25^th, had she not lost her battle to cancer just weeks before the event. We will miss you Taylor!

 Tang Soo!!!