Atlantic Pacific Tang
Soo Do
20th Anniversary Kodanja and National
Championships
by Master David Farquharson,
Farhorizon Martial Arts, Aurora, CO
HOT time in the Southwest Region...
The Atlantic Pacific Tang Soo Do
Federation hosted its 20th Anniversary
Championship Celebration in Dallas, Texas on July
20-22. This was the first National event hosted by
the growing Southwest region. And while we are known
to keep things a little bit spicy - this event was
scorching, as it took place during a massive heat
wave.
Despite all the heat outside, it was
even more blazing inside with some sizzling
performances and promotions across the Federation.
Thursday kicked off the Kodanja
(Masters' Clinic) with handshakes, hugs, and
rekindled friendships as 28 Masters and Master
candidates gathered together from all over the
country. Forms were the focus most of the day,
culminating in some interesting performances during
a fiery forms dance-off.
We reconvened that night for our
Kodanja Shim Sa (Masters' Test). There were two
active test subjects on the floor along with a lot
of practice test subjects. Mr. Robert Lasko was
testing for 4th Dan. Mr. Bob Thomas was
testing for 5th Dan. Amazing job and
congratulations to both of you!
Kodanja day 2 started off with a
focus on self-defense before Kwan Jang Nim presented
his keynote address with some illuminating stories
from his past. We reduced ourselves to a simmer in
the afternoon, with mindfulness and meditation
sessions from the Healing Warrior Society. Only to
then have Master Drewicz fan our coals - organizing
the Masters' demonstration for the tournament the
next day. As the Kodanja was winding down, the Black
Belts got a taste of the heat as it was their turn
to ignite the floor for their test.
Saturday brought the tournament and
opening ceremonies for the entire federation. Black
Belt promotions showcased:
- Andrew Dahn -1st Degree
- Jeremy Westbrook -2nd Degree
- Ben Roe - 3rd Degree
For the Masters' promotions:
- David Farquharson - 4th Dan
- Paul Dulaney - 5th Dan
- Paul Harmon - 5th Dan
- Kathleen Navarro - 5th Dan
- Peter Estrada - 6th Dan
Congratulations to all!
The biggest promotion of the
celebration went to Kwan Jang Nim St. James, who has
earned his 9th Dan. In addition to his
new belt, Kwan Jang Nim was presented with a custom
ring and staff along with a congratulatory note from
his Master, Grandmaster Steven Washington. Kwan Jang
Nim also performed for the assembly Moo Do Pal Dan
Hyung, an 8th Dan form. I am sure I speak
for the entire federation when I say,
Congratulations from all of us!
The tournament competitors were
blazing and competition was white-hot.
Congratulations to all of the competitors for
lighting up the rings! I caught many majestic
moments of martial arts mastery from all ages and
ranks throughout the competition, but I only get a
chance to single out our Black Belt division
champions:
- Robert Lasko won the Adult Male
Black Belt Championship
- Bob Thomas won the Adult Male
Senior Black Belt Championship
- Michele Lopez won the Adult Female
Black Belt Championship
-
Zoe
Adams won the Teen Black Belt Championship
A big thank you to the Southwest
regional director, Master Peter Estrada, for
coordinating the events. And also a big thank you to
Master Dulaney and all of Cornerstone Martial Arts
for hosting us, setting up the tournament space, and
doing all the behind-the-scenes work.
Tang Soo!
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