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Atlantic-Pacific Tang Soo
Do Federation
2009 New England Regional Dan Shim Sa & Regional Championships
Submitted by Dr. Anil
Mathew - Cho Dan
Southington Martial Arts
The
Fall New England Regional APTSDF Dan Shim Sa took place on Friday,
October 9th at the Southbury Academy of Karate in picturesque
Southbury, Connecticut. The Regional Championships proceeded the very
next day with participant ranks ranging from tiny tigers and pee wees
all the way to senior black belts. Both events took place with high
expectations which were both met and exceeded in a seamless fashion.
Friday evening’s regional Black Belt test consisted of 14 candidates
testing for their Cho Dan (1st degree), and two candidates
testing for their E Dan (2nd degree) Black Belt rank. Testing
was very successful and inspiring. Special congratulations go out to
Kristen Mathew of Southington Martial Arts and to Deborah Winograd of
the Southbury Academy of Karate for attaining the honor of “best of
test” for children and adults respectively. The testing panel consisted
of eight Federation Masters including Grandmaster St. James and Senior
Master Jett, both making the journey here from Georgia just in time to
see the changing of the leaves in New England.
The
Regional Championships started early Saturday morning with our judge’s
meeting and the Black Belt competition. Opening ceremonies began
promptly at 11 a.m. with our traditional saluting in and a singing of
the national anthem. Several demonstrations were displayed for our
audience and our tournament participants by our various schools. These
were, as always, very well received by all.
The
highlight of the opening ceremonies was the promotion by Kwan Jang Nim
St. James of three students to the rank of Sah Dan (4th
degree Black Belt): Mr. Trevor Becker, Mr. Mark Farquharson, and Dr.
Kristan Meetze. The color belt competition then ensued with full
emotion and talent by our participants. A more streamlined function
would be hard to come by. Spectators were treated to an entertaining
and spectacular event. Overall championship cups for women and men went
to Dr. Kristan Meetze of Cambridge Tang Soo Do and to Mr. Trevor Becker
of the Southbury Academy of Karate.
Over
the course of the Regional Championships, it was repeatedly stressed
that it is more important to overcome fears and hurdles than it is to
win medals or trophies, and that all who participate and give an all out
effort are victorious. A heartfelt congratulations goes out to all of
our participants and their families, and to all of those who helped in
making this grand function a huge success.
Tang
Soo!!
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