|
2009
Atlantic-Pacific Tang Soo Do Federation
Southeastern Regional Black Belt Camp
Submitted by Ms. Shanon Jett - Sam
Dan
Karate World, Suwanee, Georgia
On the weekend of July
10-12, 2009, the Atlantic-Pacific Tang Soo Do Federation held its annual
Southeastern Regional Black Belt Camp. It was the first camp held at
Children’s Harbor on Alabama’s Lake Martin, as well as the first ever to
welcome red belts. Seven masters and two master’s candidates were
present, apart from Grandmaster John St. James, the President and
Founding Master of the APTSDF.
It was our honor to
have a very special guest this year: Grandmaster Chuck Blackburn, 8th
Degree Black Belt and founder of Spiritual Martial Arts Association.
Camp opened at 5:00 pm
on Friday night at Harbor Lodge which sits just feet away from the shore
of beautiful Lake Martin. Most of the first evening at camp generally
consists of getting settled in, but we started right into it this year
with a leadership presentation by Kwan Jang Nim St. James and then a
very good two hour workout. We awoke early the next morning to
participate in a run, a stretching class, or a Chi Gong class. We then
split out by rank to work on our promotional requirements (empty hand
forms). The various breakout sessions were followed by a choice of
extra-curricular activities. Campers were offered the chance to do an
aquatics karate class and swim in the pool, swim in the lake, play
volleyball, or go canoeing. All of this was completed before lunch.
The first two hours of
the afternoon were devoted to an intensive class in one of Kwan Jang Nim
St. James’s specialties, the bong or staff. We went through forms, whip
staff, and combat staff. Kwan Jang Nim Blackburn then conducted a class
in Aikido for the entire assemblage. Concurrent sessions in weapons or
self-defense finished the afternoon segment.
In the evening, while
the children were sparring, the adults were treated to a presentation on
disaster preparedness given by Grandmaster Blackburn. This is an area he
has specialized in for many years. The class was sobering, but also
informative and entertaining. We discussed situational awareness and
specifically how to survive and even thrive during natural and unnatural
catastrophes. Kwan Jang Nim Blackburn then conducted a class in Chi Gong
for the entire group.
After the last round
of concurrent sessions, the day’s workouts were over, and one would
think the tired campers would be anxious to get to bed. However, as the
children and teens gathered for movies and snacks, many of the adult
campers got together to talk and laugh about the day’s events. The camp
schedule labels this “networking,” and it is always an excellent time to
bond and socialize with fellow martial artists.
Everyone reported at
8:00 am for breakfast, a group picture, and the last workout of camp
except for the Masters who had started their workout at 6:45 am. After
two hours of intensive Master’s level training with Kwan Jang Nim St.
James, the entire group of Masters showed up with fifteen minutes left
to enjoy a very light breakfast.
 |
|
|
|
Next, it was time for
another group workout. In what has become a black belt camp tradition,
the last class consisted of practicing Bassai to the beat of a drum. We
do not count the number of times we do the form but rather seek to
become one with the form. Grandmaster St. James says that it takes a
lifetime to master any form and then only if you become one with the
form. The idea of the exercise is to reach a state of performance level
that includes “mushin” or no mind. It is to help us experience stillness
in motion. The result is clear. By the end, we do the form better than
we have every done it before. Everyone is sore and tired, but that
doesn’t really matter. After many repetitions, students who demonstrate
proper spirit and technique are called to come forward and demonstrate
individually and in smaller groups which is quite an honor.
Camp ended this year
with a special presentation. It was a first for our Southeast region.
The “Most Spirited Award” is presented to the camper who has
demonstrated the highest level of Moo Do Chung Shim or Martial Spirit
throughout the entire camp. This special award is then brought back each
year by the previous year’s winner and it presented to the new winner.
Each recipient has their name engraved on the base and becomes part of
Federation’s Southeastern Region Hall of Fame. This year’s recipient was
Rachel Lynn-Chisum, Sam Dan.
This year’s camp tested
everyone mentally, physically, and spiritually as black belt camps
always do. Black Belt Camp is always a very rewarding experience and
this year’s camp was no exception. Camp causes one to reflect on the
true nature of Tang Soo Do and why we love it so much. A couple of years
ago, I wrote a short composition, exploring this at a deeper level. This
year’s camp reminded me of it, and I would like to share it with all of
you now.
What Is Tang Soo Do & Black Belt Camp To Me?
Tang Soo Do is an art
form. Tang Soo Do is an advanced and highly sophisticated system of self
defense. Tang Soo Do is a workout. Tang Soo Do is a way of life. Tang
Soo Do is more than just a sport. It is the way we move. It is the way
we think. Tang Soo Do can cause a person to spring to attention before
crossing thresholds. Tang Soo Do is joy in the face of pain and hope in
the face of hardship. Tang Soo Do is not running from duty when it
starts to hurt. Tang Soo Do is patience. Tang Soo Do is friendship. Tang
Soo Do is calm in frightening situations. A Tang Soo Do practitioner is
gentle and kind, but is not someone to be trifled with.
Tang Soo Do helps
develop the mind, body, and spirit and is both awesome and inspiring to
behold. Tang Soo Do is the part of us that wants to be strong, valiant,
and heroic. It is not content to play the video game or watch the movie,
but wants to fly into the heat of battle and do amazing things. Tang Soo
Do is also balance: give and take, push and pull. Tang Soo Do is
courage. Tang Soo Do is spirit. Tang Soo Do is strength. Tang Soo Do is
abandoning the pursuit of comfort. Tang Soo Do is loving the smell of
sweat. Tang Soo Do is doing things my doctor said I would never do. It
is living in the realm of infinite possibility. It is never saying that
something can’t be done. Tang Soo Do is one of those rare experiences
that can come into a life and change it. It is a journey.
Tang Soo Do Black Belts
are not the usual sort of people. They revel in hard workouts and find a
certain glory in being sore. Tang Soo Do changes us forever for the
better. Tang Soo Do seniors are not necessarily the most talented
martial artists. They are simply the ones that wouldn’t quit and
therefore the most spirited. They have all dedicated their time and
their lives to passing on the knowledge they have gained. Black belt
camp embodies this. It is always a learning experience. Everyone goes
home with something, whether it is a new form, a new weapon, or simply a
reminder of what the martial arts are all about. Black Belt Camp is an
excellent opportunity to get away from the rest of the world for a few
days and come together with people who share a passion for Tang Soo Do.
Click for Photo
Gallery
(Will
open new window)
|
