In a second test, twenty- seven color belts tested and achieved their new rankings ranging from yellow I to red II.  It never ceases to amaze us how much material our students can retain and perform on command.  They each did a fantastic job on forms, basics, kicks, self-defense, step-sparring, bo-staff work, patterns, stick, knife and gun defenses, hap ki do and breaking as well as vocabulary and history.  Again, all kudos to our super staff of  thirty black belts instructors and all those who help, lead, teach and share information to help others reach their goals.

2010 Break-a-thon for Amanda’s House

In May, more than one hundred students from our school stepped up and broke 2010 boards for yet another great charity cause as we have done since 1989. Students collected more than $17,500.00 from friends, neighbors, teachers, relatives and many area businesses in order to support Amanda’s House in Glens Falls. Similar to Ronald McDonald House in purpose, Amanda’s House allows families of patients in Glens Falls Hospital to live close to their loved ones who are receiving treatments. The event was the culmination of a year-long fundraising drive including numerous bake sales, lawn sales, car washes, haircutting and much, much more. All thanks go to the students, their families and the Glens Falls Tae Kwon Do Booster Club for making this event such a smashing success. We all believe in showing our students how to give back to their community and share with those in need.

Students score big in New York Open

Ten students traveled to Long Island on October 16^th to compete in Y.H. Park’s New York Open tournament to test their skills against some of the best in the state in forms, breaking and/of sparring. The results were very impressive as our school garnered six gold medals, six silver medals and four bronze. Most importantly, each and every student earned at least one medal! Awesome job, students. Our kwanjanim, Y.H. Park, was very happy with the support you showed his tournament, and the performances of each and every one of you!

Northeast Open Results

Twenty-four students participated in the Northeast Open tournament in Albany, competing in events such as sparring, weapons, creative weapons, individual forms, team forms, open breaking and wood breaking . Competing against approximately 300 students from schools all over, our students were fortunate and talented enough to win 11 first places, 6 second place trophies and 5 third place trophies. Great job, students!

Moreau Fun Days Demonstration

Thirty students took time out from their busy schedules to help support community efforts several more times recently. They performed a wonderful demonstration of their Tae Kwon Do skills at Moreau Recreational Field this summer, immediately hopped in their cars and headed up to Crandall Park to do another one for Open Door Soup Kitchen shortly after! And in October, they once again performed for a church in Schuylerville to support their fundraising efforts. We are proud of our many community-minded, highly-motivated students who are always willing to step up and help others with their projects!

Black Belt Appreciation Luncheon

Twenty-two black belts were able to get together at Chinatown restaurant for our first ever appreciation luncheon. They were honored for their service to the school over the years and for the promotion of good will, fitness, respect and appreciation for the art of Tae Kwon Do. Some of our black belts have been studying for as long as eight straight years, while others have spent 20 years or more in and out of Tae Kwon Do to earn their rankings. Our black belts are mentors to others and are spectacular ambassadors to all. Thanks for your hard work which has made Glens Falls Tae Kwon Do the great place to study that it is. I have said many, many times over the last 21 years that it is the teachers who make the school the place to be.

Black Belt test results

June 6^th saw seven more Black Belts join the ranks of Glens Falls Tae Kwon Do’s staff. After a rugged, four-hour examination and demonstration of their multitude of skills which included at least seventeen forms, two bo-staff forms, stick, gun and knife defenses, fifteen hapkido techniques, numerous self-defenses, step-sparring, board-breaking and free-sparring multiple opponents, the following students were deemed qualified to advance to the coveted rank of Black Belt:

Tamsin M.
Brandon S.
Reilly C.
Samantha P.
Alexandra M.
Alexis P.
Matthew G.

Congratulations on a job well done!

CaRMAA Tournament

In an unprecedented local tournament event, our Capital Region Martial Arts
Alliance held its annual tournament in South Glens Falls High School this October. Competitor and families brought in more than four hundred pounds of food for our local food bank for admissions! Eighty-five students from Glens Falls Tae Kwon Do garnered 104 trophies by competing in as many as four events, including forms, team forms, weapons and breaking. Super job, everyone, and thanks for supporting your local charities once again.

Christmas Party!

On December 4^th, we held our 22^nd annual Christmas/Holiday gathering to share our favorite dishes and our company with each other. More than 215 students and family members showed up to eat and dance the evening away to the DJ music of Jim Mitchell. Everyone enjoyed the evening, and we held the DJ over for an extra hour because the parents and kids were having such a great time! Thanks to everyone for a fine year of fitness, fun , self-defense, friendship and sharing.