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I was in the 13 yr old red belts for sparring. It was so exciting to get to spar as we did. It was like a match on tv. The referee and the judges kept me on my toes and made me look inside for my discipline of no contact. I had to make sure I kept my frustration inside and not take it out on the person I was sparring. I realized the difference in the way other studios preform and teach, my studio follows the guidelines to teach me the correct way and I saw this in everything that was presented by Grogans Academy of Martial Arts. I looked good........ Quentin Ellsworth One of the many aspects I was very happy to experience at regionals was the commitment and energy coming from the participants. There was a focused, nervous energy that permeated the two day event. It not only seemed to make everything sharper and livelier, but also seemed to pull people together. During the tournament, it seemed so easy to chat with people whom you've never met before. Since there was the common bond of Soo Bahk Do, either you were chatting with a person of the same rank who was battling with the same things you are, or you were chatting with a senior who remembers being there. The energy was both inspiring and rejuvenating. Tim Renick WOW, what a weekend it was. – The Dan Shim Sa was awesome, Mr. Duvernell, & Mrs. Whiteford did an absolutely wonderful job. – Please be sure to congratulate them on their terrific performance.
The Championship (Tournament) was equally great. – Your performance, your great Moo Do attitude and your discipline were all great examples of the Moo Duk Kwan. – Thank you for being such a great example! Anne Renick The Regional Tournament was a lot of fun. I met some new friends there. Performing the forms and sparring was harder than I thought. I did my form with Daniel. I sparred someone from a different studio. He was pretty good. Even though I didn't get a trophy, I still tried my best. If you didn't get a trophy, you are still a winner for going to Regionals. The banquet was lots of fun, too. We got to hang out with our friends and we got to dance. Also, they had really good dessert. I can't wait to go to Regionals next year. Hopefully more people can come, too. Nolan Weber This whole experience was great! I was so happy to see all of my friends and so many other Soo Bahk Do participants. I was a little nervous but I feel I did my best. I was very happy to get 3rd place in sparring. What an accomplishment. After the tournament we had a lot of fun swimming in the pool and hanging out at the hotel. Overall, it was my best Soo Bahk Do experience. I can't wait until next year. Joey Wehner 5th Gup The Regional Tournament, as usual, was a wonderful experience for not only myself but the whole family. I enjoyed seeing and talking to friends I met at past tournaments as well as meeting new friends. The clinics were a great opportunity to learn from other instructors, the competitions were exciting and we all had a great time at the banquet. We are already looking forward to next year! I wish that all my friends would join Grogan's Academy of Martial Arts. The lessons are challenging but fun. I've really improved since my first lesson about two years ago. One of the best things happened April 30 - May 1 when several studio members went to the Regional Tournament in Matteson IL. I made a lot of new friends, got to compete in a sparring and forms competition, but most of all, I got to support my friends in the studio, and we had a great time together. Noah Eagle 5th Gup Regional Testimonial: Another regional event, another great experience. This year was a bit different for me, because I have achieved the rank of Dan which allowed me to participate in a Dan clinic, compete with other Dans, and judge other students. The two Dan clinics were both exciting and interesting, because I learned different ways to apply my technique. Later in the day (Friday), I demonstrated my Hyung (form) and Dae Ryun (sparring) in the 14-15 year old Dan division. The form I demonstrated is called Jin Do Hyung and it was ironic, because everyone else in my group did the same form as well. After I finished sparring and demonstrated my form, I placed first in sparring and second in forms. The next day (Saturday morning) was my first oppurtunity to judge and I felt a little nervous at first, because I was not quite sure how critical my judging should be on kids who are young and are a still pretty new to Soo Bahk Do, but eventaully I believed in my self and my scores reflected on that. In the end, I really enjoyed judging and I look forward to doing it in the future. The last event of regionals was the banquet which was really fun and the food was good. All in all, my fourth time at regionals was just as fun as the years in the past and I would like to continue participate in this event, because it allows a student to build confidence in front of an audience, and in front of different master instructors. Sincerely, Nathan Wilkening Participating in the Dan Shim Sa and testing for my first Dan rank promotion was a unique experience. I am left with a strong sense of accomplishments. I hope that everyone has the opportunity to participate someday. Dave D.
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