Please join me in congratulating Mr. Michael Torchia for reaching 4th Dan in Tang Soo Do at the Ko Dan Ja Shim Sa held in Fayettevelle, NC last week.  The San Kil Tang Soo Do Ko Dan Ja Shim Sa is a grueling 4-day process that includes 12-hour training days, teaching evaluations, and extensive written, oral and physical examinations. Most importantly it's a test of leadership and character that ignites a fire within and challanges one to become a better instructor and role model.  The Shim Sa was administered by Kwan Jang Nim David Sgro with assistance from Kwan Jang Nim Steven Voelker and Sa Bom Nims Garth Charland and Jeff Galvin.  As a result of his performance at the Shim Sa Mr. Torchia was awarded a 4th Dan and Sa Bom (Master Instructor) certification.  Also promoting at this spring's Shim Sa were Sa Bom Nim Nick Coffman (5th Dan), Keith Beardsley, Phil Lawton, Ginnie Pajak, & Brian Nutter (all 4th Dan, Sa Bom).

Sa Bom Nim Torchia began his training along side me at the age of 6 in New London, CT.  We each tested and passed our Dan Shim Sa (black belt test) in 1991 shortly after Mike celebrated his 10th birthday.  I recall how impressed all of us were with his strength and determination at such an early age; something his father (a US Army Green Beret) had no doubt instilled in him.  He and I tested side-by-side for both 2nd and 3rd Dan tests.  I've watched him grow into the strong man and fine role model he is today.  I'm extremely proud of his most recent accomplishment and I look forward to continuing our training together for many years to come.
 
Congratulations Sa Bom Nim Torchia!
 
Gup Shim Sa #18 06/05/2010
 
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There's more new COLOR in the school! We are pleased to announce the promotion of 19 Tang Soo Do students who left it all on the floor during two 2-hr tests yesterday.  We graduated two our our Team Turtle Students, Alex H. and Cole B., into the Jr Kicks program.  They rocked the house with their Team Turtle forms demonstration!  In addition, one student was recognized for standing out among his peers and really impressing the instructors with his fantastic stances and knowledge. Noah J. shined and is our newest OCKicks MVP!  Way to go Noah!
 
 
Check out what the OC Register has to say about the Karate Kid EXPERIENCE at http://www.ocregister.com/news/karate-251473-kid-martial.html.  Join us June 12th for a private screening at 9:30am and receive VIP treatment at the EXPERIENCE.  Visit www.RSMKarateKid.com for complete details!
 
 
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'Your focus needs more focus'
Shi Sun (시선): Attention or “sight/line.” Line of Sight (physical); Focus (mental) &  Intentness (spirit).

The underlying theme of many of our classes in May was Shi Shun. You should recall your instructors asking you to improve your focus in class.  In the upcoming movie, the Karate Kid, Mr. Han tells young Dre that "your focus needs more focus!"  Where you focus your visual attention (shi sun) communicates many things.  Shi Sun is the terminology we use for eye focus but Shi Sun is more than that.  Shi Sun demonstrates your mental focus, intensity and commitment.  If the eyes are the windows to the soul then Shi Sun reflects your level of confidence, courage and centeredness.  Shi Sun reflects your inner dedication and focus to staying on target.  When you visualize conquering a challenge or overcome a hardship you are actively engaging Shi Sun.
 
 
Memorial Day
We wish all of our students, their families and our friends a happy and safe Memorial Day Weekend.  Please take time to say "thank you" to the men and women that you see this weekend who serve for our freedom and safety.

"Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty." - John F. Kennedy
 
 
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Kyo Sa Torchia & Grand Master Estioko
Congratulations to Kyo Sa Nim Torchia for repeating as the Mens Sparring Grand Champion at the 8th Battle of LA on May 29th!  And congratulations to the other 17 OCKicks competitors who all received medals in at least one event that they entered.  Although the holiday weekend made for a smaller tournament than normal the level of competition was still quite high and we're proud of everyone for rising to the challenge.
 
 
From all of us at Orange County School of Martial Arts | OCKicks - Happy Mothers Day!  We hope you all had fun in class yesterday with your kids and that you felt a little more empowered after smashing through that board!  If it weren't for you, well, let's face it, we wouldn't be here. And we wouldn't have received such sage advice as:
  • Don't make that face or it'll freeze in that position.
  • Be careful or you'll put your eye out.
  • What if everyone jumped off a cliff? Would you do it, too?
  • You have enough dirt behind those ears to grow potatoes!
  • I hope that when you grow up, you have kids "Just Like you"! (aka the "Mother's Curse").
  • If you fall out of that tree and break your leg, don't come running to me.
  • Bored! How can you be bored? I was never bored at your age.
  • Just wait till your father gets home.
And of course:
  • It doesn't matter what you accomplish, I'll always be proud of you.
Thanks for always believing in us Mom!

Sincerely, 

Larry, Mike, Matt & (fellow mom) Kendra 
Orange County School of Martial Arts | OCKicks
 
 
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On  Saturday May 1st we held our Spring Red Belt Test.  We are extremely proud of the efforts of our 11 candidates who demonstrated the fire associated with the belt.  Our theme in April was In Neh, the Korean word for endurance.  Our new red belts showed endurance, perseverance and indomitable spirit with their efforts during their test.  Congratulations to you all!
 
In Neh (인내) 05/01/2010
 
Last month the underlying theme behind many of our lessons was In Neh which is Korean for endurance.  Sa Bom Nim Gilliland defined endurance as "the ability for the body to keep going when tired."  He further defined perseverence as "the ability for the mind to push the body when tired."  Lastly, he explained that indomitable spirit is the unyeilding character or will that demonstrates enduring perserverence.  It is that special quality (spirit) that makes you unique.  These definitions clearly tie-in the concept of In Neh to body, mind and spirit. It is important in your martial arts training to recognize the connection and train in a way that challanges you to improve your own stamina on all 3 levels.
 
A Note of Thanks 04/30/2010
 
When I first started my training a little over a year ago I felt an immediate satisfaction, but Tang Soo Do has grown into a very deep passion of mine. There isn’t an aspect of my training that I don’t enjoy and look forward to every training session, no matter how worn out I might be from the rigors of my work. I tend to be quiet when I step into our Dojang (a place of great reverence for me); I come in with focus and with a sense of purpose. I place high expectations on myself, in that I want to work and grow to be the best that I can be. I’m kind of an “All In or Nothing” kind of guy, and I give it everything I have when I step onto the floor. It is a goal of mine to ultimately become the best product that comes out our Dojang.