Gup Shim Sa #20 10/02/2010
 
There's more new COLOR in the school! We are pleased to announce the promotion of 6 Tang Soo Do students in Gup Shim Sa #20! The test preceded our open house and challenged a small group of students who showed a large amount of energy and enthusiasm, highlighted by Blake Evans who promoted to 4th Gup Green Belt.


4th Gup Green
Blake Evans

7th Gup Orange
Jake Kuta

9th Gup Orange
Derrick Burton

Gold/Blue
Alexandra Hamm, Cole Burke, Lucas DeMarco
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Check out A Letter to Parents on our FAQ tab. It was written by Tom Callos, 6th Dan Master instructor and student of Master Ernie Reyes Sr.

"The magic that forms in the long term relationship between a martial arts teacher and his or her students makes them an incredibly valuable, but all too often unacknowledged, part of 'the village' that can help raise your child to be confident, self-disciplined, resilient, and resourceful."

Evidence of this spirit is seen in the video taken during Cho Dan examination in end of December 2008 at JKS Honbu Dojo, Tokyo, Japan. Showing part of the kihon techniques required for black belt - demonstrated by a 6 year old boy and a 7 year old girl - they both passed. The patience, persistence, persuasiveness and skill of their instructor combined with their commitment and that of their parents is evident in these kids' actions. Join our instructors as we endeavor to bring out the very best in you and/or your child at OCKicks.

Tang Soo!
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The dojang was sweltering Thursday night, not because of the unseasonably warm weather but because of the tremendous effort displayed by our Jr Kicks in the fall "Just for Kicks" in-school tournament.  For some of our students it was their first ever tournament and we're proud of the courage they demonstrated.  And now for the results...
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Focus is an important part of martial arts and life.  Lessons you learn in martial arts can often be expanded and applied to everyday challanges. We want your martial arts experience to transcend beyond the walls of the dojang.   This month we offer some well written advice on focus, exerpts from "The Power of Less" by Leo Babauta.

“Always remember, your focus determines your reality.” - Qui-Gon to Anakin, Star Wars Episode I

The quote above, as cheesy as George Lucas’ writing often is, contains a nugget of Jedi wisdom that I’ve repeatedly found to be true.

Your focus determines your reality.

It’s something we don’t think about much of the time, but give it some consideration now:
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by Chanel Collins, 3rd Gup

"Annyeonghaseyo!" All around me the unfamiliar greeting rings out as I step off into sweltering heat I've never felt before, and instantly I know I'm in for an abrupt culture shock. It's hard to breathe because of the dense, overpowering moisture surrounding me and my skin feels like its burning off, but I can't take my eyes off of my new surroundings. I've been up for more than 24 hours and am now in a strange land being told to board a bus after an exhausting day. I can't read any signs, I've just been handed "won" which apparently is very abundant (1,000 won is roughly equal to $1 US dollar), and suddenly it hits me that I'm not in America anymore. Not in the slightest. Not even if I closed my eyes could I pretend that this land was familiar. South Korea has a wild, magnificent spirit all of its own.
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There's more new COLOR in the school! We are pleased to announce the promotion of 16 Tang Soo Do students in Gup Shim Sa #19 Part Duex! Our students who were re-testing in this make-up test impressed SBN Gilliland with the great progress they've made.
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Sa Bom Nim Mike Torchia proudly announces the promotion of Team Turtle students at a ceremony on August 18th. Please join us in congratulating the following individuals.

Team Turtle Double Green
Ethan Diaz

Team Turtle Double Orange
Ayden Elsasser

Team Turtle Orange
Tommy Marks

Team Turtle Double Gold
Brennan Hill

Team Turtle Gold
Parker O'Conner
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Yong Gi
This month we'll discuss one of the 8 Key Concepts of Tang Soo Do: Yong 용 Gi 기 (Brave/Energy).  Yong Gi is likely the most frequently discussed concept in any martial arts school or curriculum.  It is the first in the list of the 8 Key Concepts and is an expression of Shim Gung (spiritual energy); thus it's application can be challenging to demonstrate and discuss.
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Gup Shim Sa #19 07/31/2010
 
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There's more new COLOR in the school! We are pleased to announce the promotion of 14 Tang Soo Do students who left it all on the floor during two 2-hr tests this weekend.  One of our Team Turtle Students, Asher A., went for the GOLD by graduating into the Jr Kicks program.  And once again one student was recognized for standing out head and shoulders above the rest with his extraordinary power and focus. Caden C. captured his SECOND OCKicks MVP!  Way to go Caden!
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We wish you and your family a very happy and healthy 4th of July!  Since school is out for the summer, let's remind our kids that Independence Day is more than a chance for family and friends to gather for barbecues and fireworks displays, it is an annual celebration to commemorate the courage and faith of our founding fathers in their pursuit of liberty.  Let's remind ourselves that there are still courageous men an women serving in our stead who continue to fight for our freedom...
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