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...

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.