August 2013 Testing

On Friday, August 2nd American Taekwondo & Fitness held promotion testing for several advanced ranked belts.  Morgan Andersen successfully attained the rank of deputy black belt, and Toby Kinstler achieved the rank of senior red belt.  

Both martial artists were tested on the required material of poomse, free-sparring, self-defense, slow-motion kicking, and board breaking.  Morgan Andersen performed several board breaks consisting of a flying-spin-heel kick, back fist, and also the routine used at the TKD Nationals in Chicago.  Toby Kinstler broke his boards using a flying-turn-backside kick, and an elbow strike.  

Testing was presided over by Masters Henk Boese and John McCrackin.  Assisting with the test was Master Deverick Ohms, Master Davin Ohms, Drew Ohms, and Dan Andersen.  

After the test, the group met at Mr. Dan Andersen's house for a bonfire, pizza and drinks.  

Thank to Ohms Bros. photography for taking the pictures!

Master Instructor Seminar

On August 10, 2013, John McCrackin attended the Master Instructor Seminar in Stevens Point, WI.

I would like to extend a big 'thank you' to GrandMaster Robert Stevens for conducting this excellent seminar, and also to Master Stephen Decker and the Wisconsin Taekwondo Association for hosting this event.

The topics covered at this seminar included how to properly create respect, show rank, nurture students, training tips, and techniques to use at demonstrations.  Many of the things we learned we were already expected to know as higher ranking black belts, but were never officially taught.

This was a great opportunity to further my development as a master instructor, and I am very grateful to have attended this event.

2013 Taekwondo Nationals

In early July Morgan Andersen and Ian Griffin competed at the 2013 Taekwondo National Championships in Chicago at the McCormick Place.  They both previously competed at the Wisconsin Taekwondo Championships in May to qualify for Nationals - earning top medals in their divisions.  Morgan and Ian participated in the Forms, Board Breaking, and Free Sparring events.  Although neither athlete medaled in their events, they both fought very competitively against the top competitors in the nation.  Some of the highlights from the tournament include Ian's sudden death free-sparring match, and Morgan's spectacular board breaking routine that included gymnastic style breaks, and high-flying kicks.

 

American Taekwondo & Fitness is very proud of our athletes.  Months leading up the tournament Ian and Morgan were attending classes at the ATF up to 4 times a week in addition to private workouts on the weekend, while also following a rigorous workout schedule outside the dojang.  By July they were in top condition, and represented Wisconsin very well at the tournament.  

Both athletes were coached by 2nd dan black belt Dan Andersen.