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.  

Class Schedule Change

There will be no Saturday classes between Memorial Day and Labor Day.  May 25th will be last Saturday class before summer and will start up again on September 7th.

Wisconsin State Taekwondo Championships

On Saturday May 4th, Morgan Andersen and Ian Griffin competed in the first annual Wisconsin State Taekwondo Championships in Middleton, WI. Both athletes did exceptionally well and American Taekwondo & Fitness - Eau Claire is very proud of their performance. 

Morgan competed in the red belt bracket and was awarded 2 gold medals and one silver in Poomse (Taegeuk Chil Jang), Boardbreaking (spinning backfist & tornado roundkick), and freesparring.

Ian competed in the green/blue belt bracket and was awarded 3 gold medals in poomse (Taegeuk Som Jang), boardbreaking (dashing sidekick & tornado roundkick), and freesparring.

A special 'thank you' to Master Stephen Decker and the Wisconsin Taekwondo Association for organizing and hosting the tournament. The event was well organized, and all the competitors seemed to be really enjoying the day. We look forward to next year's tournament, and appreciate the efforts towards a unified Wisconsin taekwondo community.