LINDALE, TX – A select group of Master Instructors and a Master’s candidate from New York, Alabama, Florida, Ohio and Texas recently attended the 4th Annual Ko Dan Ja (Master’s Training) held by the United Tang Soo Do Association. This unique group of martial arts masters, men and women ranging in rank from 3rd to 7th degree black belt, came together on April 5- 8,for advanced training. The three day event was by invitation only and included physical and mental training, networking and social time.
The event began on Thursday evening with a Meet the Masters classes at host Sr. Master Chad Adams school Texas Tang Soo Do Academy. Grandmaster Kevin Case lead the students in Tang Soo Do techniques and forms. Sr. International Master Carole Smith introduced for the first time in Texas “ASK MOM FIRST” which is a program she created with escape techniques that children of any age can use. The attending parents were very impressed with the program!
Friday was filled with day long advanced Black Belt training with GM Case and SIM Smith leading high level Tang Soo Do forms, sparring and self defense techniques. GM Case introduced “The Smarter Dojang”, a scoresheet highlighting 8 key areas for school owners to improve their student retention, new student acquisition and increasing sales. In the evening the Masters participated in a Gup promotion exam at Sr. Master Adams school.
Saturday began with GM Case leading the group in KiGong which is ancient circulatory, respiratory, and Ki-energy exercise for holistic health and well being. GM Case and SIM Smith provided advanced instruction in advanced forms, weapons and Kyuck Pa (breaking). SIM Smith provided instruction on how to teach her “ASK MOM FIRST” program. The day also included group discussions on Tang Soo Do etiquette and “The Smarter Dojang” program.
Sr. Master Adams opened his home to the Master’s group and select Sr. Black belts from his Dojang on Saturday night for for an evening of social time, pizza and pay-per-view MMA.
The event ended with a closing ceremony on Sunday after Kigong exercise and group photos. We said our farewells and look forward to next year’s event in Lake Worth, FL.
