Monday, July 21, 2008

July 12, 2008 Advancement Test














On July 12, 2008 we held our third test since 2005. Four students tested for their yellow belts Benjamin Schade, Gavin Robinson, Emma Slocum, and Ian Alexander. I (John Skroski) tested for my brown belt. Sabumnim Jeff Vanoudenhove 4th dan travelled up from MA again and brought a friend. I was very surprised when I saw Bill Daigle a black belt in Tae Kwon Do and a current practitioner of Go Ju Ryu Karate and Kobudo weapons. I trained with Bill when I started taking Tae Kwon Do in Easthampton, MA back in the mid 1980's. The test was long and hard but we all made it. The four white belts were proudly promoted to yellow belt. I earned my brown belt which was quite a personal accomplishment as I last tested for red belt in 1989 (19 years ago). Well needles to say the next day I could barely roll out of bed! I am very thankful for the all the effort everyone gave. I much appreciative of the time that Jeff and Bill gave to help our program move forward. After the test Jeff started to teach my first new form needed for advancement to 1st dan Chulgi 1. We then went out to Spinney's in Popham for dinner. What a great day!



Tee Shirt Car Wash Fundraiser June 2008




We held a car wash/bake sale fundraiser at the Fire Department to help our class purchase tee shirts. Many parents were concerned because the weather was light rain and gloomy skies. We didn't cancel and persevered. In the end we washed many cars and sold plenty of baked goods. Our class raised $353.00. All the kids who participated in the car wash will get a free shirt when they come in. Good team work guys and gals!

June Class at Popham Beach





In June with the permission of Popham Beach Park Manager Brian Murray we held a class on the sandy beach. The weather was beautiful and it was great work out. I think some of the students found it more difficult work out on sand than on a hard wood floor! We broke a pile of boards which the class had fun with!

April 19th 2008 Advancement Test

















On April 19th 2008 Phippsburg Tae Kwon Do - Chung Do Kwan held its second advancement test since the start of the program in Phippsburg in 2005. Sabumnim Jeff Vanoudenhove 4th Dan of Chicopee, MA travelled up to conduct the three hour test. Three yellow belts were testing for green belt Mikey Macaloney, Truman Slocum, and Zechariah Thomas. Three other students were testing for yellow belts Justin Collander, Andrew Schade, and Christine Skroski. They all worked extra hard and earned their belts. Some of the students had been studying for a couple of years to earn their belts. I am very proud of their efforts and look forward to working with each student on their new forms, three steps, advanced basics, and sparring. Good Job!
John