January Karate/Tang Soo Do Newsletter
January 3, 2025
January 2025
A Person is Great Not because they haven’t Failed, a Person is Great because Failure hasn’t Stopped Them
– Confucius (paraphrased)
Happy New Year 2025
Accept Everything just the way it Is – Miyamoto Musashi
December’s Outstanding Students
Chestertown
Leader of the Month – Faith Frase
Student of the Month – Martin Silva
Most Spirited Student – Leo Rodriquez
Easton
Leader of the Month – Kristyn Young
Student of the Month – Samuel Mediola-Toribio
Most Spirited Student – Santos Lendechy
Happy Birthday – January!
생일 축하 Saeng-Il Chuga
Audrey Pope – January 08th
Hannah Morris – January 19th
Maya Gupta – January 19th
Everett Cassese – January 27th
Leadership Program
Do You think you have what it takes to be a Leader?
Whether you are from Easton or Chestertown, the January 18 Leadership Clinic at 1:30 PM at the Easton Do Jang is Open to anyone who wishes to Join our Leadership Team.
Come and train with our existing Leaders, and Learn what it is like to be a part of something Exciting and FUN!
Did you know that our Leaders earn Service Learning Hours for their Training and Assistance?
Talk to SBN Mark Pagano, SBN KT Pagano, Kyo Sa Nim Marvel and/or Sa Bom Nim Campbell about Joining the Team in 2025!
Every Day is a New Opportunity to Think Positive and Change Your Life – Unknown
Leaders Exemplify through Action and Uplift through Inspiration. – Master Mark Pagano
Belt Tests and Promotions
- Belt (Gup) Testing: Next Opportunity January 18, 2025.
Tang Soo Do Terminology
Yu Jang: From the Heart
Your Martial Arts Training must come from the Heart, for then it is Truly Learned and Engrained in You, bringing Body and Mind Together.
Moo Duk Kwan: Organization or “Military” of brotherhood in training to prevent inner and outer conflict.
Moo = Military
Duk = Knowledge
Kwan = School
Yong Gi: Courage
Integrity involves the Ability to Engage in Ethically Correct Behavior, Regardless of External Pressures, and is an Integral Part of Character. Character is How You Treat Those who can Do Nothing for You.
T-Shirts, Sweatpants and Hoodies
Order Deadline Extended to Thursday January 09:
- Sport Grey Pullover Hoodie
- Sport Grey Zippered Hoodie
- Sport Grey Sweatpants
All with Navy ink (photos on sign-up list)
Also, we still have just a few Extra Navy T-Shirts, so check with SBN Pagano about available sizes! (2X-2; YS-1)
Thank You for sporting your Pride in your Martial Arts and your Karate Schools!
Tang Soo!!!
Steel will Never become a Sword without First getting Burned and Beaten – Warrior Wisdom
Winter/Spring Tournament/Fun Dates
- January 29th – Lunar New Year: Year of the Snake
- February – Bring-A-Buddy Month
- February 9-15: Random Acts of Kindness Week
- Parent’s Night Out: Valentine’s Day (would you be interested?)
- March 1st – Chesapeake Bay Invitational
- March 29th – Garden State Championships
- May 2nd and 3rd – CS Kim Karate National Championships
- May 16 – Picture Day in Easton
- May 17 – Picture Day in Chestertown
Basic Tang Soo Do Etiquette
- Upon Arrival at the Do Jang the Students must acknowledge and Bow to the Master and Senior Instructor in charge.
- Proper Respect should be displayed by the mutual bowing between students as they arrive for training. The “greeting” should be initiated by the junior member and acknowledged by the senior member.
Allow Yourself to be Proud of the Progress You have Made…Especially the Progress No One Else can See.
The 5 Pyeong Ahn forms are generally referred to as THE “Calm and Comfortable” Forms
Pyeong평 = Well Balanced, Calm, Peaceful
Ahn 안 = Safe, Confident, Comfortable
“It is Important to Remain Calm During the Storm”
“The Calm within the Storm is where Peace Lives and Breathes”
“When you come Out of the Storm, You Won’t be the same Person that Walked In. That’s what the Storm is All About.” – Haruki Murakami
Pyeong평 = Well Balanced, Calm, Peaceful
Ahn 안 = Safe, Confident, Comfortable
Climb the Mountain…not so that the World can see you, but so that you can see the World.
To ALL who Enter this Do Jang
KEEP your Hearts and Minds OPEN…
Then, You shall be OPEN to the Teachings, in whichever Form they may come!
The Best Fighter is Someone who never has to Fight because they Control the Situation. – Bruce Lee
Chesapeake Bay Invitational
Saturday March 1st , 2025
Hosted at Synergy Martial Arts. Co-Hosted by Phoenix Martial Arts
This Tournament is a Great way to break into Competition and begin to understand Tournaments in general!
Competition Divisions consist of:
Forms Breaking
Sparring Weapons
Competitors are further divided and matched up by age and rank, within each competition category.
Rules for Judging are explained before each event.
Medals are awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd Place!
This is a Fantastic first experience and a Great way to practice for All Tournaments!
Chesapeake Bay Invitational, Hosted at Synergy Martial Arts
1360 Blair Drive, Odenton, MD 21113
Check-In: 9:00 AM Start Time: 10:00 AM
The martial artist in me will show through in this…
I Value: Loyalty, Honesty, Respect, Courage, Humor, Engagement, Love
Tang Soo Do Terminology
The 5 Pyeong Ahn forms are generally referred to as THE “Calm and Comfortable” Forms
Did you know that our Forms/Hyung have an animal representation for each?
Gi Cho “Basic” = Tiger
Pyeong Ahn “Calm and Comfortable” = Turtle
Pal Che “Storm the Fortress” = Snake/Serpent
Keema “Knight on Horse” = Horse
Sip Soo “10 Hands” = Bear
I could go on, but it is More fun to save some others for their appropriate Time/Rank.
February is Bring-A-Buddy Month
In the Spirit of Sharing and Togetherness, ALL of February is Bring-A-Buddy/Referral Month!
ITF 2025 World Championships
July 24-27 in Washington DC
Grand Hyatt Washington Hotel
1000 H Street NW
This is, simply put, an AMAZING Weekend of Training, Competition and Togetherness with our Worldwide Tang Soo Do Family!
It is impossible to put into words the Excitement, the Sense of Unity and the Experiences gained from attending a World Championship!
Training Seminars for ALL Ranks.
Watch the Masters Test and Re-Certify.
Engage in Training and Competition with Martial Artists from ALL Over the World!
You must go to Understand!
United States, United Kingdom, Wales, Portugal, Germany, Mexico, Panama, Chile, Argentina
Book your Rooms NOW!
https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/group-booking/WASGH/G-ITS5
There are 2 Main Reasons for Failing in Karate:
- You didn’t Learn the Lesson you were Taught.
- You didn’t Practice the Lesson you were Taught.
- Prince Loeffler, Karate Viewpoints
Private Lessons
Did you know that we offer Private Lessons, on Zoom or In-Person?
If you are not getting to the scheduled classes enough, or maybe want some extra attention, or maybe you want extra help preparing for that next Belt Test! Private lessons are a Great way to stay up to speed on, and Improve your skills!
Lessons are given in 20-minute or 30-minute blocks, with any of our Instructors.
Contact Sa Bom Nim for schedules and pricing!
Snow/Weather Policy
Although it is recommended that we follow the school district’s decisions concerning school and activity closures, we use them as a guideline and not an absolute. That said, we encourage you to make your own decisions for safety’s sake and we respect your choices. With all scenarios, we will make a determination by 2:30/3:00 PM an any given day when there is snow/ice in the forecast, and send out a confirmation e-mail, as well as post on our Facebook pages.
- In the event of snow over night, but tapering off throughout the day, resulting in a school delay of up to 2 hours, we will likely maintain a normal schedule.
- In the event of active snow causing School District Closures and the canceling of extra-curricular activities/sports, we will follow the school district’s lead and cancel classes.
- In the event of a prior day’s snow, causing icy conditions for morning travel, a decision will be made based on how weather conditions progress throughout the day, and how well the roads clear.
- In the event of snow beginning late in the day and not giving us adequate response time, please use your best judgement regarding your safety.
In most cases, the e-mail will be sent by 2:30/3:00 PM to provide as much notice as possible to you, and to give us all a chance to make the safest decision possible. Also, look for updates on our Facebook page.
Regardless of what decisions are made on our part, even if we decide to open for a normal, or a modified schedule, please remember that your safety, and that of your child, are most important to us. Use your best judgement for you, and your safe travel considerations.
Thank You!
DRINK WATER!
In the WINTER you NEED to maintain your water intake! It is all too easy to become dehydrated in the Chaotic Changing Weather and Heat running constantly in the Home, School or Business!
HOW MUCH SHOULD I DRINK?!
Simple: (your body weight) ÷ 2 = the fluid ounces of water you should drink in a typical day Example- 160 lbs. ÷ 2 = 80 oz. of water/day. This should be a minimum amount for a training day and this number should increase on the days you know exercise is in your schedule! PLEASE STAY HYDRATED!
Black Belt = Persistence, Hard Work, Discipline, Sacrifice, Practice, Soreness, Failure, Doubts, Risks, Pain, Self-Esteem, Respect, and Accomplishments.
DON’T FORGET – KEEP CONSISTENT WITH YOUR SCHEDULE!
Make a schedule – keep a schedule – GET TO CLASS!
Winter Scheduling is difficult! The weather is COLD/WET!, Winter sports/activities and Vacations, ALL makes it hard to get to class and keep up with requirements and keep in shape. If we stop to think about it for a minute, it becomes clear that the discipline and focus we gain from attending class will HELP all the rest of our activities and commitments fall into place! AND, the benefit from consistency is well worth it! Do your best to set a schedule, and then…KEEP IT!
Martial Arts training is the perfect cross-training for ANY sport! It enhances your reactions, helps to keep the muscles healthy and strong, and improves our endurance. The Focus gained keeps your mind sharp and helps your Academics. And physical activity also helps with better, more fulfilling sleep. Make it simple, make a schedule and then keep it – for you and your Family!
Ask Sa Bom Nim Anything
What am I supposed to do during Meditation?
Meditation at the beginning of class should be used to quietly prepare your mind for the training ahead. Acknowledge any thoughts from your day, but quickly let go of them to make room for the knowledge you are about to gain.
Meditation at the end of class is the opportunity to reflect on what you learned in class. Try to think of what new understandings you have of techniques you have practiced multiple times (even Low Block) and try to remind yourself of any new concepts experienced during training.
How long should Meditation be at the beginning and end of class?
The length of meditation is a very variable thing, but for the purposes of having sufficient time to train, while still being able to achieve what was outlined above…a minimum of 3 very deep diaphragmatic breaths is a good goal. A deep breath should last roughly 10-12 seconds (4-5 seconds of slow inhalation, hold your breath for 1-2 seconds, 4-5 seconds of slow exhalation). Three deep breaths should last at least 30-45 seconds.
Shi Sun: Focus – of eyes or direction of line of sight
Successful People aren’t Gifted, They Just Work Hard
January/February – Clinics/Events
January 02, 2025 – Classes Resume with Regular Schedule
January 04 – Weapons Clinic at 1:00 PM (both schools)
January 10 – JUDO Clinic in Chestertown
January 18 – Belt Testing in Easton at 10:00 AM
January 18 – Leadership Clinic in Easton at 1:00 PM
January 24 – TBA
January 25 – Black Belt Training in Chestertown at 1:00 PM
January 31 – Tournament Practice ALL Classes
February 01 – Weapons Clinic at 1:00 PM
February 07 – JUDO Clinic in Easton
February 08 – Tournament Practice at 1:00 PM
February 14 – TBA
February 15 – Belt Testing in Chestertown at 10:00 AM
February 15 – Leadership Clinic in Chestertown at 1:00 PM
February 21 – Tournament Practice ALL Classes
February 22 – Black Belt Training in Chestertown at 1:00 PM
February 28 – Tournament Practice ALL Classes
March 01 – Chesapeake Bay Invitational Tournament
March 07 – JUDO Clinic in Chestertown
March 08 – Tournament Practice at 1:00 PM
March 14 – TBA
March 15 – Belt Testing in Easton at 10:00 AM
March 15 – Leadership Clinic in Easton Following the Test
March 21 – TBA
March 22 – Black Belt Training in Chestertown at 1:00 PM
March 28 – Tournament Practice ALL Classes
March 29 – Garden State Championships: Woodbury NJ
**Tentative Schedule, check weekly updates to confirm clinics/workshops**
**Dates MAY and often DO Change. We will keep you informed
**Beyond this point, NO Guarantees on Schedule Accuracy (It can/will change)
Black Belt is a White Belt who Never Gave Up!
Just Don’t Quit!
About the Author: phoenixpersonalfitness
