October Newsletter
October 4, 2026
05 October 2026
Chestertown and Easton
Regular Class Schedule Monday through Thursday
- Friday 10/09: Regular Classes in Chestertown Only
- Friday 10/09: ITF Master’s, School Owner’s and Instructor’s Meeting at ITF HQ
- Saturday 10/10:
- ITF Master’s, Instructor’s and Black Belts Training
- Master’s and Instructor’s Testing
A Person is Great Not because they haven’t Failed, a Person is Great because Failure hasn’t Stopped Them
– Confucius (paraphrased)
Weekly Outstanding Students
Chestertown
Leader of the Week – Hailey Dawson
Student of the Week – Chippi Cornell
Tang Soo Spirit of the Week – Isla Andres
Easton
Leader of the Week – Kayden Cameron
Student of the Week – Josh Stockhausen
Tang Soo Spirit of the Week – Darren McCready
Skill is Created by the Habits that We Keep. – Unknown
Standard Terminology
Taken from the pages or our Student Handbook
Do Bok – Training Uniform.
Korean Word of the Week
By BKS Faith
Word: 믿음 (mi-deum) Faith/Trust.
Phrase: 믿고 도와줘요 (mid-go do-wa-jwo-yo)
Trust and Help Each Other.
Diving Deeper: Martial arts teaches us that progress doesn’t happen overnight. There may be techniques we struggle with, days when we feel tired and unmotivated, and moments when we wonder if we are actually improving or not. This is when we have to learn to trust the process. To trust the instructors that guide us, our fellow students who challenge and encourage us, and most importantly, to learn to trust ourselves enough to keep going when things become difficult. To not give up, but to have faith that we can push through and reach our goals. Trust is one of the foundations of a strong martial arts community. We train together, challenge each other, and push each other up to become better. When we pair up, we are trusting each other to practice in a safe environment. This happens when we practice ho sin sul, il soo sik, sparring, still man drills, and even holding targets for our partners. This becomes especially important for the higher ranks when we practice at closer distances while also making sure to fully extend our arms or legs. We need to strike with speed and power whole remaining accurate and controlled. Our partners are trusting us to get close to the target without actually hitting them. We should never have to worry about being punched in the face or being hit so hard you can’t breathe. Having the ability to strike with power is important, but having the control to stop that power is just as important. When someone trusts us to train with them, we have a responsibility to respect and keep that trust. On the mat we learn to trust others, through training we learn to trust ourselves, and in life we learn to have faith in the journey.
Challenge: Try to use the Phrase of the Week at the 도장 (Do Jang)! 가족! Thank You! Tang Soo!!!
A dojo (Do Jang) is an arena of confined conflict where we confront an opponent who is not an opponent, but rather a partner engaged in helping us understand ourselves more fully. – Joe Hyams
Advanced Testing
Fantastic Test!!! Everyone looked so Good… Focused, Strong, and Great Tang Soo Do Spirit!
We are very impressed with the progress of our advanced students, and their abilities. Keep Going!
We look forward to announcing the results for Everyone, and the change in Rank for some of our Amazing Bu Kyo Sa’s!
Tang Soo!!!
Students are a Reflection of their Teachers. – Kousaku Yokota
Belt Tests and Promotions – Lists Are Posted
- Promotions for Gup: Easton – Wednesday 30 September 2026 went Great! We are so proud of All of our students and the progress that they are making! Tang Soo!!
- Fall ITF Black Belt Training and Kyo Sa Nim Testing and Instructors Meeting: October 9/10 in Monroeville, PA
- Master’s Fall Training and Testing: October 9/10 in Monroeville, PA
- Fall Advanced Test: Saturday October 17 in Odenton, MD
- Gup Test in Chestertown: Saturday October 24 at 10:00 AM
- Gup Test in Easton: Saturday November 14 at 10:00 AM
Personal Training and Fitness Class Update
Due to unforeseen circumstances, there has been a postponement for the closing/purchase of Fit Flock. We will update you once we are able to provide clear information.
Don’t Chase the Belt. Chase the Skill. – Unknown
Fall 2026 Master’s Testing
Friday October 9 at 6:00 PM
School Owners, Masters and Instructors Meeting
Saturday October 10 at 9:00 AM
All Black Belts and Masters Training Seminar
Saturday October 10 at 1:30 PM
Masters Recertifications and Rank Testing
Kyo Sa Nim Testing
School Owners, Masters and Instructors are required to attend an Annual Training Seminar and Complete a Re-Certification Test, much like other professionals who attend conferences for continuing education credits. These opportunities are generally offered twice each year, but the big gathering for us takes place at every World Championship.
All of our Masters and Instructors will be attending this seminar.
Tang Soo!!!
The Results You Want come with Discipline – Unknown
October – Clinics/Events
October 09 – ITF Master’s Training – Monroeville, PA
October 10 – ITF Master’s Training/Testing – Monroeville, PA
October 16 – JUDO Clinics in Chestertown
October 17 – Advanced Testing in Odenton, MD
October 23 – Weapons Clinics during Advanced Classes
October 24 – Color Belt Test in Chestertown 10:00 AM
October 30 – Halloween Costume Class and Party (No Glitter, please)
October 31 – Halloween Parade in Chestertown
Just Don’t Quit!
October 2026
Tomorrow’s Battle is Won during Today’s Practice.
Happy Birthday – October!
Alexis Jamar – October 04th
Luna Bailey – October 07th
Kratos Boglioli – October 08th
Adam Jamar – October 09th
SBN Stephen Marvel – October 13th
Kaleb Hill – October 17th
Niko Young – October 20th
Liam Smith – October 20th
Colton Dixon – October 21st
Evan Lane – October 27th
Elijah Battcock – October 28th
Ethan Otton – October 28th
Luke Delph – October 29th
September’s Outstanding Students
Chestertown
Leader of the Month – Hailey Dawson
Student of the Month – Luna Bailey
Most Spirited Student – Kaleb Hill
Easton
Leader of the Month – LeRoy Pope
Student of the Month – Trinity DeShields
Most Spirited Student – Shay McCready
Don’t Explain Your Philosophy. Embody It. – Epictetus
October is National Bullying Prevention Month
One of the Best ways to Prevent bullying is by Improving our Children’s Confidence and Self-Esteem.
Regardless of age, Statistics show that people who exhibit Self-Confidence are less likely to be Bullied and people with Low Self-Esteem are more likely to Be Bullies. Martial Arts training can be a Key Factor Preventing and Deflecting Bullying, and in improving our Mental and Physical Health by:
- Providing Stress Relief
- Providing Purpose
- Providing Physical and Mental Exercise
- Teaching Emotional Regulation
- Improving Self-Esteem
- Setting Us on a Path of Personal Development
Halloween Parties – Parade
Pot-Luck Sign-Up Lists are Posted!
Please No Glitter!!!
- Easton Halloween Class/Party: Friday 10/30 5:30 PM
Show us your Costume and Have a Spooky Fun Time!!!
- Chestertown Halloween Class/Party: Friday 10/30 5:30 PM
Chestertown Halloween Parade Saturday 10/31, Time at TBA
Currently, we do not have a truck/trailer to ride on and decorate as a Float. The Plan is that we will walk the parade route as a group.
You Need 3 Daily Wins
- A Physical Win: Walking, Running, Swimming, Exercise…
- A Mental Win: Reading, Writing, Creating, Learning…
- A Spiritual Win: Praying, Meditating, Studying, Gowing…
Be A Complete Winner – Unknown
…Tang Soo Do Covers ALL of these!
Fall/Winter Tournament/Fun Dates
- October 1-30: Bring-A-Buddy Month
- October 25: Fall Fest at Red Acres (to be confirmed)
- October 30: Halloween Parties at Both Schools
- October 31: Halloween Parade in Chestertown
- November 07: CS Kim Karate Inter-School Tournament in Monroeville, PA
- November 20/21: Master Ketchen Tournament in Buffalo NY
- December: Holiday Parties/Belt Promotions
- Easton Friday December 18 at 5:30 PM
- Chestertown Saturday December 19 at 12:00 Noon
I don’t train in Tang Soo Do because I am afraid…
I train in Tang Soo Do because it makes me a Better Person. – Unknown
Do Jang Rules
Rule #1: Leave your Ego at the Door
Rule #2: See Rule # 1
Rule #3: A Clean Do Bok shows Respect for Yourself and
your Do Jang
Rule #4: On our Mat, we Bow, we Listen, and we Lift Each
Other UP
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!
Just Don’t Quit!
About the Author: phoenixpersonalfitness
