Author: Master Dufour

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Fall ITF Master’s & Black Belt Seminar Recertification & Promotion Update

Fall All Masters and Black Belts Seminar and Examination (Woodlands, TX)
Friday, November 8
Location:           Ince Karate (8000 Research Forest Dr., STE 165, The Woodlands, TX 77382)
6-7:30pm           Judge/Referee Seminar – New Certification & Recertification (bring whistle, arm band and card)
7:30-8:30pm    School Administration & Operations Seminar

Saturday, November 9
Location:          Crossview Church (5148 FM 1388 Magnolia, TX 77354)
8:30am-12pm Masters Seminar (4th Dan & Up)
12:30pm            Masters Exam & Recertification

3-6pm                Black Belt Seminar (Cho Dan – Sam Dan)
6:30pm             Black Belt Exam, Recertification, Kyo Sa & Jr Kyo Sa Exam

You may register online using the ITF website or see Master DuFour for paperwork to send to the ITF Headquarters.  Deadline to register is November 1st.  Accommodations are available at Courtyard Houston, The Woodlands (1020 Lake Front Circle, The Woodlands, TX 77380, phone: 281-292-3262)

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Family

It’s funny that when you are a kid, you can’t wait to grow up and get on your own. As an adult, you would do anything to go back to be together again. Life goes on and we create our own families.Some families are together while others are split. No matter the current condition it is still a family. My encouragement for all of us this week is to be the best possible parent, husband, wife, son, daughter, etc. Strive to be be more patient, kind and loving in our household.

Let’s face it, we can’t go back. All we can do is make wonderful memories with our family now. Someday our children will yearn to return to their childhood too. They will realize it’s about making it better for their children.

This week, be present and make time to enjoy quality time with your family. Get out there and make a happy memory together.

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This Week’s WOW (Word of the Week) – Stress

STRESS
One of the top things that destroy our overall health is stress. We all have stress in our life, but the question is how do we deal with it in a productive manner?  Some people internalize their stress, while others take it out on others around them. Here are a few tips to help you manage your stress.Is it really worth the fuss?

It’s easy for life to get us bogged down. Sometimes the most trivial things get under our skin. When you start to feel stressed, ask yourself if this will matter in a hundred years.Create an Outlet

Nothing feels better than a great workout. Try going for a walk, riding a bike, do martial arts, lift weights, yoga, swimming, etc. Find a positive activity that you can consistently do to manage your stress.Write it Down

When you start to feel overwhelmed, try writing down what things are needing to be done. Prioritize your list and start working on it. There’s something about seeing what’s stressing us, then doing something about it that feels great.I hope this helps you. Remember, don’t stress just give your best.

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This Week’s WOW (Word of the Week) – TEST

How do you feel when you hear the word, TEST?  If you feel anxiety, you are not alone. Most people feel this with testing, and it obviously affects our performance. I would like to share a few tips about testing that can change this feeling of anxiety to excitement.The first thing about testing is to adjust your perception. It’s simply a challenge and challenges can make us better. Look at it as an opportunity to grow yourself. The next thing is prior planning prevents poor performance.  In other words, consistently practice and study. By consistently doing the work, you can walk into your exam with a sense of confidence.

My last testing tip is all about being present minded. It’s actually rather simple. Whatever you are doing make sure it’s your best. If you make a mistake, which you will, just let it go and focus on being your best at whatever you are doing.

With testing right around the corner, I want to encourage everyone to change your perception about testing, practice more and give your best in the moment. Every time we overcome these challenges, we become a stronger human being. You’ve got this!

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I’m not telling you it’s going to be easy. I’m telling you it’s going to be worth it. -Art Williams
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This Week’s WOW (Word of Week) – Fear

One of my biggest fears growing up was dogs. I love dogs now, but when I was knee high to a grasshopper, I would stay away from dogs like the plague.  My fear stemmed from a horrible experience at age 3. While petting a dog, I end up getting bit several times.  My fear kept me from enjoying the connection with these loyal animals. Finally, my parents helped me overcome my fear by getting me my own puppy. Now our family has enjoyed bonding with dogs and my fear is gone.

Do you have a fear that’s stopping you from enjoying life? A lot of times, fear stems from the unknown. Start learning about what you fear, become knowledgeable in that subject. You may not overcome it, but you can create respect and understanding.  If you overcome your fear, you will have a new sense of confidence. Don’t let life pass you by because of fear.

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Spring ITF Black Belt Exam a Success!

April 13th – A BIG congratulations to all the International Tang Soo Do Federation students that attended the Spring Black Belt Examination in Pensacola, FL!  Everyone did a wonderful job and displayed good Tang Soo spirit.

A special thank you to Master Y.D. Kim (TX), Master Brown (GA), Master & Kyo Sa Nim Kennedy (LA), Master Joiner (AL), Master Adele Gibson (FL), Master Ince (TX), Kyo Sa Nim Dufour (FL), Kyo Sa Nim Vallad (MI), Kyo Sa Nim & Mrs. Mouallem (TX) for making the day run smoothly. The event was successful as a result of their professionalism, teamwork and dedication.  We couldn’t have done it without you.

An extra special thank you to Mr. Richardson and Marcus Pointe Baptist Church for allowing us to hold our event at their beautiful facility.   The Fall Black Belt Examination will be held in Texas.  Stay tuned for more details.

IMG_0323Group Picture (1st row – left to right) Master Ince (TX), Master Joiner (AL), Master Brown (GA), Master Y. D. Kim (TX), Master DuFour (FL), Master Kennedy (LA), Master Adele Gibson (FL)
(2nd row – left to right) Kyo Sa Nim Vallad (MI), Kyo Sa Nim Kennedy (LA), Master Richard Gibson (FL), Kyo Sa Nim Mouallem (TX), Kyo Sa Nim Nim Penson (TX), Kyo Sa Nim Harman (TX), Kyo Sa Nim DuFour (FL), Kyo Sa Nim Kiliszewski (TX)

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Have you heard of ELDOA?

What Is ELDOA?

The ELDOA method is an innovative form of exercise developed by world-renowned osteopath Dr. Guy Voyer. ELDOA exercises consist of a series of specific postures aimed at relieving pressure and increasing blood flow around particular joints or spinal segments. This technique is a highly effective way to reduce pain, increase circulation, and improve posture, balance, and spine health.

We offer ELDOA classes at our dojang on Sunday (2pm) and Wednesday (11am).  Contact Cyndi Jolly for pricing and availability at 850-712-3799.

There will be no ELDOA class on Sunday, March 17 & Wednesday, March 20.

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What An Amazing Evening!

Thank you to all of our awesome members and families for making our Belt Promotions and Christmas Party the biggest and best yet.  The food and fellowship was fantastic!

Now it’s time to train and break all those new belts and stripes in:)
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Congratulations PTSDA Karate Students!

We are so proud of all of our students that recently tested for their next level.  Each of you displayed effort, focus and improvement in skill.  Keep it up!

IMG_1542Looking forward to Belt Promotions on Friday, November 30th (6pm) at the Beulah Freewill Baptist Church.  All are invited.  Afterwards, we will have a Christmas Party in the fellowship hall.  Bring your favorite dish and prepare to have an evening of recognition, fellowship and family fun.

 

 

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PTSDA Karate Attends ITF Regional Dan Exam (Arlington, Tx)

Sa Bom Nim and Kyo Sa Nim Dufour represented the PTSDA Karate among the ITF School owners from Texas, Utah, Florida, Georgia, Michigan and Louisiana at the Regional Black Belt Testing in Arlington, TX.  It was a wonderful experience.

The next ITF Regional Black Belt Test will be in the spring here in Pensacola.  Once we set the date, we will communicate it to our members.

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