Category: News

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New Year – New Classes

We are excited about the new year and two new changes at the PTSDA Karate. Take a look.

New Master & Black Belt Class – Saturdays (10-11am)
We are shifting our advanced only class from Monday to Saturday. We feel this adjustment will make the class more accessible to advanced students. If you are a PTSDA Karate Master or Black Belt, we will have a mandatory meeting and class this Sat., Jan 11th. No excuses – Be there.

New Black Belt Prep Class – Tuesdays (6:40-7:30pm)
This new class will be held on Tuesdays for students that our Green and above. It will take the place of our Thursday evening class (6:40pm). Students that attend the class can expect to be pushed a little harder and work on preparing for achieving their Black Belt and beyond.

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Special Schedule Dec 30-Jan2

We hope that you and your family had an enjoyable Christmas. Kyo Sa Nim Dufour has surprised me with a few days away with the family in the mountains. Below is the special schedule for this week.

*Mon., Dec 30th – Review Class
Tiny Tigers w/ Ms Anna (4:20pm), Mrs. Ryder & any other Blue Belt or Higher to help students at 5 & 5:50pm class. No 6:40pm class

*Tues, Dec 30th & Wed,. Jan 1st CLOSED

*Thurs., Jan 2nd Review Class
ALL RANKS 5:30-6:30pm Only. No Morning Class

*Sat., Jan 4th – Sparring (9am), Forms & Breaking (10am)

We will be back for the Sat., Jan 4th class. Thank you to anyone that can assist while we are gone. Wishing you and your family a Happy New Year! Tang Soo!

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Giving

As many of you probably did growing up, my Christmas list was in full swing by this time of year. It’s very normal to just think about ourselves. Thankfully, my parents taught me to think outside myself and give. Often times, the giving was more about time and love.

Here are a few examples of what we did.
1. Visit others – We would go visit retirement homes or hospitals to brighten their day. The look of pure gratitude on their faces is forever ingrained in my mind.
2. Make a Card – We would make cards to send to both family and friends in and outside our country.
3. Food & Clothing Drive – giving away needed foods and/or clothing that doesn’t fit anymore. It’s simple but it will help someone in need.
4. Go Caroling – I am no singer, but we would go and pass the Christmas cheer through music.

So thankful my parents taught me the valuable lesson of giving. Most often the gifts that last a lifetime are the ones that come from the heart.

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Belt Promotions & Christmas Party

It’s almost here! Our Belt Promotions & Christmas Party will be held at the Beulah Freewill Baptist Church on Fri., Dec 13 (6pm).

After the promotions, we will have our annual potluck dinner and party in the fellowship hall. A sign up sheet is now available in the main area of the dojang. For those that want to participate, we will also have a gift exchange ($10).

We look forward to seeing you and your family at this exciting event!

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Goals

How did you do with your goals in 2019? Did you achieve all or most of them? As we steadily move toward 2020, why not start now in setting some smart goals. First, what makes a goal SMART? Glad you asked.

S – Specific
M – Measurable
A – Accountable
R – Realistic
T – Timeline

Once you’ve set your smart goals, here are my top three tips to help you achieve them.
1. Read it Daily – Put your goals on your mirror, fridge, etc.
2. Plan for Success – Develop a realistic game plan that will help you achieve your goal.
3. Small Steps – Goals can be awesome when we achieve them, but disappointing when we don’t. Taking small but consistent steps is the key.

Best wishes in achieving your SMART goals in 2020. You’ve got this!

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Important Testing Reminders

As we close in on testing, we we want to make sure you have all the information to prepare.

You MUST Qualify Before Testing
Attend our Pre-Test on October 30 and/or Nov 5.   Pre-Testing is our system to make sure that a student is actually ready to test.  To qualify, a student must demonstrate EFFORT and SHOW THAT THEY KNOW IT.

Testing Date/Time Options
Once a student qualifies at our Pre-Test, they will registration online.  For your convenience, color belts will have two options.

  • Green – Blue Belt Exam – Nov 14 (3pm) or Nov 15 (6pm)
  • White – Orange Belt Exam – Nov 15 (3pm) or Nov 16 (9am)
  • Testing for Black Belt or Black Belt Recert – Nov 16 (11am)
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Mindfulness

Do you ever feel like you are everywhere but where you are? Constantly? You are not alone. Even the famous jedi master, Luke Skywalker, was chastised by Yoda for his inability to stay present. So what do we do to not feel so stretched out and more in the moment? Glad you asked.

Here are a few tips to help with being more mindful.

Slow Down
Our society moves at a very rapid pace. When you start to feel yourself falling into the fast lane, stop and take a breath. Slow down and focus on what you are doing.

Practice Makes Better
Just like anything else we talk about, you just have to work at it. Start with simple tasks like brushing your teeth, eating food and conversations. Build that mindful muscle daily:)

Smell the Roses
Have you ever noticed the difference between driving in a car or walking the same route? Yes, one is quicker. However, the experience is different. When you walk, you have the ability to see more things around you. Take the time to go for a walk and see the beauty of the world we live in.

The next time you feel yourself being stretched in a million directions, slow down and take a breath. This practice will help you with enjoying the beauty around us.  Best wishes in your journey of a better you. Tang Soo!IMG_0170

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Belt Promotions

We are looking forward to everyone getting promoted to their next rank on Thurs., Aug 29 (during class time) at the dojang. If you are unable to make it, please send us a quick message so we can plan on promoting you and/or your child at the next class.  Unless told otherwise, we will promote our After School Prgm students during their class time. Congratulations to everyone on a job well done!
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Balance

I’ll never forget the day that I discovered a simple way to improve my balance. Let me explain.When I was a kid, we would do an exercise in class that would require balance on one leg. The non supporting leg would be bent and rotate clockwise then counter clockwise. Many of us would wobble around, while the senior students would stay steady and balanced.After feeling a bit frustrated, I carefully watched my instructor, Master King. I discovered one thing that she was doing that I was not. She focused her eyes on one point and was extremely balanced.

I gave it a try and my balance improved immediately. This revelation sparked motivation in my heart. I started to apply this with other areas of my training and life.

This simple lesson in balance is a great life lesson in finding more balance in our daily life. Often times we are imbalanced due to our lack of focus. Slow down, focus on the task at hand, be present and discover more balance in your life. It’s a simple adjustment but one that will spark motivation within you.

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