Holiday Shopping for your Martial Artist

December is here and the holidays are going to be upon us in the blink of an eye.

If you have a martial artist to shop for, we have many items on hand and can order many more for you.

We have doboks (uniforms), every piece of gear needed for sparring., T shirts, fleeces, water bottles, shoes, socks, wallets, lunch boxes and more.

Gear Package reg. $99

SALE PRICE $75

Doboks reg. $40

SALE PRICE $30

Poomse DVDs reg. $60

SALE PRICE $48

If you need something we do not have in stock, we can order nearly any martial arts thing you may want.  Some things you  may be interested in are kicking bags, belt displays, special uniforms or gear bags. 

Special orders should be placed by December 10th to ensure arrival before the Holiday break.

1st Women's Retreat @ Fairmont

Join TKD Women from across the state to connect, rejuvenate and develop a vision for the future.

Postponed til after the Holidays

December 11th and 12th at Fairmont Hot Springs, the Montana Taekwondo Association Women's Council will convene it's 1st gathering.

All Montana Women age 15 and up with an interest in the roll of women in Montana Taekwondo are welcome to be a part of this inaugural event.

The $50 fee covers lodging (ppbdo), food, swimming and activities.

New Classes and Slight Changes

We are so very blessed to have a continually growing MTC family.  Each week we are seeing new faces join us and see others who are honing their skills and progressing.  January is the time of year where we see an influx of new students, so in anticipation we are adding 2 new classes to the Monday and Wednesday schedule.  Mr. Watson will be teaching both new classes: a Beginning class for 7 year old and up from 5:30-6:15 and a Yellow through Senior Green Belt class from 6:15-7:15.  These classes meet in the Red Dojang.

We want to open these up to our current students first, so if either of these classes interest your family please confirm with Mrs. R that you would like to switch by December 15th.  Then we will fill the rest of the openings with new students.

These additions will necessitate another slight shift.  The very popular "At Your Own Pace" class will now be held on Tuesday and Thursday at 5:30 instead of Monday and Thursday.

from the Desk of Mrs. Rosbarsky

TKD Family Pot Luck and Paddleball Tournament

Saturday December 18th we will host the 3rd Annual Paddleball Tournament followed by a Holiday Pot Luck.

All MTC students, parents and siblings are welcome to participate.  We will hold 2 brackets: 11 and under and 12 and over.  (We may adjust this based on actual participants.) 3 person teams (no substitutions). Each match will be refereed and made up of (2) 3 minute halves, with a 1 minute overtime if needed.  Full rules will be available for view the week of the tournament.  Sign up by December 16th on the front counter to participate in the tournament.  Also, if you would like to play but do not have a team assembled yet, put the word out there about your free agency by jotting your name on the sign up sheet as well.  Registration fee is $30 per team.  This is a slight increase over last year to offset the cost of replacing paddles that are very well worn from paddle ball practice and games and to purchase a plaque for the dojang to be engraved yearly with the name of the overall winning team.

The Pot Luck is for our entire MTC Family and will begin at 2PM.  Please plan to bring your favorite holiday dish to share, or if you don't have a culinary masterpiece bring drinks. :)

This is a crazy time of year for us all and we would like to offer this moment for us all to enjoy a simple gathering and enjoy some good food and competition.

From the Desk of Mrs. Rosbarsky

First Night Demonstration

It is time to break some stuff!! (And to show off our other awesome skills.)  ALL MTC students are welcome and encouraged to be part of the Demo Team.

Demonstration practices will begin December 7th and be every Tuesday and Thursday from 7:00-7:30 through the 21st.  There will also be practices over the Holiday Break on the 27th, 28th, 29th and 30th from 6:00-7:00.  These practices may be extended depending on how the demonstration is coming together.  There will also be a final rehearsal on the 31st at 11AM followed by lunch and then heading to the Mall for the Demonstration at 2PM.  It is likely that we will also demonstrate at the Missoula County Health Fair on January 8th also at the Mall, time for this demo will be early afternoon exact time to follow.

If you would like to join this demo team please sign up on the counter at the gym and plan to be available for all practices.

from the desk of Mrs. Rosbarsky

Last Tournament Opportunity til Spring

The 13th Annual Big Sky Martial Arts Championships will be held on November 6th at Glacier High School in Kalispell.  This is the last planned tournament in our region until Spring 2011.  We recommend this tournament for

1. It's relative close proximity to Missoula
2. it's reputation as a fairly judged and safe event
3. the Fun and accessible Coach Bus that the MTC Booster Club Charters

At the BSMA Championships competition will be held in Poomse, Sparring and "Unique Forms" including Doubles Forms Standard, Doubles Forms Creative, Single Forms Creative and Weapons.

Missoula Taekwondo Center regularly takes 30+ athletes to this tournament and our team generally comes home with a team trophy in addition to the many trophies won by our individual athletes.  But more important than the award brought home we always come home with a new appreciation for our own abilities and a great connection to and respect for the greater Montana Taekwondo Community.

Save Money and have a great time on the Bus.  Again this year the MTC Booster Club has chartered a cushy Beachliner for the trip to Kalispell.  The bus will leave from the NE corner of the Mall parking lot at 5:30am on Saturday and return the same evening after the tournament and dinner at King's Buffet.  $20 per person or $15/person for families with more than 1 person riding.

From the Desk of Mrs. Rosbarsky

Thank you TKD Family

The 7th Annual Missoula Taekwondo Championships held on October 16th was everything you might expect a tournament to be and a little more.  This year in addition to the standard events we also added exhibition matches and a poomse division for Athletes with disabilities.  The Athletes in these divisions, and all who watched, felt their hearts grow and their life's focus shift.

Thank you to every last member of our TKD family who pulled together to help offer this event to the Northwest Taekwondo community.  The primary reason this event is so great is the loving nature of our TKD family.  Thank you all once again.

From the Desk of Mrs. Rosbarsky

Master Rosbarsky Appointed Dae Myung Regional Director

We, Missoula Taekwondo center, are a member of the International Dae Myung Moo Do Federation.  What that means is we are connected to, have a lineage from, Grand Master Jae Ho Park and many others including Grand Master Martin Martin.  Which gives us a depth of knowledge and support to sustain us in our martial arts and everyday lives.

Recently the IDMF underwent a restructuring due to the passing of long time president, Grand Master Karlo Fujiwara.  Grand Master Martin was appointed President, which, in my opinion, positions us to experience growth and advancement in Taekwondo in the State.  As part of the restructuring Master Rosbarsky was appointed Regional Director, charged with overseeing Western Montana.  As part of his duties he will enable the network of schools to better communicate and share knowledge and will act as liason between individual schools and the President and Grand Master Jae Ho Park.

From the Desk of Mrs. Rosbarsky

National Team News

Our National Team Training has informally begun with stepped up attendance by some in the Tuesday and Thursday 7:00 Sparring Class.

Currently, Athletes who are committed to train for and compete at 2011 Junior and Senior Nationals in San Jose California are Abbey and Dylan Ardiana, Jeff Quackenbush, Austin Graef, Taiga Gamell, Hunter Goodman, Scott Graham and Lydia Rosbarsky.

From the Desk of Mrs. Rosbarsky

Long Awaited Movie Night/Lock In

Nearly every day we are asked when the next Movie Night will be.  Finally we have a free weekend to host it.

Friday December 3rd at 7:30PM to Saturday the 4th at 8:30am we will have movies, pizza, popcorn, games and a little sleeping for our 7-12 year olds.

Sign up at the gym ASAP as it will fill up fast.  The cost is $25 an you may fill out a Booster Club form to use funds from your Booster Club account.

from the desk of Mrs. Rosbarsky

Colored Belt Test

Our next colored belt test is Friday December 10th.  Test times will be posted by Wednesday the 8th.  To test please sign up on the front counter.

From yellow through senior red belt individuals should test every 3 months to ensure they do not become stagnant and have constant progression.  Also all Sr Red Belts should continue the testing pattern every 3 months as a test leader to fulfill their Black Belt Testing Requirements.

We have found that regular practice outside of class is one of the biggest factors in creating confident and proficient martial artists.

For Poomse practice the Power Poomse DVDs have proven themselves to be incredibly useful.  They are available at MTC for $30 for the Taeguek or Palgwe series or $50 for the set.

from the desk of Mrs. Rosbarsky

Missoula Taekwondo Championships

It is our honor to bring together out MTC family to host the Montana Taekwondo Community each year.  The 7th Annual Missoula Taekwondo Championships will be Saturday October 16th at the RAM Activity Center, 1040 S 1st W in Missoula. Topping the last group effort will be a challenge, but I believe we can do it again this year.

We encourage everyone to take part in this event in at least one capacity.  There are many ways to participate including: competition, refereeing, volunteering in various capacities, donations of food and other items to the Booster Club and of course just being in attendance to watch and cheer on the rest of the Missoula TKD Center family.  Also this year we will host Master Williams on October 15th as he teaches a very informative MTA Referee Seminar.  the seminar cost is $35 and may be taken by any willing adult or student over blue belt.  We ask all MTC red and black belts to take this seminar if they have not already taken one.

To register to compete please fill out and return a registration sheet by Tuesday, October 12th. (Available at the dojang or www.missoulatkd.com but keep in mind that all MTC students registration fee is only $40.)  All ages and belt levels are encouraged to compete, and competition will be in forms, sparring, creative forms and new this year we will be hosting divisions and exhibitions for students with disabilities.

There are many area volunteers will be needed including set up and take down, sales, data entry and concessions.  There is a clipboard on the front counter with sign up sheets for all the various duties.  We really appreciate the giving nature of our MTC Family and thank everyone in advance for helping out.  The bond created through working toward a mutual goal gives great meaning to our lives.
Click Here for an important announcement about your Booster Club.

from the desk of Mrs. Rosbarsky

"Building of Basics" Sparring Seminar

The popular Building on Basics Sparring seminar hosted by Master Rosbarsky will take new shape this year.  All those under 12 and below blue belt will meet 5-6:30 and all Teens and Adults and children over blue belt will meet 6:30-8.

This seminar is based on the theory that good basics are the best building blocks for a great sparring strategy.  New students and those who have been competing for year will all benefit from this seminar.

The cost is $20 for tournament participants and $30 for non-participants.

from the desk of Mrs. Rosbarsky

To register please use the tournament registration form.

Getting the Most out of Taekwondo-Poomse

Many people who call us seeking Martial Arts instruction for their children tell us their "kids need some discipline."  We listen and calmly explain that our approach is not to discipline them but to hopefully build their sense of self worth by offering challenging, but attainable goals, so that they may come to feel that they are worth the effort it takes to have self discipline.  This is reflected in Master Rosbarsky's unique approach of compassionate leadership.  Consequently we are attempting to equip our student for, and gently urging them along each of their individual paths, to self betterment.

The two hours a week that most of our students spend in Taekwondo class is many times just not enough to fully prepare them to conquer all the challenges they will meet.  For most people we watch their greatest struggle be Poomse.  Poomse ( a set pattern of self defense against imaginary attackers) needs to be performed on a regular basis to be committed to memory.  We have found through personal experience and other's accounts that the decision to be "good" at poomse is the first step along the path.  The method we recommend to integrating poomse is to define a time, of 15 minutes or less each day, (like right before TV time) to dedicate to doing it.

We watch all of our students enjoy the feelings of accomplishment when they carve out time to practice and ask all MTC families to find a time that works so that we may continue to watch our students self confidence grow.  It really can be a very small amount of time but the key is to make it routine and it does not even need to be every day but should be worked out to be done more days than it is not done.

An added benefit of individuals practicing on their own is the higher level of instruction possible in each class.  If the students come to the teacher already knowing the alphabet and having a practiced vocabulary together they may begin to create a rich and meaningful story.

from the desk of Mrs. Rosbarsky

Tournament Planning/Kids Pay for Their Own

Learn how the Booster Club can enable your family to raise funds to offset your own out of pocket expenses for Taekwondo activities and gear.  We call all available parents, competitors and supporters to a General Meeting on Wednesday October 6th from 5:30 to 6:30PM.  This short meeting will cover many important issues regarding fundraising opportunities and tournaments including Nationals.  With the tournament coming up, there will be lots to discuss.

Cookie Dough Sale

All MTC Booster Club families (joining is easy and only $5 per person (max. $15 per family)) may participate in the Cookie Dough Sale to earn money they can use for tournaments, gear, and fun TKD events.  Pick up a cookie dough sheet and sell as much as possible.  Cash prizes awarded for fastest to turn in $$ and form and for top sellers.

Thank you, Doug Ardiana, for putting together this sale.  It is a great start to our fundraising efforts.

Haunted House and Pot Luck Halloween Party

The MTC Halloween Party is BACK!  And this year Halloween falls on Saturday so the party will be super fun and spooky with our haunted house back for the second year in a row.

We are excited to invite all of our students and their families to join our ghouly fun.  Please plan to bring 5 nonperishable food items as your entrance fee (to be donated to the Missoula Food Bank, last year we donated 437 lb.s!).

We will have dishes catered from China Garden and invite all to bring their favorite dish to share, or for those who prefer not to cook we always need drinks, plates, forks and spoons.

Share food beginning at 5 then enjoy the haunted house from 7-8:30.

from the desk of Mrs. Rosbarsky

FUN Tournament for all MTC/STC

ALL MTC/STC students are invited and encouraged to participate.  Parent are also encouraged to be active spectators and partake of the Booster Club Concessions.

This event will be a fun tournament with fully matted rings and electronic scoring held solely for Missoula and Stevensville Taekwondo Center students.  Those who are brand new to Taekwondo and/or tournaments will use this opportunity to learn what great things tournaments have to offer them in a supportive and encouraging environment with familiar supportive faces in a familiar place.  Students who have competed in tournaments before will have this opportunity to ease back into the season with their teammates and get some real time experience to prepare them to have a positive experience in the fast approaching tournament season.  Red and Black Belts have an opportunity to refine their skills in officiating and will in turn have more rewarding experiences in future tournaments. (Red and Black Belts who help for the day may compete for FREE). Parents can utilize this opportunity to learn about all aspects of competition including competition rules, general order of tournament events, use of scoring equipment, how poomse and sparring are scored in competition, and the general nuances of Taekwondo competition.

Tournaments can be fun, rewarding and life enriching events if you go into them with a basic knowledge of what to expect and are surrounded by supportive "family" members.  We want our students to have every reason to participate in upcoming tournaments.  With this FUN tournament our students will find out what they can expect at future tournaments and reap the benefits to be had by joining the greater Taekwondo Community in Montana and the rest of the world.

Sign ups are on the bulletin board or online at missoulatkd.com (soon).  The cost is $25 per person.  Please sign up by Friday September 10th.

from the desk of Mrs. Rosbarsky

Homecoming Parade - We are the World

The 2010 Homecoming Parade is coming up FAST, and we invite all of our TKD families to join us to walk/demonstrate and/or hand out candy.  To join us for this event please sign up at the dojang by September 9th.  This is for everyone-white belt to black belt ages 4 and up.   Parents are also welcome to walk with us and hand out candy.  Practices will be held only for 1/2 hour each on September 21st and 23rd at 7pm.

We will wear new long sleeved MTC shirts for the parade.  Shirts for parade participants will be $15.  Be sure to sign up by September 9th to ensure having your shirt for parade day.

Please call 829-1328 or email amanda@missoulatkd.com with questions.

from the desk of Mrs. Rosbarsky

MTC Championships

The October 16th 7th Annual MTC Championships is the BEST opportunity to experience a state wide invitational Taekwondo Tournament.  It is locally held and hosted by MTC.  The cost to our students is the lowest of any area tournament ($40 for up to 4 events). And our entire TKD school pulls together with a tremendous group effort to make this the smoothest tournament experience there is in Montana.  (In 2009 the MTC Championships was the largest event to date and was completely finished and packed away by 2PM).

To have the greatest benefit from these events we encourage all families to find ways to be involved.  Our event will be most successful with help from our entire TKD Family.  There are many ways to be involved:  food donation, tournament participation, tournament volunteering, fundraising opportunities, spectating and general support. Sign up sheets will be available September 20th.

The FUN Tournament on September 11th will be perfect preparation for this tournament.  We encourage participation in both events and welcome questions and concerns about any related topics.

Last year's event was such a success because so many of the MTC family contributed their time and energy.  We look forward to a great coming together this year as well.

from the desk of Mrs. Rosbarsky

MTC Women and Girls join us for fun at the Diva Day 5k

Missoula Taekwondo Center women will be running/walking as a team for fun and to celebrate our strong beautiful selves on October 2nd. All students of MTC and their family members are invited to join us.  We have registrations at MTC or online at runwildmissoula.com.  You can send in your applications with your $18 fee by September 19th.

Contact Mrs. R if you have questions.

from the desk of Mrs. Rosbarsky

Fridays in Full Swing beginning Sept 17th

Black Belt Club Members may attend at will, all others add a class for $5.

4-4:30 Taeguek Ill Jang
4:30-5:15 White Belt Sparring
4:30-5:15 Taeguek 2-4 and Palgwe 1-3
5:15-6:00 Taeguek 5-8, Palgwe 4-8 and Black Belt Forms
6:00-7:00 Sparring

A Little About MTC Operations, Testing and Questions in General

Each Taekwondo Class has its own flavor, but we do follow a rough guideline each month when devising each class curriculum.  Each month we use the 3rd week to teach self defense techniques, which in the beginning are based on simple escape and evasion techniques then progress to eventually fully incorporate Hapkido and Judo techniques.  We also strive to have Tip Tests on the last class day every month.  To maintain a flow and a sensitivity to the greater schedule of life outside the dojang we sometimes adjust these dates to fit better into life's flow.  For instance: the August tip tests were shifted to not add any additional stress to the first day of school for so many.

Our guidelines for testing and tips say that one should have 2 tips before testing for the next rank.  This is to hopefully keep students on pace to test roughly every 3 months.  To keep individual growth constant, we recommend keeping close to this schedule, but if there are questions about this please do not hesitate to ask.

In fact, please feel free to bring us your questions, comments and concerns about any subject-we value any opportunity to make your family's Taekwondo experience more meaningful.

Demonstration Camp and Dynamic Demo Team Performance

Demonstration Camp is open to all ages and belt levels—for the White Belts who are curious about breaking boards or doing the “cool looking stuff” or for the colored and black belts who want to add a new element to their taekwondo.  We break boards and bricks and do things that aren’t done in regular classes, and  we get to show the rest of our community and our friends and families a taste of what Taekwondo is.
Everyone who participates in the camp will have a featured part in the River City Roots Festival demonstration. The camp will be August 17th-19th 10AM to Noon each day.  Camp curriculum will  include demonstration sequences, breaking techniques, poomse for demonstration, marching demonstration and skits.  The cost is $55/person.  Booster Club funds may be used (please fill out a request form located in the blue Booster Club folder.)
Join the MTC Demo team at the River City Roots Festival Aug 29th at 12:30PM in Caras Park.  The River City Roots Festival is a showcase for the region’s most talented artists and emphasizes family fun and fitness, and exposes the region to all of the great things about Missoula.  Throughout the weekend of August 28th and 29th the Children’s Fun Festival will be centered in Caras Park with entertainment under the tent, face painting, crafting, SpectrUM Science Discovery Area and loads of other FREE activities.
Can’t make the camp but still want to participate in the Demo please contact Mrs. R at 370-4589.

Upcoming Belt Test

September 10th will be our next colored belt test. Sign up on the front counter (please mark your own calendar with the date and inform MTC by September 7th if you will not be participating.)
Preparation for the test should include regular class attendance as well as work outside of class to brush up on things like poomse or other spots that may be worrisome.  Please ask if you are unsure of the requirements for your next test, sheets are available to inform you of each level’s requirements.

Fall Schedule

A full Friday Schedule will begin on Friday September 17th.  For Black Belt Club Members Friday Classes are free, for others additional classes are $5 each.  It is highly recommended to make these classes a part of your monthly routine.  These classes are intended to help you refine your Poomse and Sparring Skills. Please be advised that Friday Classes may be changed or cancelled due to a Belt Test or other event.
Please watch the newsletter and website for any changes, also you can follow us on twitter to make sure you don’t miss any important announcements. To receive tweets text “follow mtcweb” to 40404 then reply with your first and last name.  Our Twitter Page click here....

An Open Invitation to ALL MTC Families

USA Taekwondo Nationals will be held in San Jose, California in July 2011.  USAT Nationals is an event which can have a profound influence on one’s life-if you so choose.  The process of committing to, training for and otherwise preparing for an event like this will influence the direction of your martial art’s and life’s paths.  If you wish to hone your skills in Taekwondo and life being part of this team will jump start you and give you an opportunity to see what potential you truly have buried inside of you.
We are excited to invite ALL students to become part of the MTC National Team.  This means every student who will be at least 6 years old by December 31st, 2011 and a green belt or higher can join the MTC National Team.  No one is excluded from this invitation (except that sadly the youngest division is 6-7 year olds).  This means that age on the other end is not a restriction at all (you can not be too old for this competition).  There are divisions for all belts, weights, sexes, ages and events.
Join us at the Ice Cream Social September 8th at 6PM to hear the stories from 2010 nationals and get more information about 2011 Nationals.

FUN Tournament and Tournament Season Just Around the Corner

Coming up very quickly in the Fall are our inhouse Fun Tournament on September 11th followed by our invitational the Missoula TKD Championships on October 16th.  ALL MTC students are encouraged to participate.
Check your gear bag early to make sure you have your arm and leg pads, mouth pieces, groin cups and hogu and head gear. We recommend that all students have their own Basic Gear Package for class use and it is necessary to have the BGP for all tournaments.  The BGP includes arm and leg guards, mouth piece (and groin cup for boys) for $32 for Boys and $22 for Girls .  Full gear packages including chest protector, head gear and the BGP for $85 (the cost is $105 if purchased separately.)  This Full Gear Package is recommended for all students who plan to participate in more than 1 tournament.  Those who desire to compete on a more intense level should consider a little more substantial investment in gear which may need to be ordered so please contact Mrs. R. at least 2 weeks before you plan to compete.

Grand Master Karlo Fujiwara Passes

On June 17th one of our Grand Masters, Karlo Fujiwara, died after suffering a massive stroke. 
Grand Master Fujiwara was a resident of Billings for most of his life and made a significant impact on thousands of Montanans   through his martial arts teaching and impacted thousands more in the world community just through his presence on this earth as a loving teacher. 
The funeral services were brimming with family, friends, community members and most notably his martial arts family.  As his son spoke at the funeral, we, his martial arts family were all asked to stand and bow to Grand Master Fujiwara.  It was with a swelling heart and sad eyes that we observed from the back row a huge portion, over half, of the congregation stand and for the last time, bow to this great man.  Among the many respected and influential martial artists at the funeral was our Grand Master Jae Ho Park.  His presence there was felt by all as he formally bowed to GM Fujiwara upon finishing his comments at the funeral.  This gesture was so simple yet so powerful, it speaks to the fact that one does not need to perform monumental acts to show a great deal of respect.
Master Rosbarsky’s martial arts path has been observed by GM Fujiwara from the beginning.  He was a consistently loving and gentle man who constantly, not just on the mat, exemplified the tenets and philosophies of Taekwondo: modesty, perseverance, self control, indomitable spirit, etiquette, respect, humility and patience.
In the last few years we had the incredible good fortune to increase our closeness with GM Fujiwara.  On March 12, 2010 I sat with Grandmasters Fujiwara and Park and listened to them divulge, at great length, some of what made them the incredible men they are.   GM Fujiwara said something that has great pertinence today, “Don’t begrudge the storms of today, embrace them for what you can learn from them and offer help to others in the future.” 
In this time of grieving, let us remember that because of today we will have the knowledge and depth to help others somewhere in our future.

From the Desk of Mrs. Rosbarsky

Big Sky State Games

The Big Sky State Games, a multi sport event will be held July 18-19 in Billings. 

The event includes a Taekwondo tournament and Master Rosbarsky and others will be attending.
We encourage all MTC students who are interested in participating to do so.
The fee is just $35 and it is a fun format to be grouped with many other sports including Judo, Archery and Armwrestling.

Registration is available online at www.bigskygames.org.

From the Desk of Mrs. Rosbarsky

Extra Summer Fun

Summer Camp for MTC
In July 2009 we hosted our first summer camp just for Taekwondo Teens.  It was great!  We will host the camp again this year on July 23rd and 24th. 
The camp cost is $80.  Early registration by July 15th will be  $75 .  Space is limited so early registration is highly encouraged.  Registration must be received by July 20th.
This camp is highly recommended for all MTC Red and Black Belt Teens.  There will be a good deal of Taekwondo and a good deal of fun and tons of bonding.  Master Rosbarsky will lead the camp with the help of MTC Black Belts.

MTC/STC at the River City Roots Festival, Creamery Picnic AND Demonstration Camp
Again this year the MTC/STC family will demonstrate at Missoula’s River City Roots Festival.  Our demonstration will take place in the Caras Park Pavilion on the 28th.  You may also choose to take part in the marching demonstratrion during the Creamery Picnic Parade on August 7th. To be a part of either of these Demos please plan to attend Demo Camp on August 3-5, 12-2 each day.  In conjunction Master Parks may hold a ceramics camp each day.  Each camp costs $55 or you can do both for $100 total.  All ages and belt levels are welcome.  Please express your interest in these ASAP to Mrs. Rosbarsky, as that will effect our planning.

From The Desk of Mrs. Rosbarsky

Belt Test and Keepin’ Up in the Summer Time

Our summer time belt test will be held on Friday, July 30th.  Times will be announced the week of the test and are dependant on the belt range and total number of test takers. 
Please sign up in advance on the front counter.  If you are unsure of your test readiness please consult Mr. or Mrs. Rosbarsky we will be happy to help assess your skill level and analyze if all requirements are met for testing. 
One very important  part of testing that serves to hold many back from testing when they are otherwise ready is Poomse.  To avoid anxiety about Poomse knowledge and to boast readiness we recommend that every student own the Power Poomse DVD set which features Master Rosbarsky performing all Taeguek and Palgwe Poomse.  The DVDs are $30 each at Missoula Taekwondo Center and on amazon.com or you may purchase the set of 2 for $50 only at MTC.
Let there be nothing that holds you back from progression.

From the Desk of Mrs. Rosbarsky

A Look Back at June and a Thank you

June was so full for MTC.  We kicked off the month with our Annual All School Class held at Franklin Park.  The weather before and after that date had shown us a nearly continuous stream of rain, but for one shining day we had the perfect outdoor Taekwondo weather.  It is always powerful to be a part of such a strong group and we are honored that you all took the time to attend this life affirming event.

Since then we have belt tested, summer camped and competed at the State Tournament in Butte.  Every step of the way our hearts  have been overflowing with the great depth and meaning that comes into our lives while we share these experiences with all of you, our martial arts family.

We, Steve and Amanda Rosbarsky, love you all and are deeply grateful that you choose to continue your journey through martial arts and life with us in them.  Thank you for all that you give back to us.

from the Desk of Mrs. Rosbarsky

State Tournament—Why not?

We encourage all MTC/STC students to attend the Montana State Championships in Butte on June 12th.  Like Master Rosbarsky said, our goal should be to have our entire student body attending.  Of course, we understand some families may have prior commitments, but most other reasoning should be put to the test.  1)Do I want to have a positive, meaningful life experience?
If your answer here is yes, the State Championships will offer you the chance to reach for an attainable goal, and through preparation for and participation in this event individuals can develop and expand their potential as martial artists and human beings.
2) How many other quality tournament experiences are available to me within a 2 hour travel radius in the foreseeable future?
The answer here is, not many.  We will hold our tournament in October here in Missoula, then there will be a tournament in Kalispell in November.           
3) What do I stand to gain from this experience?
The list is long: physical and mental strength associated with preparing for and enduring a challenge, a positive self image associated with knowing you can accomplish great things, a sense of being part of a state wide community of great martial artists and phenomenal people, a true understanding of the MTC/STC “family” who are here to love and support you through challenges and help you celebrate your individual and our collective accomplishments.                             
4) Why support the Montana Taekwondo Association?  The MTA is a non-profit that works hard to promote TKD in our region with all income going directly back to our TKD community.  (And Master R is the incoming president.)

Now you should have a whole new set of questions.  How much is it? $45 for MTA members, $55 for non members. How do I get signed up? At montanataekwondo.org or grab a registration form at the dojang. How do I prepare? Start by talking to Master and Mrs. Rosbarsky—we’ll help you be fully prepared.

from the desk of Mrs. Rosbarsky

All School Class

Thursday June 3rd will be our Annual All School Class and Group Photo.  

Please arrive at Franklin Park June 3rd at 6PM wearing your dobok and tennis shoes.  We will hold a full TKD class with all attending members then snap our Annual Group Photo.  Last year there were 104 students participating and we hope to up that number this year!  

Following the picture we will hold a brief black belt and black belt candidate meeting.

Plan for Dinner after the All School Class
The MTC Booster Club invites everyone to partake of some yummy BBQ and mingle before summer’s craziness takes over our lives.
$3-kids, $5-adults, $12-family of 4
Will be rescheduled.....

from the desk of Mrs. Rosbarsky

Summer Camp for all Ages 4-17

Lil Kickers  for students age 4-6.

June 14-18. 9-11am

Camp will include Taekwondo instruction in forms, sparring, self defense and basics.

The camp will also feature other activities, including exploring musical movement with Nate from Childbloom Guitar.

This is a great camp for our youngest practitioners to gain confidence in their abilities inside the dojang and out.

Camp cost is $95.

Kickin’ Summer Off Right for students age 7-12.

June 14-18 and 21-25. 9am3pm

Camp will include Taekwondo instruction in forms, sparring, self defense and basics.

Also featured will be daily ceramics instruction, including construction and decoration, by Master Glenn Parks.  Both weeks will also experience musical movement with Nate Zavalney.

Camp cost is $195 for week 1, $205 for week 2 or $375 for both

Week 2 will include a trip to an area water park.

Camp for Teens for MTC Red-Black Belts age 13-17.

July 23rd-25th.

The camp will include TKD instruction and so much more.

An overnight at the Rosbarsky Home.

Great bonding amongst like minded teens.

Space will be limited for this camp so please indicate your interest ASAP. Get your name on the list with Mrs. R.

from the desk of Mrs. Rosbarsky

Summer Scheduling—We remain the same but you don’t have to.

As we near the time when school lets out for the summer, scheduling becomes a little erratic for most families, but we are here to tell you that Taekwondo will remain nearly the same as it has been in the spring and in summers past. 

Monday through Thursday will remain the same. The Friday schedule will be abbreviated to the 4-4:30 White Belt Poomse class and a 4:30-5:30 All Levels Poomse class.

We invite everyone to enjoy a more flexible summer by attending whichever classes work.  That may mean someone who usually attends on Monday and Wednesday as a yellow belt may, in the summer, choose to get their two classes in a particular week both on Wednesday by attending the Yellow Belt Class and the Green Belt Class—or whatever works.  Our goal is to keep the knowledge in our brains, keep our bodies moving, and enjoy every minute of it while allowing for a more flexible summer for all.
 

Mrs. Rosbarsky is happy to help you find what fits and works best for everyone.

from the desk of Mrs. Rosbarsky

Summertime Reminders

We would like to remind our students of a few things as the weather changes.

We implore all of our students to wear shoes to and from the dojang.  Aside from the obvious reason of protecting the feet, wearing shoes also protects the mat from a horrible film.  For when we wear no shoes outside then walk directly on to the mat it is as if walking on the mat while wearing your shoes.  Clean feet also smell better and we all appreciate that.

Also, as a reminder, every student at MTC wears a similar or identical dobok  and when a whirl of dressing and undressing happens in the changing room often items don’t match up with their proper owners.  To help minimize mistaken and misplaced items please put identifying markings on all pieces of dobok, gear and the inside of the belt.  Thanks for your help in minimizing the confusion that sometimes happens.

New Taekwondo Conditioning Class

Mrs. Bonnie Dotz will be teaching a Taekwondo Conditioning Class on Wednesday from 5:15-6:15. Mrs. Dotz is not only a 3rd Dan in Taekwondo, but also is a certified personal trainer.  She knows what it takes to get in shape and stay in shape.

If you are interested please sign up at the front counter.  

Dinner and a Show (with Kick-a-thon)

Join us for some great entertainment and tasty dishes, On Friday May 7th from 6-9pm.

The main dish will be master R's Korean Barbque Beef (Bulgogi) which will be accompanied by everyone's favorite dishes.  If you are interested in making a Korean dish but do not have a good recipe, we would be very happy to give you one.

The entertainment will be provided by our multi-talented  TKD family (that means you).  Sign up on the counter to be included in the line up.  Acts can consist of any type talent that is entertaining for all ages.  The time limit per act is 3 minutes.  Please see Mrs. Rosbarsky if you have questions or have special considerations.

We also will hold the Kick-a-thon during the Dinner and a Show.  All MTC students may participate in the kick-a-thon by gathering pledges in advance and kicking as many times as they can in 1 minute.  This is a super easy and fun MTC Booster Club fundraiser.

Sign up for the talent show and Kick-a-thon forms are on the front counter.

Again this year we will have a silent auction with many great items like a custom made Belt Rack, Hand Made Soap filled basket and a pamper yourself basket.  The Booster Club and MTC Junior and Senior National Team would greatly appreciate your donated items to be auctioned off.

Funds from the Silent Auction, ticket sales and individual Kick-a-thon funds will be used for our athletes and coaches to offset the expenses associated with competing at and traveling to USA Taekwondo Junior Olympics and Senior Nationals this summer.
This is an incredibly affordable evening of fun, food and fellowship for your whole family and our whole (TKD) family.

Tickets are on sale at MTC: $3 for kids, $5 for adults or $12 for a family of 4.

 from the desk of Mrs. Rosbarsky

Thank you Volunteers

We hosted our first MTC neighborhood Clean Up day on April 24th in conjunction with the MTC Booster Club Garage Sale.


A small percentage of MTC students lent a hand in the clean up, but those who participated did a great service to our dojang and TKD family.

Thank you Graefs, Parks, Saunders, Sawyers, Jeff Quackenbush, Kim STurre, Ruth Bartholomew, Viet Le, Ayla Gorley and HD Goodman (I am very sorry if I forgot anyone.)

Thanks also to Robin Goodman, Shannon Hahn, Kim Sawyer and Deb Westrom for running a great Garage Sale.

We appreciate that you all took the time to help our dojang and TKD community.

from the desk of Mrs. Rosbarsky

Summer Camps

This summer we will offer our ever popular Kickin' Summer Off Right and Li'l Kickers Camp in June.  Then we will also add camps in July and August, including Teen Camp in July, a demonstration camp in August and camps for ages 4-6 July 12-16, and August 9-13, and ages 7-12 August 9-13

Kickin' Summer Off Right Camp for kids age 7-12 will be held June 14th-18th and 21st-25th, 9am-3pm daily. (1 or both weeks)

• $195 for week one, $205 for week two or $385 for both weeks.  Early registrants receive a $20 discount before May 15th.
• These 10 days will include all facets of Taekwondo instruction, ceramics construction and decoration, other art exploration, lots of games and some fun in the sun.
• Campers who reach for their potential doing both weeks of camp will test for their next belt on the final day of camp.

Li'l Kickers day camp for ages 4-6.  This is a great camp for our youngest practitioners to gain confidence in their abilities inside the dojang and out.

• Camp will include Taekwondo instruction in forms, sparring, self defense and basics and other fun and confidence building activities.
• $95. Early registrants receive a $10 discount before May 15th.

All camps will be instructed by Master Rosbarsky and MTC Black Belts, including Master Glenn Parks teaching our ceramics portion.  We also will be incorporating instruction from Childbloom guitar.

Call 829-1329 for info, and forms are online at www.missoulatkd.com 

from the desk of Mrs. Rosbarsky

Annual All School Class

Every student is invited to participate in our All School Class on June 3rd.  Weather permitting we will be at Franklin Park from 6-7pm.

This is a fun way to be with all of our TKD Family members.  It is powerful to see all the people who count you as part of their family; all the people you have to look up to and the ones who look up to you.

This gathering is for ALL MTC students.  From white belt to black belt and all levels in between.  We will hold a giant sized regularly formatted class.  Immediately following we will gather for our annual school photo.  There will be no retakes so to be included you must be there.

8X10 copies of the group photo will be available for purchase.

Black Belt Meeting-Following the group photo All MTC Black Belt Candidates are called to the first of our newly scheduled quarterly meetings.

from the desk of Mrs. Rosbarsky

Movie Nights, Lock Ins and Movie Outings

Finally, the time has come once again to host a MTC Movie Night.  All MTC 7-12 year olds are invited to our Movie Night/Lock in May 14th.  Kids come from 7:30PM to 8AM with their toothbrush, sleeping bag and willingness to have a good time.  We play games, watch movies, climb the walls (literally) and get some shut eye.  The cost is $25 and space is limited so sign up soon.


And our first ever Teen Lock in for 13-17 year old MTC family members will be May 21st from 7:30PM to 9:30AM.  We will have a battle of the bands, climb the rock wall, watch movies have popcorn and pizza all for $15 per person.  Sign up on the counter.

(Black Belts are needed to help chaperone --sign up at TKD.)

Look in the June Newsletter about a group outing to the new Karate Kid movie.

from the desk of Mrs. Rosbarsky