Taekwondo Experience Enhanced by Tournament Participation

Recently I was asked, "How can I make my Taekwondo experience more meaningful?" My response, without hesitation, "Do a tournament."

In our daily Taekwondo lives we come to class, we learn and practice new and familiar techniques, we interact with our classmates and go home.  This level of experience is enriching to the participant in proportion to what they put in it---in other words, You get out what you put in. If the same individual decides to put themselves on the line by participating in a tournament, they will feel a greater sense of urgency to (1.) know their form as well as they possibly can and (2.) be comfortable with a varied set of tools and circumstances in the sparring arena.  In short, one will need to step up their game to prepare for a tournament.  In so doing, they will enhance their knowledge (mental), spend more time interacting with their fellow martial artists (emotional), and develop a greater skill level (physical); all with the tools which are currently available to them which weren't fully utilized before.  One may ask, "Couldn't someone experience this without committing to a tournament?"  And, yes, that may be the case, however, one will be far more successful in having a meaningful Taekwondo experience if they incorporate a tangible goal--like medaling or participating in a tournament.

Then come the benefits of the actual tournament participation.  Aside from the obvious attainment of a medal or trophy, one will surely be rewarded with the self confidence that comes from preparing for a challenge and meeting it head on.  There is also a great social side effect of becoming familiar with a grander picture of martial artists all across the state, country and world who, for the most part, do what we do at MTC, train to be the best possible martial artist and person they each can possibly be.

So, decide, train, participate and grow.

from the desk of Mrs. Rosbarsky

Spring Break and Other Missed Classes

This year MTC's Spring Break will fall on March 29th-April 2nd. (We follow the MCPS holiday schedule.) We have learned that to develop well rounded martial artists and people it is important to support individual family development.  We feel this is, in part, accomplished by utilitzing the holidays for family togetherness and self rejuvenation. 

In times, though, when one misses classes because of illness or a conflict, our recommendation is to make up the missed class(es) within the month of the miss with a comparable class(es) (one of the same or similar level on a different day or one of a different level on the same day.)

Mrs. Rosbarsky is happy to help find the correct substitute class.

from the desk of Mrs. Rosbarsky

Spring Tournament Season

The Montana Tournament Season got underway early this year with the Bozeman Tournament on February 20th.

Additionally, good experiences can be found at the other tournaments throughout our state.  We recommend: The Great Falls Tournament on April 10th, The Billings Tournament on April 10th, The Livingston Tournament on May 1st and The Montana State Championships in Butte on June 12th.  When registration forms and other information are available for these events they will be tacked to the bulletin board.

With the conflict on April 10th, The Rosbarsky's will attend the Billings Tournament to support Grandmasters Jae Ho Park and Karlo Fujiwara.  We encourage participation in either tournament on April 10th.  There will be MTC Black Belts available in Great Falls to provide support for our colored belts who attend.  See Mrs. R for direction in these matters.  Participation in any of these tournaments is recommended.

Some reminders about tournaments:

• Long days are to be expected, so plan ahead with books, activities and snacks.
• Secure gear to use in advance. (Some items may need to be ordered so place orders 2 weeks in advance)
• A little preparation (knowing your Poomse and what else to expect) will provide us the best chance of a good experience.

from the desk of Mrs. Rosbarsky

Moms, do you want to do TKD too?

You can join other women at a time that suits your schedule.  Monday and Wednesday at 9:15AM the Building on Basics Beginning Taekwondo meets at MTC.

The scope of the class includes innovative cardio workouts, agility drills, stretching, Taekwondo basics, self defense and other elements specific to an adult experience in the martial arts.

Join us for a free class.

from the desk of Mrs. Rosbarsky

CPR Class at MTC

MTC will host an American Heart Association CPR training.  There are 9 openings in the CPR class offered on March 20th from 10am-Noon.

We will open this to MTC Black Belts first.  If there are still openings after March 8th, we will open to all other MTC family Members.

The cost is $40 and is payable to MTC.  Sign up on the front counter..ASAP.

from the desk of Mrs. Rosbarsky

Dinner and a Show

Every Spring we gather for a very fun evening at MTC.  This year that evening, our Dinner and a Show, will be Friday May 7th.  Dinner and a Show is a combination MTC student talent show, Korean BarBQ and Pot Luck, Kick-a-thon and Silent Auction.

The Talent Show is open to all prepared and signed up in advance MTC students who have a nonTKD talent to share.  So, think about your performance--music, theater, dance, or any other entertaining talent.

The Korean BarBQ will be prepared by the Rosbarsky's and all families in attendance are asked to bring a Pot Luck contribution, so dust off your best recipes.

The Kick-a-thon is a simple fundraiser for athletes going to Nationals and other students who wish to participate.  First, participants gather pledges. Then each person kicks for 1 minute and their total pledges are calculated and collected.

The Silent Auction is assembled by the booster club and the preceeds are used to help offset the cost of attending Nationals ($1500-$1800/person).

Give a little thought to how you would like to participate--Talent, Food, Kicking or an Auction Item/Items.

from the desk of Mrs. Rosbarsky