Classes Over "Break"

We are all looking forward to the rest of our Holiday Season and are praying for a white, white Christmas so we can enjoy an exciting ski season too.

We highly encourage the time between Christmas and New Years as time devoted to your own personal families, however, if you are missing your TKD family too much over the break (we too go through withdrawals during any time off) please join us for some all level classes.  We will hold classes on the 26th and 28th from 4:30-5:30.

Also, if you know you will have lots of time to devote to TKD over the break, consider being part of the Missoula Taekwondo Center First Night Demonstration Team.  We will practice the 26th, 27th, 28th, 29th, 30th and 31st.  The Demo Team is for everyone and you will learn some fantastic skills so please don't think you have to be a wiz to be part of it. (Click here for more information)

from the desk of Mrs. Rosbarsky

Show Your Stuff as part of our Demonstration Team

The Missoula Taekwondo Center Demonstration Team has been participating in Missoula's First Night Celebration for 10 years now and we have a reputation for putting on quite a show.  What makes the crowds gather to watch are not just the high flying kicks and powerful board and brick breaking but that the audience can see themselves in each of the performers.  Our demo teams have always been made up of all ages and belt levels and we are most proud of the diversity represented in our yearly performance.

This year we invite you.  Come be part of this fantastic group and share with your family and community your passion and hard work.

Practices begin December 1st and will meet Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7-7:30 until December 20th.  There will also be daily practices December 26-30, 5:30-6:30.  On New Year's Eve we will begin practicing at 10AM.  The performance is December 31st at 2PM in JC Penney Court at Southgate Mall. (Click here for Calendar)  this is the Kick Off for Missoula's First Night celebration.  Our performers will all receive a First Night button that will allow them to partake in the city wide activities.

Please sign up at the dojang and make every effort to be at all the practices.

from the desk of Mrs. Rosbarsky

Gift Giving for your Martial Artist

You can find all sorts of goodies your martial artist will use at MTC, and they will be on sale December 7,8 and 9.  Including gear, fleeces for $12-$16 and doboks for $30.

Everything 25%  

off December 7,8 and 9 

(Limited to Stock on hand)

We can also order things you do not see in the Pro Shop like belt racks , gear bags and kicking bags.  Please place special orders by December 9th to ensure delivery in time for the holidays.

from the desk of Mrs. Rosbarsky

1st Montana TKD Women's Retreat

The first ever Montana Taekwondo Association Women's Retreat was held at Fairmont Hot Springs on December 3rd and 4th.

The Montana Taekwondo Association is our state governing body that has been organized to foster growth of Taekwondo in our state and to offer a full and enriching experience state wide to Taekwondo practitioners.  This new sub group is being formed to ensure that the needs of the MTA's female membership are being met.  

The gathering featured time for fellowship, tabling and discussion of ideas and decisions on the structure and function of the group.  The New MTA Women's Leadership Council was formed. Eighteen women from 7 different schools attended.

Polish your Poomsae at MTC with World Silver Medalist Akiko Reyes

The Montana Taekwondo Association is bringing us a fantastic opportunity to train with one of the greatest Poomsae athletes from the US.

MTC will host Mrs. Akiko Reyes and Manny Reyes on December 10th and 11th for a Poomsae seminar that has something for everyone.  Ma'am Akiko focuses on each individual performing the poomsae that best expresses themselves.  They are well versed in current Sport Poomsae guidelines and what is looked for in national and international competition, but the greatest element they will bring to us is their exuberant energy.  Ma'am Akiko helps athletes pin point and enhance their strengths while giving them the tools to work through their challenges.

The weekend will be taught in 4 sessions.

December 10th

Session 1 - 9am-1pm

WTF Guidelines--covering what is currently expected in Sport Poomsae competition in WTF tournaments including 2012 USAT Nationals and US Open.

Session 2 - 2pm-5pm

Colored Belts- for all aged colored belts who are interested in discovering their strengths and getting tools to improve on their most challenging areas.

December 11th

Session 3 - 8am-12pm

Black Belts - for all aged black belts who wish to enhance their own style in forms performance.

Session 4 - 1pm-4pm

2012 US Open and Nationals Athletes--for Sport Poomsae athletes competing upcoming National and International events.

The cost for MTA members is $35 for 1-2 sessions or $50 for 3-4 sessions.  Non MTA members are welcome to join for an additional $25.

from the desk of Mrs. Rosbarsky

Paddle Ball Tournament

The most anticipated tournament of the year is nearly upon us.  Now scheduled on Sunday, December 18th at 10AM the 3rd Annual MTC Paddle Ball Tournament is nearly upon us.  Be sure to register your 3 member team by December 15th and pay the $15 team registration fee.  Also this year there is a pot luck sign up that each team must contribute to, so that we all may keep up our energy throughout the competition.

There will be a kids division and a teen/adult division.

Creating a team identity is highly encouraged through a team jersey, team cheers, mascots, theme songs and such.

Please join us to play or watch.  It is always a very fun time.

from the desk of Mrs. Rosbarsky

You on the National Team?

We encourage all MTC students to envision themselves as part of the 2012 Missoula Taekwondo Center National Team.

Every year a group of students from MTC travel to the USA Taekwondo Nationals.  You (or your child) have the potential to be part of this team.  The first (and really the only) criteria for being a member of this team is the desire to be and do something great.  Together and individually we will train, fundraise, travel and grow.

OK, inall honesty, you have to do more than just have a desire to share in this experience, you will also then need to put forth the effort to grow physically and mentally, but once you DECIDE the experience will begin to unfold in front of you.  This experience has been life changing for everyone who chose to step in the arena, so to speak.

Being part of this team is realistic for nearly every one of our students.  You can compete at nationals from the age of 6 through 106 and from yellow to black belt.

We are kicking off the season with an informational meeting at 5:30 on November 9th.  Everyone who has a desire to compete or simply a curiosity should attend this meeting .  We will discuss what it takes, in all areas, to have a positive experience on the MTC National Team. 

• The physical preparation needed
• The roll of the Booster Club (financially an otherwise)
• Individual and team development aside from just physical
• Travel to regional and national events

Join us to discover how to reach a new level within your Taekwondo training and your life.  Wednesday November 9th at 5:30pm.

from the desk of Mrs. Rosbarsky

Thanks for your Love and Support

We are so very grateful for the loving, giving, supportive and energetic family we have at Missoula Taekwondo Center.  You all continue to amaze us when it comes time for us to host an event.  When we call for volunteers an army shows up and together we pour ourselves into creating a meaningful experience for all of the participants, referees, coaches and spectators.

The 2011 Missoula Taekwondo Championships was a spectacular success.  In the state of Montana we shine as a working unit.

So, thank you all, individually and as a unit.  We are humbled by your generosity and look forward to creating more meaning together in our future.

from the desk of Mrs. Rosbarsky

The NEW Montana Women's Council

For ALL women who care what TKD can do in the lives of the Martial Artists they love.

The purpose of the MTA Women's Council is to bring together the many strong, resourceful, intelligent women involved in Montana Taekwondo to further the interests of women, girls and all Taekwondoists in our state.

ALL Women ages 15+ involved in Taekwondo (as martial artist and their families) in the state of Montana are invited to join us on December 3rd and 4th at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort (near Butte) to connect, rejuvenate and develop a vision for the future.

Tentative Schedule of events
12/3   3:00-5:00pm - Arrive at Fairmont Hot Springs
          3:00-5:00pm - Swimming and Soaking
          5:00-6:00pm - Pool Poomse
          7:00-9:00pm - Dinner and meeting
12/4   7:30-8:30am - Animal walk/run (to see the animals not be like them)
         10:00-Check out of rooms
         10:30-12:00 Brunch meeting

Please email amanda@missoulatkd.com
or call (406)370-4589 with questions, concerns and an idea of how many of you will be attending.


Approximate costs will be $50 per person for lodging (based on double occupancy). Food and Swimming will be included.

December Stuff

It is nearly Paddleball season!

Yippee!!

Just a reminder to think about forming your teams and developing shirt designs.  The Tournament will be December 17th. 18th.

_____________________
The MTC Demonstration Team will perform as part of Missoula's First Night celebration once again on the 31st.  All MTC students are invited to participate.  Practices will begin December 1st.

_____________________
We will NOT hold regular classes December 22nd through January 2nd.  We will however hold Demonstration Practices and some other less formal workouts for those who are in town and need their TKD fix.
_____________________
All MTC Women should attend the 1st Montana Women's Council at Fairmont Hot Springs to help us shape the organization that will best serve us along our TKD journeys.

A Friendly Reminder-Focus on the Martial Artists on the Mat

We love that our Taekwondo school facilitates many positive interactions on and off the mat.  We love to see parents supporting their own children and growing to know and love the other children and their family members who inhabit the benches around them.  And we love that families bring their other children to the dojang to partake of the atmosphere.  

We do, however, need to remind everyone that our focus when in the Dojang still needs to be on the individuals who are working hard to learn new skills and grow on the mat.  Please keep your conversations at a whisper during class. The many talking voices create a roar that makes it hard for the teacher to be heard.  And please keep children who are off the mat quiet and in check so they are not drawing attention from those who are here to work.  We thank you and know that we all have the same goals-encouraging our kids to be their best possible selves.

Missoula Taekwondo Championships

All MTC Students are invited to compete at the Missoula Taekwondo Championships on October 22nd at the RAM Activity Center.  There will be competition in sparring and poomsae with special divisions for disabled individuals.  We will also feature Sport Poomsae and Electronic Hogu exhibitions.  

A special rate of $40 is available to MTC students.  Pick up the registration and info at MTC and turn it in by October 19th.

Dearest MTC Family, we choose to host this event every year because of you, our TKD family.  Tournament preparation takes a concerted effort by The Rosbarsky's and our entire TKD family, and, in the end, it is so worth it. We watch our students and Taekwondoists from all around the state (and a few neighboring ones as well) step into the ring and give their hearts and bodies a test.  Most will go home carrying 1 or more trophies and all will leave having experienced something great--a life enriching, boundary testing, self-building FUN event.

What has always made this the greatest Montana Taekwondo event is the group effort put forth by our MTC Family.  We have opportunities for every person to contribute to the day.

• The booster club will be looking for donations of food to make the National Team Concessions a profitable venture for our Nationals athletes.
• Help is needed to set up and take down the event.
• Door sales, equipment sales, computer operators, ring runners, hospitality coordinator, button sales, ring coordinators and oodles of other positions are available to be filled.
• After the tournament is taken down those who volunteered the day will be treated dinner at China Garden as a thank you.

Sign up sheets will be at the dojang beginning October 3rd.

from the desk of Mrs. Rosbarsky

Class Too Big? A New Yellow-Sr. Green Starts Now

We have opened a new class on Monday and Wednesday at 6:15 for Yellow to Sr. Green Belts.(class schedule)

The class size is limited to 12 so ask Mrs. Rosbarsky ASAP to get your name on the list.

The curriculum will be the same as the Tuesday 4:45 class and we encourage those with the flexibility in their schedules to try the switch.  We love each of our students and want to give you each a positive Taekwondo experience and this new class option will afford us greater time with each student.  So please consider making the switch.

from the desk of Mrs. Rosbarsky

Halloween Party

The Annual MTC Halloween Part and Haunted House is coming up.  The party will be held Saturday, October 29th.

The event will include the return of our Haunted House, a collective effort that is conceptualized by Master Rosbarsky and Master Glenn Parks and haunted by many MTC students.  Don't worry we are able to modify the scariness depending on the group touring at any given time so it is appropriate for all ages.

We will be resurrecting the costume contest with 1st, 2nd and 3rd place prizes.  Once again wearing your dobok and coming as a "martial artist" will land you out front tied to a telephone pole with your belt.

There is no cost to attend this event but we ask that everyone brings 5 nonperishable food items to be donated to the Missoula Food Bank or $5.

This will be a pot luck dinner.  Please sign up by Thursday, October 27th to bring your favorite main dish, side dish, or dessert.  Or, if you do not wish to cook, there will be many other things to sign up to bring as well.  The night;s event include:

• 5:00pm Party begins
• 5:00-6:00 Kid friendly haunted house
• 7:10 Costume contestants line up for voting
• 7:20 Contest winners announced
• 7:30-? The Haunted House resumes for those who want to be spooked to death...Mwaah haa haa...

Belt Test Date Changed

Due to the move of the Kalispell Tournament date to November 12th, we will now be holding our next belt test on November 5th.

We will hold 3 tests on Friday.  November 5th.  The plan is for those testing for yellow to test from 4:30-5:30.  Those testing for senior yellow to senior green should test from 5:30-6:45 and those testing for Blue belt and up should plan to be there 6:45-8:30.  It is possible these times will change based on the number of people who sign up for the tests and what the distribution of belts looks like.

A final schedule will be posted by Wednesday, November 2nd.

Sign up and payment is required by November 1st.

The Booster Club is here for you, our TKD family.

Meet October 5th at 5:30 to find out how to make the Booster Club work for you.

We are hyperaware of financial constraints as they relate to extracurriculars.  Taekwondo participation requires a dedicated amount of funds each month for the class portion, and participating in functions outside of class are sometimes not even looked at as an option by some families because of costs associated.  The MTC Booster Club is here to make that a non-issue.  To find out how your efforts combined with the Booster Club's can open doors for you in Taekwondo and life attend the October 5th meeting at 5:30.

Cookie Dough Sale underway now!

• Earn money for you TKD extracurriculars
• Sales forms available at MTC
• Cash prizes for first to sell 20 tubs and most tubs sold.
• Start now, finish October 26th

from the desk of Mrs. Rosbarsky

Master Rosbarsky Returns from China

I landed in China at about 4 in the morning and it all started.  Shenzhen Universiade banners and volunteers were everywhere.  It was obvious we were about to be part of something special.  We made it to the athlete village and received a duffel bag full of stuff.  We received Shirts, shorts, shoes, warm-ups, and even noise-cancelling headphones.  That afternoon athletes from all countries loaded into 200 buses and traveled an hour and a half to the Spring Cocoon, an immense arena built for this event, for opening ceremonies.  We walked in the side of the arena to the roar of thousands of people.  I have never been so proud to be an American, walking in behind the flag with 450+ US athletes at one of the world’s most prestigious events.

We spent the next seven days acclimating, training and supporting the USA at various events.  Our first two days of competition were Poomsae.  Our competitors faced current world champions from all over the world and performed in stellar fashion.  We failed to walk away with any medals in forms.  Sparring took place for the following four days.  I coached two athletes the first day, two the second, one the third and one the last.

All of them fought incredibly hard and well.  Everyone we faced had some sort of international experience.  For some of our athletes this was their first international competition. , and they were facing the very best in the world. Some of the highlights for me were coaching Tasha Pruter into the quarter finals and coaching Stepfon Westbrook to the first ever male bantam weight win for the US at the Universiade.

Our last fighter, Aziza Chambers, won bronze in the women’s division.

Thank you to everyone that made this possible.

 (Some Pics)

Master Rosbarsky

Getting a Varsity Letter in Taekwondo

We are embarking on a historic year for Taekwondo Teens.  This is the first full year where MCPS students can earn a Letter in Taekwondo.

All eligible students should inform Mrs. Rosbarsky of their intent to letter by September 9^th. 

Requirements to letter include:  having a sports physical, being a USAT member, attaining a 2^nd geup red belt, competing in a MTA tournament, maintaining a 5 hour per week average of Taekwondo practice, obtaining a copy of grades from the parents monthly.

This is a great opportunity to gain recognition for the hard work you have and will continue to do in pursuit of your own potential.

from the desk of Mrs. Rosbarsky

Back in the Swing of Things – Classes and Tournaments

Fall brings routine back to our lives and with it a more consistent TKD attendance.  We look forward to having you all in our lives and a steady basis again.

• We spent a great summer with camps, our own and those taught by Grand Master Park, tournaments, nationally and abroad and lots of great Missoula summer activities.  As a side note, next summer we will hold the same camps and will add camps based on your input.  All of our camps were at capacity so when sign ups are available, get your name on there early.

•  Master and Mrs. Rosbarsky are joined by Master Parks, Mr. Watson, Mr. Mikkola, Ms. Hunton, Ms Ardiana and Ms Jes Curtis on the mat and at the front desk to teach and guide our families along their TKD path.  We care what you think and welcome hearing from you on any subject TKD related or otherwise. We have a wealth of knowledge in all of our black belts and other TKD family members and we highly encourage our TKD family supporting each other in the dojang and in life outside of TKD.

• To help all our students learn more and excel we have restructured Friday classes and are excited to see where this will take us.  Come try out a new class.

•   To start your tournament season off right, we are once again holding the MTC FUN Tournament on September 17^th.  This is the perfect event for all MTC Taekwondoists, those who are new to tournaments and even for those who are new to taekwondo.  This event is low stress and low cost enough to suit the most timid beginners.  Registration begins September 6^th and ends September 16^th.

•   The Fall tournament season will continue with tournaments in October and November in Missoula and Kalispell.

from the desk of Mrs. Rosbarsky

Belt Testing

Hopefully I can answer some of the many questions about tests and open the doors for more questions to be answered.
The next belt test will be held on September 23rd.  We generally hold group colored belt tests every 6 to 8 weeks, however, students should test every 3-4 months. Colored Belts should have a minimum of 2 tips to test.
Poomsae is a required element at each test, as are kicks, strikes, blocks, self-defense and terminology.  White belts age 7 and older are required to know Taeguek 1, white belts age 4-6 will perform Basic Form 1 (with or without help). Yellow belts and above will be tested over 1 new Taeguek and 1 new Palgwe at each test and should retain all previous forms.  When testing for Sr. Yellow one should know T2 and P1, for Green T3 and P2, and so on.

The sign up sheet or the next test is on the bulletin board. Please sign up and pay the $25 testing fee 1 week in advance.

from the desk of Mrs. Rosbarsky

 

The Belt Requirements Page on the webpage can be helpful in preparing to test.  It will have the requirements in .pdf format and several pictures and video to help with the different kicks, strikes, blocks and stances.  (The test may not be limited to the requirements list, but also include other techniques learned  in class).

Functional Fitness with Keane Hamilton

Functional Fitness is a group fitness class taking place at Missoula Taekwondo Center.  It is called functional fitness because every movement you will do in this class is a natural, and functional body movement.  You will jump, lift, climb, throw, push, run and much more.  We use our own body weight, medicine balls, Bulgarian bags, and much more.  Workouts are created and led by trainer Keane Hamilton.  Keane is a CrossFit Level 1 Trainer and has a B.S. in Exercise Science.  He was also one of Master Rosbarsky’s first Taekwondo students. 
Keane is also currently training the national team at MTC.  Come check out Functional Fitness at MTC.  Your first class is free!!  Classes take place Mondays and Wednesdays 11am to noon, and 4:30pm to 5:30pm.  Contact Keane Hamilton for more info or feel free to show up to class.

Keanehamilton@gmail.com
406-531-8492
Facebook page

TKD Logistics (PARKING)

Getting to Missoula TKD by foot, bike, bus or car is relatively easy.

We enjoy our central location very much, but upon arrival many of our students and their parents confront a different logistical problem—parking.  We are great proponents of parents being involved with their children’s journey in TKD by actively watching class whenever possible.  With that in mind, if you will be staying for the entire class please consider parking in the Northeast corner of the Mall parking lot. This will free up spaces closer for quick in and out and hopefully alleviate some parking stress for those who live in the neighborhood.  Also if you park near the railroad tracks please be mindful of the space trains need to pass through.

From the Desk of Mrs. Rosbarsky

Fall Schedule

This schedule begins September 1st, 2011.  Please keep this copy and use our website for future reference.  Also for reminders of special events, schedule changes and or closures please join our Missoula Taekwondo Center Facebook group or sign up to get text message updates on Twitter (text "follow mtcweb" to 40404 from your cellphone then reply with your first and last name to receive important MTC tweets or sign up on Twitter).  This is particularly helpful when there are class cancellations due to belt tests or MCPS holidays.

Website Calendar and Class Schedule.

Fall tests will be September 23rd and November 11th.  

We will be closed for Holidays September 5th, November 23-25th and December 22nd to January 2nd.  These dates are the same dates Missoula County Public School are closed for holidays (not PIR or conference days.)

Within the new schedule you will find changes to Friday and some detailed descriptions of classes we have had and will continue to have.

Note a General Poomsae Class which will introduce poomsae in a quicker format to cover more of the forms. And the Competition Team classes which focus more on presentation elements of the forms and on sparring.  All of the Competition Team classes will focus on self improvement through striving to attain skills that are only within our reach with a maximal level of effort.

August Camps

Ninja Camp

The much anticipated Ninja Camp is nearly upon us.  We will be accepting a few more campers.  The first ever Ninja Camp is August 9-13 (Tuesday to Saturday), 9:30AM to Noon for 8 year olds and up.  This camp will be a melding of Taekwondo and Parkour and will culminate with a performance for parents on Saturday.  Sign ups are at the Dojang on the bulletin board. Registration Form.

Dae Myung Camp with Grand Master Jae Ho Park

A very rare opportunity to train with Grand Master Park and his son Edison Park are coming up August 26-28. 

 Grand Master Martin of Butte has coordinated an International Dae Myung Moodoo Federation Camp at Clark Canyon Bible Camp near Dillon, Montana.  The schools attending are IDMF schools from around Montana (MTC included), New York, California and possibly Rome, Italy. 

We will receive instruction in Taekwondo, Judo and Hapkido.  Aside from the instruction in techniques participants will come home with tremendous exposure to the Philosophies of the Martial Arts we hold so dear. Grand Master Park, Master Edison and Grand Master Martin are great men and gifted teachers who have much to offer us in the way of knowledge and humanity.

This camp is open to ALL Belts and ages!  We can not stress enough what a life changing opportunity this is and how seizing this moment is tremendously important.

The cost of camp is $130 which includes meals, lodging and instruction without instruction the cost is $95.  This means families can attend.  All campers under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult.

Please contact Mrs. R for questions about these camps and forms are available at missoulatkd.com.

 From the desk of Mrs. Rosbarsky

Poomsae Practice

Lately I have been fielding many questions about how to gain proficiency in Poomsae.  Commonly I hear, “why don’t they practice enough in class to “get it”?”  The most simply put answer is  “If we practiced in class enough to really “get it” we would not have time for anything else.”  

Poomsae, being a set pattern, is one element of Taekwondo that we can become proficient at with practice on our own, and, in fact, will not get past a basic level of proficiency without practice outside of class.

We recommend using the Powerful Poomsae DVDs to ensure correct practice at home.  These DVDs feature Master R and are great for all colored belts at MTC.  We have them on hand and they are also available at amazon.com.

To have proficiency in Poomsae carving out a spot for it in your daily routine is a must.

From the desk of Mrs. Rosbarsky

Off to Nationals– A Journey to Their Best Selves

The 2011 National Team from MTC  is on their way to San Jose (heehee) to compete in sparring and poomsae with athletes from all around the US.

Lydia Rosbarsky, Scott Graham, Hunter Goodman, Jeff Quackenbush, Austin Graef, Taiga Gammell, Dylan Ardiana, Claire Zellmer, Abbey Ardiana and Amanda Rosbarsky have been training and preparing since the Fall of 2010 for this event.

It has been a great gift to witness the transformation in their ability, confidence and overall presence.  Working toward the goal of this competition has, of course,  improved their technique but it is the shift in their spirit that is the most awe-some part to observe.

Through this experience each of them will enhance their lives with more than toned muscles and gold , silver and bronze medals, they are truly becoming the best possible humans they can be.

Good Luck Team and Enjoy the Process!

Love and Effort

from the desk of Mrs. Rosbarsky