S heridan hosted the July testing this year on July 17th. There were 21
students testing from all around Wyoming. This is the largest summer testing
in a very long time. Sr. Master Martin, and Mr Sisco both had 1 Student each
test in class bringing the total for the testing to 23. The testing started
off with a demo from Mr Johnson's M & M class. There were 10 students from the
ages of 4-8 years old. The idea of the program is to get these pee wees to 9th
gup and into regular class by the time it has finished.
The testing followed the demo. Nine new white belts tested for 8th gup.
Eleven total for the State, how exciting is that? These M & M's and 8th gups are
the future of TKD. And to have that many in a time that is a historically small testing
is exciting.
The Test Board consisted of 3rd degrees from
around the State. Mrs. Connell from Sheridan called the test and did a wonderful
job of making everyone feel comfortable. The Test Board, as usual had a tough job
picking Best Test winners:
- "Best Break" Winner was Carmine Simon
- "Best Ho-Sin Sul" Winner Was Kayla Stibley
- "Best Pattern" Winner was Birch Robinson.
Congratulations to all the honors candidates, as well as everyone who trained hard and passed to a new level. Remember, "It's all about the Journey." For everyone who attended,it was a great journey.
O n January 23rd the Casper Rec Center hosted the Color Belt Testing for Wyoming. The Rec Center itself was committed to other events, so arrangements were made to have the testing at the Casper Senior Center next to the Rec Center. The Senior Center has a 2200 square foot dance floor in the dining hall. Since there were 41 students testing, this gave us a lot of room for the Testing Board and students, as well as spectators. Two test boards were set up side by side. White and Yellow Belts on the left, high Yellow and above on the right. Mr Jordan McDill, from the Casper Rec Center, called lower belts while Mr. Robin Johnson, Head Instructor from Sheridan, called the upper belts. Breaks had to be hand held, but everyone adapted very well. The High Test Winners were:
- Best Pattern: Nandy Crabb, Sheridan TaekwonDo
- Best Ho Sin Sul: Dalton Stack, Sr. Master Martins
- Best Break: Lisa Popp, Sr. Master Martins
O n January 3, 2010, Sr. Master Martin held the first Black Belt Class of 2010. Master K. Steadman from Denver, CO was also in attendance. The first half of the class was dedicated to informing the students of the restructuring of the USTF. Sr. Master Martin has been promoted to Vice President of the USTF. Master Steadman was promoted to Region 2 Director. Mr. Gerald Sisco replaced Mr. Johnson as the Wyoming State Director. Sr. Master Martin thanked Mr. Johnson for over nine years of dedicated service as State Director. Training followed with Sr. Master Martin conducting class in his usual outstanding fashion. Schools from Wyoming attending class were Casper, Sheridan, Laramie and Rock Springs. Laramie's students included a Blue belt who attended class with permission from Sr. Master Martin due to the loss of their permanent instructor. WELCOME LARAMIE! Class was concluded with a group picture and fond farewells. See you all next time.
USTF Organizational Changes:
There have been a few changes named in the organizational structure of the USTF. Please congratulate the following individuals:
Mr. Gerald Sisco
Mr. Robin Johnson is stepping down as the Wyoming State Director. His nine years of tireless enthusiasm and direction have been an inspiration to us all. Additional updates regarding some future policy changes will be forthcoming.
5th Dan