15 Oct 2020

Testing in the time of COVID-19

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If, at this time last year, you would have told me that Region 1 would be conducting virtual black belts tests, I would have thought you were crazy.

This year has seen a wealth of changes around the world as we all figure out how to continue our martial arts training in the time of a pandemic.

When this pandemic first started, many tournaments, tests, clinics, and WTSDA gatherings were cancelled for the sake of safety. As time went on, we realized that it might be a while before we can all return to our normal way of training and progressing.

In light of all that is going on, Region 1 decided to conduct our Fall Black Belt testing cycle via virtual tests.

Instead of the traditional test which brings in all candidates from around the region, we held five smaller tests over the course of 3 weeks. These tests welcomed 19 total candidates from Garberville, San Francisco, Portland, Fortuna, and Seattle.

Navigating this new test format, getting the candidates prepared to test with masks, and observing social distancing during the test was a learning experience for all involved.

While the entire experience was not the preferred method of testing, candidates and judges alike were able to make each of these events a success.

Please welcome me in congratulating all who tested in this (first-ever) virtual test cycle.

  • Garberville, CA (Sept, 20th)
    • Evie Dowd, E Dan candidate, Dragon Heart Tang Soo Do
    • Dusk Huber, E Dan candidate, Dragon Heart Tang Soo Do
    • Kirsten Vasquez, Cho Dan candidate, Dragon Heart Tang Soo Do
  • San Francisco, CA (Sept, 27th)
    • Dena Kirgin, Sam Dan candidate, Reno United Tang Soo Do
    • Stella Malone, Cho Dan candidate, Summit Mist Martial Arts
    • Zed Millette, Cho Dan candidate, Summit Mist Martial Arts
    • Megan Galles, Cho Dan candidate, Summit Mist Martial Arts
  • Portland, OR (Sept, 27th)
    • Gena Eiseman, E Dan candidate, Ketzal Martial Arts
    • Dylan Sanches-Varillas, Cho Dan candidate, Aim High Tang Soo Do
    • Evan Wheelwright, Cho Dan candidate, Aim High Tang Soo Do
    • Mary Wheelwright, Cho Dan candidate, Aim High Tang Soo Do
    • Akhil Gandikota, Cho Dan candidate, Aim High Tang Soo Do
    • Anika Gandikota, Cho Dan candidate, Aim High Tang Soo Do
  • Fortuna, CA (Oct, 11th)
    • Sebastian Hunter, E Dan candidate, Dragon Fire Tang Soo Do
    • Jesus Herrera, Cho Dan candidate, Dragon Fire Tang Soo Do
    • Erick Herrera, Cho Dan candidate, Dragon Fire Tang Soo Do
    • Abigail Mojica, Cho Dan candidate, Dragon Fire Tang Soo Do
  • Seattle, WA (Oct, 11th)
    • Ella Friis-Alfers, Sam Dan candidate, Loyal Heights Martial Arts
    • Orion Bohus, E Dan candidate, Loyal Heights Martial Arts

Check out the slideshow or view the album on Flickr

5 Oct 2020

2020 Virtual Championship results are in!

by | posted in: Championships, Photos | 0

Good afternoon, Region 1!

Thank you for your patience as our team recorded, verified, and quadruple checked the scores from this weekend. The results are in, and we know you’re eager to see our 2020 Grand Championship Cup winners. So, without further ado, let’s introduce your champions!

Dan Divisions: 

  • Youth Female – Kelsey Greenberg, Summit Mist Martial Arts
  • Youth Male – N/A (No eligible competitors)
  • Adult Female – Yamilet Reyes, Reno United Tang Soo Do
  • Adult Male – Curtlen Villatora, Reno United Tang Soo Do 
  • Senior Female – Meredyth Phillips, White Dragon Tang Soo Do
  • Senior Male – Leland Salomon, Dragon Heart Tang Soo Do

Gup Divisions:

  • Youth Female – Arabella Estes, Summit Mist Martial Arts
  • Youth Male – Erick Herrera, Dragon Fire Tang Soo Do
  • Adult Female – Stella Malone, Summit Mist Martial Arts
  • Adult Male – Zed Millette, Summit Mist Tang Soo Do
  • Senior Female – Meghan James, Loyal Heights Martial Arts
  • Senior Male – Clifford Skaggs, White Dragon Tang Soo Do

Please join us in congratulating all of the above. And a big Tang Soo Do thank you to everyone who joined us — competitor, judge, staff, or supportive fan. We couldn’t have done it without you, and are thrilled to count our first ever Virtual Tournament a success.

Did you feel the same? We would love to hear your comments. Please let us know if you have feedback. And if you have screenshots, videos, or photos from the event, please feel free to share! 

6 Jul 2020

2020 Virtual Championship Registration is LIVE!

by | posted in: Championships | 1

In light of the ongoing concerns over COVID-19 and our continued commitment to the health and safety of our communities, the 2020 Region 1 Championship will be moving forward as an all-digital event!

This is an innovative, exciting opportunity to connect with the entire Region 1 family, safe in the comfort of your own home. Now you really can roll out of bed and step onto the tournament floor. Doesn’t get easier than that!

Medals, championship cups, opening ceremonies, forms and weapons (but no sparring – sorry, socially distant activities only), everything you love about our annual championship will be coming to your screens (and mailboxes, if you win) this fall.

Community is more important than ever, so let’s go virtual, get our Zoom on, and show everyone the indomitable spirit of Region 1 one more time.

When: October 3rd, 2020 11 am – 4 pm PST
Where: Online

Contact info:
Master Wolverton
beckydhtsd@gmail.com

To REGISTER online, click here

7 Feb 2020

Remembering Grandmaster Beaudoin

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On January 29th, 2020, the World Tang Soo Do Association lost its long time leader, Grandmaster Robert E. Beaudoin. This loss was sudden and affected us all very deeply. On the day of his passing and the weeks which followed, there was an outpouring on social media from all over the world. So many kind words and stories were shared about this dedicated individual.

Here is an article written about him in his hometown newspaper: https://www.rep-am.com/obituaries/2020/02/01/robert-e-beaudoin/

Link to a video tribute: http://videos.lifetributes.com/1051341#

Here is a video of Grandmaster Beaudoin receiving the rank of 9th Dan which was planned to be giving less than six months later

A nice reflection shared by Master Larry Dercole