June 2011

PLEASE NOTE YMCA schedule change: The YMCA class for August 23 will be held in the gym and the class for August 25 is postponed to September 6, due to repair and refinishing work at the Y.


Two taekwondo students earned black belts and 30 students new belt ranks at the Stevens Taekwondo Academy June testing at the YMCA.

Mark Regnitz and Laura Borth performed five taegeuk forms, kick combinations and demonstrated sparring as they moved into the black belt ranks as deputy black belts. Borth performed a blindfolded hook kick for her impressive break. Regnitz snapped his board with a jump back spinning side kick. He is the third black belt in the family, with his wife Kim Regnitz and son Dylan already at second degree black belt level.

Trophies for excellence in testing also carried a family theme as first place was given to blue belt Jennifer Bilbrey and second to her sister-in-law high yellow belt Hilary Bilbrey. The third place trophy was awarded to red belt Denise Dreschler.

The testing was judged by Grandmaster Dwight Stevens and Senior Master Bill Dragolovich, with Senior Master Karen Johnson, masters Carol Landrath, Kim Buehler, Justin Buehler, Karrie Lane, Jill Reed and Mandi Hoppa, and black belts Teri Jenkins, Steve Decker, Kim Regnitz and Tom Lisack assisting.

New Branch School in Wausau

Third dan black belt Stephen Decker is teaching taekwondo classes at the Woodson YMCA in Wausau . The classes are Monday and Wednesday nights from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Mr. Decker is aware that there are STA students in the area and invites them to attend these classes. Second dan black belts and above may attend free of charge and assist in the teaching.

Stephen Decker has recently taken the Associate Coach course through USA-T, earning "Associate Coach" ranking, enabling him to coach athletes at the Junior Olympics and other national tournaments

Third dan black belt Ryan McKay is currently in Ireland, but enjoys reading of the STA activities.

Black belt Leah Girtman Warden wrote from Lawrence, Kansas, where her husband Robin is in charge of the Army Reserve unit. Leah is finishing EMT training and considering continuing to paramedic.

Black belt news, updates and achievements are always welcome additions to the newsletter. They can be sent to henkelfm@wctc.net or via facebook to Hilde Henkel.