June Testing and School News

Anika Brandl, Dr. Stevens

Vigas, Cowart, Buehler

Smashing boards and snapping out kicks, Stevens Taekwondo Academy students took no vacation from their training, and demonstrated their skills clearly at the belt promotion testing held Sunday at the Stevens Point YMCA.

Anika Brandl cleanly broke two one-inch boards with a spinning side kick as she earned her second degree black belt.  Brandl also sparred, performed the exacting keumgang form and demonstrated advanced kicking and balance skills.

Three color  belt students earned trophies for excellence in testing. High yellow belt Katherine Buehler won first, red belt Ethan Cowart earned second and yellow belt Vivian Vigas earned third place.

The testing was judged by master instructor Dwight Stevens assisted by senior master Mark Henkel.  Master Kim Buehler was director of testing.

School News

*** The YMCA class and several masters celebrated Dr. Stevens birthday last month with cake and good wishes.***

Anika Brandl's power break

***Master Kim Buehler taught mini-classes at
 Kennedy School in Junction City in May ***

***In early June black belt Jason Bethke lost his fight against cancer at the age of 40.  He had earned his black belt in 1989.*** 

***Master Peter and Nicci Shave have moved from Stevens Point for a great opportunity in Nashville Tennessee.   They are much missed at workouts, especially young Oliver and Conner, but they will bloom where they are (trans)planted.***

***One night recently showed so well the family foundation of Stevens Taekwondo Academy.  During sparring practice, one ring held black belt Brian Burns, sparring his young son Sean and Katherine Buehler, the daughter of masters Justin and Kim Buehler.  Kim was referring the match.  Then another person entered the gym:  Jon Locascio, the youngest of senior master Ron Locascio's three black belt sons.  Jon was home on leave from the army, and wanted to  pay his respects to Dr. Stevens.  The taekwondo connection is strongest in the families who train together, but beneficial for all.***

*** Summer Schedule for YMCA Classes***

Summer Session I runs through July 14
***NO Classes July 19 and 21***
Summer Session II begins July 26
August 14 Belt Promotion Testing 12:30 p.m.
September 1 last class of session
***NO Classes September 6 and 8***
Fall Session I begins September 13

Please register prior to first class to avoid confusion.