April 2011

More than 90 Stevens Taekwondo Academy students tested successfully for new belt levels at the YMCA recently.

Peter Chan earned sixth degree, senior master level, black belt with his performance of the difficult ji-tae form. Chan broke a concrete slab with a skipping side kick, before relating how teaching a special taekwondo class designed to help keep kids out of trouble brought him into a church and changed his life.

Lauren Shimulunas achieved second degree black belt with her demonstration of sparring, the keum-gand form and advanced kick and block combinations. Shimulunas cleanly snapped a two-inch board with a back spinning side kick.

Seth Zorn advanced to full black belt status following his performance of koryo and four taegeuk forms. He answered an array of oral questions from other black belts, sparred and broke his board with an autobahn leading into a back spinning side kick.

Peter Clark, Benjamin Strojny, Benjamin Goodberlet and the father-son duo of Daryl and Caleb Woods joined the ranks of deputy black belts following strenuous testing including demonstration of advance kicks and sparring, five taegeuk forms board breaking. Clark, Strojny, Caleb Woods and Daryl Woods all broke boards using a back spinning side kick, while Goodberlet used a jumping back spinning side kick.

Two trophies were awarded for excellence from more than 80 testing for color belt levels. High green belt Tom Oakland won first place with high green belt Tammi Weiss taking second place. The testing was judged by grandmaster instructor Dwight Stevens, assisted by senior masters Mark Henkel and Bill Dragolovich and master Jerry Hajewski.

Tournament News

Taekwondo students of all ranks brought back trophies from the 2nd Southside Invitational Taekwondo Tournament in Greenfield Wisconsin recently.

Black belt Ryan Zorn took first place in his division and wowed the judges with a working step back spinning sidekick through three boards and won both sparring marches. Brother Seth Zorn, black belt, took second place in his division, winning both his sparring matches.

High red belt Ben Strojny performed taegeuk pal jahn and broke boards with an inside crescent to back spinning sidekick and a roundhouse to back spinning hook kick, placing third overall. Riley Dreschler, red belt, was the youngest competitor in her group, but placed third overall with two board breaks, including a jumping switching front speed break, the taegeuk chil jahn form and sparring.

High blue belt Denise Dreschler took second place, competing in a men’s division while performing taegeuk yuk jahn and sparring. She used a back spinning side kick and a jumping switching axe kick to snap two boards. Reuben Yamochi, green belt took first place in the same division with the taegeuk sah jahn and using both a back spinning hook and a back spinning hook speed kick for his board breaking.

At high first tournament, nine-year-old Taylor Sankey, high white belt, brought home first place trophy for his skills, which included a sharp sidekick board break.

Grandmaster Dwight Stevens was recognized at the event, making a brief address to the competitors and spectators.

The tournament was hosted by Master James Lowe, USA TaeKwonDo Club, and Master Jerry Hajewski and Peter Chan, Dragons Club of Southwest YMCA. The tournament drew a hundred competitors from across the state and featured a unique scoring system combining results from sparring , board breaking and forms to rate competitors on overall skills.

Black Belt News

Master Lisa (Landrath) Gajewski gave birth to a healthy baby girl April 15, delighting sisters Allison and Claire and grandmother Master Carol Landrath.

Award, Champion and Refereeing

Dr. Dwight Stevens was honored recently by the Stevens Point YMCA for 30 years of teaching taekwondo. Stevens received a plaque recognizing this milestone. The taekwondo program has run continuously under Stevens' leadership, and trained thousands of students during that time, including more than 400 students who have earned one or more black belts.

Champion: Blue belt Cody Olski won first place in sparring for the 8-9 year-old boys division at the Minnesota State Taekwondo championship on March 12. In his final match, Cody shut out his opponent for a decisive win, and qualified for the Junior Nationals in Santa Monica California. Cody trains at South Wood County YMCA where his instructor, Mr. Stephen Decker is very proud of his student.

Referee Training: Steve Decker attended referee training in Minnesota and then participated as corner judge at the state tournament. He received valuable ring experience there. Working with the Lajust scoring equipment has made Decker a believer in the system. "I really do think it makes the sport better - when used with qualified and experienced referees and judges!"

Stevens Taekwondo Taekwondo: February Testing

More than 50 taekwondo students successfully tested for new belt ranks at the Stevens Point YMCA recently, with three achieving or advancing in the black belt ranks.

Jerry Hajewski advanced to fifth degree black belt in testing that included performance of the sip-jin form and an oral presentation on the positive effect of physical training such as taekwondo on brain development as measured in test scores. Hajewski broke three boards using three techniques: an elbow strike, a front snap kick and a back kick all while performing tricks with a jump rope.

Shawn Strunsee also successfully tested for fifth degree black belt. After his demonstration of the sip-jin form, Strunsee spoke on the training and preparation needed for board breaking. He broke a self-held board with a one-inch punch and then broke three concrete bricks with a palm heel strike.

Entering the black belt ranks as a deputy black belt, Kim Richardson demonstrated five taegeuk forms, breaking her board with a 360 spinning side kick and then sparring twice.

Three trophies for testing excellence were also awarded. New blue belt Anthony Basile won first place, blue belt Al Jankowski earned second place and high blue belt Macey Shutter took third place.

Grandmaster Dwight Stevens judged the testing, assisted by senior master Bill Dragolovich and visiting master Jim Lowe.


Contributing rightly: Master Kim Buehler led a taekwondo mini-class for the Family Fitness night at Auburndale Elementary school in January. Assisting were Master Karrie Lane, Sara Shuler, Melvin Cornelius, Angel Thurber and JP Bunn.

Contributing rightly, part 2: Masters Kim Buehler and Karrie Lane filled in when Master Hilde Henkel was out of town for the February testing. They gathered information for the newsletter, took photos and transmitted them to Master Hilde. Karrie had to help Hilde work around some technical difficulties, but it did work out.

Also Contributing Rightly: Dr. Ron Locascio has been giving mini-classes in self defense for health professionals who are often coming and going at late hours. What a great idea!

Change in status and location: Congratulations to third dan black belt Bethany Reed, daughter of Master Jill Reed, who became Bethany Law in a lovely ceremony in Windsor, Wisconsin last month. Russ and Bethany now reside in Michigan. Black belts sharing the day (besides the mother of the bride of course) were Dr. Dwight Stevens, Mark and Hilde Henkel, Dan Zierke, Dr. George Davidson, Jamie Chariton, Justin and Kim Buehler, Karrie Lane and Kevin, Krysti, Kolby and Kahner Konopacky. They were all a little distracted by the concurrent Packers’ playoff game.

At December testing, all past recipients of the black belt of the year award were invited to attend as the 16th and final award was presented. Those present were: Kevin Konopacky, Jill Reed, Karen Johnson, Kim Wanta Buehler, Hilde Henkel, Carol Landrath, John Henkel, Karrie Wanta Lane, Mark Henkel, and Keisha Kavalaskas were able to pose for this picture with Dr. Stevens and Joyce Kavalaskas. Absent were Bill Dragolovich, Karen Root Craig, Ben Nummelin, Teri Jenkins, Dan Zierke and Jim Henkel, who became a father that day.

December Testing

Taekwondo promotion testing at the Stevens Point YMCA featured special awards, new and advanced black belts and the outstanding black belt of 2010.

Keisha Kavalauskas was honored as the Stevens Taekwondo Academy ‘s 16th Outstanding Black Belt of the year with a plaque presented by her own mother, Joyce Kavalauskas. Keisha recently earned her second degree black belt. This award was especially significant because it was established as a memorial to Keisha’s older sister, M. J. Attoe, who died in a 1994 car accident. Ten of the past 15 recipients were present for this occasion.

Joyce Kavalauskas then surprised Dr. Stevens by presenting him with a special
Outstanding Black Belt and Instructor award. Kavalauskas cited the 30 years Stevens has been teaching taekwondo in Stevens Point and the many people he has influenced through the Stevens Taekwondo Academy.

A mother-son duo tested successfully together for sixth degree black belt. Hilde Henkel, 59, and son John Henkel, 30, teamed up to perform the ji-tae form together before giving speeches based on their required papers. Hilde’s topic was “Taekwondo: Training for Life and Success” while John Henkel spoke on the “Teaching the Art of Taekwondo.” John also broke three boards in a spinning hook speed break.

John Henkel began training in taekwondo in 1989 and has been training and teaching taekwondo ever since. He continued active during his years at UW-Platteville and UW-Madison, and now teaches both at J. P. Wood Martial Arts in Palatine IL and at Motorola, Schaumberg Il, where he is a senior engineer in research and development.

Hilde Henkel has trained at Stevens Taekwondo continuously since April 1991. She assists in teaching at the school, is a certified taekwondo referee, teaches self-defense and is publicity director for the school. Hilde is a Wood County Board supervisor.

John and Hilde are not the first in their family to achieve this ranking. Hilde’s husband Mark and their older son, James, reached sixth degree three years ago. Dwight Stevens, who holds both seventh and eighth degree ranks in taekwondo, believes the family may be the only one with four sixth degree black belts. All black belts awarded at Stevens Taekwondo Academy include Kukkiwon certificates, from the World Taekwondo Federation headquarters, recognized around the world.

Chong Chang earned first degree black belt ranking with his performance of koryo and all eight taegeuk forms, sparring and advanced kick combination . Chang broke his board with a butterfly kick and then successfully answered question on taekwondo history and tenets.

Thomas Lima entered the black belt ranks as deputy black belt. He demonstrated advanced kick combinations, sparring and all eight taegeuk forms before break his board with a back spinning side kick.

High blue belt Nathan Hilgart won first place for excellence in testing and high blue belt Dustin Murrey took second place from among more than 60 students. Grandmaster Dwight Stevens also presented a special trophy for “Indomitable Spirit” to Dennis Freund for his persistence and progress despite physical difficulties.

The testing was judged by Grandmaster Stevens, assisted by Mark Henkel and John Henkel.

Black Belt News

Just as the testing began, Senior Master James Henkel called to announce the birth of a daughter, Rhiannon, in Maryland. The third generation of Henkel black belts has begun!

2011 YMCA Class Schedule

Jan 4 First class of new session
Feb 10 Last class of the session
Feb 13 Testing 1:30 p.m.
NO CLASSES Feb 15 & 17
Feb 22 First class of new session
NOTE Mar 22 & 24 NO classes (spring break)
April 7 Last class of session
April 10 Testing 1:30 p.m.
NO CLASSES April 12 & 14
April 19 First class of new session
May 26 Last class of session
NO CLASSES May 31 & June 2
June 7 First class of new session
June 12 Testing 1:30 p.m.
July 14 last class of session
NO CLASSES July 16 & 18

Christmas Party Canceled

The Black Belt Christmas party for December 11 is canceled because of truly awful weather conditions. I would appreciate a message for those black belt who see this before I need to call them all.

We hope the testing tomorrow will proceed...at least the snow, if not the wind, is expected to stop before 1:30.

henkelfm@wctc.net

Reminders for November and December

REMINDER: YMCA classes run on a six-week schedule, with one week off between sessions (except when holidays bump things around). For the higher rank black belts who do not need to re-register, check with the YMCA or this site to be sure class is meeting when you plan to attend.
The last session of 2010 started November 2 and will end on December 9. There will be no classes at the Y until the first Tuesday in January. More information on the 2011 schedule will be posted after the YMCA confirms dates for sessions and testings.

TESTING: The December testing is scheduled for December 12 at 1:30 in the YMCA gym. Note the slightly later start time!

PARTY INFORMATION
Dec. 11: Annual black belt Christmas party.
Time: 6 P.M. to 9 P.M.
Place: Boston School Forest, 5084 Lincoln Avenue Plover
Bring: A dish to pass and warm clothing is you plan to be outside
RSVP: by Tuesday December 7 with # attending, and type of dish
Cost: $2 per person, paid by Dec. 7

This is a family affair, so a parent must accompany any minor. While invitations are sent to local black belts, all STA black belts and their dates are welcome if they RSVP to Master Johnson or Master Henkel. Ideas for and contributions to a gift for Dr. Stevens are always welcome.

ANSWER:
To clarify uniform standards for Stevens Taekwondo Academy, only black belts can wear the uniforms with the black collar. Dr. Stevens allows black belts to purchase black pants to be worn, if desired, with black collar uniforms. At master level (4th dan), Dr. Stevens permits a variety of black collared uniforms, including the all-black do-boks. School patches and flag patches are encouraged for all students, but not required.

"A black belt means that you have completed the first step to becoming a master of the martial arts, and a master of the martial arts is nothing less than a master of the self." Richard Chun in "Taekwondo Spirit & Practice: Beyond Self-Defense", 2002, p. 13

October Testing and News

Taekwondo students of all skill levels tested successfully for new levels at the YMCA recently.

Mandi Hoppa achieved fourth degree black belt and junior master level as she demonstrated block kick combinations and board breaking, using working step back spinning side kicks to break two boards. Hoppa and Meghan LaPoint performed the pyungwon form in close synchronization as LaPoint completed the first portion of her test for fourth degree.

Keith Iris, Jr. moved up to third degree black belt with sparring, kick combinations and the performance of the taebek form. Iris broke a board with a spinning hook kick.

Keisha Kavalauskas tested successfully for second degree black belt, using a back spinning side kick for her break and demonstrating sparring, kick combinations and the keumgang form.

Alison McLeod and Yingsu Her earned their full first degree black belts as they demonstrated koryo and four taegeuk forms, advanced sparring skills and advanced kick combinations. Both answered questions in an oral exam from other black belts. McLeod smashed two boards on first try with an explosive spinning side kick. Yingsu Her broke one board with a flying sidekick over five people and then another with a spinning flying side kick over two people.

More than seventy-five color belts earned promotion with three trophies awarded for excellence. Yellow belt Reuben Yamochi won first place, high blue belt Mark Regnitz took second place and high yellow belt Melissa Akright earned third place.

The testing was judged by Grandmaster Dwight Stevens, senior masters Mark Henkel and Bill Dragolovich and Master Jerry Hajewski of Milwaukee.

Other News

Indomitable Spirit: Recently Dr. Dwight Stevens suffered the loss of his grandson Christopher, who died suddenly in Colorado. Dr. Stevens led YMCA classes, presided over the October testing here and then led class and judged testing at his son Grandmaster Robert Stevens school at the Denver Athletic Club the night prior to the memorial services. This is a true demonstration of indomitable spirit. Our deepest sympathy to Dr. Stevens and the entire family for their loss.

Contributing Rightly: Assisting at the very large October testing were the following black belts: Karen Johnson, Carol Landrath, Hilde Henkel, Teri Jenkins, Jill Reed, Kim Buehler, Karrie Lane, Mandi Hoppa, Steve Decker, Keith Iris, Kim Regnitz, Meghan LaPointe, Alison McLeod, Keisha Kavalauskas, Bri Tarpey. The testing panel assisting Dr. Stevens included Bill Dragolovich, Mark Henkel and Jerry Hajewski.

Show Your School Spirit: Master Jill Reed is placing a second order for the high quality T-shirts she designed. Note the characteristics of good taekwondo practitioners listed on the front. “Stevens Taekwondo” and red kickers (male and female) appear on the back. If you missed the first order and would like to have one or more of these great, at-cost shirts for $10, contact Master Jill Reed ASAP at 715-252-1521, jillreed@charter.net.

A Sport for all Ages: Master Hilde Henkel recently led a demo/mini taekwondo class for the oldest group ever at Harmony Village, an assisted living facility in Stevens Point. Seniors with ages ranging upwards to 95 years old learned about blocking techniques and self-defense from a seated position.. Their enthusiasm and willingness to learn something new was amazing and inspiring.

Tournament Results: High yellow belt Cody Olski placed second in 8 & 9 year-old sparring at his first tournament, the American Classic Taekwondo Championship, held in West Bend September 25. Cody trains at the Port Edwards YMCA under Stephen Decker.