October 27th, 2015
The New England Regional Championships and the Fall Dan Shim Sa (black belt test) for the Atlantic-Pacific Tang Soo Do Federation were held on the weekend of October 17-18. These events were held at Great Bay Karate in Dover, New Hampshire. It was an honor for Kwan Jang Nim John St. James and myself to fly up from Georgia to attend these events again this year.
There were about 100 students competing in this year’s tournament. Our black belt competition was a great start to this year’s event. Mr. Oleg Khodko, Sam Dan, from Cambridge Tang Soo Do won the men’s grand champion cup while Mrs. Noelle Drewicz, Sam Dan, also from Cambridge Tang Soo Do won the women’s grand champion cup.
During opening ceremonies there were two new Master ranks awarded. Master Oleg Khodko and Master Noelle Drewicz became 4thDegree Masters. It was quite the day for both instructors after just winning the Grand Championships in their respective divisions.
After opening ceremonies, the Cho Dan Bo and Gup competition began. Throughout the afternoon students of all ages competed in divisions appropriate for their rank. After a very successful Championship, nearly 50 to 60 Federation members and their families gathered for what has become a New England post Championship tradition. Newick’s Restaurant (lobster pound) was the scene of a celebratory dinner and APTSDF family gathering. The food was great as usual, as was the company. It was particularly nice to have members attend the Championships from as far away as Texas and North Carolina.
On Sunday morning the black belt test began. There were sixteen individuals testing for a higher black belt rank. Testing was from Cho Dan to Sam Dan. All of the individuals testing demonstrated hand techniques, foot techniques, hand and foot combinations, hyungs, weapons, ho sin sul, rolls and falls, sparring and breaking as well as completing a written exam. At the end, the Best of Test went to Mr. Jeff Chandler of Great Bay Tang Soo Do for the adults and Alex South of Cambridge Tang Soo Do for the youth.
All in all, the 2015 APTSDF New England Regional Championship and Dan Shim Sa was a tremendous success.