Mark Your Calendars

Here are important dates for Kuk Sool Won events throughout the rest of 2010 that I’ll be attending and you may be interested in attending.

• April 24th (Saturday): Midwest tournament in St. Louis, MO. I plan on participating in the tournament. There will also be a demonstration after the tournament, which is usually quite inspiring.
• June 15th-16th (Tuesday – Wednesday): Super Seminar with Kuk Sa Nim and other masters in St. Paul, MN. I usually attend this seminar as it gives me a chance to catch up with old classmates (now fellow instructors) from the midwest. You’d be welcome to join me if you wish. There will be an opportunity for black belt testing. (In fact, I may be taking my first test for 4th Dahn at this event.)
• June 27th-29th (Sunday – Tuesday): Super Seminar with Kuk Sa Nim and other masters in Webster, NY (a suburb of Rochester). This is about a 6-7 hour drive from our school in Clinton, MA. It’s the closest stop on the summer seminar tour. Though I realize it may be inconvenient as it overlaps with the work week, I strongly encourage students to consider attending. There will be an opportunity for black belt testing, probably on Sunday (though I don’t have an official schedule).
• October 9th (Saturday): World Championship tournament in Katy, TX (a suburb of Houston). This is the largest Kuk Sool tournament each year in the USA. I plan on participating in the tournament. There will also be a demonstration after the tournament, which is always an impressive spectacle at this event.

If you’re a current Kuk Sool student, I encourage you to consider attending these events. If you can only afford to attend one, make it the summer seminar.

If you feel that you may not be sufficiently skilled to compete in a tournament, I would say that’s not a reason not to go. Tournaments are about much more than just competing and winning medals. It’s nice to win, but it’s a good experience even if you don’t. You’ll see a wide range of ability and performances at a tournament. You’ll have the chance to meet other Kuk Sool students from other places. You’ll see a live demonstration by some high-ranking Kuk Sool masters. You’ll be inspired by the experience and you’ll return home motivated to train harder and improve your technique.

The summer seminar is also an important experience. It’s an opportunity to meet Kuk Sa Nim and get special instruction from visiting Kuk Sool masters. Every year is different, with different subjects covered. It’s always a great opportunity to not only learn, but also to interact with other Kuk Sool students outside your local school. For students who have reached the level of Dahn Boh Nim (black belt candidate), the seminar tour also provides opportunities for black belt testing officiated by the WKSA masters (which is required for students at that level).

You can find complete lists of seminars and tournaments on the main WKSA web site.