Black Belt Brotherhood
2008 Region 7 Black Belt Camp
Ninety seven Black Belts from Region 7 gathered June 20 – 22 at Furman University in Greenville, SC for our annual Black Belt Camp. The camp began by assigning and naming our teams; the Empty Shadows, Lightening Bugs and Zack’s Pack. This was followed by a sweat-slinging sparring session during which participants had the opportunity to work out with folks from all over the region. This was where our first glimpse of the intense sense of brotherhood in Region 7 revealed itself. I witnessed cheering, clapping and constructive feedback that crossed school lines. As we usually only face each other in the competition ring, the camaraderie and team spirit demonstrated by all participants was amazing to witness.
Saturday began at the crack of dawn with our traditional Ki Kong workout with Mrs. Mary Mars. We then attended workshops on Knife Fighting (Mr. Joel Gilreath), Kubaton Defense Techniques (Mr. Jim Young), Self Defense with the Short Sticks (Master Randy Kuehner), and Bong One Steps with Mr. Brent Lacy. After lunch we participated in Rope Stretching (Ms. Kristan Mack), Hyungs “Performing at Tournament” (Master Mark Jorganson), Core Strengthening (Mr. Joe Scota, Jr) and S.T.A.R.T. with Mr. John Francis.
I watched the workshop action and was amazed by the warmth and support between one and all. This was noted particularly as the day wore on and folks began to tire. In Mr. Scota’s Core Strengthening class, we all cheered and encouraged each other to complete very difficult and strenuous exercises. We rejoiced in each other’s success and supported each other as energy faltered and sprits lagged. True brotherhood reveals itself in the darker times. Towards the end of the day there were dim, difficult moments for some and the encouragement of fellow students and instructors was inspiring.
Master Mark Jorganson, a 23 year veteran to the WTSDA, was visiting with us from Keystone Martial Arts in Cranberry Township, PA. He conducted the Hyungs “Performing at Tournaments” workshop which was incredibly instructive with the World Championship quickly approaching. He espoused that having a “humble, yet confident” attitude is the most important asset during competition. He believes that developing students and growing the World Tang Soo Do Association is one of his greatest responsibilities as a Master. Master Jorganson was also inspired by the “unity and brotherhood” and “personal connection” in Region 7. He observed that there is “great respect” for each other, the instructors and the Masters. It was an honor to have Master Jorganson “hang out” with us and share his wealth of TSD knowledge and experience!
10 year old Cassia Larson, a Cho Dan Bo from Twin Dragons, experienced her first Black Belt Camp and said she was “little scared” but had a “good time”. She was on the “Empty Shadows” team and said that her team mates helped her to feel comfortable and safe. Mrs. Carole Yoder, a visiting chief instructor from Suncoast TSD in New Port Richey, FL, appreciated the camaraderie and openness. She said she felt like one of the gang and made a point to acknowledge that the openness and sense of brotherhood in the WTDSA is one of the things that attracts her to this traditional form of martial art. She said that the Region 7 Black Belt Camp was a great balance between “fun and learning.” She appreciates that we are “one big family” and feels welcome wherever she trains. Mrs. Yoder talked about how we all help each other in a give and take relationship. It is a nice balance and in describing her interactions with a young Black Belt, she said “between the two of us we got there.”
Mr. John Francis, Sam Dan and chief instructor from Mooson TSD, taught the S.M.A.R.T. workshop and emphasized the responsibility of Black Belts to demonstrate their sense of brotherhood by “giving back” to their schools and communities. He describes the martial arts as a chain and said that we are all links in this chain. Mr. Francis said that we can give back by teaching and service work. He enjoyed the spirited interaction between the three teams and noted that Region 7 Masters, Chief Instructors and Black Belts demonstrate “fraternity and community” and are “one big family”.
Our 2008 Black Belt Camp concluded Sunday morning with Ki Kong, Master Mars beating the drum for our Hyung practice and an award ceremony. Thanks to Master Joe Scota and Mr. Joel Gilreath for putting together and pulling off this professional, instructive and fun experience. We were all inspired, exhilarated, exhausted and sad to see another Black Belt Camp come to a close. Our family is stronger than ever and I am honored to be a part of the Black Belt Brotherhood in Region 7.
Kathy Scully, Cho Dan
Scota Karate Academy