“It’s About Life Change”
10th Annual WTDSA
Region 7 Black Belt Camp
The World Tang Soo Do anthem echoed throughout campus as the students of Region 7 gathered for Black Belt Camp June 12-14th at scenic Furman University. Over 100 black belts and Cho Dan Bo’s were present, Region 7’s largest camp thus far, in addition to five Regional Masters and Master Efrain and “Mrs. Master” Rachel Valentin from Region 9. Thanks to the hard work and dedication of Master Joe Scota and Master Joel Gilreath, Region 7 black belts had their 10th annual camp experience and came away with a deeper, integrated love and understanding of Tang Soo Do as a way of life!
After check-in to the college dormitories, participants were assigned to four teams; Hong Kong Fuey, the Causby Kids, Dragon Slayers and the Karate Choppers. Teams spent the weekend creatively dis’ing the competition and earning position in the food line for the “best performance” or “most improved effort” (sometimes I think the Masters just felt sorry for us).
Friday night and starting at sunup on Saturday morning, students participated in various workshops: sparring, Ki Kong, sword one steps, cane self defense, kyuck pa, bong techniques and cardio, defense against kicks and CDT self defense training. The workshops were phenomenal and students were exposed to new techniques, skills and approaches that enhanced training and teaching ability. In between and after workouts, we enjoyed sharing meals, a pizza party, socializing and swapping TSD “tall tales”. New black belts and recent transfers shared their experiences and Master Mitchell Dunn instructed students about TSD history.
Master and “Mrs. Master” Valentin spent time sharing their experience and philosophies about the martial arts and TSD. Master Valentin’s sense of humor kept us all in stitches, particularly when he toted Mrs. Master Valentin’s purple, polka dotted luggage down for check out. Absolutely no one made fun of him!
Mrs. Master Rachel Valentin, Sah Dan, has studied the martial arts for 28 years. Early on she trained 3 hours/day, 6 days/week and was one of only three females in her school. Her romance with Master Valentin was kindled at her E Dan test after he “came to her rescue” when she broke a board with an already injured ankle. Master Rachel Valentin demonstrates true perseverance and has incredible teaching ability with her attention to detail and her creative approach to the art.
Master Efrain Valentin, Yuk Dan, has practiced the martial arts since he was seven years old. He owned his first school at the age of 19. His first invitation to Masters Camp came at age 21. The day he was scheduled to leave, Mrs. Master went into labor. She graciously agreed for him to head on to camp after the birth of their first child, and he made it to camp with 3 minutes to spare. Talk about dedication and commitment! “Our Grand Master challenges us and this is one of the hardest organizations to achieve Master.”
The Valentin family is a TSD family. Siblings, spouses, cousins and children all participate. Master Valentin says that even if his kids don’t ever become Masters, “they will be good people” as a result of their training and TSD way of life.
Both of these Masters clearly love the WTSDA and relish the life change that evolves when students train and commit to a TSD way of life. They focus on teaching not only physical technique, but life skills; skills such as self-respect, courtesy, service, self-control and good decision making. They love the stories their students tell about how TSD has changed their lives and enjoy sharing the hope that comes through perseverance and brotherhood. They derive energy and excitement from watching their students grow and flourish in the school and in their lives. The Valentins venerate a spirit of family and cooperation and are willing and excited to share their experience with every student and instructor.
Master and Mrs. Master Valentin’s confidence, optimism, humility, generosity, humor, and expertise are obvious reflections of their commitment and passion for the martial arts. Master Valentin summed it up nicely when he said “We are changing lives” and “The journey is never over.” The black belts of Region 7 departed Sunday morning with opportunities for change, new skills, excitement, and a deeper passion and love for Tang Soo Do.
Tang Soo!
Kathy Scully, E Dan
Scota Karate Academy