Wasn't it just yesterday that we were worrying about the "2000 Bug", and computer glitches, not having heat and water whilst the century chhanged? It is time to reflect on the past year and look forward to the next one.
We had many new events this past year including some other Martial Arts beside Taekwondo.
In March we held a Hapkido seminar with Master Yi instructing. It was so well received that I was invited to a members school in Scotland to hold a seminar. On April 15, 2000, I conducted a Hapkido seminar in Aberdeen, Scotland and the following day I was the honoured guest at the first WTF school sponsored toment held in Northern Scotland. My thanks go out to Master David Harrell for the invitation and the hospitality.
On June 3rd and 4th, we hosted the Haidong Gumdo Association for a Gumdo seminar. This event was heavily populated by instructors anxious to learn a new art and become qualified to introduce it to their students.
This year's Chicago tournament was held on June 25th. At this event we selected a team to compete against the Taegu Taekwondo Team who were to visit in July. On July 15th we held the Exhibition tournament at Triton College where the team from Taegu competed against our team. The competition was first class and the Taegu Team gave a very interesting demonstration. I believe that all who came to Triton that night were very pleased with the performance.
The 8th USNTF National Taekwondo Championships was held August 4th and 5th in Springfield, Il. Our hosts this year were Master Perry and Mrs Perry. They did an outstanding job of organising our event and making everyone happy and comfortable. On August 4th we held the Annual Instructor Certification Seminar, Referee Certification Seminar, and Taekwondo Black Belt rank testing. In addition, this year included the 1st Gumdo black belt test and the 1st Hapido black belt tests. The officials from the Haidong Gumdo Association came to Springfield to run the test and Master Yi came to run the Hapkido testing. My hope is that we can continue offering these arts and perhaps others in the future.
On September 23rd, I was a guest of Master Jeffries in St. Louis. He hosted yet another Gumdo seminar for the local instructors of that area.
The 3rd I.M.A.E.P. Korea trip was from October 6 through October 14th. While in Korea we trained at the Kukkiwon, trained with the Haidong Gumdo Association, learned Meditation with the Monks and trained in Hapkido.
The 2001 USNTF National Championships will take place July 27 - 29, 2001 in St. Louis, Missouri. I had the opportunity to see the facility and was very pleased. I'm sure that everyone will be happy with the selection. At the 2001 Nationals a team will be picked for the International Competition in Taegu, Korea at the end of September into early October, 2001. This trip to Taegu will be in conjunction with the 4th Annual I.M.A.E.P. trip.
I'd like to send out my congratulations to all students who reached the rank of Black belt this past year. You have persevered and achieved an outstanding goal. I hope that you continue your study of the martial arts and that your life has seen improvement because of it.
I would also like to wish all of you a very happy, healthy and prosperous New Year. May 2001 bring peace and love to your life and family. Also, remember the members of our extended Taekwondo family in your prayers.
Best Wishes,
Master Duk Gun Kwon