AMASEA National Convention Bus Trip

By Cody Jacobson, red belt, 12 years old, CTI LeAD Team Member

CAPE GIRARDEAU OR BUST!

The 2018 AMASEA National Convention is one of the best trips within Moo Sul Kwan Taekwondo that I've ever been on.  It is a lot of fun and you always learn new stuff.  And like Camp MSK, the food is wonderful!

The convention is a travel trip to Missouri.  So in order to get us all there, we charter our own bus.  We drive overnight to St. Louis.  It is a long bus ride but it is fairly easy to fill the time.   We watch movies.  I also spent a lot of time talking to other students on the bus.  We talked about MSK Taekwondo but we also talked a bunch about our hobbies and interests outside of training.  It was really nice to be able to connect with other students outside of my CTI Campus and be able to learn things about them outside of Taekwondo.  We stop every so often at gas stations to use the restrooms, and get food.  You can buy all kinds of food from healthy snacks to not so healthy snacks.  We stopped about 3 times going there and 3 times coming back.  (It is always a relief to see civilization when we are in Kansas.)  On the way back, we stop at a gas station and break boards.  It is always fun to watch other students break boards, and see the looks of the drivers driving past us.

We go to a lot of classes at the National Convention.  They range from doing poomse to Judo with Great Grandmaster Shin.  You will always learn new things from the class instructors.  This may or may not be new moves on a poomse you are working on, or even starting a new poomse but it is still a ton of fun.  The instructors will give you tips on what you are doing, and show you things that you have never seen before.  I took a class on Moo Sul Kwan Hapkido, something I've never done before, and learned all sorts of new things.  Most of the classes, if not all, will be hard but you will enjoy them no matter what.  The Judo class with Great Grand Master Shin is one of the hardest classes at the convention, but after you get through it, you will find that it was really fun. Although, don't be surprised if you are sore for the next few days. The classes are all really fun and interesting so it is always good to join in and explore them.

On this years trip we went to the City Museum of St. Louis on the first day.  When you think museum, you think hallways lined with artifacts and boring text.  That is the exact opposite of the City Museum.  It is more of a jungle gym than a museum.  You climb on wire and metal structures inside and outside.  The structures span a 10 story building.  Every structure in the building is made out of something found in St. Louis.  There is even a slide running from the top to the bottom of the building, and one that stretches half way.  Knee pads are optional but are definitely a good thing.  Between exploring with your friends and conquering your fear of heights, the museum is a tremendous amount of fun and the non Taekwondo highlights of the trip.

The AMASEA National Convention is a tremendous amount of fun. You would hate to miss out.  You get to learn things that are new, and hang out with your friends.  The AMASEA National Convention is definitely a great CTI Taekwondo trips!

Snapshots of our 2016 AMASEA National Convention Bus Trip

The 2016 American Martial arts Sports and Education Association National Convention in Cape Girardeau Missouri, was a blast. The trip started off from the Green Mountain campus Thursday evening. Over 40 master instructors, instructors, black belts and students loaded up for a trek that would cross Colorado, Kansas and Missouri.

The bus trip provide students with an opportunity to get to know one another and share movies, games and stories.  After watching a movie, the group settled down for the evening as the bus driver worked his way across Kansas.  The next morning, we arrived at the City Museum of St. Louis.  Joining up with 5 other members of our group, the now 49 members of CTI climbed, crawled and slid through the museum.

The St. Louis City Museum opened in 1997.  Bob Cassilly, an artist, revamped the 600,000 square foot former International Shoe Company into a wonderful mixture of art and playground.  With the help of 20 other artists, Mr. Cassilly has created an environment that patrons can climb over, under or through.  Each year the artisans create new tunnels, playground features and artwork.

One of my favorite quotes from the trip was when Robbie Crandell asked “Hey, can I go stick my head in that frog’s mouth?”.  Robbie then proceeded to dive into the frog and the associated tunnels.  The group spent a few hours exploring the multiple tunnels, sculptures and slides.  After lunch, it was time to try out the ten story slide one more time before heading out to the bus.  The entire group had an excellent time and spent the next leg of the trip down to Cape Girardeau sharing stories of places they explored, and battles from the ball pit.

Friday evening the group joined Missouri students and instructors at the Southeast Missouri State University Show Me Center for an evening of dynamic classes.  Black Belts kicked off the evening in a One Step Sparring class lead by Master Albrechtson.  It felt great to warm­ up, stretch and knockout multiple rounds of one­-steps.  The under black belt students attended classes on self-­defense, poomse, target kicking and free sparring.  The evening concluded with the black belts facing off in free sparring while Mr. Sandusky led students through Poomse.  Sparring students from other campuses and states provided us the opportunity to evaluate our skills and abilities against opponents we may have never met before.  In the end there were many handshakes and smiles as we turned in for the night.

Saturday morning classes included circuit training with Great Grandmaster Bong Yul Shin and Great Grandmaster He-­Young Kimm. Students had the opportunity to workout and learn from these two legends while the black belts worked on falling techniques.  Grandmaster Charles Hildebrand provided a class on Hapkido counter techniques which provided not only the basic introduction to some of the lower belt Hapkido techniques, bu
t also the counters for those techniques.  The morning concluded with an excellent class on lower black belt forms from Master Fred Sautel and self defense led by Master Rick Schutt.  In the lower black belt forms class, the 1st and 2nd dan black belts worked through an impressive 30 repetitions of poomse.  The class reminded all of us of what we can accomplish in a short amount of time when we put our minds to it.

After a quick lunch, the CTI Black Belt Demo Team provided a demonstration to music for the students and families attending the National Convention.  As the Moo Sul Rock band played, the black belts performed basics, one-­steps, poomse, staff poomse, target kicking and breaking in an impressive display of teamwork.

It was then time to experience a Great Grandmaster Shin class.  GGM Shin has a way of pushing you past what you thought your body was capable up.  Other students worked with Great Grandmaster Kimm on Hapkido techniques reciting the uplifting words of “I am feeling good.” Classes including many different areas until late afternoon.  The students then gathered together for a group picture and headed out for pizza.

It was impressive to see the huge group, calmly and respectfully, enter the pizza place and disperse throughout the restaurant.  The staff was very impressed with how polite all of the younger students are.  After the evening meal the group headed back to the hotel to clean up and prepare for the evening awards Ceremony.  At the Awards ceremony, students from all different Moo Sul Kwan campuses socialized, danced and sang.  The group had an excellent time and enjoyed watching our fellow black belt instructors receive awards for accomplishments and achievements for the past year.

Sunday morning provided an opportunity for students to compete in the Moo Sul Kwan Olympics.  Later that day the group experienced the Jones’ paradise.  Master Bill Jones and Kimberly Jones opened their beautiful home to the group.  We cooked, played pool, socialized and ate incredible food as the band provided entertainment for everyone.  A special thanks to the Jones’ as they always provide an welcoming environment for our group.

Monday the trip back started early.  Driving back during the day provided students a view of the Missouri and Kansas countrysides.  Soon, we were back in Colorado, ready to tackle the new challenges and opportunities for success that lay ahead!

Convention Afterthoughts

By Lydia Lincke, red belt, CTI Black Belt Club Member

Going to the AMASEA National Convention was a huge deal for me, mostly because I had never been out of the state without my family before. However, it only took me a few hours into the bus ride to Missouri, to realize that although I had left my parents and dogs and house behind, I was with my second family: my Moo Sul Kwan family.

The entire trip was like a huge family reunion, and I got to meet cousins and second cousins I had never seen or been around before, and I got to learn so many new and interesting things about the people that do the exact same thing I do, just a little bit differently. It was amazing to see that everything that all the Grandmaster and Great Grandmaster black belts had built, and all the history that comes with it, especially the legacy of Lee H. Park that is maintained. During Convention, Great Grandmaster He-Young Kimm taught a class on self defense, and just from an hour under his instruction, it was easy to see that someone of his age and rank in martial arts really knew what they were talking about.

Being around someone like Great Grandmaster Kimm or Great Grandmaster Bong Yul Shin was incredible, and a little overwhelming. They have so much more knowledge and understanding about the way of life than the average seventy-some year old, just because they took the time in their lives to perfect and explore not just one, but two or three extremely expansive arts.

It’s hard to pinpoint a favorite part from Convention because it all happened so quickly. There was hardly a chance to sit back and simmer in the fascination I feel now after reflecting and looking back at everything we did.  One big thing I learned from Convention was that everyone that joins Moo Sul Kwan, whether they do it in Missouri, or Colorado, develops so much passion and respect for what they do. Even though different areas of expertise have more emphasis placed on them between the two states, every student in Moo Sul Kwan has the same positive energy driving them forward, pushing them to do more and to learn more about their art. This is what sets Moo Sul Kwan martial arts apart from other martial arts schools: the mentality of the organization is that of sincerity and the desire to learn and teach rather than achieving the highest possible status in the shortest amount of time possible.

Going to The AMASEA National Convention was eye opening, not just because I was exposed to several new techniques in Taekwondo, Hapkido and Judo, but because of the experiences I shared with my second family and the concepts I can now apply to every single aspect of my life.  I now have one hundred times more respect for what I do, and am inspired to explore and delve into my martial art as much as I can in my own lifetime.

2015 AMASEA National Convention Bus Trip

The 2015 American Martial Arts Sports and Education Association National Convention was outstanding!

Taking place at Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau, the three day weekend was well attended and featured Great Grandmaster He-Young Kimm, Great Grandmaster Bong Yul Shin, Grandmaster Charles R. Hildebrand, Grandmaster James M. Sautel, Grandmaster Donald Kimm, Grandmaster Terry MuCullough and Grandmaster Jerry Smith.

Students and instructors from across the AMASEA trained in many different subject matters and had a wonderful time.  To mention everything that was accomplished would be impossible, but here are the highlights.

45 members of our Colorado Taekwondo Institute chartered a bus and traveled to the National Convention from Denver.  Leaving on Thursday evening, the first big stop was at the City Museum of St Louis.  Everyone had a good time exploring everything that the fun and intersting museum had to offer.   Then it was on to Cape Girardeau, Missouri, 115 miles south of St. Louis on the Mississippi River.

The action began on Friday evening on the SEMO Campus.  Classes covered many areas of martial arts training including; free sparring, poomse, self-defense, kicking techniques and much more!

The next morning stared off with a demonstration by our group from the CTI.  The demonstration involved one-step sparring, palgwae poomse, chang-hon poomse, taegeuk poomse, advanced kicking, self-defense, staff poomse and more!  Backing the action was live music performed by some members of Moo Sul Rock, our own black belt band.

Following the demonstration, there were many different, inspiring classes taught by the 6th and above dans.  Rotating from instructor to instructor, everyone had fun learning from each of the Masters and Grandmasters in sparring, self-defense, advanced kicking, one-step sparring, poomse, falling and throwing and more.

In the afternoon, more classes were presented for the participants of all ages and belt levels.  The black belts started the afternoon with GGM Sautel in bo-staff, then went on to work with GGM Kimm on belt techniques, GGM Shin on choking and arm-bar techniques and GGM Hildebrand on MSK Hapkido cane techniques.

After Saturday's action, everyone went to the AMASEA Convention get-together in Jackson, Missouri.  AMASEA yearly awards were presented and everyone had a chance to talk about the weekend.  AMASEA Instructor of the Year went to our own Mindy Sautel (Green Mountain School) and John Sautel (Littleton School).

The highlight of the evening were speeches give by Great Grandmaster Shin and Great Grandmaster Kimm on the importance of doing what we do.  Then, Moo Sul Rock played the night away with Walt, from Walts Music helping the cause.  Special guest singers included Master Doug Johnson, Master Mindy Sautel, Master Alan Williams, Jani-Stanton Williams and our bus driver Todd!

On Sunday, students competed in the AMASEA Olympics with contests like; highest kick, balancing kicking, punching accuracy, kicking accuracy and more.

When the National Convention concluded, our group boarded the bus drove into the countryside to historic Bollinger Mill, site of one of only four covered bridges left in the state of Missouri.  Everyone toured the four story stone and brick water-powered mill.  It was begun in 1848, and completed around the Civil War.  The group took some great pictures in front and inside the famous covered bridge.  The bridge, 140 feet long and 14 feet wide, every inch was used to take some excellent photographs.

After some filming in the trees around the mill, it was on to the home of Master Bill Jones, 6th dan and his family.  Food, games, conversation and fun was in store for everyone at the Jones Family Home.  Grandmaster Hildebrand, his wife Linda, and Master Hendrickson joined us and helped finish the weekend in style!

CTI students and instructors who attended were:

GM Sautel, Master M. Sautel, Master J. Sautel, Master Albrechtson, Clayton Garner, Alice Meyung, Bridget Sautel, Abdu Kikhia, Michael Sandusky, Erik Ondrejko, Hope Morgan, Caleb Feagans, Don Johnson, Eileen Lindner, Zach Greaves, Jocelyn Wallen, Ryan Lindner, Kathleen Sautel,Thomas Ma, Coghan Spery, Tyler Murphy, Collin Kreutz, Justin Lautrup, Peyton Brauch, Theo Lincke, Mark Scott, Nathaniel McKernan, Jennifer McKernan, Natasha McKernan, Bruce Dean, Shekina DeTienne, Kenny Brancio, Kelsey Smith, Lydia Lincke, Johnny Williams, Kameron Evans, Konner Evans, Rick Orton, Trish Nguyen, Katie Dahle, Ed Stanton, Steve Daniel, Lara Daniel and Zach Farr.

To see some photographs of this incredible trip, click here!

MSK EXPO XXX

"Keeping it to the Grindstone"

This year's Moo Sul Kwan Summer Expo is being held in Breckenridge, Colorado, on May 30 - June 1.

Beaver Run Resort has been home to four other MSK Summer Expos in the past, and it has proven to be a fantastic venue for the Expo.  Top Moo Sul Kwan martial arts instructors like MSK and AMASEA President Charles F. Hildebrand and Grandmaster James M. Sautel, President of the CTI, will be on hand to instruct students of all ages and belt levels during the three day weekend at one of the top ski resorts in the United States.

The seminars and classes begin on Friday evening and run to noon on Sunday.  This year's Summer Expo theme is, "Keeping it to the Grindstone."  The many different classes, seminars and events will keep this important theme in mind.  Some of the other dynamic Expo Instructors include:  Master Merinda Sautel, Master John Sautel, Master Erik Albrechtson and 4th dans Freddy Sautel, Clayton Garner and Alice Meyung.

On Saturday, there is the annual Expo Banquet and Party which always involves family entertainment from the instructors and students.  Also during this wonderful weekend will be the Amazing Moo Sul Race X.  Participants are given a Moo Sul Race T-shirt, placed in teams, and then the action begins as the teams figure out and overcome the many obstacles and challenges on their journey.  As always, during the weekend, there will be special classes for our parents, family members and friends taught by some of our finest instructors.

Come to Colorado!  Come to Breckenridge!  Come to Beaver Run Resort!  Improve yourself and have a blast!

More information about the MSK Summer Expo can be found here.

You can register online for the MSK Summer Expo!

Wild Card

By Taryn Dywer, Purple Belt

I have been doing Moo Sul Kwan Taekwondo for a little over three years now.  When I started at the Westminster campus, I thought it would be something fun to do with my kids, something we could share.  I did it because it looked like good workout and I am not the kind of person who likes to go to the gym.

When I started my friends looked at me like I was crazy.  Moo Sul Kwan Taekwondo is something that you sign your kids up for, not something that a thirty-five year old woman signs up for.  When I started training at the CTI, I did not think that I could actually do it.  It never occurred to me that I might be able to be a real Black Belt someday, or even a Purple Belt for that matter.  I thought I would do it for a while, set a good example for my kids, and get in shape.

When I started at the Colorado Taekwondo Institute I never imagined that I would love it.  That I would spend six weeks recovering from surgery sitting in the back of class wishing that I was up there doing jumping jacks with my classmates.  That I would leave my family for five days to drive to Missouri, with people I hardly know, just for the opportunity to learn more and take classes from a Great Grandmaster , Grandmasters and Master instructors.

As I was preparing to leave for AMASEA National Convention I was talking to the Principal of my kids’ school and told him that I was going to be out of town for a few days.  I told him I was going to a Taekwondo Convention in Missouri.  I will never forget the look of shock on his face when he realized that I was going because I do MSK Taekwondo, not because my kids do it.  I could not tell if he was impressed at the idea, or thought I was crazy.  Either way, I was proud of myself.

When I arrived at the Green Mountain Campus (in Lakewood, CO) and we were preparing to leave I was terrified.  Could I do this?  Was I ready to push myself that hard?  The National Convention was something that the Upper Belts did.  Something I heard them talk about in class, but had never really thought much about actually doing myself.  I still remember my first class.  I stood in the front of the class in my starched white uniform and I was sure that the people around me could hear my heart pounding in my chest.  I was petrified.  Would I be able to keep up with those around me?  Would I make a fool of myself?  The jumping jacks started and there was no looking back.  Then the day came when Master Albrechtson told me I was ready to test for my Yellow Belt.  Somehow the thought of testing never even occurred to me when I signed up.  I hadn’t studied for a test since Grad School, which was more than eight years prior.  Could I still do it?  I had heard the physical test was grueling.  Would I make it though?  I had to trust that of my instructor thought I was ready that I was.  I went into the test and I survived.  Maybe I could do this Taekwondo thing.

We arrived at Southeast Missouri State University and we prepared for our first session of Convention 2013.  That same feeling washed over me that I felt standing in class that first day, and lining up for my first belt test.  Could I do this?  Was I right to come on this trip?  To take this journey?  Once again, the jumping jacks started and my tension began to fade.  Even if I couldn’t do it, how would I know if I didn’t try?  What would be worse, to fail or to never try?
By Taryn Dwyer, purple belt

When I started MSK Taekwondo I was intimidated to try new things, to push my limits.  At my Yellow Belt test we had gone through everything we learned and the upper belts were getting out their boards for breaking.  I was done.  I could just sit back and watch them.  Wrong.  It was announced that each CTI Campus could pick someone and let them attempt a break.  I heard my name come out of Master Albrechtson’s mouth and my heart stopped.  Just when I thought I had pushed myself as far as I could go, he wanted me to take one more step.  Could I do it?  Surely no one would think less of me if the board didn’t break.  Right?  I got a crash course in breaking and took a deep breath and kicked.  The board broke!  I felt a surge of adrenaline like nothing else.  If I could do that what else was this crazy, thirty-five year old mom capable of?

The second day of Convention rolled around I looked at the schedule and realized that I had not one, but two sessions that day with Great Grandmaster Shin.  His classes had become legendary and I realized that he was going to push me beyond any limit that I had imagined.  Since joining CTI I had survived five promotion tests, I had taken up running and completed four half marathons, I had also come back from abdominal surgery.  I was stronger than I had given myself credit for and I was going to enter his classes knowing that it was going to make me even stronger.  I stood right in front of him and bowed in. These sessions on his mat did not disappoint.  They were physically and mentally challenging, and I survived them.  I even left the first session looking forward to the challenge of the second class.

Convention made me realize that I may have started Moo Sul Kwan Taekwondo to share something with my kids, but over the last three years it has evolved into something more.  I still share it with my kids, but it is also something that is mine.  When I am working out I can leave all the other stuff going on in my life at the door.  Taekwondo is my time to focus on me and no one else.  I want to be pushed harder, to be challenged more, and to go farther.  When I started Taekwondo I looked at the Black Belts with respect and admired how hard they had worked to get where they are.  Now I look at them and I want to be one of them.  I want them to teach me what they have learned and I want to inspire others as they have inspired me.  I may have been a “Wild Card” going into Convention, but I came out as someone to just maybe keep an eye on.