June 2010 NEWSLETTER Tuesday, 1 June 2010 Hi Everyone; GRADINGS Well, our winter grading test is now fast approaching and on behalf of all instructors I would like to congratulate all members on their efforts over the past few months, I wish you all the best for the exams and look forward to seeing you continuing your growth and success both within the art and as a martial artist. CONGRATULATIONS Big congratulations to Master Hicks who was recently awarded the coveted W.S.T.A 7th Dan Black Belt, Les is a tireless worker for the academy and a credit to the W.S.T.A organisation, the award was officially announced during a special ceremony held in his honour on Friday the 14th of May 2010. The function was attended by many high ranking Master and Senior instructors from all around the country and the announcement (though unexpected) was received in Les’s usual humble and appreciative manner, afterwards Master Hicks conducted an intensive 2hr Shimjang Taekwondo self defence workshop that was greatly appreciated by all in attendance. (Extract from a speech given by Master Steven Turner at a function in Newcastle) “On behalf of all instructors I would like to congratulate Les on his achievements during the past 30 years both within and outside the art of Shimjang Taekwondo. It is fair to say that in addition to teaching and promoting the art of Taekwondo with outstanding passion, determination and conviction continually since 1980 Les has also been a tireless fundraiser for various charities in his capacity as a Master of the Masonic Lodge. Charity work is something very close to Les’s heart and, among other things, it is not unusual to see Les with an apron on cooking sausages and selling them at the local Tweed Heads Bunnings Hardware BBQ in an effort to raise funds for various charities, he also spends a lot of his spare time visiting, supporting and assisting the elderly in his capacity as caring officer for his local lodge. I wish him all the very best and look forward to his guidance and support well into the future”. NEW BABY ! Big congratulations also to Shimjang’s Northern Territory Branch Instructor Jason Dyson and his wife Dolina on the birth of their first child “A BABY BOY ”. Young Xander was born premature and did struggle for a while but he obviously has his dads fighting spirit and is now doing very well, we wish Xander, Mum and Dad all the best. NEW CLASSES 1. Senior Instructor Mark Walters has recently opened a centre at Wilberforce in Sydney’s west and he has also assumed the reigns at Werrington Downs relieving Instructor Greg Taylor who will take a short break due to work commitments. We all wish Mark all the best and look forward to seeing Greg return to teaching real soon. 2. Branch Instructor Tom Gattringer with the assistance of Regional Instructor Leigh Bouchet and a group of dedicated assistant instructors has recently established the NSW Central Coasts newest centre at Terrigal and we wish them every success. 3. Regional Instructor Adam Watkins has recently established a new centre at Uki, and we also wish Adam every success in his new venture. 4. Branch Instructor Kate Old has recently taken the reigns at the Terranora class and has big plans for the centres future, Kate is a dedicated instructor with many years experience and we look forward to seeing the Terranora class grow and prosper under Kate’s guidance. Senior Instructor Dave Whipps is also in attendance to lend some support each Monday Night so be sure to catch a class if you can. 5. Branch Instructor Ben Solomon has just opened the doors of the Robina centre so if you have a spare night please feel free to go along for a training session, I am sure Ben would appreciate your support. T-SHIRTS / MERCHANDISE The new style T-shirts, Drink Bottles, Caps and very cool Sunglasses have arrived and are available through your Branch Instructor NOW ! CAMP SUCCESS By all reports the NSW Winter Training Camp was a “Cracker” everyone had a great time and plans are already afoot for next years camp which will be held in the Wattagan Mountains. Keep an eye out for a full report on the NSW camp in next months newsletter. GOLD COAST CAMP This years camp will be held over the weekend of October 22-23-24. Registration will open on June 1st so if you are planning on attending you will need to register asap as with limited positions available registration will be on a “first in first served” basis. Train well and train regular……. Yours in Shim Jang Taekwondo… Steve Buck 4th Degree Black Belt Assistant Secretary General World Shim Jang Taekwondo Academy

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