World Tang Soo Do Association Region 2 Newsletter.pdf · Tang Soo Do Life! Mr. Michael Eaton,...
Transcript of World Tang Soo Do Association Region 2 Newsletter.pdf · Tang Soo Do Life! Mr. Michael Eaton,...
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“The Deuce Was Loose in Dixie” For the first time in seven years (not since
2012) Region 2 of the World Tang Soo Do
Association (WTSDA) held its Regional
Championships outside of Arizona! The
Championship Weekend started on Friday evening,
October 25th, 2019 at the Dojang of Master Skylar
Gubler, 4th, Dan; Red Rock Martial Arts (RRMA)
in beautiful St. George, UT. Master Gubler and his
students have hosted several Regional Leadership
Clinics; but this was his first time hosting a
Regional Championship since being promoted to
4th Dan Master during the 2018 Regional
Championships in Gilbert, AZ. The overall general
consensus was Master Gubler and his staff did an
excellent job. That sentiment was echoed by the
President of the WTSDA; Grandmaster William
“B Strong” Strong, 8th Dan who had the
opportunity to attend this year’s event while
enjoying his first time; short of airport layovers, in
one of the scenic cities in Southern Utah.
This year’s Fall Black Belt Test started off
as usual with the written portion; and some Ki
Gong Warm-Ups presented by Mrs. Cathy
“THE DESERT DEUCE”
Region 2 Newsletter World Tang Soo Do Association
October 2019 – December 2019
Volume II, Edition I
Arizona
Colorado
Idaho
New Mexico
Nevada
Utah
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Brownell, Cho Dan, Starworld Academy of Tang
Soo Do (SATSD), Sierra Vista, AZ. Mrs. Brownell
explained to those warming up for the “floor work
portion” of the test as well as those who were there
to support, that Ki Gong and it’s workout helps to
relax you prior to Tang Soo Do training. I can
speak from experience that it does work and that
SATSD starts off many of their events and closes
with Ki Gong workouts. Mrs. Brownell had
approximately 26 participants for her impromptu
class that got the juices flowing and physically
warmed up the tester to a “razors edge” prior to
testing.
There was a slight delay in the start of the
Black Belt Test. Grandmaster Strong’s flight was
delayed several times coming out of his home state
of Alabama due to storms and increased bad
weather. Everyone was anxious for a moment;
until it was learned he has successfully landed in
Las Vegas, NV and was in route to St. George, UT
with Senior International Master Johnny R.
Williamson, 6th Dan, Region 2 Director and First
Lady Patricia Williamson. Master Williamson sent
work ahead to continue on with the test as he had
nothing but the utmost confidence in his Regional
Staff and Masters so; at that time Master Ross
Lindsay, 5th Dan, Owner of Lindsay’s Martial Arts,
Orem, UT took charge and proceeded with the test.
Once everyone arrived; the Board consisted of the
following Masters, Guest Masters, and Masters’
Candidates from Region 2:
(*)Grandmaster William “Bill” Strong, 8th Dan
(*)Senior Master Johnny R. Williamson,6th Dan
(*)Master Ross Lindsay, 5th Dan
(*)Master Christopher Pacini, 5th Dan
(*)Master Bruce Finger, 5th Dan
(*)Master Mohamed Mabrouk, 5th Dan
(*)Mrs. Stephanie Mabrouk, 4th Dan
(*)Master Ian Larson, 4th Dan
(*)Master David Boechman, 4th Dan
(*)Master Skylar Gubler, 4th Dan
(*)Masters’ Candidate Brooke Sexton, 3rd Dan
(*)Masters’ Candidate Kent Thomas, 3rd Dan
With RRMA being the most specious
Dojang in Utah; once again it was the ideal
location for this test. There were approximately 73
parents, siblings, and friends in attendance to
watch and support the testers. Additionally, there
were approximately 25 Black Belts from across the
region present to cheer on and help the students as
well as serve as Conductors for the test. The
Conductors for this test were:
• Mr. Steven Thomas, Sam Dan, SATSD,
Sierra Vista, AZ (Test Leader; One Steps;
Board Breaking)
• Ms. Rebeka Tijerina, Sam Dan, Starworld
Goodyear, AZ (Warm-Ups/Stretching)
• Mr. Alan Shaw, Sam Dan, Peaceful
Warrior Martial Arts, Las Vegas, NV
(Punches/ Mixed Punches/Kicks; Endurance)
• Mr. Bobby Stocker, E-Dan, SATSD,
Sierra Vista, AZ (Forms)
• Mr. John Cloud, 3rd Dan, Thunderbolt
Tang Soo Do Academy, Cedar City, UT
(Sparing, Break Falls & Rolls)
At the conclusion of the Fall Black Belt
Test Master Williamson allowed several of the
Board Members to ask the testers questions; but he
also asked each Student/Tester to speak directly to
the one person who helped them the most…who
they felt afforded them the motivation and support
to get to where they were that night. Every
question asked by the Board Members were
pertinent to what the testers had just experienced;
but I believe what showed through and impacted
everyone present the most was when each
Student/Tester spoke those words of thanks to
those who had supported them the most. Many
thanked their spouses, parents, and even siblings;
but some also thanked their instructors and their
Masters’ from their Dojangs who have always
been there for them. Naturally there wasn’t a dry
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eye in the house! Many left the floor and rushed to
hug their loves ones and embrace them while
showing the love and appreciation they had for
them. This proved to be the epitome of “humility”
for everyone present. The emotion it takes to test
for Black Belt or rank improvement in the Black
Belt ranks is tenuous at best; but when one is given
the opportunity to ease that emotional stockpile;
even after the physical part of the test is complete,
is also truly something that drains everyone
present. After all eyes were dry and all hugs and
kisses extended; Grandmaster Strong spoke to the
testers about what he had the privilege to see and
then Master Williamson closed out the evening by
“Bowing Out” and saying goodnight.
Looking back at other events that occurred
that evening; Ms. Brittney Sevy, E-Dan, and Ms.
Sara Fingerle, E-Dan, both from Lindsay’s Martial
Arts Academy, Orem, UT conducted GUP
Training in another room during the Black Belt
Test. These two put on a spectacular program
which had even a few Black Belts attending.
Students were asked to sign up for different
sessions that included instruction in various Forms,
Sparing, and techniques to help them be better
prepared to compete in the next day’s tournament.
After the Bow Out, Studio Owners held
their Quarterly Studio Owner Meeting with Master
Williamson and the Regional Staff; and then the
Masters practiced the form they planned to
perform at the Regional Tournament as part of the
Opening Ceremonies on Saturday morning.
The Students/Testers for the Fall Black
Belt Test were:
1. Mr. Eddie Vargas, Cho Dan, RRMA, testing
for E-Dan
2. Ms. Jennifer Pulbatek, Cho Dan, Destiny
Martial Arts Academy (DMAA), testing for
E-Dan
3. Mr. Jacek Nowacinski, Cho Dan, Starworld
Goodyear, testing for E-Dan
4. Mr. Dominic Vargas, Cho Dan, RRMA,
testing for E-Dan
5. Mr. Nasser Sinnokrot, Cho Dan, DMAA,
testing for E-Dan
6. Mr. Richard Brownell, Cho Dan Bo,
SATSD, a 75 year old testing for Cho Dan
7. Mrs. Tanya Soon, Cho Dan Bo, Martial Arts
Academy of TSD Arizona (MAATSDAZ),
Tempe, AZ testing for Cho Dan
8. Mrs. Mary McCloskey, Cho Dan Bo,
SATSD, testing for Cho Dan
9. Mr. Keith Whitted, Cho Dan Bo,
MAATSDAZ, testing for Cho Dan
10. Mrs. Adrianne Shackleford, Cho Dan Bo,
SATSD, testing for Cho Dan
11. Miss Emmalee G. Jones, Cho Dan Bo,
SATSD, testing for Cho Dan
12. Mr. Samuel Lytle, Cho Dan Bo, RRMA,
testing for Cho Dan
13. Miss Madelyn Darlak, Cho Dan Bo,
SATSD, testing for Cho Dan
14. Mr. Jake Spoon, Cho Dan Bo,
MAATSDAZ, testing for Cho Dan
15. Miss. Madeleine McBee, Cho Dan Bo,
RRMA, testing for Cho Dan
16. Mr. Maxwell Jolley, Cho Dan Bo, DMAA,
testing for Cho Dan
17. Miss Cienna Keith, Cho Dan Bo, RRMA,
testing for Cho Dan
18. Ms. Addison Laub, Cho Dan Bo, RRMA,
testing for Cho Dan
UT and put it out there that Tang Soo Do, and
members of Arizona Region 2 were definitely in
the house; and in the Land of the Dixie of the
Southwest! That is not to say that Red Rock
Martial Arts isn’t making an exciting and
everlasting name for themselves in St. George; but
Mr. Eaton is definitely advertising as he travels the
highways and bi-ways heading to and from
tournaments. It was exciting to know that Mr.
Eaton is spreading the word about Tang Soo Do!
“Who You With?”
It’s one thing to be
about that Tang Soo
Do Life; and then it
is another thing to
let everyone know
you are about that
Tang Soo Do Life!
Mr. Michael Eaton,
E-Dan, Starworld
Goodyear showed
up to St. George,
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This year’s 2019 World Tang Soo Do
Association (WTSDA) Region 2 Championships
saw the numbers 5, 10, and 15 play major roles in
the overall outcome! Amazingly enough the 2019
Regional Championships saw an increase to “5”
Divisions from Four Divisions; which meant and
increase to “10” Grand Champions from Eight
Grand Champions in previous years; and a
whopping “15” Firsts for Region 2:
(1) 1st time Grandmaster Strong visited St.
George, UT.
(2) 1st time Region 2 had Five Divisions at the
Regional Championships.
(3) 1st time Region 2 had Ten Grand Champions
at the Regional Championships.
(4) 1st time Region 2 had a Male 50 and Over
Grand Champion; Mr. Eddie Vargas, Cho
Dan; RRMA, St. George, UT.
(5) 1st time Region 2 had a Female 50 and Over
Grand Champion; Mrs. Cathy Brownell, Cho
Dan, SATSD, Sierra Vista, AZ.
(6) 1st time Region 2 had a consecutive Six-Time
Grand Champion; Ms. MoShay Williamson,
Sam Dan; Starworld Goodyear, AZ.
(7) 1st time Mrs. Diana Estrada-Garcia, Cho Dan,
Starworld Goodyear, AZ competed as a Black
Belt and earned the 35-49 Region 2 Grand
Championship Trophy.
(8) 1st time Miss Tylah Stalling, Cho Dan,
Starworld Goodyear, AZ earned the 13 &
Under Female Grand Championship Trophy
having defeated her older sister Miss
Sahmaria Stalling, E-Dan, also Starworld
Goodyear, AZ who won the trophy the two
previous years (2017 & 2018).
(9) 1st time Mr. Anthony Lake, Cho Dan,
Starworld Goodyear, AZ competed as a Black
Belt and earned the 13 & Under Male Grand
Championship Trophy.
(10) 1st time the Region 2 Championships were
held in St. George/Hurricane, UT.
(11) 1st time Region 2 had four Female Grand
Champions from the same Studio; Starworld
Goodyear, AZ (Ms. MoShay Williamson,
The 5 - 10 - 15 of the 2019 Region 2 Championships
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Sam Dan; Mrs. Diana Estrada-Garcia, Cho
Dan; Ms. Kellicia Taing, E-Dan; Miss Tylah
Stalling, Cho Dan).
(12) 1st time Region 2 had five Regional Grand
Champions from the same Studio; Goodyear,
AZ (Ms. MoShay Williamson, Sam Dan; Mrs.
Diana Estrada-Garcia, Cho Dan; Ms. Kellicia
Taing, E-Dan; Miss Tylah Stalling, Cho Dan;
and Mr. Anthony Lake, Cho Dan).
(13) 1st time Region 2 had a consecutive 5 time
Male Grand Champion; Mr. Alan Shaw, Sam
Dan; Peaceful Warrior Martial Arts, Las
Vegas, NV.
(14) 1st time Red Rock Martial Arts (RRMA),
St. George, UT earned the Creativity &
Demonstration Team Tournament Trophy
dethroning Starworld Martial Arts Goodyear,
AZ who had won the Championship Trophy
five consecutive years.
(15) 1st time a Region 2 Creativity &
Demonstration Team, RRMA earned a
Region 2 Record Setting score of five 9.0+
scores for their performance.
The morning of this year’s 2019 WTSDA,
Region 2, Regional Championships started off
like most any other Regional Championship;
“EARLY!!!” Many parents, family members, and
Martial Arts Students had spent hours at RRMA
Dojang in St. George, UT the night before for the
Fall Black Belt Test. Region 2 commonly known
as the “Second To None” Region holds two Black
Belt tests annually. The first is usually in May
just before the summer vacation and the second is
generally in October near or around the Fall
School Break. This year’s competition was a few
weeks after Fall Break and everyone appeared
prepared and anxious to show their skills had
improved from the previous years’ competition
and for some this would be the first time they
were able to compete as a Black Belt; and also
the first time they were able to try and earn one of
the ten Grand Champion Trophies, in the five
specified age groups/divisions.
Starting in 2019, a new division was
added which increased the total Black Belt
Champion Divisions from four to five. The
newest division added was the 50 year old and
over division (male & female). We often refer to
this division as our “Silver Dragon” Division…
and we like to say; “they may be older and
grayer, but they are still competitive and tuff!”
The impetus and the need for this new division
was because more and more seniors are taking up
Tang Soo Do for health and safety reasons. Tang
Soo Do along with its increased efforts to have
students train in other disciplines like Ki-Gong
and Tai Chi is so much healthier for elderly
people said Master Skylar Gubler, 4th Dan, Owner
and Operator of RRMA in St. George, UT.
Master Gubler; along with the rest of his students
served as the hosts for this year’s Region 2
Championships; which was actually held about
13 miles away in Hurricane, UT. Master Gubler
has students as young as 6 years old, and as old as
students in their 60’s. So, from 6 to 60 they are
“Making it Rock in Red Rock,” or so they say.
Master Gubler’s parents are even students of his
at RRMA!
As we have already mentioned; this year’s
2019 Regional Championships experienced many
first for the region and some individual firsts as
well. This year’s Regional Championships saw
the establishment of the 50 year old and over
Division; the increase of 8 Regional Grand
Champions (4 males & 4 females) to ten Regional
Champions (5 male & 5 female). The 2019
Region 2 Regional Grand Champions are:
Mrs. Cathy Brownell, Cho Dan, SATSD,
Sierra Vista, AZ earning the first ever 50 year
old and over Female Grand Champion Honors.
Mr. Eddie Vargas, Cho Dan, RRMA, St.
George, UT earning the first ever 50 year old and
over Male Grand Champion Honors.
Mrs. Dianna Estrada-Garcia, Cho Dan,
Starworld Martial Arts Goodyear, AZ who
participated in her first ever Black Belt Division
Championship and earned the 35-49 Female
Division Grand Champion Honors.
Mr. Alan Shaw, Sam Dan, Peaceful Warrior
Martial Arts, Las Vegas, NV who earned his
fifth straight consecutive 35-49 Male Division
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Grand Champion Honors. It would appear Mr.
Shaw is going after the Region 2 record for
consecutive wins which is held firmly by our next
Grand Champion.
Ms. MoShay Williamson, Sam Dan, Co-Owner
Starworld Martial Arts, Goodyear, AZ who
earned her sixth consecutive Grand Champion
Honors this year in the 18-34 year old Female
Division. Ms. Williamson also has the distinction
of having earned WTSDA World Championship
Grand Champion Honors in the past.
Mr. Joshua Gerontis, E-Dan, RRMA, St.
George, UT who repeated as the 18-34 year old
Male Grand Champion. That is two years in a
row for Mr. Gerontis; let’s see if he can keep his
streak going! Mr. Gerontis attends Dixie
University, St. George, UT where he continues
his studies.
Miss Kellicia Tang, E-Dan, Starworld Martial
Arts, Goodyear, AZ earned the 14-17 year old
Female Grand Champion. Ms. Tang earned her
way back into the championship ranks after a
disappointing loss last year in this same Female
Division. She is about to enter the University of
Arizona early and will soon be departing the
Phoenix enclave for the city of Tucson, AZ.
Mr. Nasser Sinnokrot, Cho Dan, Destiny
Martial Arts Academy, Peoria, AZ earned the
14-17 year old Male Grand Champion Honors.
This was Mr. Sinnokrot’s first ever win; although
he came very close to these same honors last
year. Mr. Sinnokrot joins his older Sister Miss
Salma Sinnokrot, E-Dan, also from Destiny
Martial Arts Academy; who previously earned
Region 2 Grand Championship Honors.
Miss Tylah Stalling, Cho Dan, Starworld
Martial Arts, Goodyear, AZ earned the 13 &
Under Female Grand Champion Honors. This
was her second time competing in this
competition and she came in second last year. In
a stranger twist of fate; Miss Stalling wrestled
this years Championship Trophy away from her
old sister Sahmaria Stalling, E-Dan (also from
Starworld Martial Arts, Goodyear, AZ) who had
earned the trophy the two previous consecutive
years. I guess that is what’s called “keeping it in
the family!” Miss Tylah Stalling says she hopes
to go on to be a two-time Regional Grand
Champion in this Division just like her older
sister Sahmaria. I guess we will see! She does
have some pretty stiff competition from Miss Eva
Davis, Cho Dan, RRMA, St. George, UT who
placed second this year in this division.
Mr. Anthony Lake, Cho Dan, Starworld
Martial Arts, Goodyear, AZ earned the 13 &
Under Male Grand Champion Honors. Mr. Lake
was participating in this division for the first time
this year and took home the trophy on his first try.
Mr. Lake also made a very good showing at an
earlier “unsanctioned” tournament in Chula Vista,
CA in June 2019 where he tied with the Grand
Champion but was younger and in lower rank;
and as such couldn’t win the Championship
Trophy. This year Mr. Lake had a score of 28 of
30 possible points; even beating out Black Belts
who were more senior than he was!
Now if you were paying as close attention
as I was; you would have recognized that of the
Ten 2019 Regional Grand Champions; 5 of them
came from Starworld Martial Arts Academy,
Goodyear, AZ. And in an even surprising twist;
four of those five Female Grand Champions were
from Starworld Goodyear as well.
There were many other firsts, as well as
outstanding accomplishments that have to be
mentioned in this Quarterly Edition of the “Desert
Deuce;” but rather than trying to lump them all
into one article; the decision was made to try and
separate them out to ensure that everyone is given
their due having earned the right to be a
distinguished Master, Studio, or individual in
Region 2. We don’t want to leave anyone out;
and we surely want to take this opportunity to list
as many individuals as we can; and that also
includes showing you as many photos as we can.
This year we had approximately 199 personnel
registered and who participated in this year’s
Region 2 Championships. Here are some photos
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that depict those participants followed by some
more articles that we hope you enjoy! Tang Soo!
.
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Hope you enjoyed the photos from this year’s Region 2, Regional Championships! If you didn’t see yourself in a
photo in this Newsletter; please check out this DropBox Link to try and catch a glimpse of yourself or student:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/4dk9ie9s7kmttnq/AABCdfdoluAt67h8FdeUhSUwa?dl=0
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Martial Artists Are Who We Are;
But Educating Is What We Do!
Congratulations go out to Miss Kellicia Tang, E-
Dan, Starworld Martial Arts, Goodyear, AZ; and
Mr. Joshua Gerontis, E-Dan, Red Rock Martial
Arts, St. George, UT from the President of the
World Tang Soo Do Association Grandmaster
William “Bill” Strong, 8th Dan; Region 2 Director
Senior Master Johnny R. Williamson, 6th Dan;
and the Region 2 Scholarship Coordinator Ms.
Brooke Sexton, Sam Dan/Masters’ Candidate; as
well as the rest of the Region 2 Family for being
the 2019 Region 2 College Scholarship
Awardees! Miss Tang is headed to the University
of Arizona in Tucson, AZ; while Mr. Gerontis
already attends Dixie University, St. George, UT.
Both Awardees are also 2019 Region 2 Grand
Champions and are excellent Instructors and
Leaders in the Region. Congratulations to you
both. The family wishes you both continued
success in all your future endeavors. Tang Soo!!!
Promotion of Master Bruce Finger, 5th Dan
“One of my many duties; which I enjoy so very
much is administering the promotions of
members in our association;” said Grandmaster
William “Bill” Strong, 8th Dan and President of
the World Tang Soo Association. On this, his first
ever visit to Utah; Grandmaster Strong took time
out from the Region 2 Championships; and as
part of the Opening Ceremonies to promote
Master Bruce Finger, to 5th Dan. Master Finger is
the Owner and Operator of Raven Tang Soo Do,
located in Santa Fe, NM. Master Finger who is a
Retired Law Enforcement Professional is also the
Region 2 Security Officer and manages visiting
dignitary’s security all over the entire region.
Congratulation Master Finger; this honor is Well-
Deserved! We appreciate all you do for the 2nd
To None Family everywhere we travel Tang Soo!
“The Red Rock Takedown” At this year’s Region 2, Regional Championships
held in St. George/Hurricane, UT; the Red Rock
Martial Arts (RRMA) Studio; owned and
operated by Master Skylar Gubler, 4th Dan took
down the reigning Region 2 Creativity &
Demonstration Team Champions; Starworld
Martial Arts, from Goodyear, AZ. This was an
auspicious event given that Starworld Goodyear
held the title of Regional Champions since
October 2014. We are talking five consecutive
First Place Trophies; but this year RRMA would
not be denied. In my eight plus years associated
with Region 2; and having been on the floor at
the Greensboro Coliseum, Greensboro, NC for
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the 2012; 2014; and 2018 World Championships
as the Regional Photographer; this Creativity &
Demonstration Division performance was one of
the best I have ever seen! The theme was “The
RRMA Greatest Show On Earth,” and I have to
admit that it certainly was. This circus has it all:
Sword Swallowers; Jugglers; Magicians; Strong
Men; and even a Bearded Lady. All of these
attractions and exhibits were orchestrated and
presented by their Ringmaster; Miss Jessica
Willard, 10th GUP/White Belt. You know how it
is often said that every good or great team needs
to have a “hype-man?” Well Miss Willard did an
excellent job promoting the many events which
were on display and keeping the judges interested
in what was going on during the performance. I
thought she did an excellent job; and to just be a
young White Belt; she was already well-versed in
her duties to be the New Region 2 Hype-Person!!
As if this years’ 2019 Region 2 Regional
Championships wasn’t already filled with many
firsts; this was the first time that RRMA earned
the title of Creativity & Demonstration Team
Regional Champions. Then as if that wasn’t
enough; I don’t know where RRMA got the idea
to do it; but I was so impressed when I saw the
Team shoot a young Martial Artist out of a mock
cannon and earn the team a whopping five (9.0+
Scores) from the ten judges who were all Masters
and Masters Candidates in the Region.
Congratulations to RRMA and I look forward to
seeing them defend their title next year in
Goodyear, AZ. There has also been talk of
RRMA taking their “Greatest Show On Earth on
the road to the WTSDA World Championships;
but only time will tell if that is going to come to
fruition. Tang Soo RRMA!
Region 2 Adopts the Mabrouk Family
One of the mainstays in Region 2; the “2nd
To None” Region is that we are, and always will
be a Family! It is easy to say that we are all a
family; and then it is another to show those who
come into this Region and are taken in;
recognized for their support; and then eventually
adopted into this family like Senior Master
Johnny R. Williamson, 6th Dan (Region 2
Director); and Master Ian Larson, 4th Dan
(Martial Arts Academy of Tang Soo Do, Tempe,
AZ) took the time to say! They actually did more
than say it; they showed the love along with
Grandmaster William “Bill” Strong, 8th Dan
(WTSDA President) to Master Mohamed and
Mrs. Stephanie Mabrouk, 5th & 4th Dans
respectively and their children. Although it has
been said this wonderful family will be departing
our Region soon as Mrs. Mabrouk will be
changing jobs soon; they have made a powerful
team that has come into Region 2 and instructed,
and participated in many Studio and Regional
Events over the last 2-3 years. Even as they
depart Region 2; they will always have a home
here and just like family often must move on; but
often return for visits; when the Mabrouk family
comes back into the Region they will once again
be right at home. “We ask that they don’t stay
away too long; and come back as often as they
can to visit and spend time with us;” said Master
Larson. “Even though I know I will see them
often at the future Masters’ Clinics; I too will be
looking forward to the day when they return to
Region 2 and spend time with the newest
members of their family; and I know that will be
one day soon;” said Master Williamson.
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Gifts for Each Studio from the
Regional Graphics Designer
Another highlight during this years’ Regional
Championships was the gift of giving! Mrs.
Karen Gubler, E-Dan, Red Rock Martial Arts, St.
George, UT and the Regional Graphics Designer
who designs and produces all of the wonderful
shirts we get to purchase and wear during and
after every Regional Event (approximately eight-
times a year) came up with the idea to present a
specially designed Plaque depicting all World
Tang Soo Do Association Belt Ranks tailored for
each individual Studio! Every Studio Owner, or a
designated representative was called forward to
receive this wonderful gift from Mrs. Gubler on
behalf of the region. “We want to thank Mrs.
Gubler for all of her hard work and outstanding
designs which we all wear with great pride as we
advertise and represent our growing region;” said
Master Johnny R. Williamson, 6th Dan, Region 2
Director. Mrs. Gubler, ‘Thank You;’ and I am
sure I speak for everyone when I say we look
forward to your future designs! Tang Soo!
Father & Son Duo Receive
Family of the Year Honors! Congratulations go out to Mr. Eddie Vargas, Cho
Dan; and Mr. Dominic Vargas, Cho Dan; both
from Red Rock Martial Arts (RRMA), St.
George, UT who received the 2019 Family of the
Year Honors for Region 2! “Both of these young
men; are just two of the reasons RRMA is as
successful as it is;” said Master Skylar Gubler, 4th
Dan, Owner & Operator of RRMA. The two of
them act and serve as one body and do everything
together; to include instructing our young
students and helping them hone their Martial Arts
craft. Both of the Vargas men tested for E-Dan
the night before and did an excellent job; passing
and noting that they were ready for all that was
thrown at them because of the hard work and
training they put in at RRMA. Additionally; Mr.
Eddie Vargas, took home the first ever 2019
Region 2, 50 & Over Regional Grand Champion
Trophy! Mr. Vargas; even after testing the
evening before, put on a masterful display of
technique and proficiency which helped to propel
him to the Championship podium. The entire
Region and “2nd To None Family” would like to
extend its appreciation and congratulations to the
Vargas Men of RRMA and we look forward to
more powerful and wonderful things from the
both of you.
“Studio of the Quarter” Trust me when I tell you that there is a lot of
thought; reviewing of Studio Activities;
Community Service; the support of other
Regions; and most importantly the impact to the
World Tang Soo Do Association (WTSDA) and
the Region as a whole. Using those criteria; and
given the amount of hard work that every Studio
in this region does on a weekly, monthly, and
yearly basis; determining the standout studio of
the quarter is not something that one might
consider to be an easy task. In determining the
standout studio of the quarter; there also needs to
be a way for the one making the nominations to
consolidate all the information to help in the
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decision making process. Officially; at this time,
if you have photos, and/or Newspaper Articles,
and flyers to help in the nomination please
forward that information to the Region 2 Editor at
the following Email Address:
([email protected]). Here are
some pictures; and information that went into the
decision making process for this quarter’s pick!
Starworld Martial Arts Goodyear, AZ travels to the 4th Annual
USA -vs- Mexico Friendship Tournament in Chula Vista, CA
(Region 20) and wins numerous Medals & Trophies!
Starworld Martial Arts Goodyear, AZ travels to Starworld
Academy of Tang Soo DO (SATSD), Sierra Vista, AZ and has the
Regions’ strongest showing!
The Stalling Family Host a Region 2 Family
Gathering at their home in Sierra Vista, AZ
inviting the entire Regional Clinic for fellowship,
food, and fun! The event was supported by
approximately 53 attendees and participants.
Starworld Goodyear Family Support was
provided by Ms. Katrina Langley, 9th GUP; Mr.
Stanton Clower, Cho Dan; Mr. Christian Langley;
E-Dan; and Mrs. Patricia Williamson, Region 2
First Lady who helped with the shopping,
cooking, and meal preparation.
In the QUAD Photo above; Senior Master Johnny
R. Williamson, 6th Dan, Owner & Operator,
Starworld Martial Arts Goodyear, AZ accepts the
Studio’s 6th Consecutive Avondale Anti-Bullying
Proclamation in support of National Bullying
Prevention Month (October 2019). This year the
Proclamation was presented by Councilwoman
Sheri Lauritano who is a 10-year City Council
Member; a wife; a mother; and a Criminal
Defense Attorney. Also present were Avondale
Police Officer/Neighborhood Resource Officer
James Archer who is a 19-1/2 year veteran of the
Avondale Police Department and a US Army
Veteran. Officer Archer gave a talk to the
attendees of the 1st Annual FREE Community
Anti-Bullying Carnival hosted by Starworld
Martial Arts Goodyear, AZ. “ACE” the
Cleveland Indians Spring Training Official
Mascot who takes up residence at the Goodyear,
AZ Ball Park and Spring Training Facility of the
Cleveland Indians took photos as you can see
with everyone including DJ Skool BOI (Mr. Paul
Ellis) who provided all the music and
entertainment and has been doing so for more
than 30 years. Mr. Ellis is the Owner of Alpha
15
Style Entertainment. DJ Skool BOI provided the
music for a once-in-a-lifetime visual of Senior
Master Johnny Williamson, 6th Dan; Master
David Boechman, 4th Dan; and ACE in a heated
Dance Contest which Master Williamson easily
lost! (SMILE) There was also Face Painting;
Bouncing Houses; and a visit from the Channel
12 News. Food was cooked and provided by
Starworld Martial Arts Black Belts! And we
cannot forget a visit from Batman’s sidekick
Robin (Mr. Aiden Garcia; Cho Dan Bo); Wonder
Woman (Mrs. Diana Estrada-Garcia, Cho Dan);
and Superman (Master David Boechman, 4th
Dan)!
Starworld Martial Arts Goodyear
Conquers Dixie!
On Saturday October 26th, 2019 Starworld Martial
Arts Goodyear, AZ Conquered the “Dixie of the
Southwest” during the Region 2 Championships
which were held in St. George, UT. During the
Regional Championships; of the five divisions;
each with a female and male Grand Champion
Starworld Martial Arts Goodyear brought home
five Grand Championship Trophies out of ten! Of
those five Grand Championship Trophies; four of
them were earned by female Martial Artists; which
is one of the many firsts decided during this years’
Regional Championships; and two were earned by
first-time competitors in the Black Belt Divisions.
Here is the rundown:
1. Female Grand Champion 18 – 34
year old: Ms. MoShay Williams, Sam
Dan earned her 6th consecutive Grand
Championship Title in as many years.
2. Female Grand Champion 35 – 49
year old: Mrs. Diana Garcia, Cho
Dan earned her 1st Grand
Championship Title in her first ever
Black Belt Competition at the
Regional Level.
3. Female Grand Champion 14 – 17
year old: Miss Kellicia Taing, E-Dan
earned her 3rd Grand Championship
Title in four years.
4. Female Grand Champion 13 year
old & Under: Miss Tylah Stalling,
Cho Dan earned her 1st Grand
Championship Title in her second year
of competing at the Black Belt Level.
Miss Stalling beat her older sister
Sahmaria Stalling, E-Dan who had
earned the 13 & Under Female Grand
Championship title the two previous
years consecutively.
5. Male Grand Champion 13 year old
& Under: Mr. Anthony Lake, Cho
Dan earned his 1st Grand
Championship title in his first time
competing as a Black Belt.
Starworld Martial Arts Goodyear
Studio of the Quarter
4th Quarter 2019
Congrats Black Belts & Cho Dan Bo’s!
16
2020
2ND TO NONE EVENTS
February 8th & 9th, 2020 Black Belt Pre-Test and Dan Camp
(Blue Belts & Above) Red Rock Martial Arts
St. George, UT
May 1st & 2nd, 2020 Black Belt Test and Leadership Clinic
Red Rock Martial Arts St. George, UT
May/June 2020
(Exact Date Unknown) USA -vs- Mexico Friendship Tournament
Hosted by Region 20 Chula Vista, CA
July 17th & 18th, 2020
World Tang Soo Do Association World Championships
Greensboro, NC
August 28th & 29th, 2020 Black Belt Pre-Test and Leadership Clinic
Destiny Martial Arts Peoria, AZ
October 16th & 17th, 2020
Black Belt Test & Region 2 Championships Starworld Martial Arts Goodyear
Goodyear, AZ
NOTE: Fewer Regional Events causes the need for more coordination, planning, and participation in the events
that are scheduled to ensure that everyone meets their intended participation(s) prior to testing for their next belt.
This Newsletter is an Official Publication of the World Tang Soo Do Association (WTSDA), Region 2 Derek L. Stalling, M.Ed. (Editor)