Student of the Month

January 2023

Congratulations to Hudson!

He had a really nice January with us this year. He attended a number of classes and put a lot of work in to be ready to test for his green belt. He makes it obvious that his training doesn't end when he leaves the gym. He always has a good handle on his meanings and number of moves. Class time is meant to work on his skills he's been practicing.

What really stood out for Hudson this month was his confidence to open up and talk a little more. He's always so quiet and soft-spoken..... however lately, he hasn't been afraid to express his opinion. Politely...... as always.

Nice work Hudson... keep it up!!

December 2022

Brooklynn started with us in November and has attended nearly every class possible for her.   She has proven to be a fast learner and is now able to actually help some of the new white belts coming to class.   She does a great job of passing her knowledge on.   

Brooklynn will be testing for her yellow belt Friday January 20th,  and I'm incredibly confident that she's going to do great.   It will be great to get her in a larger class with all our other new yellow and green belts.   

Congrats Brooklynn..... keep working hard!!

November 2022

Chris is a black belt in Tae Kwon Do and a white belt (for 2 more weeks) in Kobudo.

Chris was chosen for a number of reasons. First, and foremost, he's there a lot... helping with color belts...a lot. A number of younger students really look up to him, and he uses that to really influence and mold them.

Chris recently became old enough to join the adult class. That's quite a jump for most. Longer classes... more intense.... you're sparring folks much older.... but Chris has taken it in stride. "100 push ups today.... deal... let's do it again tomorrow".

There aren't a ton of ways to gauge improvement.... especially when it's gradual. Tournaments are one way to get a feel for how you're doing with respect to your peers. In November, Chris competed in the Chippewa Falls tournament and took 2nd in forms (his highest to date since going to black belt). He even won one of the judges.... which really says something.

Thanks for all your help... positive attitude.... and solid example you set for your peers. Keep up the great work, Chris!!

October 2022

Nick is currently a green belt. He just had a really clean test at our last promotion. The last month or so, he's really taken initiative to help with some lower belts as they look to improve.

I added a photo of Nick's board break. As we prepared for this last test.... when it comes to board breaking...... the key is really to aim through the board. As you can see..... Nick dusted this board. Almost got through to his board holder....lol. awesome job, Nick.

The "way of life" aspect of the art..... even better. Nick always comes with a positive attitude and soaks up learning. It's been fun watching him start to pass that on.

Congrats, Nick.... keep up the good work.

September 2022

Chrissy is currently a green belt working toward her high green.

She was selected for a number of reasons.

First off... she made it to a lot of classes in September. In that time, she made some nice progress... especially in her sparring.

Chrissy also started to help in some kid classes which was a big help to me.

The main reason she was selected was her continual positive attitude and encouraging nature. While doing drills, you can always hear Chrissy giving out a 'nice job'..

Congratulations, Chrissy.... and thank you for being such a positive role model.... especially for our young ladies.

August 2022

Henry made some really nice strides in the month of August. He has been working on his self control and it has really shown.

He always answers questions with a "yes, sir" or a "no, sir", and was able to fully bow in and out of class in Korean before he hit yellow belt.

Henry just received his yellow belt at the last promotion and is adjusting well to the larger yellow and above classes.

Keep working hard and moving forward, Henry!!

July 2022

Joe started his journey with us on 4/21/22, and since then he has missed 2 classes.
That's it!! 2!!! Incredible!!

On July 22nd, Joe tested for his high yellow belt and did an awesome job. I would say his strengths are in his power and forms. Because of Joe and a few others you'll be seeing some thicker kicking bags coming in at some point. I think the holder's ribs will be thankful.

On more of a personal level, Joe hit some nice weight loss goals and is well on his way to his end goal. Some other issues that required some serious perseverance and self control are also what set Joe apart this month. He's setting a great example for his boy, Tannin in class.

Keep up the great work, Joe. You're doing great!

June 2022

Asher S. Asher had a really nice June. He's always been real meticulous on getting the technique right. That has really paid off as he's starting to add some speed and POWER. Dude's hitting the bag hard. And courtesy is always there with Asher. Great kid. He'll be testing for his high yellow belt on July 22nd, and I know he'll crush it. Congrats Asher. You're a pleasure to work with....as I'm sure all our instructors would attest to.. 

May 2022

Chris and Ayla J.

This father/daughter duo started with us in early spring. Chris is currently a brown belt with us, while Ayla recently earned her yellow belt. Prior to coming here, Chris studied Tae Kwon Do under Dr Stevens while an under graduate at UW Stevens Point. He also studied two semesters of Yang Tai Chi under Master Wick. After two months of seeing where he was at, we settled on brown belt and that seems perfect.

Ayla has put a lot of work in, as well, and is well on her way to high yellow. She just wrapped up 6th grade at John Muir on the highest honor roll while also staying active on student council, swim team, band and the school play.

Chris has also been awesome at helping me with some technical things that I'm learning yet, including but not limited to web site design and QR code creation.

These two jumped in with both feet and it's been great. It's a pleasure working with you both!!

April 2022

Margaret, Marian, and Azelie N. The girls are always a pleasure to have in class. They get to class often and put their best foot forward. They attended the most recent interschool tournament in Marshfield and placed either 1st or 2nd in nearly every event they participated in. For being sisters, it's really neat how they excel at different aspects. Margaret is becoming quite the sparrer. Marian has always done well at forms, and Azelie is the perfect blend of both (most notably receiving a Best Walking Stance certificate from Mr Likes). The girls were part of the most recent color belt testing as well... with the older two going to high blue and Azelia going to high green. Keep up the good work, girls!! 

November 2021

Avila is 7 years old and in Second Grade.  Her favorite subject in school is Handwriting.  Avila is very good at forms, and said she is a big fan of Dan-Gun.  She recently was promoted to the rank of High Yellow belt and continues to work hard.  

Zelie is 5 years old and in Kindergarden.  Zelie's favorite subject in school is Math.  Her favorite part of Tae Kwon Do thus far has been working on her kicks and punches.  Zelie's been working hard and practicing to catch up to her big sister at High Yellow Belt.  She is currently a Yellow Belt, but her sister's help, she'll be there in no time.

The girls are a pleasure to have in class and very well behaved.

September 2021

Sophia is 14 years old and is a High Yellow belt in Taekwondo. She attends EEA Charter school. Her favorite subjects are Math and Art. She also enjoys playing basketball.    

August 2021

Camden is 6 years old and a Green belt is Taekwondo. Camden works very hard in class, is very  polite and eager to learn. He will be in kindergarden this year at Riverside elementary. He likes the outdoors and swimming.  

July 2021

Haasmitha is 6 years old and is a G-5 High Green belt in TaeKwonDo. She is 6 years old and in 1st grade at Stettin elementary. Her favorite subject is Math and she loves to draw. Her brother Harshad is a 1st degree Black belt. 

June 2021

Faith is 6 years old and is a Green belt in Taekwondo. She is in 1st grade at St. Annes Elementary and her favorite subject is Art.  

May 2021

Teresa is 7 years old and Emily is 6. They were just promoted to Green belt in Taekwondo. Both are home schooled. Teresa enjoys History and Emily Reading and Writing. Both sisters are very good Martial Arts students. Always giving 100 percent effort.  

April 2021

Faith is 8 years old, a student of Trinity Lutheran. Faith is a High yellow belt in Taekwondo. Her favorite subject in school is Reading and loves to play Soccer. 

March 2021

Ethan is a High Yellow belt in Taekwondo, is 5 years old and attends Riverside middle school where he likes to build things. His favorite sport is basketball. 

December 2020

Carolina is 10 years old and her sister Natalie is 6 and they attend St Annes school.  They both are Yellow belts in TaekwonDo. Carolina likes Soccer and Baseball and Natalie Ballet and Soccer.