A Personal Invitation – To All Region 2 Ko Dan Ja, Dan and Gup Members…
Above: l to r: Mr. T. Rupert, Kwan Jang Nim H.C. Hwang, and F. Schermerhorn Sa bom Nim.
Dear Dan and Gup members of Region 2,
I am writing to remind you just how much your participation is needed to continue the tradition of the Autumn Invitational Championships.
Held every year since 1986, the Autumn Invitational is the longest running event in region 2. At last year's event, we celebrated Sa Bom Nim Schermerhorn's 40th Moo Duk Kwan anniversary as well as the lives of Sa Bom Nim Margitich and Sa Bom Nim Walsh. It was a very special event, with the Kwan Jang Nim and 15 Kodanja members present to support the event.
To ensure the longevity of this time-honored event, we must come together as dojangs and as a region to put the action philosophy of the Moo Duk Kwan to work. The action philosophy is very simple: just be there! Come to participate and watch your classmates and visiting students participate as well. Whether you have competed in 100 tournaments or you will be participating for the first time, you must attend to make the event a success and to help yourself, the studio, region and art grow.
There is nothing easier in the world than making excuses. It is easy to be lazy on a Saturday instead of going to a tournament. However, when it comes down to it, the only thing that will advance our growth in Soo Bahk Do and in life is our leadership and courage to participate. No two events are ever the same, and there is always a great lesson that will help bring our training to the next level. Last year's event was very special, and we will be able to make this year special as well if we show our support.
I always remember speaking with another Dan I once trained with about her first opportunity to compete in a tournament. She was a ninth gup white belt at the time, and believed that there would be nothing for someone of her rank to do at a tournament since she had only trained for a few months at that time, and did not participate. When arriving to spectate, the division of adult white belts began. She told me later how disappointed she was that she did not compete, because all of the other people that had the same amount of experience as her were proudly demonstrating what they had learned and proving to themselves that they could overcome nervousness and performance anxiety.
Do not let this be you. Despite your rank and whether you feel a little bit anxious about it or not, remember that all things in Soo Bahk Do are designed to challenge you in positive ways. Everyone at a tournament wants to see you succeed and do your best.
Gup members, your presence is expressly requested to make this event successful to ensure that it will continue on for the years to come. Dan members, your leadership will provide inspiration for the Gup members who look to your example. Your participation is crucial.
I urge my junior members, let's have a strong showing for this event so it can continue. October 26th is far enough to save the date, but close enough to start practicing!
Soo Bahk!
Tim Rupert
Naples, Florida
A Student of Sa Bom Nim F. Schermerhorn
