On February 28th, 2009, St Augustine Martial Arts had
the honor of hosting Region 21’s first Zone Workout of the New Year. As
the head instructor of St Augustine Martial Arts, it was a special
honor for my students and me as this was our first such extra
curricular event since the inception of our club in April 2008.
The Zone Workout was open to all Florida World Tang Soo Do students
holding the rank of Cho Dan Bo and above. We had an enthusiastic crowd
of about thirty quality martial artists participate from seven
different schools. Represented were; Nevado Karate Arts, Middleburg
Martial Arts, Central Florida Tang Soo Do, Suncoast Tang Soo do,
Treasure Coast Tang Soo Do, B&B Tang Soo Do, and St Augustine
Martial Arts.
We were privileged to have first-rate instruction from Master Brian
Califf who brought his law enforcement skills to bear on some
interesting submission techniques, Mr. Matt Hutchinson who taught sword
forms, Mr. Virgil Nevado who helped with the sword forms and ran the
Cho Dan Bos through a pre-test. Mrs. Carol Yoder also put the Cho Dan
Bos through their paces.
Also instructing were Mrs. Jan Lappin who taught Bong Hyung Sah Bu with
the capable help of one of her black belts, Mr. Jarrett Manzi, and Mr.
John Campbell who led the senior ranks through empty hand forms.
The workout was a clinic in weapons training and self-defense. It was
also a great opportunity for those preparing for the upcoming Region 21
Dan Test to sharpen their skills prior to testing. On top of all that
the event also raised $100 for the Region 21 scholarship fund.
All who attended had a great time. On behalf of those who trained that
day I would like to thank the Region 21 instructors for making the
event such a success.
Respectfully Submitted,
Rich DeFeo
Sam Dan #032522
