Another year has flown by. Many ups and downs but we always try and focus on the positive as it does no good to always worry.
This past July when TKA once again participated in and supported the 25th Annual IMAC/HOF event in Las Vegas in grand style, our collaborative fingerprints were all over. So proud of all our nominees, GrandMasters, Masters and Dan belts as well as Gup students and their family and friends. You all not only talked the talk but you walked the walk. This came with lots of sacrifice, funding and time and we are always aware of this and always so appreciative. A pivotal year to say the least, we had eight new inductees into our new “The Karate Association” International and we are better with more great friends in our tight circle. We, your TKA Blackbelt Council (GM’s Balmos, Smith and Green) are not only about quantity but the quality of our members thus we grow slowly and make sure we have the right fit and this year we most definitely hit the mark with GM Robert Cutrell, Master Heather Coffman of Indiana, GM Tom Pintelon (Belgium), GM Varun Jettly (Canada), Sensei Zach McManus of Texas, Sensei Hanna Perez, TX, Sensei Bryan Marshall of TX, Master Robin Webb of Colorado along with GM Marvin Royce and Master Steven Royce of Florida by way of Texas.
Big thanks to my sis, Silvia Volkmann who helped me navigate this complicated year with advice and guidance and kept me aligned with our goals of becoming the very best we can. Plus, kudos to her for being “The Greatest Gatekeeper” for IMAC and Dr. Terry and of course our celebrated end of year 30th Annual TKA World Conference in handling most of the logistics along with Master “Big Ram” alongside helping with set-up, designs, artwork, opening up his dojang for our seminar and all of his invaluable experience not to forget Master Eric Jones who does so much for us behind the scenes and the conference.
At our annual banquet GM Sandy Larwood took some weight off of me by handling all aspects of our TKA band (Logan Ramirez, Matt Emery, Oscar Olivarez, Jose Ramirez and of course Sandy), amazing the skills that our blackbelts bring to the table when asked. Can’t forget Miss “Pat” for always helping at our conference/banquet/seminar event in all capacities. Always looking for more talent.
To Renshi Monika and Tom LaFleur who generously donated to our annual raffle ensuring it was a great success we are so grateful. And to the ever-graceful Sensei Sylvia McDonald who always MCs our annual event and is always a rock in my life. And to a beautiful rendition of Our National Anthem sung by Master Heather Coffman.
To GM Mike Jones who sometimes we take for granted but is always there taking great pictures and documenting some of the very important times in our lives. So grateful for him and his friendship.
Congratulations are in order for our recent Blackbelts up advanced up in rank for GM Sandy Larwood, Sensei Sylvia McDonald and Sensei Logan Duty.
I am sure I am forgetting people but my heart is in the right place, along this year our people have lost people and we can never forget that people have real struggles throughout the year and some are facing impending health situations, please be mindful and occasionally pick up the phone and call these people. I know when I receive calls it helps with everyday life and problems.
To the schools who I know struggle to keep the doors open and keep martial arts alive and to our new affiliates we see you and appreciate you, everyone should be always help them in advertising and dropping their good word for them.
To Sensei Andrew Moody for keeping our www.tka.cc web page up and running we so appreciate it and to GM Dan Walthers who pays to keep the page active for all these years it does not go unnoticed.
I’m sure I have forgotten to list some names but please know that I am very fortunate to have you all in my life and that you all give me purpose. I will always be grateful for my SGM James Cummings Jr. for believing in me.
Please say a prayer for all of our fallen warriors for they are always in our hearts, never forget them. I notice some schools have a spot where they frame their pictures, that to me is always priceless.
Next year 26th Annual IMAC/HOF will be in San Antonio 17-19 Jul 2025 and TKA’s 31st Annual Events will be 4-6 Dec 2025, set your calendars.
