Always hard for me to report on the going ons of our most recent banquet and conference due to I almost always leave someone out. But I must say we outdid ourselves this time around. The banquet hall at MiTierras was set up different which made it a lot easier to get around, many thanks to Jose and Rene for being there early along with Guy and Pat helping my sister Silvia prepare everything. Miss Sylvia McDonald’s was gracious again to help emcee the event as I had lost my voice. What a great job she did especially with inducting all of our new members.
Master John Alcazar, Master Brad Bezoni, Master Ed Ganz, Sensei Matthew Gipp, GM Rodney Kauffman, Sensei Monika LaFleur, GM Fernando Limon, Sensei Raul Marin, Chodan Sylvia McDonald, Sensei Claudia Perez Rivas, Shihan Gregory Robinson and GM Roger Rayburn I.
Next, Mr. Logan Ramirez of CTL played a beautiful song on his guitar in memory of our fallen angels, Mrs. Sherry Meadows and Master Frank Garcia who was promoted posthumously to 5th Dan by his instructor GM Mike Hornsby with the help of Shihan Greg Robinson and he also established a scholarship fund in Frank’s name.
Beautiful and meaningful speeches and gifts were given out and so many people played a hand in helping, big thanks to Silvia for creating the raffle gifts and thanks to Mrs. Pat Monihan for collecting monies to ensure it’s success.
Executive Comp of the Year went to GM Clarence Smith
Blackbelt Comp of the Year went to GM Mike Hornsby
School of the Year went to The Dojang Martial Arts Academy
Asst. Female of the Year went to Sensei Monika LaFleur
Blackbelt Performer of the Year went to Sifu Oscar Olivarez
Admin Asst. of the Year went to Chodan Silvia Volkmann
Female Blackbelt of the Year went to Shihan Sandy Larwood
Blackbelt Humanitarian of the Year went to Master Lowell Lyle
Blackbelt Instructor of the Year went to GM Donny Meadows
GrandMaster of the Year went to GM Rene Garza
Blackbelt of the Year went to Master Jose Ramirez II
Your James Cummings Jr. Spirit Award Eagle went to Master Mike Jones
Saturday the 8th at the Holiday Inn Express was a rousing success: Plenty of room, plenty of food and drinks. GM Gabriel Green chaired the testing board and Master Stephanie DeLoach did a great job of proctering in the candidates.
Blood, sweat and tears were shed, exactly what you would expect at a test of this magnitude. GM Donny Meadows tested and earned his 9th Degree and lost 10 pds of sweat and blood in the process, all good. Master’s Mike Jones and Lowell Lyle got upgraded to their 6th Dan Senior Master status. Jose Ramirez earned his 3rd Dan as well as Tim Connally earned his 3rd degree. All I can say is about time. John Sierra did great and received his Chodan from the CTL side of house with his hard work ethics.
GM Rodney Kauffman and GM Roger Rayburn surprised GM Michael Hornsby by presenting him with the TKD 8th Degree, his eyes lit up like the sun, he was humbled and honored.
GM Tom Balmos and GM Clarence Smith were there to witness all this and enjoyed the event and indicated it was best to date and on top of that we brought another 9th Dan into the TKA Council as Technical Advisor, GM Donny Meadows. A great choice.
I look forward to 2019, with our 25th Annual event being the first weekend in Dec. Again, thanks to all the parents, friends and spouses that brought stuff and all the donations from the members, it was very much appreciated. The theme this year was great, also got treated to a great sword demonstrations by the expert Master Ed Ganz, good stuff.
Thank you, thank you, thank you!. Remember never to late to get back in the saddle. Are you going to be the one that helped baked the apple pie in 2019 or just the one that wants to eat it?? Your decision, think about it.
Tang Soo!
Johnny K. Thompson, GrandMaster, 9th Degree
President, Tang Soo Do Karate Association