Black Belt Camps

Schools from Bogalusa, Louisiana to Columbia South Carolina and all points in between made their annual pilgrimage to Camp ASCCA in Jackson's Gap, Alabama for the Southeastern Region, Atlantic-Pacific Tang Soo Do Federation Black Belt Camp. Grandmaster John St. James and the 12 Masters from the region’s schools provided expert training, motivation, and oversight of the weekend’s activities.

 In its customary venue of Camp ASCCA in Jackson’s Gap, Alabama, the Southeastern region of the Atlantic-Pacific Tang Soo Do Federation held a successful and enjoyable Black Belt Camp under the watchful eye of Grandmaster John St. James and Twelve other Masters from a variety of schools around the Southeast. 

 

As I sit down to write this article about another great black belt camp, I am reminded of the many great times we have had at Black Belt Camp. This year was no different and in fact might have been the best we have ever had. Not only was the weather picture perfect and yet the filling of family and brotherhood was palpable.

 

The Atlantic-Pacific Tang Soo Do Federation’s Southwest Region held its 4th annual Dan Shim Sa (black belt test) and Championship Tournament 23-25 September in Lubbock, TX. Kwan Jang Nim John St. James and Kuktche Sabom Nim Debbie Jett traveled from Atlanta, Georgia to oversee the event. Additionally, Sunim Sabom Nim Mark Farquharson traveled from Aurora, Colorado and Sabom Nim Peter Estrada from Abilene, Texas to help, as well. Regional school owners, and their students, from Thunderbird Martial Arts, Albuquerque, NM; Colorado Tang Soo Do, Aurora, CO; Abilene Karate Academy, Abilene, TX; and DFW Tang Soo Do, Ft. Worth, TX made the trip to participate.

Against the backdrop of the beautiful campus at Springfield College, the 2016 New England Regional Black Belt Camp and Regional Dan Shim Sa took place with attendees traveling from all parts of the region, from New Hampshire to Maryland. This was the 4th APTSDF function of this kind at the college and our hosts provided us with a fabulous environment to learn, train, and engage in fellowship. The New England region has undergone some transition over the past year, but with the significant growth in attendance at this year's camp compared to prior years, we look forward to a flourishing presence of talented martial artists in the Northeast. 

 

On July 13^th, 14^th, and 15^th, 2016, the Atlantic-Pacific Tang Soo Do Federation hosted its annual Ko Dan Ja Master’s Clinic and National Championships. The events took place at Riverside Military Academy in Gainesville, GA. 

 

Against the backdrop of the beautiful campus at Springfield College, the 2016 New England Regional Black Belt Camp and Regional Dan Shim Sa took place with attendees traveling from all parts of the region, from New Hampshire to Maryland. This was the 4th APTSDF function of this kind at the college and our hosts provided us with a fabulous environment to learn, train, and engage in fellowship. The New England region has undergone some transition over the past year, but with the significant growth in attendance at this year's camp compared to prior years, we look forward to a flourishing presence of talented martial artists in the Northeast. 

 

As I sit down to write this article about another

Mind. Body. Spirit. These three words are carved into the stone that make up part of the red brick edifice of the Judd Gym our weekend Dojang at Springfield College. While it could never have been envisaged how appropriate a motto it would be when the building was constructed in 1894, it was a fitting reminder on entry for the New England Tang Soo Do students who worked out here for the 2015 New England Regional Black Belt Camp. For the last three years we have been blessed to have the backdrop and use of the facilities of Springfield College for our camp and with the fine weather we have been accustomed to on this particular weekend of the year, the picturesque campus has been an excellent temporary home for us.