1

A

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

It is well within reason that any of the

Tang Soo Do Studios in Region 2 could be the

“Stand Out Studio of the 1st Quarter;”

but the Dojang who exceeded all expectations;

assisted other studios and studio owners, and

provided a safe and wholesome learning

environment and facility for the entire Region to

learn, train, and work on basics and advanced Tang

Soo Do skills was none other than Red Rock

Martial Arts Studio, in St. George, UT. The Studio

Owner; Mr. Skylar Gubler, Sam Dan (Masters’

Candidate) opened his studio up to anyone and

everyone who wanted to attend one of many

Regionally Sanctioned Events scheduled for the

year.

“Having the largest Tang Soo Do studio

floor space in the State of Utah does have its

advantages;” said Master Williamson, 6th Dan,

Region 2 Director. Mr. Gubler and his staff hosted

the largest Regional Event during the first quarter

of this year; while also hosting the Black Belt

Pretest which had one of the largest Black Belt

Classes in Region 2 in some time.

“Congratulations Mr. Gubler and I am sure

I can speak for the entire Region that we look

forward to visiting St. George again in the near

future; Tang Soo!” Master Johnny Williamson.

“THE DESERT DEUCE”

Region 2 Newsletter

World Tang Soo Do Association April – June 2018

Volume I, Edition III

Arizona

Colorado

Idaho

New Mexico

Nevada

Utah

2

“Spring 2018 Black Belt Test”

On Friday, May 4th, 2018 many members

of Region 2, World Tang Soo Do Association

(WTSDA) gathered in St. George, UT at Red Rock

Martial Arts to participate in and support the

Region 2 Spring Black Belt Test. This was one of

the largest Black Belt Tests in Region 2 over the

past few years. All total; 15 individuals tested for

Cho Dan (11); E Dan (3); and Sam Dan (1). There

were 53 Parents and Siblings in attendance that

night; and 25 Black Belts who were there to help,

aid, and assist by lending moral support and

motivation to those testing. It got pretty loud in

there as the motivation level was very high, and

way off the charts!

It is one thing to have a group of WTSDA

Students who have earned the right to test for

Black Belt; but any, and all tests must be held

under the direction and oversight of a Full Board

of Masters’ and Senior Black Belts. This year’s

Spring Test had a board consisting of: Master

Johnny R. Williamson, 6th Dan (owner, Starworld

Martial Arts, Goodyear, AZ and Region 2

Director); Master Ross Lindsay; 4th Dan/5th Dan

Candidate (owner, Lindsay’s Tang Soo Do, Orem,

UT); Master Bruce Finger, 4th Dan (Owner, Raven

Tang Soo Do, Santa Fe, NM); Ms. Natalie Cannon,

Sam Dan/Masters Candidate (Owner, Kando

Karate, Island Park, ID); and Mr. Skylar Gubler,

Sam Dan/Masters Candidate (Owner, Red Rock

Martial Arts, St. George, UT).

Esprit de Corps being a tenant that isn’t

discussed much; but runs deep within the WTSDA;

the Black Belts showed up and kicked their

cheering and yelling in to overdrive! As Testers of

such a large class needed the maximum amount of

room; an impromptu Breakout Session was put

together during portions of the Black Belt Test

inside a neighboring Dance Studio. Mr. Daniel

Cloud, Sam Dan (owner, Thunderbolt Tang Soo

Do, Tropic, UT); Mr. Andrew Dockstader (owner,

Lion Heart Martial Tang Soo Do, Hurricane, UT);

and Ms. Lissa “Brooke” Sexton, Sam Dan (owner,

Destiny Martial Arts Academy, Glendale, AZ) all

took charge and worked with Black Belts on 1st,

2nd, and 3rd Degree One-Steps.

3

As a rule; every Testing Mentor instructed

the testers on safety and ensured all Board

Members had a clear line-of-sight and full view of

every tester. Moving away from some of the more

recent Black Belt Pre-Tests and Tests; every tester

went through this entire test (sparing, doing drills,

and forms with the assistance of their peers. This

brought a more physical and focused attitude and

a desire by all to help each other succeed during

the conduct of this test. Testing Mentors for this

test were: Ms. Lissa “Brooke” Sexton, Sam Dan

(Rolls & Break Falls); Mr. Andrew Dockstader,

Sam Dan (Weapons); Mr. Daniel Cloud, Sam Dan

(Sparing); Mr. Lucan Aderhold, Sam Dan (Forms);

and Mr. Thomas Woodworth, Sam Dan (Physical

Endurance).

(Pictures of the Testers doing their best)

You may or may not know this but; starting

at a certain age, students testing for Black Belt

Degrees may be required to break at least one brick

to show their power and abilities. Something that I

personally haven’t seen in some time covering

these tests for the Region, was every student taking

from the instruction they gleaned from Mr. Gubler,

Sam Dan/Masters’ Candidate back in March 2018

and applying it to their breaks. All Testers who

were of age and authorized to do so; broke their

bricks with ease using that previous instruction and

advice provided by Mr. Gubler. This was a test

worth seeing! Great job everyone and Tang Soo!

4

5

“Never Give Up”

Focus on the Final Result!

There is a lot to be said about taking the

easy road over the hard road. There is even more

said when individuals simply give up when the

going gets tough! But that simply isn’t the case for

one individual in Region 2 who attempted for his

third time to take and pass his Black Belt Test. I

saw him over the last two years try and try again;

only to be met with physical challenges that kept

him from passing…but as they say; the “Third

Time is the Charm;” and Mr. Derrick McMullin, a

35 year old in Retail Sales; husband, and father of

four who trains at Red Rock Martial Arts proved

that never giving up is well-worth any fight and

fuels one’s desire to be the best that they can be.

Mr. McMullin started his Black Belt

journey approximately four years ago when his

doctor told him he needed to do more exercise to

ensure better health. He took his doctor’s advice

after some discussion with his wife Bethany and

enrolled in classes training under Mr. Skylar

Gubler, Sam Dan/Masters’ Candidate, owner of

Red Rock Martial Arts, St. George, UT. I

remember seeing him for the very first time in

August 2017 during a Black Belt Pre-Test held at

Starworld Academy of Tang Soo Do, Sierra Vista,

AZ. For a fairly-large man; I was impressed with

his fortitude and natural desire to succeed. But as

the Pre-Test moved to the more physical parts; it

was clear to see that Mr. McMullin wasn’t ready

for a 2-1/2 hour Pre-Test, let alone what would

come to be a 4 to 4-1/2 hour actual test. But as I

watched him on the floor; I saw that he didn’t, or

was it that he couldn’t give up?

I asked Mr. McMullin; what was his main

motivation? This is what he said; “Well, it started

out as something that I was doing for exercise and

better health. It’s obvious that I am a fairly-large

individual; and my job simply doesn’t afford me

the time to exercise in the evenings. I used my

doctor telling me that If I wanted to be around to

see my kids grow up as my initial motivator; but

when I moved up in belt rank; I realized that I

could one-day be a Black Belt. I set that goal for

myself and worked diligently toward that end. I

could have easily quit after failing my first and

then my second Black Belt test; but I used the

disappointment as a learning tool and an even

greater motivator. The way I saw it was that I

actually learned more from failing than I ever

could have learned had I simply been pushed

through and given my Black Belt. I now

understand what is meant when other Black Belts

say they earned it rather than just tested for it!”

When I asked Mr. McMullin if there was

any advice he wanted to share for those who

stumble and then feel they don’t want to get back

up. He said; “Yes! Failing has proven to me to be

a better teacher than succeeding in everything you

do all of the time. I am very excited about having

this opportunity to join the ranks of some of the

elites in Region 2, and the World Tang Soo Do

Association. And I would be remiss if I didn’t say

that as long as you set yourself a goal, and as long

as you stay motivated, you can accomplish

anything! I am living proof of that! I’m healthier

now; still a little big; but a lot healthier. I feel

better about myself and about my ability to be

around to see my kids grow up. Tang Soo Do at

Red Rock Martial Arts has brought that to me. I

don’t think about where I would be; I focus on

where I am because I never gave up!”

“I wanted to make my Martial Arts

experience a family affair and so I have my two

oldest training with me. Zoey is nine years old; and

Ryan is six. All the support that I have received

6

from my family and the Red Rock Martial Arts staff

has been wonderful. I can’t wait until my two

youngest start training as well. Stevan is four now;

and Julia is one and a half. I’m going to get my

wife on the floor too! If I can do this; she can too!”

Mr. McMullin thanked me for interviewing

him. He felt blessed and appreciated having the

opportunity to tell his story! I felt even more proud

of him after this interview. His story is one that

needs to be told whenever and wherever possible.

If more people would let others in the association

know how they feel; we may be able to retain more

students. People don’t always need to hear and

focus on how difficult things are. Sometimes it just

feels right to be able to tell others how great one

feels when they accomplish and achieve the goals

they have set for themselves! Tang Soo, Mr.

McMullin; and congratulations on your success!

Spring 2018

Region 2 Leadership Clinic

Early Saturday morning, on May 5th, 2018

(Cinco de Mayo); Region 2 of the World Tang Soo

Do Association (WTSDA) held their Annual

Spring 2018 Leadership Clinic in St. George, UT;

once again utilizing the large floor space at Red

Rock Martial Arts. This year’s Spring Leadership

Clinic was led by Mr. Daniel Cloud, Sam Dan, and

owner of Thunderbolt Tang Soo Do Academy,

located in Tropic, UT. Mr. Cloud has been a

mainstay of Region 2 for many years and has been

training in Tang Soo Do for over 14 years! Being

active is certainly one thing; but staying active is

yet another. Mr. Cloud has four of his children

involved in the WTSDA and all are very active. Mr.

Samuel Cloud (23) is a Sam Dan; Mr. John Cloud

(21) is also a Sam Dan. Mr. Benjamin Cloud, (20)

is an E Dan, and Mr. Caleb Cloud (18) is also an E

Dan. Mr. Cloud has been the Chief Instructor of

Thunderbolt Tang Soo Do Academy for over 10

years. He is ably assisted by all of his sons.

I first met Mr. Cloud several years ago; but

never really got to know him until this interview.

As the Host for this years’ Spring Regional

Leadership Clinic; I felt it was time to not only get

to know him; but also to ensure that everyone else

in the Region got to know him as well. Mr. Cloud

is a Project Manager and lives in Tropic, UT which

borders and covers Boulder, UT; Escalant, UT;

and Henryville, UT. Tropic is about 2-1/2 hours

away from St. George and currently his Dojang is

proud to have approximately 23 students.

This years’ Spring Leadership Clinic had

an official turnout of more than 75 in attendance.

After a healthy and vigorous Friday evening Black

Belt Test; one might think that students would be

crawling out of bed late and somewhat lethargic;

but that simply wasn’t the case. As with all Region

2 WTSDA events; this one proved to be another

day of fun and excitement; learning and training;

and opportunities for Black Belts to assume

Leadership Positions, all the while training others

in the Region to be better leaders and practitioners

7

of Tang Soo Do. The Belt Breakdown was as

follows:

(4) White Belts

(4) Orange Belts

(7) Green Belts

(9) Brown Belts

(4) Red Belts

(14) Blue Belts

(33) Black Belts (Including Masters and

Masters’ Candidates)

After “bowing in;” Miss Samantha

Dockstader, Cho Dan; Lion Heart Tang Soo Do

warmed-up the attendees with a vigorous workout

that got everyone’s blood pumping. There were

three Break-Out Groups/Sessions on the schedule

for that morning. Mr. Cloud explained the circuit

and who would be leading the sessions:

Mr. Lucas Aderhold, Sam Dan, from

Destiny Martial Arts Academy, Glendale, AZ

provided instruction on “Real Life Self-Defense;”

which included self-defense from punches,

uppercuts, and attacks from behind.

Mr. John Cloud, Sam Dan, from

Thunderbolt Tang Soo Do Academy, Tropic, UT

provided instruction on “Knife Defense;” which

included knife manipulations, and White to Black

Belt applications for the Knife Form.

Mr. Jon Goff, Cho Dan, from Lion Heart

Tang Soo Do, in Hurricane, UT who is also a

Master in Mui Tai / Filipino Calle provided

instruction which was second-to-none. Learning

and training in other Martial Arts Forms is key to

earning your Masters’ rank.

The afternoon session which began about

1pm after lunch break took on the all-

encompassing Tang Soo Do spirit and training.

Master Williamson, 6th Dan, Region 2 Director

and owner of Starworld Martial Arts Academy, in

Goodyear, AZ gave a short talk about Region 2

clinics, the instructors, and how Black Belts

become good instructors. “Practice, and more

practice;” he said. “Great Teachers are developed

by actually getting out and teaching. Being

selected to teach at the Masters’ Clinic is always

an honor and a privilege. When an individual gets

8

an opportunity to teach at the Regional Level it is

also a privilege because the rest of the Region

looks at you as the Subject Matter Expert (SME)!

For that reason; I would prefer that we have only

Sam Dan Instructors teaching at all Regional

Clinics in the future;” he said.

Master Williamson went on to talk about

how the association is looking at Master Rank a

little differently. “It used to be that you couldn’t

make Master unless you owned a studio…but now

you do not have to be a studio owner to be

recommended and earn the privilege of attending

the Masters’ Clinic anymore!”

He further explained; “There will no longer

be any difference between a 4th Degree Strip and a

4th Degree Master. The only thing that will be

looked at now is the Career Path that one takes.

Helping out in a studio can get you a 4th Degree

Stripe. Owning a studio can get you the Masters’

Red Stripe.”

Lastly, Master Williamson eluded to the

evolution of all things Black Belt; how we prepare,

how we train, how we teach, and most especially

how we interact with one another. He said; The

TAC (Technical Advanced) Clinic concept has

evolved! There won’t be two TAC Clinics every

year anymore. Now there will only be one Black

Belt Camp each year. The date, and location(s) to

be determined. The Camps will be for Cho Dan

Bo’s and up. Right now, we are looking at

Presidents Day Weekend, February 15th & 16th

being our Annual Black Belt Camp Weekend.

Anyone testing for Black Belt early that year and

later that year WILL have to attend this one

Annual Camp. All classes will be presented by

Region 2 Masters, and any Sam Dan who has been

to the Masters’ Camp.

It should be understood that more succinct

coordination will have to occur on the part of every

student who desires to test for Black Belt; for every

Black Belt in the Region; and for every parent of

Cho Dan Bo’s and Black Belts in the Region.

Additional details about the 2019 Region 2,

WTSDA Black Belt Camp will be coming out

soon.

After Master Williamson spoke to

everyone; Mr. Cloud assumed leadership of the

afternoon Breakout Sessions with the following

Instructors taking charge:

Ms. Lissa “Brooke” Sexton, Sam Dan,

from Destiny Martial Arts Academy, Glendale,

AZ teaching “Book Terminology.”

Mr. Daniel Cloud, Sam Dan, from

Thunderbolt Tang Soo Do Academy, Tropic, UT

teaching “Terminology Games.”

9

Mr. Andrew Dockstader, Sam Dan, from

Lion Heart Tang Soo Do, Hurricane, UT teaching

“Weapons incorporation into Hyungs;”

(application and demonstration).

Mr. Skylar Gubler, Sam Dan/Masters’

Candidate, from Red Rock Martial Arts Academy,

St. George, UT providing instructor and hosting a

“Judging Clinic and Certification” for the Region

2 Tournament and the World Championships.

Master Johnny Williamson, 6th

Dan/Region 2 Director, from Starworld Martial

Arts Academy, Goodyear, AZ who taught

“Sparing Drills.”

As the afternoon moved on; Master

Williamson gave a class to the Region about

Sparing. Students ranging from 15 years of age and

under Black Belts; and Cho Dan Bo to White Belt

participated and learned several techniques that

would help them with their Sparing in preparation

for the upcoming USA –vs- Mexico Friendship

Tournament scheduled for the following weekend;

May 12th, 2018 in Chula Vista, CA and the

WTSDA World Championship Tournament

scheduled for July 2018 in Greensboro, NC. From

what I could tell; students were actively engaged

and seemed to learn a lot.

As the day ended and just prior to “bowing

out;” Master Williamson provided a little more

information which came out of the Studio Owner’s

Meeting held during lunch that day. The 2019

Regional Championships for Region 2, WTSDA

10

will be held in Utah. The exact date and location

are being coordinated. It has been several years

since the Region 2 Championships were held in

Utah…I believe since 2012. If memory serves me

right; that year the Championships were held in

Mesquite, NV…just down the road from St.

George, UT. “As Region 2 expands; we must be

mindful to include all of our states and studios in

Regional Events;” said Master Williamson. “As

attendees make higher rank; they should be

prepared to travel; visiting other Regions; and

helping to promote Tang Soo Do around the

world;” said Master Williamson.

(Check out these photos)

11

Editorial

“Setting a Goal is Good; but

Achieving that Goal is Greater!”

You may wonder what I am referring to

when I say; “setting a goal is good; but Achieving

that goal is greater?” Well, I am referring to

someone I had the opportunity to watch test for

Black Belt, and who exceed all expectations of

everyone who was there in attendance at the

Region 2, WTSDA Spring Black Belt Test. I’m

talking about the attitude, performance, and

professionalism of Ms. Marsha Stewart; Cho Dan

Bo, from Red Rock Martial Arts, in St. George, UT.

You might wonder why Ms. Stewart is so

exceptional; and not knowing her story could make

someone wonder! But as I watched the Black Belt

Test I saw someone who maintained a smile and

more of a positive attitude than others taking their

test. I wondered how someone could continue to

smile while testing for Black Belt given the

grueling floor work one must go through in order

to attain what has been their ultimate goal since

their first class. As I asked around; I learned more

about this courageous individual who has been

training for 3-1/2 years. She started training with

her son; Mr. Josh Gerontis; Cho Dan, also from

Red Rock Martial Arts but had to put this one goal

on hold for a while when she learned that she had

contracted a little-known severe illness called

“Fatal Familia Insomnia” or FFI. (only 25 ever

cases have been documented)

Being an active individual; this lady simply

wouldn’t allow FFI to rule her world. She

continued to train and do some of her other

activities (constantly remaining active,

enthusiastic, and maintaining a great attitude)! I

have had many friends and family fall gravely ill

in my lifetime, so I can relate; and possibly

understand the concept of mortality; what it does

to an individual’s psyche and how it can and does

affect everyone in your family and everyone

around you! But Ms. Stewart just didn’t quit! She

had the “Lifelong Dream” of becoming a Black

Belt from as far back as when she trained in Tai

Kwan Do many years earlier. As a professional

12

Marketer; and a mother she had responsibilities;

but still found time to sing lead vocals for her rock

band “Sucker Punch;” and even had the distinct

honor of opening for the Rock Band “STIX” once.

Considering myself to be an “old fart” is

something that even I am not personally proud of;

but I was so very proud to learn of Ms. Stewart’s

story. I watched this lady of 51 years young go toe-

to-toe with a brick and several boards during the

breaking portion of her Black Belt Test and I was

amazed by this woman who although short is

stature had seemingly become my hero for all

things “Good and achieving your goals and

Greatness!”

I wish that I had the opportunity to speak

with Ms. Stewart personally; but she left the studio

immediately after her Black Belt Test; obviously

exhausted from the events of that evening. But the

rest of her story was told to me by her Chief

Instructor; the owner of Red Rock Martial Arts;

Mr. Skylar Gubler, Sam Dan/ Masters’ Candidate;

and I am so glad that he did. Had I simply known

that she was suffering from a severe cold and yet

still performed and conducted herself as a

professional I would have been impressed. But

learning about her desire and will to achieve

greatness while showing all others testing how it

is supposed to be done…I can only say that I was

honored to have watch her achieve her goal and

the greatness she so-well deserved!

Ms. Stewart; your entire life story is one of

inspiration to us all, and one of success.

Congratulations Ms. Marsha Stewart and I

know I speak for the entire Region; when I say we

look forward to seeing you with your Black Belt

and Black Trim on your DoBahk soon! Tang Soo!

The Editor!

13

3rd Annual

USA -vs- Mexico

Friendship

Tournament

On Saturday; May 12th, 2018 a contingent

of World Tang Soo Do Association (WTSDA)

Region 2 members took their “2nd To None” and

“Desert Deuce” attitudes to Chula Vista,

California inside Region 20 to participate in one of

the most auspicious Tang Soo Do International

Tournaments around; the USA –vs- Mexico

Friendship Tournament! Although this is the third

year for this event; some acquaintances and

friendships which have been going on for years

were renewed and revisited as Region 20; Region

23; Region 18; Region 12; and Region 2 came

together to keep the friendships alive; while

competing at their highest levels against their peers.

The stage was set, and the challenge gauntlet

thrown down as the cordial trash-talking and

international competition brought out the best in

everyone in attendance.

All total there were 33 members of Region

2 attending and competing for international honors.

There were 25 students from Starworld Martial

Arts Academy, Goodyear, AZ; 5 from Red Rock

Martial Arts, St. George, UT; and 3 from

Starworld Academy of Tang Soo Do, Sierra Vista,

AZ.

This was the very first time a contingent

from the great state of Utah were able to make the

trip. It may seem simple for most to attend these

events; but traveling and traversing mountainous

canyons, highways, and roadways sometimes in

the dark can be more dangerous and stressful than

one might think. But “The Five from Utah” made

their indelible mark on the tournament as any

promising Martial Artists, and members of “The

2nd To None Region” always does. Understandable

with so many regions represented, and so many

personnel in attendance; approximately 240+

things can and will be forgotten. A very

distinguished shout out to the Rivera Family from

Red Rock Martial Arts, St. George, UT. They were

mistakenly excluded from the “3-Person Demo

Team Event; but came onto the floor near the end

of the day to hold their own and take C-Third Place

Honors. Congratulations. It’s always impressive

when a family trains hard and works hard while

improving their Tang Soo Do skills.

Here are the names of the participants who earned

medals & trophies during this tournament:

Ms. MoShay Williamson, Sam Dan, Starworld

Goodyear: 3rd Forms; 2nd Sparing; 3rd Weapons.

Miss Kellicia Tang, E Dan, Starworld Goodyear:

2nd Forms; 1st Weapons.

Miss Melody Turner, Cho Dan, Starworld

Goodyear; Participation Medal.

Mr. Christian Langley, Cho Dan, Starworld

Goodyear: 2nd Sparing; 3rd Weapons.

14

Miss Sahmaria Stalling, Starworld Goodyear: 2nd

Forms; 2nd Weapons.

Mr. Stanton Clower, Cho Dan Bo, Starworld

Goodyear: 3rd Forms; 2nd Sparing.

Miss Kendra Meyers, Cho Dan Bo, Starworld

Goodyear: 1st Forms.

Mr. Connor Hoody, Cho Dan Bo, Starworld

Goodyear: 1st Sparing.

Ms. Naomi Black, Sr. Red Belt, Red Rock Martial

Arts: 2nd Weapons.

Mrs. Diana Garcia, Sr. Red Belt, Starworld

Goodyear: 3rd Forms; 1st Weapons.

Miss Breann Morris, Sr. Red Belt, Red Rock

Martial Arts: 1st Sparing.

Mr. Phillip McNamara, Sr. Green Belt, Starworld

Goodyear: 1st Forms.

Mr. Jose Rivera, Sr. Green Belt, Red Rock Martial

Arts: 3rd Sparing.

Mr. Wills Amstutz, Sr. Green Belt, Starworld

Goodyear: 1st Sparing.

Ms. Amber Green, Green Belt, SATSD: 1st Forms.

Mr. Isaac Rivera, Green Belt, Red Rock Martial

Arts: 3rd Sparing.

Miss Eleanor WU, Little Dragon, Starworld

Goodyear: Participation Medal & Trophy.

Miss Zoe Rivera, Tiny Tiger, Red Rock Martial

Arts: Participation Medal & Trophy.

15

As you can see, the “2nd To None Region” was

well-represented on multiple podiums. In addition,

Master’s from Region 20 and beyond were

enthusiastic and appreciative for the support from

this region and others. Congratulations to all the

winners! Looking forward to every one of you and

many more doing even better next year. Tang Soo!

Once again; thank you for the hospitality

Region 20! See you next year!

“Until We Compete Again!”

Tang Soo!

16

“Selfless Service”

Arizona World Tang Soo Do Association

Studios

“Defending Homeless Teens in our

Community.”

“Fitness & Self Defense Fund Raisers”

“Did you know more than 4,000 Arizona children and

teens experience homelessness each day? These kids fight

to stay in school and graduate even though they are

homeless. Join us June 9th as we teach self-defense

techniques - open to the public for a $10 donation. We

want to bring awareness and financial support to help

these kids. Your $10 donation will go a long way to show

your support to the homeless youth of Arizona.”

(Homeless Youth Charities)

On Saturday; June 9th, 2018 the five

recognized World Tang Soo Do Association

(WTSDA) Martial Arts Studios in the State of

Arizona took to the “defense” to protect and give

something only they could give to the Homeless

Teens in our community…time, humility, effort,

and money!

The idea came to Master Johnny

Williamson, 6th Dan, Region 2 Director, WTSDA

and Owner Starworld Martial Arts Academy,

Goodyear, AZ while looking for a way that his

students could give back to help those less

fortunate in their cities, and communities. As he

started doing research; he recognized this project

was something that needed to be done all over the

entire state. Learning that more than 4,000 Arizona

children and teens experience homelessness each

day was heartbreaking. These kids fight to stay in

school and graduate even though they are

homeless and sometimes do not know where they

will lay their heads at night, or where their next

meal will come from. That is where “Homeless

Youth Charities” (HYC) steps in and partnering

with community minded individuals and taking

donations from anyone willing to help; they

provide the essentials these young people need to

help them be successful!

When Master Williamson mentioned his

idea to support this project to several Arizona

Studio Owners; word spread like wildfire. He was

instantly contacted by a few more studios; and

eventually he reached out to all the five WTSDA

Studios in the state and every single one of them

volunteered to open their doors for different

activities which were then brought to the public for

donations all the while helping the kids who

needed help the most.

In all well over $500.00 was collected and

donated to Arizona Homeless Youth Charities in

the name of every studio who participated. This

worthwhile project was a huge success. I see the

entire Region 2 moving forward on this again next

year!

“Imagine if every WTSDA Studio

supported an effort like this? We could almost rid

the entire world of Teen Homelessness and provide

a small bit of motivation, and a show of love that

could change the life of one teenager at a time;”

said Master Williamson.

17

2019 REGION 2 EVENTS

February 15 & 16, 2019

Black Belt Camp (Blue Belts & Above)

Goodyear, AZ

March 8 & 9, 2019 Black Belt Review and Clinic

Chandler, AZ

May 3 & 4, 2019 Black Belt Test and Clinic

Sierra Vista, AZ

August 23 & 24, 2019 Black Belt Review and Clinic

St. George, UT

October 11 & 12, 2019 Black Belt Test & Region 2 Championship

St. George, UT

NOTE: Fewer Regional Events causes the need for more coordination, planning, and participation in the events

that are scheduled to ensure that everyone meets their intended participation(s) prior to testing for their next belt.

This Newsletter is an Official Publication of the World Tang Soo Do Association (WTSDA), Region 2 Derek L. Stalling, M.Ed. (Editor)