Local martial artists place at tournament

Published Sept. 14, 2010
By Monica Mendoza
21st Space Wing Public Affairs staff writer

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Six competitors from the Peterson TaeKwonDo Club placed in their individual division at the Fall Regional TaeKwonDo Tournament in Littleton, Colo., Aug. 21.

Pretty impressive, said coach Klay Kerns, because the club only sent six competitors.

"This was another fine showing," he said.

A record 750 competitors participated in the regional tournament, where TaeKwonDo club members put to practical use some of the techniques they have been studying in class.

"Students learn the effort to working towards a common goal and the level of training necessary to meet it," Mr. Kerns said.

The five major tenants of TaeKwonDo - a Korean martial art -- are courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control, and indomitable spirit.

"These are the character attributes that each student works on, along with their physical training," Mr. Kerns said.

Club members came home with six trophies:
 Michael Tomlinson, ages 30-39, men's camo, green, purple and blue belts, placed first in forms.
 Kiara Tomlinson, ages 11-13, girl's camo and green belts, placed second in forms and third in sparring.
 Connor Tomlinson, ages 7-10, boy's camo and green belts, awarded "Awesome Competitor."
 Derrius Rahman, ages 7-10, boy's camo and green belts, placed second in sparring.
 Tobias McMillan, ages 11-13, boy's purple and blue belts, placed second in sparring.
 Klay Kerns, ages 40-49, men's first-third degree black belts, placed third in sparring.

Another milestone for Peterson TaeKwonDo Club this summer was the promotion of two second degree black belts: Joseph Celestino, 12, and Jenna Cabell, 17, were promoted in June. They had to test in performing forms, weapons handling, board breaking, sparring and knowledge tests.

"This is a great accomplishment," Mr. Kerns said. "Less than 10 percent of students who start the martial arts attain the rank of black belt and about 10 percent of those go on to achieve their second degree."

The Peterson TaeKwonDo Club has 15 members that range in age from 7 to 36.

"It's good for students who want to learn more discipline, physical coordination, balance, strength, mental focus and sportsmanship," Mr. Kerns said.

The next tournament will be in Spring 2011 in Littleton, Colo.

Peterson TaeKwonDo Club is open to family members ages 7 and up and meets from 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Peterson Sports and Fitness Center, Gym 1. For details and prices, call 556-1515.