Peterson Taekwondo Club master’s way to 11 trophies

  • Published
  • By Monica Mendoza
PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. --  Seven members of Peterson's Taekwondo Club went to the regional tournament March 6, in Littleton, Colo., and came home with 11 trophies.

"Each competitor placed in their individual competition," said Klay Kerns, taekwondo coach. "This was a great accomplishment."

The seven competed in age categories ranging from 7-10 to 40-49 in the American Taekwondo Association regional tournament, which is held twice a year and attracts nearly 500 competitors in categories from white belt to fifth-degree black belt.

Peterson club members have been preparing for this taekwondo competition for months, training in the Peterson Sports and Fitness Center. The taekwondo club, a Korean form of Karate, is one of 50 special programs and events organized by the Sports and Fitness Center.

The Peterson club meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays. But, as competition drew near, Les Stewart, the center's special programs director, opened up space for the club on Saturdays and coach Kerns said the extra time in the gym made the difference.

"The Peterson sports and fitness staff provided exceptional support to allow the students to maximize their training," Mr. Kerns said. "The additional training allowed the students to hone their skills."

The Peterson Taekwondo Club had competed in the regional tournament in years past. But, this was their first appearance in at least two years. Their showing was great, Mr. Kerns said.

Taekwondo Association regional tournament winners:

Michael Greene, ages 11-13 orange belt, placed third in forms and sparring;

Colby Tote, ages 11-13 yellow belt, placed third in sparring;

Derrius Rahman, ages 7-10 yellow belt, placed second in sparring and second in forms;
Tobias McMillan, ages 11-13 camo belt, placed second in sparring and third in forms;

Joey Celestino, ages 11-13 second-degree black belt, placed third in sparring;

Robert Baer, ages 17-30 red belt, placed third in weapons;

and Klay Kerns, ages 40-49 first-degree black belt, placed second in sparring and third in forms.

"This was the first competition for four of the younger students," Mr. Kerns said. "They were very excited and energized. They asked, 'when can we do this again?'"

· The Peterson Taekwondo Club meets Tuesdays and Thursdays and is open to anyone ages 7 years and older. The next competition will be in the fall. For details call 556-1515.

 

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