KAT 2017 Year in Review
This year marked the 37th anniversary of the Korean Academy of Taekwondo, and what a year it was! Here are some of the memories of the last twelve months, in no particular order. See the Full Review with Images (PDF)
Historic Kukkiwon Event – For the first time ever, 8th and 9th Dan blackbelt tests were held outside of the Kukkiwon in Korea – and it happened here in Denver. Grand Master Ghassan Timani (KAT Head Master 1993-2004), Grandmaster Andre DeOlivera (KAT Instructor 93-96) and Grandmaster Han Cho (Master Bill’s Instructor 1997-2003) all tested and earned their 8th Dans.
Master Katie, Master Zak, Master Ron, Master Ahmed, and Master Jesse also took the Kukkiwon Instructor Training course.
At the same time several students competed, refereed and volunteered at the US Open Hanmadang at DU!
Lone Wolf Classic The tournament was well attended and the competition was fierce! And of course… somehow… it snowed again.
First Silver Tigers/Dragons Black Belts – Our program for 40+ year olds is paying off big time with parents and grandparents reaching the black belt stage of their training.
Grappling Growth – We attended the Fight 2 Win Fall Nationals and several events with The Academy in Monument, CO. Look for more exciting news about this in 2018!
Elementary League Growth – The elementary league exploded, growing so much that we had to move the Fall Championships from the dojang to Crescent View Academy. The league is growing about 35% each year.
Black Belt Tests – For the second year in a row we had 5 masters in the fall black belt test, including Master Bill promoting to 7th Dan. We are so thankful for the decades of dedication these students have shown to their art and dojang.
New Programs – Congrats to Master Sam and Instructor Jenny Kim for starting their own programs, and for Master RJ and Instructor John John for taking over Saddle Rock ATA Martial Arts. This is a great opportunity and a huge step in their careers.
Of course, the year featured many events, memories, triumphs and stepping stones. To see all the details, visit http://www.kattaekwondo.com and click on the detailed school history link or scroll through KAT Facebook.