NEWS

Winter Storm policy: When the weather conditions are poor and you are wondering if classes are going ahead please call 753-4248 one hour before class starts and we will have a recording stating whether or not classes are going ahead as scheduled or cancelled. We will also place a notice in this section of our web site one hour before class starts. 

Any class cancellations due to poor weather conditions will be posted here.

June 2009

History in the Making on fathers Day!
A total of 28 students test for 1st to 4th Degree Black Belt

On June 21st, Fathers Day, Downey's Taekwon-Do had the largest Black Belt test in it's 19 year history. A total of 28 students were promoted: 17 were promoted to 1st Degree Black Belt, 5 were promoted to 2nd Degree Black Belt, 5 were promoted to 3rd Degree Black Belt and 1 was promoted to 4th Degree Black Belt.  The test included (a) All patterns from Chon-Ji to their highest level pattern (s), (b) designated pattern step by step: students had to know the correct name, method and purpose of each movement, the correct heights of each technique, and the length, width, toe positions, weight distribution, and proper facing of each stance in the pattern, (c) practical self defense from various chokes, holds and grabs from the front, side, back and from the ground, (d) Theory questions on the history and philosophy of Taekwon-Do, (e) Pad Drills that challenged the students fitness and indomitable spirit, (f) 1, 2, and 3 step sparring, (g) Free sparring, and (h) Board Breaking. Mr. Paul Snow, who tested for 4th Degree Black Belt had to also present a "thesis". Below is a list of the students who successfully passed their test. The test lasted from 2pm to 8pm (6 hours). Master Downey and Mrs. Downey were extremely impressed at the overall high level of technical skill and knowledge of those who tested. A special mention goes out to the four fathers and their children who tested for 1st Degree Black Belt on fathers day: Mr. Dwight Saunders and his two boys, Ryan and Adam; Mr. Vince Walsh and his son Daniel; Mr. Carl Hill and his daughter Sarah; and Mr. William Power and his son Stephen. What better way to share time with your children than to spend time developing a strong mind, body and spirit through the Martial Art of Taekwon-Do? A picture of the group has been added to the Photo Album.

Karaoke Fundraiser for Cody McLean: Thursday June 25th
Date: Thursday, June 25th 2009
Location: Karaoke Kops, 10 George Street, St. John's
Cost: $5.00 (Door Cover - All Proceeds Going Towards Cody)

Everyone is invited down to the the Karaoke Kops Bar, Thursday June 25th, as a fundraiser to help send Cody McLean, a 2nd Degree Black Belt student of Downey's TaeKwon-Do, to Argentina to compete at the 10th World ITF Taekwon-Do Championships.  Get some friends together and come down to have a great time!  All are welcome!!

First class in September: The first class in September for the Reid Center and St. James United Church will be on Tuesday, September 8^th.

Class Schedule in September at the Reid Center: New Beginners, colored belts, and Black Belts Tue and Thur 6-7pm

Black Belt Class: Tue and Thur 7:30-8:30pm. Start date: Tue September 8th

Blue Stripes to Red Belt: Wednesday 7:30-8:30pm and Saturday 1:30-2:30pm. Start date: Wednesday September 9th

Green Stripes: Wednesday 6:30-7:30pm and Saturday 2:30-3:30. Start date: Wednesday September 9th

New Beginners: Thursday 6:30-7:30pm and Saturday 3:30-4:30pm. Start Date: Thursday September 10th

Little Dragons Program (age 4-7): Saturdays 12:30-1:30pm. Start Date: Saturday, September 12th

Colored Belt Test: Saturday, June 20^th at 2:30pm at SJUC. Only students that have met their time requirement and have passed a pre-test are allowed to test. Students will be told whether or not they can test.

Black Belt Test: Sunday, June 21st at 2pm at St. James United Church. All those testing should have received an information sheet and an application form from Master Downey. Students should also know what pattern they have to perform step-by-step. If you have not been told then ask Master Downey and he will assign you one. Payment for the test and the test application form should be passed in on the day of the test.

Summer Training Program in August: For students that want to train in the month of August we will be offering four two-hour classes (Wednesdays 7:30 – 9:30pm) at our St. James United Church location. Start Date: Wednesday, August 5^th. Classes will cover patterns, step-sparring, self-defense, pad work, and sparring strategies. Students can train in a T-shirt if they wish. Bring sparring gear and running shoes.

3 hour Sparring Seminar: Taught by Mr. David Hiltz, 6^th Degree Black Belt from Halifax. If you are interested in improving sparring skills for competition, this is a "must attend" seminar. Date: To be announced.

Rumble on the Rock III: Saturday, October 31^st at College of the North Atlantic. There will be a large contingent of competitors from Nova Scotia.