1st Annual TKD Youth Awards Ceremony & Banquet

Cho's at Mozambique (main dining room), in celebration of our 1st Annual TKD Youth Awards.Friday, November 18th marks the evening of a great milestone for our academy.  We proudly hosted our 1st Annual TKD Youth Awards Ceremony and Banquet.  With close to 70 in attendance, great times were had by all. 

For memory's sake I feel it is important to keep some record of the event, where all those in attendance may refer to in the future.  As our youth students become young men and women, it will be great for them to have access to records of their martial arts journey. 

"Dear Jacob,
What a perfect evening, thank you so much.  I cannot imagine the countless hours involved for it to be so wonderful and come off so flawlessly, but we really appreciate it... We all really felt a part of a strong and special community last night.  Thank you for providing this at such a high caliber, we are very fortunate. Warmly, Anne"

Below I have included a transcript of my speech, link to view the actual awards and a link to the full photo album on Facebook.  

Enjoy.

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Speech:

Hello everyone.  Thank you all for coming out to celebrate your child’s efforts and achievements.  It is humbling to have each of you here as supporters.

The awards in concept may seem simple and obvious.  However, I am not aware of any martial arts program utilizing such a tool to recognize the exceptional commitment that our young martial artists apply.

Developing the awards system from scratch, with no prior experience to pull from for reference, was a personal challenge.  I hope the results of my efforts offer an experience that meets or perhaps surpasses your expectations.

I have many goals for the academy.  Ultimately they all support a broad stroke designed to have a hugely positive impact on our community; from which, our community may reach onwards and upwards.

I’ll share with you a few goals that are particularly big-picture drivers for me:

One, to pass on the art form of Cho’s traditional Tae Kwon Do, which would become extinct if not for the unique teacher/student relationship.  Kids, you are the future – the future of martial arts.

Two, to be synonymous within our community as an institution found at the core of producing (and not in any particular order): strong, courageous, confident, hard-working, open-minded, good, respectful, empowered, visionary, balanced and happy young men and women.

Three, to produce at least one world champion martial artist.

Kids, remember that you can achieve anything you want.  Some goals might be easy to accomplish, others may take a lifetime of pursuit.  I believe in all of you equally.  Remember to always believe in yourselves.

The awards are a tool to help accomplish the goals I have set for our academy, by recognizing those who put forth exceptional efforts – who in turn, realize noteworthy achievements.

Choosing this year’s winners was another tough task for me (the students are all winners in my book). 

Kids, remember that receiving an award does not make you better than the person next to you.  It simply recognizes your achievements over this past year.  Receive your award, be happy, be proud, but also be humble and respectful to others.  To those who did not win this year, remember that you can achieve just the same as anyone else if you continue to put the time in.

Tonight is really about all of the kids so lets give them a giant round of applause.

The Award Winners (9/2010 – 9/2011):

• Shane Lawson, Cho’s Academy Most Improved
  Prize: horsepower pack: 400-page muscle car book & 3 tix to auto museum
• Vincent Ewing, Cho’s Academy Strength to Persevere
  Prize: Guillow’s scale flying Cessna model w/ complete building kit
• Tatiana Moore, Cho’s Academy One With Fortitude
  Prize: 3 drum lessons with Frank Cotinola, renowned drummer
• Lucas Jablon, Cho’s Academy Precision of Power
  Prize: skate & surf DVD pack: Endless Summer, Sept Sessions & T Hawk Tutorial
• Brayden Jenson, Cho’s Academy Fighter of the Year
  Prize: half-day fishing trip/less with OC Flyfishing
• Joe Laptin, Cho’s Academy Aims to Achieve Winner
  Prize: book + certificate for Kindle
• Dolce Sara, Cho’s Academy Class Valedictorian
  Prize: actual Kindle Touch 3g

View the actual awards (written & created by Jacob Cho): Award Images

Event Photos: Facebook Photo Album

I look forward to outdoing this year’s event in 2012!

Sincerely,

Jacob Cho

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Instructor Earns Brown Belt!

Tim Earylwine (middle), after his belt grading at Cleber BJJCongratulations to our Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Instructor, Tim Earlywine, who earned his Brown Belt under Cleber Luciano on Saturday November 12th, 2011. 

Led by Tim, our adult BJJ program has been going for about 5 weeks and continues to build.  Currently classes are once per week; every Tuesday at 7:30pm.  We are already discussing plans to add more options in January.  There are only 1 or 2 spaces left to grab at our introductory membership rate -- act immediately if interested.

Trial lessons always free.

-Jacob Cho

Cho's Academy Wins at K.S. Choi's 19th California Open

Our Team after competing at the CA Home Depot Velodrome

Although we are not a competition focused school, competing is a component of our training.

Cho's Academy ~ Our Second Tournament, One Small Step

aimaa studentHello all.  When looking forward, as I typically do when planning anything and everything for the academy, I see the current day as history in the making.  I view very small accomplishments as grand as the sometimes seemingly larger ones.  I believe that small steps form a strong foundation from which to reach for the top.

As an academy, we participated in the 3rd Orange County Open Martial Arts Tournament yesterday.  I am proud of all the students we had that participated and came out to support.  There were wins and losses by tally of points, but I know that all who took part achieved a great win; for in the bigger picture of life, stepping up is the hardest part... it is the part that offers the chance and opportunity for unique growth and true perspective.

We are not a competition focused school and will never be.  As a teacher I believe that promoting an awareness of respect, discipline, perseverance, courtesy, focus, confidence and community is higher on the priority list.  Competition is one tool that is part of a bigger picture.  It is a tool that helps to develop physical skills.  It is a tool to help develop a fighting spirit and more.  It is a tool that is a process which must be managed carefully.  It is a component that offers students an opportunity to learn from a much larger pool than the dojang.  Competition can be very useful as part of a young person's training.  Competition as a primary focus, can turn a balanced objective into one that is unbalanced.

Again, I am very proud of the students we have that came out yesterday... and of course all those training day-in and day-out at the dojang.  I am very thankful for the supportive families within our community.  I am thankful for the opportunity to teach, and take it very seriously, as I understand that the opportunity comes with great responsibility.  For me personally, it is not easy running a business, developing thoughtful programs and teaching every day, but I know this is where my hard lessons from the martial arts kick in--for each other, your lessons will help you in your own unique way.  I am thankful for Tae Kwon Do.

-Jacob Cho

"I was feeling sorry for myself and talking with Grandmaster Hee Il Cho, and he told me, 'You're a champion for one day.  You're a martial artist for a lifetime.'"
~Grandmaster Philip Ameris

"As a black belt, you must always be aware of the responsibility of your position and behave with dignity."
~Grandmaster Hee Il Cho

Grandmaster Hee Il ChoNext event we plan to attend:  Long Beach Internationals

Youth Summer Camps Being Finalized

Camp Dates:

• Week of July 11: WESTERN Camp
• Week of July 18: HARRY POTTER Camp
• Week of July 25: SPORTS CAMP (more details below)
• Week of August 9: SUPERHERO Camp
• Week of August 16: SEEING OUTDOORS Camp

DETAILS PERTAINING TO SPORTS CAMP:

 
TESTIMONIAL: 
"Benton attended the sports camp last summer and absolutely loved it.  He is already asking to attend again this summer.  Each day was full of TKD, yoga and many other outstanding, well-planned activities.  As a parent I was VERY impressed with the organization and daily schedule of different activities.  It was a very positive experience for Benton, and I would highly recommend the Cho's Academy camps."  Stacy Barlow
 
WHEN:
Week of 7/25, daily 9am - 3pm
**this year's itinerary will be released soon--see last year's full itinerary below for reference
 
COST:
Preregister w/payment by 6/01 pay only $300
Preregister w/payment by 6/15 pay only $325
After 6/15 $375
 
AGES & MAX NUMBERS:
Age minimums will be gauged on a case-by-case basis (no one under 5 will be considered)
No more than 22 kids will be accepted
 
SPECIAL NOTES:
This year may include the following themed days:  multiple martial arts day, hiking, board sports, arts & enrichment, beach day and possibly a camp-out.
We will be well-outfitted with chaperons--volunteers of course welcome.
See last year's photos (fun--take a look):  Day 2   ---   Day 4