Leslie Salinas D'Ercole Master Candidate

Instructor Leslie Salinas D'Ercole has recently returned from the 20th WTSDA's Masters Camp, a four day training and testing program held in Florence, Alabama led by grandmaster Jae C. Shin. She became one of a very select group to receive the camp invitation from the Grandmaster identifying her as an official candidate for the masters rank. Joined with 135 other candidates and masters from around the world, instructor Leslie shared in numerous lectures and training sessions offered by many of our talented WTSDA masters. Being no stranger to intensity, Leslie arrive at camp prepared for the exhausting demands but was soon humbled to become part of and interacting with the masters and candidates group. She just was herself expressing her passion for Tang Soo Do and desire of becoming the best leader she possibly can. At the camp graduation ceremony Leslie was presented the prestigious "Masters Camp Spirit Award" in recognition of her exemplary Tang Soo Do spirit. When asked how she felt about the award, Leslie replied, "I have been honored for life". All of us at Tang Soo Do Karate Institute are equally honored and proud of her very special accomplishment. Tang Soo!

Master Larry Dercole
6th Dan

Valentine's Day Beach Class!

Dear Tang Soo Do members:

On Saturday, February 14th TSDKI students will celebrate Valentine's Day by showing their love and friendship to nature with a morning beach class at Imperial Beach!!

Our special Valentine's Day class begins at 9:00am with line up formation next to the I.B. Pier. Class ends by noon.

Arrive with your dobohk, tennis shoes, staff (bong), sword (jang gum). Bring water and a snack. !!!

TANG SOO SPIRIT!!

Master Larry & BSBN Leslie D'Ercole

Honor & Recognition

December 13th will be remembered as a day of honor and recognition as TSDKI concluded the year by proudly announcing the studio's most recent Black Belt Promotions.

Barbara Bellini, a dedicated student, great competitor, and a true role model received her SAM DAN (3rd degree) rank as her family stood by. Barbara has served as an assistant instructor throughout the year and was awarded title as the Women's Senior Grand Champion at our recent Region 20 Championship last October in Chula Vista, CA. She has also celebrated 1st and 2nd place wins at the 2008 World Championship held this past summer in Orlando, FL. Tang Soo!


Mario Gonzalez, an example of the word commitment and genuinely demonstrating the spirit of perseverance received his CHO DAN (1st degree) in ceremonious fashion while his family proudly looked on.
Tang Soo!






Erik Berumen, embodies the speed and power of a young man. His strong desire and steadfast focus on goals, requirements, and understanding have manifested to the level of Yu Dan Ja. Erik was awarded his CHO DAN (1st degree) with resounding applause. Tang Soo!



Best wishes on this, their new beginning, and as Grandmaster Shin reminds us, "A True Martial Artist Wears Their Belt Not Only Around Their Waist But Around Their Hearts". We look forward to their continued success and bringing pride to their instructors, studio, and to our entire family of the World Tang Soo Do Association.

Master Larry & Leslie D'Ercole

Spirit+Skill+Effort=Achievement!

Congratulations to our most recent GUP promotions.
December 13th Testing Group I (White-Green Belts)
FOCUS: A Key to Success.

Efrain Perez annihilates his target during his power and accuracy requirement.


Adrian Ballesteros, Allyson Masumoto, Arahi Espinoza, Danielle Ferber, Mariana Parra, Christopher Corning, Israel Ochoa, Andres Espinoza, Alberto Ballesteros, Sulema Barajas, Jaelen Cruz, Jesus Mayoral, Erfain Perez, Denisse Mayoral, Marina Ballesteros, Angelee Ferber, Natalia Xibille, Adriana Xibille, Paula Robison, Veronica, Ochoa, Mae Stoke.


December 13th Testing Group II (Brown Red Belts)

Angelo D'Ercole, Melissa Avila, Isabel Molina, Amanda Masumoto, Anica Bunag, Juzenne Cruz, Alexis Stoke, Jason Ferber, Brandon Nordengreen, Erick Morales, Jose Figueroa, Andrew Lona, Alejandro Perez, Oscar Franco, Andres Gonzalez, Alejandro Sarmiento, Eric Berumen, Jeremy Bunag, Oscar Pineda, Adrian Cervantes, Mario Gonzalez.

After-School Program Donates $1000.00

Another successful after-school karate program has been completed. This one was at the Greg Rogers Elementary school (upper photo) in Chula Vista, CA. The six week session offered classes weekly with 25 participants and 5 dedicated assistants - Jeremy Bunag, Anica Bunag, Alexis Stoke, Allyson Masumoto and Amanda Masumoto. The program generated $1000.00 that was donated to the Greg Rogers School.


The Wolf Canyon Elementary School (lower photo) involved 24 students with 3 dedicated assistants - Andres Espinoza, Arahi Espinoza, and Angelo D'Ercole. This program generated a $600.00 donation for the Wolf Canyon School.

Tang Soo!

TESTING CYCLE

For all Tiny Tigers and Little Dragons students:

Friday, November 21st at 5:00PM

Only for recommended Gup students:

Saturday, December 13th with schedule as follows:

White to Green belts at 11:00 AM

Brown to Red belts at 2:00 PM

"Reaching the Edge of Excellence"

Tang Soo!

HALLOWEEN PARTY!

Tang Soo Do Karate Institute's first Halloween party was held Oct.30th. Students and friends dressed in their cool costumes arrived with delicious eats to share with everybody.
The studio was transformed and decorated with frightening scenes to fit the occasion. Children enjoyed a variety of fun Halloween games and danced under an eerie strobe light
for several hours of excitement and
entertainment.

Don't miss our next big bash planned for Friday, December 19th as we close out the year with our annual Christmas party. Get ready for more fun and games as we recount our past year's achievements and prepare for the coming years events. "Goals are stepping stones to higher achievements". Tang Soo!