My wife and I wanted to personally thank Master Estrada, Master Orien (I'm sure I just butchered his name and spelling, please forgive me ), Master Jenko, and Ms Barbaro for coming to our instructor's tournament in Ct. this past Saturday.

It was great having people from other schools at the tournament. It was especially great to get their input on our forms and such. Not to mention talking to people with an enthusiasm for the sword other then our own classmates. It was a pleasure meeting you all.

Hopefully at some point we will be able to come out to some of the tournaments in PA and NY. Right now it is a bit difficult because of the baby.

Jack, it was great meeting you and your wife and family at the tournament. I enjoyed the time I got to spend with you, Mike and the rest of your classmates. I want to congratulate all who competed – everyone gave it their all. I have to say that it was a very nice event to be a part of.

It could be that I am getting older (and wiser) – but I find that these events not to be so much about winning a trophy or a medal – I find these competitions to be about so much more than that. (That is not to say that I don't like winning – 'cause I do...... ) What I am trying to say is that I find these events an excellent opportunity to meet fellow Gumdo students and have the chance to share ideas, debate issues and just have a good time. That means so much more to me than all the 1st places, trophies and medals I have acquired through the years.

On behalf of everyone here in New York, I hope you guys get the chance to come over to events that in our area when the timing is right. (Your daughter is simply adorable.)

…….and to Master Jenko, I say this to you sir, you are simply enjoyable to be around – I wish you all the best with your future endeavors and look forward to seeing you sometime in the future.

I was happy to be able to attend the event. I was even happier to see how some of the people have progressed with their technique. It's apparent you train hard and with intent.

It was a pleasure to see some familiar faces and make some new friends. I hope to be able to meet and talk with you more at future events.

Jack- It was nice meeting you and your wife. Take care of the little one. By the way, you were so close; It's "Oien".

Jennifer- You're such a liar.

So close and yet so far.

I understand exactly what you are saying Jennifer.
I enjoy going to tournaments and seeing all of the people I'm used to competing with. Chatting and talking with people that share an interest in art, whichever it may be. Especially competing in the "Senior" or "Executive" division, it's not to discuss things with people my own age and skill level.

I still like to win though.

Jack, he is joking....he thinks I flatter him too much with praise....eventhough it is very much well deserved.

Sorry for my delayed response on the thread…
I would also like the thank you all for coming down to our humble first HDGD tournament. While it was our 30th Tang Soo Do tourney, it was our first for the sword. Thank you Master Estrada (and thank you for you kind words) as always thank you Master Oien, who I am sure soon enough…Thank you Master Jenko for you helpful coments. Thanks Jennifer Barbaro for coming down and sharing your energy with us. It was cool. I hope we all help to keep the spirit of fellowship and communication growing and spreading, and help make the HDGD community thrive here in New England.

It would be cool to eventual have a regional tournament of all the New England states…Clinics, Testing, Tournament, and banquette to round off the event…

What do you all think???

Again : Kamsahamnida

HAIDONG!

Mike Tabone

I was actually Soooooooooooo close to comming to that same tournament, however it fell on a weekend that spanned the Thurs-Fri-Mon-Tues-Wends of final exams at my college and I just had 5 too many projects to complete and test to study for, hopefully next year!