Trad Forms – Sparring – Weapons 2010 Worlds
Xtreme Forms – Weapons 2010 Worlds
Creative Forms – Weapons 2010 Worlds

Trad Forms – Sparring Judging Assignments
Trad Weapons Judging Assigments

She-hahp (tournaments) are controlled competitive environments that allow practitioners to display and improve their skills in a safe environment. Although some may think it is all about “who is better”, that is only a part of their purpose in Songahm Taekwondo.

In general, there are basically two types of tournaments:
1. Winning a trophy at any cost, while exclaiming victory and scorning defeat
2. Competing with a good attitude (possibly winning a trophy) and learning under ideal conditions

The second is what we in Songahm Taekwondo try to achieve!

Remember that tournaments are not just for a trophy. They allow our members to meet new people, make new friends, put nerves to the test, and display skills. By focusing on these purposes, it is very possible to be happy whether one wins or loses. Most people think that the reward at a tournament is the trophy. By eliminating this idea, we eliminate the unnecessary devastation of leaving without a trophy.

In reality, competition is not just in a ring. Students of Songahm Taekwondo, as well as all other human beings, are competing with self on a daily basis. We compete with our body to lose weight. We compete with our mind to retain knowledge, and we compete with our intellect on our spiritual convictions. Even in the case of a match against an opponent, we are not only competing against that person’s skill, but also against ourselves to the the absolute best that we can. Therefore, tournaments are a great opportunity for increasing skills as well as boosting confidence. And, just as importantly, it is possible to learn self control over a temper, or become motivated to react positively instead of negatively to outcomes one does not desire.

For all these reasons and more, she-hahp (tournaments) are a vital part of Songahm Taekwondo, and one of the most dynamic, fun aspects of our art.

Mr. Sibley in Katy, TX tournament warm ups for Creative Weapons with recent ATA friends Mr. and Mrs. Chase. ATA tournaments are a great way to meet and make new friends!

Mr. Sibley and daughter Ms. Sibley at the famous South Fork Ranch for the Texas Twister Tournament. Mr. Sibley took a 1st place and two 2nd Places, while Ms. Sibley took a 4th place.

Mr. Sibley was in Texas last week working, and brought his daughter along.? They worked out and trained during the week at Master Phrumjunton’s in Longview, Texas.

The Sibleys with Master Sam Phrumjuntun of Longview, TX

“One of the huge benefits of the ATA is the ability to transfer ones membership and or utilize other locations, so when I travel for work I do not have to miss out on my training” stated Mr. Sibley.

Then the duo were off to the famed South Fork Ranch, for Master Sustaire’s Texas Twister Tournament.? This was an American Taekwondo Association class “A” sanctioned Tournament.? South Fork Ranch the historic spot made famous by the hit 80′s TV Show Dallas.

Mr. Sibley started their day off, with a 1st place tie in the creative weapons 35-45 color belt division.? After his second attempt, for the tie breaker,? Mr. Sibley was awarded 2nd place for his performance using double ssahng jeol bongs (korean for nunchukas).

Ms. Sibley had a good day, being the youngest and smallest in her ring did not deter her.? With a 4th place finish in traditional weapons, using a? single ssahng jeol bong.? She also did very well in a very aggressive sparring match.? (see videos below)

Mr. Sibley then competed in traditional Songahm Forms, placing 2nd in his color belt division.? Then he unleashed a very aggressive attack freestyle, using double? ssahng jeol bongs, garnishing him a 1st place finish.? He also did very well in sparring with a close round. (see videos below)

She did a great job and finished in 2nd place.
Ms. Hardy is a 2009 Georgia State Champion in Songahm Forms, Weapons and Sparring in her division.

She did a great job and finished in 2nd place.
Ms. Hardy is a 2009 Georgia State Champion in Songahm Forms, Weapons and Sparring in her division.

Ms. Johnson (kneeling center) and Sparring Competitors from her 2nd Degree Black Belt Girls Division Worlds 2009

Ms. Johnson (Center) and the other Top Sparring girls in the 2nd Degree, Girls 11-12-13