Loading...
October 2026

Westy Fest Demonstration & September Black Belt Promotions

Hups TaeKwon-Do returned to Westy Fest on October 17th with a demonstration at the City Park Soccer Complex, practiced in class at both locations beforehand. The September 19th Black Belt testing brought a long list of promotions across the school, and the October kicking seminar has been postponed with a new date to be announced.

  • October 17: Westy Fest Demonstration, 2:00 PM at City Park Soccer Complex (10475 Sheridan Blvd)
  • December 12: Black Belt Testing at The MAC, 8:30 AM
  • Postponed: Kicking Seminar — new date to be announced
Black Belts Awarded — September 19

1st Dan: Kristi Mellon and Dominique Avellana. 2nd Dan: Grady Quinn. 3rd Dan: Adam Eberling. 5th Dan: Jim Heyl. 6th Dan: Adrienne Harness and Kenton Good. Darin Walter tested for 1st Dan and Michelle Music for 2nd Dan. Congratulations to everyone on their promotions!

September 2026

Fall Testing & Westy Fest Demonstration Practice

Color belt testing ran the week of September 7th, and Black Belt testing followed on September 19th at The MAC. Preparation began in class at both locations for the Westy Fest demonstration in October. This issue also revisits the Tenets and the Student Oath, and what each line actually asks of a student.

  • Week of September 7: Color Belt Testing
  • September 19: Black Belt Testing at The MAC, 8:30 AM
  • October 10: Kicking Seminar at The MAC, Fitness Room 2, 8:30 AM
  • October 17: Westy Fest Demonstration, 2:00 PM at City Park Soccer Complex
  • December 12: Black Belt Testing at The MAC, 8:30 AM
July 2026

Ho Sin Sul Seminar, June Testing Results & the August Campout

The Ho Sin Sul self-defense seminar was held on Saturday July 11th at The MAC. June brought a busy testing month: eight candidates tested for various Black Belt ranks on June 13th, and the whole school tested for color belts. The annual TaeKwon-Do campout moved to the weekend of August 7th — a flyer with sign-up details went out with this newsletter.

  • July 11: Ho Sin Sul Seminar at The MAC, Fitness Room 2, 8:30 AM
  • August 7–9: Annual TaeKwon-Do Campout — $35 per person, family welcome (flyer)
  • October 10: Kicking Seminar at The MAC, Fitness Room 2, 8:30 AM
  • December 12: Black Belt Testing at The MAC, 8:30 AM
Black Belt Promotions

Wes Sites, Micah Sheppard, Aiden Nguyen and Hunter Johnson were awarded their 1st Dan. Congratulations to these students for their hard work and dedication.

June 2026

June Testing Week & Summer Schedule Changes

A pre-test workout on June 6th led into color belt testing the week of June 8th and Black Belt testing on June 13th at the West View gym. Note the summer schedule changes: no class at The MAC on June 30th or July 2nd, and the campout has moved to the weekend of August 7th.

  • June 6: Pre-Black Belt testing workout, 8:30 AM at The MAC
  • Week of June 8: Color Belt Testing
  • June 13: Black Belt Testing at West View, from 9:00 AM
  • June 30 & July 2: No class at The MAC
  • July 11: Ho Sin Sul Seminar at The MAC, Fitness Room 2
  • August 7–9: TaeKwon-Do Campout (moved from June)
Training Tip: Balance for Kicking

Bring your arms in close, focus your eyes on one point, keep most of your weight over the ball of your foot, and keep your supporting knee slightly bent. A locked knee gives your body nothing to correct with.

May 2026

Technique Seminar & March Testing Results

The technique seminar was held on Saturday May 9th in the West View gym, with all students encouraged to attend. West View classes moved to The MAC the week of May 11th for annual maintenance. This issue also carries the March testing results and confirms the Black Belts awarded from the December 2025 test.

  • May 9: Technique Seminar at West View Gym, 8:30 AM
  • May 11 & 13: West View class held at The MAC (annual maintenance)
  • Week of June 8: Color Belt Testing
  • June 13: Black Belt Testing
  • August 7: TaeKwon-Do Campout weekend (moved from June)
Belt Testing Results

Ryan Beach, Elias Blanford and Avett Coddaire were awarded their 1st Dan Black Belt from the December 2025 test. In March, Wes Sites, Micah Sheppard, Hunter Johnson and Aiden Nguyen tested for 1st Dan, and color belt testing was held at both The MAC and West View.

April 2026

Maintenance Closures & Living the Tenets

The MAC closed for annual maintenance, so those classes moved to the Swim & Fitness Center from April 7th to 16th. This issue steps back from the schedule to look at the Tenets and the Student Oath we recite at the start of every class — what Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self-Control and Indomitable Spirit actually ask of a student day to day.

  • April 7–16: The MAC classes at the Swim & Fitness Center, 3290 W. 76th Ave
  • May 9: Technique Seminar at West View Gym
  • Week of May 11: West View class at The MAC (annual maintenance)
  • June 5–7: Annual TaeKwon-Do Campout (later moved to August)
March 2026

Spring Testing & the Annual TTA Tournament

A busy spring: color belt testing the week of March 9th at both locations, Black Belt testing on March 21st at The MAC, and the annual TTA tournament on April 4th at Rocky Top Middle School in Thornton. Ask your instructors for permission to test.

  • Week of March 9: Color Belt Testing at The MAC and West View
  • March 21: Black Belt Testing at The MAC, Fitness Room 2, 8:30 AM
  • April 4: Annual TTA Tournament, Rocky Top Middle School, 14150 York St, Thornton
  • May 9: Technique Seminar at West View Gym
  • June 5: TaeKwon-Do Campout weekend
February 2026

Step Sparring Seminar & Tournament Date Announced

The first seminar of the year — step sparring — was held on February 7th at The MAC. This issue also pins down the annual tournament: April 4th at Rocky Top Middle School in Thornton, with a flyer and sign-up details to follow in class.

  • February 7: Step Sparring Seminar at The MAC, Fitness Room 2, 8:30 AM
  • March 21: Black Belt Testing at The MAC
  • April 4: Annual TTA Tournament, Rocky Top Middle School, Thornton
  • May 9: Technique Seminar at West View Gym
  • July 11: Ho Sin Sul Seminar at The MAC
  • August 8: Sparring Seminar at West View
  • October 10: Kicking Seminar at The MAC
Training Tip: Balance for Kicking

Balance pulls together your feet, ankles, knees, hips, back, eyes and ears. Give your body less to track: arms in close, eyes on one point, weight over the ball of the foot, supporting knee slightly bent.

January 2026

The 2026 Calendar & December Black Belt Promotions

Classes resumed on January 5th and 6th, and the preliminary 2026 calendar is set — five seminars and four Black Belt testing dates. This issue also reports the December 13th Black Belt test, where Ryan Beach, Avett Coddaire and Elias Blanford tested for First Dan, along with a full list of promotions.

  • February 7: Step Sparring Seminar at The MAC
  • May 9: Technique Seminar at West View Gym
  • July 11: Ho Sin Sul Seminar at The MAC
  • August 8: Sparring Seminar at West View
  • October 10: Kicking Seminar at The MAC
  • Black Belt Testing: March 21, June 13, September 12 and December 12, all 8:30 AM
Black Belt Promotions

Promoted to First Dan: Brian Brown, Oliver Brown, Emily Zang, Shane Meyer and Zander Earle. Holly Hartmann was promoted to 3rd Dan. Congratulations to all these students for their outstanding effort and performance.

December 2025

Black Belt Testing & the Annual End-of-Year Banquet

The year closed with color belt testing the week of December 8th, Black Belt testing on December 13th at The MAC, and the annual banquet on December 18th — each family bringing a main dish to share, with belts awarded and a silent auction. Classes resumed January 5th and 6th.

  • Week of December 8: Color Belt Testing at The MAC and West View
  • December 13: Black Belt Testing at The MAC, from 8:45–9:00 AM
  • December 18: Annual End-of-Year Banquet at The MAC, 6:15 PM — last class of the year
  • January 5–6: Classes resume for 2026
November 2025

Ho San Sul Seminar & the December Testing Schedule

The Ho San Sul self-defense seminar was held on November 15th at The MAC. This issue sets out the run-up to December testing and looks back at a strong October — the Westy Fest demonstration and the annual Halloween party on the 30th.

  • November 15: Ho San Sul Seminar at The MAC, Studio Room 2
  • December 6: Pre-Black Belt workout at The MAC, Fitness Room 2, 8:30 AM
  • Week of December 7: Color Belt Testing at The MAC and West View
  • December 13: Black Belt Testing
  • December 18: Annual End-of-Year Banquet at The MAC
Training Tip: Balance for Kicking

Before you can do any kick, you must train your balance. Bring your arms in close, focus your eyes on one point, keep most of your weight over the ball of your foot, and keep your knee slightly bent. Challenge: how long can you balance on one leg?

October 2025

Westy Fest Demo, Ho San Sul Seminar & Belt Testing Results

October is packed with exciting events! Join us for the Westy Fest demonstration on October 18th at noon, our Technique Seminar on October 11th, and the Halloween party on October 30th. Congratulations to all students who successfully tested for their new belt ranks in September!

  • October 11: Technique Seminar & Westy Fest Demo Practice (8:30 AM, West View)
  • October 18: Westy Fest Demonstration (Noon, East Stage - arrive by 11:00 AM)
  • October 30: Halloween Party at The MAC
  • November 15: Ho San Sul (Self-Defense) Seminar
  • December 13: Black Belt Testing
  • December 18: Annual End-of-Year Banquet (Last class of year)
Training Tip: Balance for Kicking

Before you can do any kick, you must train your balance! Bring your arms in close, focus your eyes on one point, keep your weight over the ball of your foot, and keep your knee slightly bent. Challenge: How long can you balance on one leg?

September 2025

Fall Semester Welcome & Upcoming Events

Welcome back to Traditional TaeKwon-Do! Classes are now in full swing at both West View Recreation Center and The MAC. Check out our exciting lineup of events including Black Belt Testing on September 13th, Color Belt testing September 10-11th, and our unofficial Fall Camp weekend October 3-5th.

  • September 13: Black Belt Testing at The MAC
  • October 3-5: Fall Camp Weekend
  • October 11: Technical Seminar
  • October 18: Westy Feast Demonstration
  • October 30: Halloween Party at The MAC
August 2025

Kicking Seminar & Balance Training Tips

August brings our specialized Kicking Seminar on August 23rd! This newsletter features expert training tips on balance - the foundation of all great TaeKwon-Do kicks. Learn how to improve your stability and technique with practical exercises you can practice at home.

Training Tip: Balance

Keep your arms close, focus your eyes on one point, keep weight over the ball of your foot, and keep your knee slightly bent. Challenge: How long can you balance on one leg?

July 2025

Summer Camp Success & Belt Promotions

Congratulations to all students who tested in June! We celebrated numerous belt promotions across all levels. Our summer camp was a huge success with nearly 20 students and families enjoying training, team building, and over 100 roasted marshmallows! Special thanks to Ryan Beach for hosting.

  • Camp Highlights: Beautiful weather, excellent facilities, and great camaraderie
  • Pattern Practice: Understanding the "motion" behind the "pose"
  • July 12: Sparring Seminar at The MAC
  • August 2: Ho Sin Sul (Self-Defense) Seminar