2015 UK Open Championships Results

2015 UK Open Championships Results

This year AmKor Karate sent a small team over to the 2015 UK Open Championships hosted by Master John Trudgill of the Traditional Tang Soo Do Federation in Cardiff, Wales. The three person team consisted of Master Erica Tierney and Ms. Erinn Tobin of AmKor Karate Aston and Mr. Griffin Allen of AmKor Karate Collegeville (www.amkorkaratec.com).

The 2015 UK Open Championships continues to be one of the largest Tang Soo Do events in the world, attracting over 1,100 competitors from around the world. The team left with a combined 7 gold medals, 2 Grand Champions, and 2 bronze medals.

[blockquote author="Master John Trudgill"]Our goal for the 2015 United Kingdom Open Tournament remains the same: to create a fair and equitable competition, free of political bias, favouritism or preconception, where each competitor is judged impartially on their individual abilities; not on their federations or associations. To show that Tang Soo Do practitioners display honour and integrity, that we can put aside any differences and show UNITY. To show the world that Tang Soo Do has become a mature and fully functioning martial arts community, worthy of international respect.[/blockquote]

Competitor Event / Place
Master Erica Tierney, 5th dan Gold in Forms, Gold Open/Chil Sung Forms, Bronze in Weapons, Bronze in Fighting, Grand Champion in Forms
Ms. Erinn Tobin, 3rd dan Gold in Forms, Gold in Fighting
Mr. Griffin Allen, 3rd dan Gold in Forms, Gold in Open/Chil Sung Forms, Gold in Weapons, Grand Champion in Weapons

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Rachel Truckley 360 Back Kick Break

360 Back kick Break

Ms. Rachel Truckley from AmKor Karate Institutes of Collegeville executes a 360 back kick break through three boards at the 2010 Dan Testing. View more breaking techniques or check out more of our martial arts videos. We will be posting videos often, so check back soon to view the latest news, videos, and more from AmKor Karate Institutes!

This AmKor Karate school is headed by Master Brain Matys, 7th degree black belt. View this schools class schedule or contact Master Matys by visiting the AmKor Karate Institutes of Collegeville page or visit this schools' website at www.amkorkaratec.com.

1999 Dan Testing Black Belt Fighting

Black Belt Fighting at the 1999 Dan Testing

The above video shows Master Michael Gaudiuso and Mr. Richard Liuzzi fighting at the 1999 black belt testing. Black Belt fighting is one of many requirements of these testing candidates. Master Gaudiuso was testing for his 4th degree black belt and Mr. Liuzzi was testing for his 3rd degree black belt at this dan testing. Both are students of KJN Frederick Scott and have been successful competitors traveling to many national and international competitions. Master Gaudiuso is uncle to Mr. Michael Schwien, who can be seen performing a triple sidekick break while testing for 2nd degree black belt. Master Gaudiuso also serves as President and 5th Ward Commisioner for the Upper Chichester Township.

Master Matys Chil Sung Sah Lo

Chil Sung Sah Lo

Master Brian Matys from AmKor Karate Institutes of Collegeville performs Chil Sung Sah Lo at the 1996 Greater Delaware Valley Karate Championships at the CoreStates Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Master Matys won first place in his division at this international competition. Master Matys can also be seen doing a triple sidekick, a jump double front kick, and a split kick during breaking competition at the 1997 America Cup.

Chil Sung Sah Lo is one of seven of the Chil Sung forms developed by Grandmaster Hwang, Kee. Check out these posts to see more non-traditional forms demonstrated by students of AmKor Karate Institutes.

2012 Women Fighting Team

2012 Women Fighting Team

Master Erica Tierney, 5th dan, Master Amie Maguire, 4th dan, and Ms. Erinn Tobin, 3rd dan are members of the 2012 Women Fighting Team from the Aston Dojang. This team won gold medals at both the 2o12 World Karate Championships and at the 2012 USTL National Championships. Master Tierney can also be seen performing Jion at the US Goodwill Association Nationals and is the assistant instructor at the AmKor Karate Institutes gym in Aston, Pennsylvania. Master Amie Maguire and Ms. Erinn Tobin are also students of KJN Frederick Scott and have been dominant martial arts competitors for the past several years.

Karate Tournament Information

Get answers to the most frequently asked questions about martial arts competition. Both parents and students new to competition can use the list below to help you prepare for your next event. This karate tournament information FAQ can be used as a general guideline to most tournaments, but certain rules may vary depending on age and rank. If you have another question, ask in the comments below!

[df-subtitle]Registration[/df-subtitle]

Competitors can register on the morning of the event by visiting the registration table, completing a tournament application, and paying the competition fee.  Competition costs and spectator fees vary per tournament.  Some tournaments require pre-registration through your instructor or online prior to the event. If it is an AmKor Karate Institutes hosted event, the tournament packet will be made available online for download.

[df-subtitle]What to Bring[/df-subtitle]

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Competitors should bring their uniform and belt, a mouthpiece, hand gear, foot gear, groin cup (males), head gear, water, and a small dry snack. A gym bag to transport your martial arts equipment should be used to keep your gear safe and organized.

If you are a weapons competitors, do not forget to bring your weapon. It is useful to always purchase a case when transporting your weapon. For the safety of the competitor and spectators, bladed weapons should not be sharpened.

[button link="http://amkorkarate.com/category/events/" size="large" icon="fa-star" side="left" target="" color="b70900" textcolor="ffffff"]AmKor Karate Institutes Events[/button]
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What to Bring
Uniform
Belt
Mouthpiece
Hand Gear
Head Gear
Foot Gear
Groin Cup (Males)
Water
Snack
Weapon (Weapon Competitors)

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[df-subtitle]Forms Competition[/df-subtitle]

When the competitors are called to the ring, they will officially bow in to the judges and then be seated and wait for their name to be called.  Prior to the first competitor, the judges will set a scoring range.  Common ranges could be 7.0 to 8.0 for Beginners/Intermediate Divisions, 8.0 to 9.0 for Advanced.  It may vary slightly from ring to ring.

  1. The first competitor will perform to help the judges set their scoring standard.
  2. Each competitor will perform individually for the judges and receive five scores.
  3. The scorekeepers will drop the lowest score and the highest score and add up the middle three scores. This is the competitor's score.
  4. After all other competitors have gone, the first competitor will come up again to perform, and their second score will count.
  5. The scorekeepers will then rank the competitors in order to award 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th place. In the younger divisions, participation medals may be given to any child not placing in their division.
  6. The competitors will then be told to go get their fighting gear and to come back to the ring. This is a great time to quickly get a drink of water and go to the bathroom.

[df-subtitle]Fighting Competition[/df-subtitle]

Competitors will report back to the ring with Fighting gear. The Center Referee will bracket the fights keeping several different things in mind: school, size (height/weight), and rank. Ideally no one should fight another student from the same school during the first round. However, this often cannot be avoided in the second round. Depending on how many competitors there are, some competitors may randomly receive a "bye" into the second round. This means they automatically "win" their first round and move on.

Matches are a two minute running clock or 90 seconds for children. The Center Referee will start and stop the fight to call for points. One competitor is designated RED, one is WHITE. In order to score a point, three out of the five judges must agree. The fights are single-elimination. Winners advance to the next round to fight again. Once they've lost a round, they typically do not fight again unless it is the semi-finals and they fight for 3rd and 4th place. Again, in the 5-6 year old divisions participation medals will be given to children not placing in their division. **All competitors should stay until the end of the division and wait to be officially bowed out and dismissed.

[df-subtitle]How Long Does a Tournament Last?[/df-subtitle]

The more competitors, the longer it takes to complete all of the divisions.  This means that even a well-run, organized event can run later than expected.  There may be refreshments available at a concession stand but a good breakfast is really important!

[df-subtitle]Does My Child Have a Chance of Winning?[/df-subtitle]

As instructors, we know how they perform in class and at testings, but how they will perform in their first tournament is an unknown.  The combination of adrenaline and nerves will make some perform better and really shine, and others may freeze, forget their form, or lose in the first round of fighting.  It is important to remember that this is all a normal part of their development.  Training in Martial Arts is all about self-improvement.   In competition, your children will learn how to perform under pressure, how to win and lose with good sportsmanship, and our goal is to have them return to class the following week determined to improve themselves.

 

Triple Sidekick Break

Mr. Michael Schwien Triple Sidekick Break

Mr. Michael Schwien of AmKor Karate Aston breaks with a Triple Sidekick while testing for 2nd Dan Black Belt during the Winter 2013 Dan Testing. Mr. Schwien is a student of KJN Frederick Scott and is the nephew of 6th degree black belt, Master Michael Gaudiuso. Master Gaudiuso is the President and 5th Ward Commisioner of Upper Chichester Township and can be seen fighting at the 1999 Dan Testing. Black belt candidates are required to break with advanced kicking techniques commonly found in Tang Soo Do. Check out other breaking videos or check back often for new posts.

Chil Sung Yuk Ro Hyung

Chil Sung Yuk Ro Hyung

Mr. Bridson Wallace of AmKor Karate Institutes of Upper Darby performs Chil Sung Yuk Ro Hyung. Bridson is the student and son of Upper Darby head instructor, Master Samuel Wallace. This video was taken at the Upper Chichester Recreation Center in the summer of 2013.

Chil Sung Sah Lo is one of seven of the Chil Sung forms developed by Grandmaster Hwang, Kee. Check out these posts to see more non-traditional forms demonstrated by students of AmKor Karate Institutes.

Tang Soo Do Terminology

Tang Soo Do Terminology

[blockquote author=""]Terminology is a collection of like terms belonging to a specialized subject. For Tang Soo Do, it is the common language among Traditional Tang Soo Do schools.[/blockquote]

We use terminology when we bow into class, when we address our instructors and when giving commands during class. It is part of the structure and discipline of traditional martial arts. Below are some of the terms we use in our classes. Tang Soo Do Terminology can be found on page 191 of Traditional Korean Karate Basics by KJN Frederick Scott.

[button link="http://amkorkarate.com/uploads/terminology.pdf" size="default" icon="fa-file-pdf-o" side="left" target="" color="b70900" textcolor="ffffff"]Terminology PDF[/button]

 

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[tab title="Cho Dan Terminology"]

[df-subtitle]Cho Dan Terminology[/df-subtitle]
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  1. Ha Dan Mahk Kee: Low Block (Front Stance)
  2. Sang Dan Kong Kyuk: High Punch (Front Stance)
  3. Choong Dan Kong Kyuk: Middle Punch (Front Stance)
  4. Sang Dan Mahk Kee: High Block (Front Stance)
  5. Ahneso Phakuro Mahk Kee: Inside-Outside Block (Front Stance)
  6. Wheng Jin Kong Kyuk: Side Middle Punch (Horse Stance)
  7. Choong Dan Yup Mahk Kee: Side Middle Block (Back Stance)
  8. Ha Dan Soo Do Mahk Kee: Low Knife Hand Block (Back Stance)
  9. Choong Dan Soo Do Mahk Kee: Middle Knife Hand Block (Back Stance)
  10. Choong Gul Sang Soo Mahk Kee: Two-fisted Middle Block (Front Stance)
  11. Ha Dan Mahk Kee, Tuel Oh Choong Dan Kong Kyuk: Low Block (Front Stance), Opposite Middle Punch (Front Stance)
  12. Sang Dan Mahk Kee, Tuel Oh Choong Dan Kong Kyuk: High Block (Front Stance), Opposite Middle Punch (Same Stance)
  13. Ahp Cha Nut Gi, Tuel Oh Choong Dan Kong Kyuk: Front Kick, Opposite Middle Punch (Front Stance)
  14. Choong Dan Soo Do Mahk Kee, Tuel Oh Kwan Soo Kong Kyuk: Middle Knife Hand Block (Back Stance), Opposite Side Spear Hand Strike (Front Stance)
  15. Ha Dan Mahk Kee, Ahneso Phakuro Mahk Kee, Tuel Oh Choong Dan Kong Kyuk: Low Block (Front Stance), Inside-Outside Block (Same Stance), Opposite Middle Punch (Same Stance)
  16. Sang Dan Mahk Kee, Tuel Oh Ha Dan Mahk Kee, Wheng Jin Kong Kyuk: High Block (Front Stance), Opposite Side Low Block (Same Stance), Side Middle Punch (Horse Stance)
  17. Wheng Jin Kong Kyuk, Hu Jin, Choong Dan Yup Mahk Kee: Side Middle Punch (Horse Stance), Retreat, Side Middle Block (Back Stance)
  18. E-dan Ahp Cha Nut Gi, Tuel Oh Choong Dan Kong Kyuk: Jumping Front Kick, Opposite Middle Punch (Front Stance)

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[tab title ="Yi Dan / Sam Dan Terminology"]

[df-subtitle]Yi Dan / Sam Dan Terminology[/df-subtitle]
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  1. Ha Dan Mahk Kee
  2. Choong Dan Kong Kyuck
  3. Ahneso Phakuro Mahk Kee
  4. Choong Dan Yup Mahk Kee
  5. Choong Dan Soo Do Mahk Kee
  6. Ha Dan Mahk Kee, Tuel Oh Choong Dan Kong Kyuk
  7. Ahp Cha Nut Gi, Tuel Oh Choong Dan Kong Kyuk
  8. Ha Dan Mahk Kee, Ahneso Phakuro Mahk Kee, Tuel Oh Choong Dan Kong Kyuk
  9. Wheng Jin Kong Kyuk, Hu Jin, Choong Dan Yup Mahk Kee
  10. Yuk Jin Kong Kyuk
  11. Dollyo Cha Gi, Kap Kwan Kong Kyuk, Tuel Oh Choong Dan Kong Kyuk
  12. Yup Podo Cha Gi, Sang Dan Mahk Kee, Tuel Oh Choong Dan Kong Kyuk
  13. Sang Dan Mahk Kee, Tuel Oh Pal Koop Kong Kyuk
  14. Ha Dan Mahk Kee, Tuel Oh Soo Do Kong Kyuk
  15. Ahp Cha Nut Gi, Ha Dan Mahk Kee, Tuel Oh Sang Dan Kong Kyuk
  16. Ahneso Phakuro Cha Gi, Tuel Oh Yuk Soo Do Kong Kyuk
  17. Ahp Cha Nut Gi, Ha Dan Mahk Kee, Tuel Oh Pal Koop Kong Kyuk
  18. Dwi Cha Gi, Ha Dan Mahk Kee, Tuel Oh Pal Koop Kong Kyuk
  19. Phakeso Ahnuro Cha Gi, Gatten Bal Yup Podo Cha Gi, Tuel Oh Sang Dan Kong Kyuk
  20. Phakeso Ahnuro Cha Gi, Choi Ha Dan Soo Do Mahk Kee, Tuel Oh Choong Dan Kong Kyuk

[/tab][/tabs]

[df-subtitle]Counting[/df-subtitle]

English Korean Chinese
One Hana Ill
Two Dool Yi
Three Set Sam
Four Net Sa
Five Ta Sot Oe
Six Yo Sot Yuk
Seven Ill Gop Chil
Eight Yoh Dohl Pal
Nine Ah Hope Ku
Ten Yeol Sip

[df-subtitle]Stances[/df-subtitle]

 Korean English
Cha Ryut Jaseh Attention Stance
Choon Bi Jaseh Ready Stance
Chung Gul Jaseh Front Stance
Hu Gul Jaseh Back Stance
Kee Ma Jaseh Horse Stance
Sa Ko Rip Jaseh Side Stance
Kyo Cha Rip Jaseh Cross-Legged Stance
Dari Kyupuhin Choong Gul Jaseh Bent-Leg Front Stance
Bal Cha Gi Choon Bi Kicking Ready Stance

[df-subtitle]General Tang Soo Do Terminology[/df-subtitle]

Korean English
Tang Soo Do Way of the China Hand
Tang China
Soo Hand
Do Way
Moo Duk Kwan Institute of Martial Virtue
Moo Martial
Duk Virtue
Kwan Institute/School
Kwan Jang Nim Head of an Organization
Ko Dan Ja Term for Master Instructors
Sa Bom Nim Master Instructor / 4th Dan and Above
Kyo Sa Nim 1st Dan - 3rd Dan Black Belt Instructor
Nim Term of respect similar to sir
Sun Beh Senior
Hu Beh Junior
Dan Black belt rank designation
Gup Below black belt rank designation
Dojang Martial Arts training facility
Do Bahk Uniform
Dee Belt
Kuk Gi South Korea national flag
Song Cho Gi American flag
Kwan Gi Style or Dojang Flag
Kiap Yell
Gi Cho Basic
Hyung From
Dae Ryun Fighting
Ill Soo Sik Dae Ryun One-Step Fighting
Ho Sin Sool Self-Defense
Neh Gung Internal control and power in excersize
Shim Gung Mental control and power in excersize
Go Mup Sum Ni Da Thank you
Mahk Kee Block
Kong Kyuk Attack
Ha Dan Low
Choong Dan Middle
Sang Dan High
Soo Gi Hand Techniques
Cha Gi Kicking Techniques
Shi Sun Eye focus
Choong Shim Balance
O Rin Jok Right Side
Wen Jok Left Side
Ahp Front
Yup Side
Dwi Back
Tuel Oh Opposite

Master Erica Tierney Jion

Master Erica Tierney - Jion

Master Erica Tierney, 5th dan and instructor at AmKor Karate Institutes of Aston, competes with Jion at the 2013 US Goodwill Association Nationals in Connecticut. Master Tierney finished in first place in the Mens Masters' division. Master Tierney has also placed first in forms and weapons and also Grand Champion in both divisions at other major events such as 2014 UK Open Championships in Cardiff, Wales hosted by Master John Trudgill of the Traditional Tang Soo Do Federation. Master Tierney will be returning to Cardiff to compete at the UK Open Championships on April 25th, 2015.

Check back often for more videos and demonstrations of our AmKor Karate Institutes students and instructors competing at national and international events.

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