Welcome
Everyone...
Welcome to my 26th Silver Anniversary
Tournament. The 26th year of my tournament is like a traditional
family reunion to me. Every year, as I see the work of my
students come together in this event, my heart is filled
with gratitude and appreciation for what they mean to me.
As a young man 1 came to this country with a dream that
longed to be fulfilled. As the years have gone by, I have
not been disappointed in the progress that has been made.
My Tae Kwon Do family continues to grow and reach maturity
in ways that even I did not dream possible! Thank you to
all who join in our reunion on this special day, and may
each of you continue to be uplifted and enriched through
your participation in Tae Kwon Do.
The year 2001 is a milestone
year for Tae Kwon Do! The Olympics in Sydney, Australia
will provide the world with new information on how excellent
our martial art is. That is . . . from the sports perspective.
However, what l would like to challenge all martial artists
to do, is to make sure that we never lose sight of the oriental
philosophy that has given Tae Kwon Do its timeless quality.
Many years ago, when 1 was a young boy facing the troubles
of a war?torn country, Tae Kwon Do became my heart's favorite
toy. Why? Because I was blessed with an instructor who could
see my need for the values and uplifting qualities that
Tae Kwon Do had to offer. Truly, the "ART" of Tae Kwon Do
was the lifesaver that I needed in a time of despair. Now,
ask yourself, what can you do to improve the lives of the
children of today'? The stresses both children and adults
face today are very complex and difficult to understand
at times. While not directly affected by war, many children
live in situations of personal conflict. How will your dedication
to martial arts help these children, and help keep the foundation
qualities of Tae Kwon Do alive in the future'? I am proud
to say that several of my students are involved with programs
which take the all of Tae Kwon Do to many children who have
great need of the values it can provide.
My goal continues to be to
spread the "ART" of Tae Kwon Do and the tradition that surrounds
it. The discipline and respect it brings into the world
has been the seed of my life, and the tree that has evolved
is an everlasting memorial to the wisdom of an art that
is true. As 1 continue to work with the children of today,
I realize that there is so much to do if we are to help
them secure a tomorrow that is as rich in the qualities
of life that were passed on to me by my ancestors. The world
of technology has helped our world in many ways, but it
also seems to have created an atmosphere of unrealistic
values that our children may have a hard time dealing with
later on. Tae Kwon Do, an art that teaches strength of character
and spirit, can continue to be the lifesaver for many more
children in the future. I am still convinced of the need
for this type of discipline in our world, and of my commitment
to continuing my life's work. The future lies in our children's
hands and we must seek to build their foundation on solid
ground? The kind of foundation that will hold them up and
make them responsible citizens with high principles of life.
Through our activities with underprivileged children in
various community programs, through school programs that
include academic and behavior improvement, and through the
encouragement we give to family involvement in my own school,
many children are receiving that foundation. The seeds we
plant in both young and old are growing and now is the time
to nurture them. Even as the junior belts need the support
of the senior belts, we are continuing to feed alt the students
with the ideas and wisdom to withstand today's hardships.
With the knowledge gained in the true practice of Tae Kwon
Do, we are developing human minds that will have the ability
to handle the problems of the future. My school population
consists of around 80% families. With our commitment to
the family as a true source of power for future generations,
I believe that the spiritual level of Tae Kwon Do is in
the grasp of many. And, when our personal family unit is
disrupted, when we face the fact that we are all handicapped
in some way in our lives. we can build ourselves up physically
and spiritually through a special support group found in
our extended Tae Kwon Do family.
Once again, through my commitment
to helping children with great need, the Dan M. Fleming
Memorial Tae Kwon Do Scholarship is being bestowed upon
a deserving child this year. This scholarship still remains
an example to all other martial arts instructors, both now
and in the future, of what we can do to keep up the spiritual
quality that should exist in our art.
To the guests, spectators,
and participants in this our 26th Silver Anniversary Tournament,
I am glad you have chosen to be a part of the excitement
of this day. There will be many opportunities for growth
today. I try each year to provide a tournament which allows
fairness and winners in many categories. It is important
for us to remember that children especially need the self-esteem
that can be found today. It is equally important for us
to remember that, while not all participants will go home
with a trophy, EVERYONE should go home with the positive
attitude of having done their best in a fair competition.
Today, let us all focus on the true qualities of sportsmanship
and art as we learn from each other. We seek to give "life
medals for the inner?self' more than medals of gold or silver.
Let us all seek to enhance inner growth and find a way for
everyone to be a winner, whether they leave with an award,
a new friend, or a good feeling. I am available to answer
any questions you may have or to help in any way, and I
look forward to seeing all of you again next year.
