Blue Mountain Taekwon-Do & Fitness

Congratulations to two students from McCauley Taekwon-Do and Fitness along with two other students from Three Rivers Taekwon-Do on successfully completing the requirements for 1st Degree Black Belt.

On January 6, 2007, Ms. Caitlin Charnley-Ovens and Mr. Morgan Tucker were put through the rigors of testing in front of Master Gordon Jue, 7th Degree Black Belt in Pasco, WA.  The candidates started the testing process by completing a written test of over ninety questions.  They then moved into the practical portion of the test where they demonstrated their skills in patterns, kicking, hand techniques, step-sparring, free-sparring, self-defense and breaking.

Family, students and friends were on hand to watch the demonstration of skill from the candidates.  Ms. Charnley-Ovens took the honor of overall high test score.

Following a lunch break, everyone gathered together and participated in a seminar taught by Master Jue.  The physically demanding and informative seminar was the best way to round out an already perfect day. Master Jue is known for his great teaching skills and as well as ensuring that everyone gets a challenging workout.

It was an honor to host Master Jue and a proud moment for McCauley Taekwon-Do and their two newest black belts. 

Mr. Mason McCauley III Dan competed in Sunny California at the West Coast championships, October 21, 2006, in Pleasanton, CA.  The event was hosted by Master Gordan Jue and organized by Mrs. Grace Jue.

Mr. McCauley took the Gold in Patterns and Sparring at the tournament.  There were competitors and referees from Nevada, Utah, Washington, New Jersey and the surrounding Bay area in attendance.  Mr. McCauley stated, "It was great to get back into the ring again and to support such a well organized tournament.  Mrs. Grace Jue is the master of organization and this event was no exception."

In the days prior to the tournament, Mr. McCauley and Mrs. Diana McCauley II Dan, along with several others had the privilege to train with Master Jue and his students for several hours.  If a challenging and informative workout is what you want, Master Jue always delivers.

Thank you to all of the black belts, students and supporters, who together insured yet another successful US-ITF event. 

Master Wheatley introduces Mr. Mason McCauley prior to the Sparring Seminar

The week of July 17th, 2006 brought Black Belts and Color Belts from across the United States, Mexico, and Ireland, to participate in the annual Wheatley’s US-ITF Summer Camp in Reno, Nevada.

 Mr. Mason McCauley III Dan taught the first Specialty Seminar which was on Sparring.  He shared with the campers his incredible knowledge of sparring drills and sparring strategies.  After performing partner drills and free-sparring each other we were treated to a demonstration of World Level Tournament Sparring between Mr. Mason McCauley and Mr. Willy Whipple.  For many this was the first time to see advanced sparring techniques in action.  It was an impressive sight to see so much talent in the ring.

Other Specialty Instructors were Mr. Michael Munyon V Dan who taught Ho Sin Sul and Mr. Terence Geoghegan VI Dan who taught Breaking.  The Breaking Seminar ended in a Break-a-thon that netted over $10,000.00 for a local Reno Charity.

Also in attendance was Grand Master Choi  Jung Hwa, ITF President, Master Trevor Nicholls and Master Robert Wheatley, who presided over Black Belt testing and an advanced seminar.

It was an excellent opportunity for training and networking with other martial artists.  We are fortunate to have such talent in the US-ITF and we are blessed to be part of this amazing Black Belt family.

A special thank you goes to Mr. Arjun Dhingra V Dan, who organized all the events with such ease and grace, and made sure that everyone had a good time.  He has unofficially been named the "Major of  Reno".

Congratulations to Willy Whipple II Dan, of McCauley Taekwon-Do (Blue Mountain), who, despite having the stomach flu earned his spot on the US Junior World Team by winning a Silver Medal.

On June 11, 2006, in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, Willy, along with over 100 other junior hopefuls competed in the Junior World Qualifiers.  Willy demonstrated the meaning of perseverance when he stepped into the ring after having the stomach flu for two days.  Even though he was challenged in both strength and stamina, his training and mental focus took him to the Gold Medal Round.

Willy will be joining several other competitors to represent the US Junior Team in Geelong, Australia September 13 - 17th, 2006.  We are looking forward to the competition and have high expectations for Willy to make it to the medal round.

His instructor, Mr. Mason McCauley III Dan, who will also be overseeing coaching at worlds, coached Willy.