The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Five Flin Flon Taekwondo members earned high achievements for their hardwork and dedication to the sport. Only one, Shauna Cone, received a different recognition as she was recognized for her work in university. Nominated by Master Christie Jedele for the Scholastic Achievement Award, she received $100 that will go towards supplies or fees for Taekwondo. The criteria for that award is having high marks in school, which Cone had to submit, good manners, attendance in school and promote the sport. They also need to be good role models. "I was pretty surprised (the selection) being province wide," says Cone. "It was presented by Grand Master Kang, it's not often that happens. "It's a pretty big honour," says Cone, who is studying musical education at Brandon University. The 22-year-old finished tops in her group of 15. Meanwhile, her club members all improved one level after their testing, which each was more than happy. Sam Booker,17, earned his 3rd Dan, the highest level of Dan's to be achieved is nine before attaining grand master, along with father, Brian, during a recent test in Winnipeg. It was an experience he appreciated as his efforts paid off. His journey in the martial art began five years ago with dad. "We always planned to be gym partners and we wanted to do everything together," says Sam. "It's been going well. I've connected so well with my dad through Taekwondo-it's something we both do well-without this, there might be emptiness." The two decided they wouldn't surpass the other in level to avoid creating competition. "We are each other's crutch in providing support," he says. "To have him accomplish this with me is pretty emotional," Brian says. Now they will pursue their fourth Dan masters, but Sam will eventually pursue his goal higher than his father. "Getting the black belt is something I've been looking forward to," says Sam. "My ultimate goal is to go through nationals and perhaps Olympics." As for his feeling on getting his 3rd Dan, "I'm on top of the world," says Sam. Brian feels a great sense of accomplishment in reaching this level, but it in a different way. "It was a very fulfilling experience," he says. "I feel pride to something so prestigious (referring to Kang's Academy)." The hardest part of the testing for Brian was sitting for six straight hours with no water or bathroom break. Feeling pain is his accomplishment. "No pain, no gain," says Brian. Angela Hartl's story is similar to the Booker's but in a smaller way. Hartl earned her first Dan and said the test experience was similar to her club, minus a few differences which is a result of how other clubs do things. Hartl was confident going in because she believes she was well prepared. "I went in early (to the club), stayed longer and I train for three to six hours a week at home," says Hartl, who has been training at Kang's Academy for a year-and-a-half. "It was the first time I seen a test and I was nervous a bit," she said, as it was difficult to get in front of people to show what she could do. The test lasted between 10 to 15 minutes. The mother of two started for the physical workout and to learn self-defense, now her kids are involved also, which adds to the enjoyment. "Now I just have to get my husband involved," she says with a smile. The efforts of these athletes didn't go unnoticed. "The people earning their Dans worked hard," says Jedele. When asked about the Bookers, she said perseverance and a no-slack work ethic is what the two bring. "They know what's expected and did well," says Jedele on their testing performance. She was also very impressed with Berglund, who earned his second Poom. "He has shown great improvement in perfecting technique," says Jedele. "I like that he's worked hard and has good manners." During testing, Berglund was asked how many knuckle pushups he could do and his response was 45, so he was told to do 50. He did it, then was asked if he was able to do it because of manners, his response -"no". When Jedele told this story, she simply laughed. Berglund was unavailable for comment as he was away on holidays. For each of these athletes, their stories show that the sport has given them more than the ability to perform Taekwondo.
