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.
Two of our local Kang's Tae Kwon Do black belt members have placed Flin Flon on the map in this martial art. The Rochester Open Taekwondo Championships were held March 26, 2004 in Rochester, Minnesota at a local University gymnasium. Flin Flon's very own Third Dan black belt, Mrs. Tannis Stephansson, won a gold medal in the pattern competition as well as a gold medal in the board breaking competition. First Dan black belt Mr. Brent Ross placed for gold in board breaking and bronze in the pattern competition. Grand Master Kang, the founder of Kang's Taekwondo as well as Master Young, Master Instructor in Winnipeg accompanied our Flin Flon members. Kang's Taekwondo Academy was represented with members not only from Flin Flon but also from Winnipeg and Dauphin. However, Kang's Academy was the only Canadian representation at this tournament. This highly competitive American competition hosted approximately 300 people and the categories included patterns, board breaking and sparring. Patterns consists of a series of movements which tells a story, while board breaking is done primarily for target practice and confidence. It's interesting to know and note that during this day, they held a team competition (Canada vs. US). Wouldn't you know it, Team Canada won by two points! Mrs. Stephansson reported this trip to be a lot of fun and commented on the fact that although many members from different clubs were present, they supported each other and stayed together throughout the entire weekend. Mr. Ross and Mrs. Stephansson plan to return to Rochester next year. Who knows, perhaps with our many up and coming black belts, there will be a larger group heading to the tournament next year!
