Our Black Friday Leaders Camp this year was outstanding. Every single kid who walked through the door came ready to train, ready to learn, and ready to give their best. They were focused from the very first session and they stayed that way all day. No complaints, no slowing down, just solid effort and respect. It was a fantastic group to work with.
One of the things that always makes this camp special is having our Black Belts, who grew up on this mat, instructing another generation. They came to this camp as kids and now they are the ones leading the way. Seeing them step in front of the group with confidence, calmness, and humility makes Ava and I incredibly proud. They did an amazing job. Their instruction was clear, their demonstrations were strong, and the kids gave them their full attention the entire time.
Throughout the day the sessions were a mix of maintaining structure, good solid basics, traditional weapons, ground control and recovery. The presenters did more than teach techniques. They explained the purpose behind the movements and tied everything back to the mind and the spirit as well as the body.
Some examples really stood out. During the ssang jeol gon heavy bag work the kids learned that when you hit the bag powerfully with the ssang jeol gon the energy comes right back to you. You cannot ignore it; you have to adjust your angle and control it. They were reminded that life works the same way. The energy we put out always comes back, so it needs to be directed carefully with intention. A great lesson for both martial arts and life.
Ground sessions carried the same message. They practiced shifting their base and maintaining structure so they could conserve their energy while their training partner used more than they needed. Smart movement and calm thinking win the moment, not brute force.
Miss Holly shared a great story about her own time at Leaders Camp when she was younger. A simple lesson she learned back then became the foundation for the incredible flexibility and kicking ability she has today. She told the kids what discipline, consistency, and honest effort can do over time. It was a powerful and personal example that really made an impact.
Even lunchtime became a teaching moment. We talked about healthy choices, fruit versus sugary snacks, and how the body reacts to what we fuel it with. Put junk in, get junk out. They heard it, they understood it, and they lived it for the rest of the day.
From start to finish these kids trained hard. They stayed energized, focused, and respectful through every block of instruction. They supported one another, they listened, they learned, and they had fun doing it.
Ava and I walked away from this camp extremely impressed. The kids were fantastic, and the Black Belt presenters showed us once again what kind of leaders they have grown into. They are wonderful people and we are proud beyond words.
This was a great day of training, character building, and community. We could not have asked for more.
Hapki!
Terry
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