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“The Deuce Was Loose in Dixie” For the first time in seven years (not since

2012) Region 2 of the World Tang Soo Do

Association (WTSDA) held its Regional

Championships outside of Arizona! The

Championship Weekend started on Friday evening,

October 25th, 2019 at the Dojang of Master Skylar

Gubler, 4th, Dan; Red Rock Martial Arts (RRMA)

in beautiful St. George, UT. Master Gubler and his

students have hosted several Regional Leadership

Clinics; but this was his first time hosting a

Regional Championship since being promoted to

4th Dan Master during the 2018 Regional

Championships in Gilbert, AZ. The overall general

consensus was Master Gubler and his staff did an

excellent job. That sentiment was echoed by the

President of the WTSDA; Grandmaster William

“B Strong” Strong, 8th Dan who had the

opportunity to attend this year’s event while

enjoying his first time; short of airport layovers, in

one of the scenic cities in Southern Utah.

This year’s Fall Black Belt Test started off

as usual with the written portion; and some Ki

Gong Warm-Ups presented by Mrs. Cathy

“THE DESERT DEUCE”

Region 2 Newsletter World Tang Soo Do Association

October 2019 – December 2019

Volume II, Edition I

Arizona

Colorado

Idaho

New Mexico

Nevada

Utah

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Brownell, Cho Dan, Starworld Academy of Tang

Soo Do (SATSD), Sierra Vista, AZ. Mrs. Brownell

explained to those warming up for the “floor work

portion” of the test as well as those who were there

to support, that Ki Gong and it’s workout helps to

relax you prior to Tang Soo Do training. I can

speak from experience that it does work and that

SATSD starts off many of their events and closes

with Ki Gong workouts. Mrs. Brownell had

approximately 26 participants for her impromptu

class that got the juices flowing and physically

warmed up the tester to a “razors edge” prior to

testing.

There was a slight delay in the start of the

Black Belt Test. Grandmaster Strong’s flight was

delayed several times coming out of his home state

of Alabama due to storms and increased bad

weather. Everyone was anxious for a moment;

until it was learned he has successfully landed in

Las Vegas, NV and was in route to St. George, UT

with Senior International Master Johnny R.

Williamson, 6th Dan, Region 2 Director and First

Lady Patricia Williamson. Master Williamson sent

work ahead to continue on with the test as he had

nothing but the utmost confidence in his Regional

Staff and Masters so; at that time Master Ross

Lindsay, 5th Dan, Owner of Lindsay’s Martial Arts,

Orem, UT took charge and proceeded with the test.

Once everyone arrived; the Board consisted of the

following Masters, Guest Masters, and Masters’

Candidates from Region 2:

(*)Grandmaster William “Bill” Strong, 8th Dan

(*)Senior Master Johnny R. Williamson,6th Dan

(*)Master Ross Lindsay, 5th Dan

(*)Master Christopher Pacini, 5th Dan

(*)Master Bruce Finger, 5th Dan

(*)Master Mohamed Mabrouk, 5th Dan

(*)Mrs. Stephanie Mabrouk, 4th Dan

(*)Master Ian Larson, 4th Dan

(*)Master David Boechman, 4th Dan

(*)Master Skylar Gubler, 4th Dan

(*)Masters’ Candidate Brooke Sexton, 3rd Dan

(*)Masters’ Candidate Kent Thomas, 3rd Dan

With RRMA being the most specious

Dojang in Utah; once again it was the ideal

location for this test. There were approximately 73

parents, siblings, and friends in attendance to

watch and support the testers. Additionally, there

were approximately 25 Black Belts from across the

region present to cheer on and help the students as

well as serve as Conductors for the test. The

Conductors for this test were:

• Mr. Steven Thomas, Sam Dan, SATSD,

Sierra Vista, AZ (Test Leader; One Steps;

Board Breaking)

• Ms. Rebeka Tijerina, Sam Dan, Starworld

Goodyear, AZ (Warm-Ups/Stretching)

• Mr. Alan Shaw, Sam Dan, Peaceful

Warrior Martial Arts, Las Vegas, NV

(Punches/ Mixed Punches/Kicks; Endurance)

• Mr. Bobby Stocker, E-Dan, SATSD,

Sierra Vista, AZ (Forms)

• Mr. John Cloud, 3rd Dan, Thunderbolt

Tang Soo Do Academy, Cedar City, UT

(Sparing, Break Falls & Rolls)

At the conclusion of the Fall Black Belt

Test Master Williamson allowed several of the

Board Members to ask the testers questions; but he

also asked each Student/Tester to speak directly to

the one person who helped them the most…who

they felt afforded them the motivation and support

to get to where they were that night. Every

question asked by the Board Members were

pertinent to what the testers had just experienced;

but I believe what showed through and impacted

everyone present the most was when each

Student/Tester spoke those words of thanks to

those who had supported them the most. Many

thanked their spouses, parents, and even siblings;

but some also thanked their instructors and their

Masters’ from their Dojangs who have always

been there for them. Naturally there wasn’t a dry

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eye in the house! Many left the floor and rushed to

hug their loves ones and embrace them while

showing the love and appreciation they had for

them. This proved to be the epitome of “humility”

for everyone present. The emotion it takes to test

for Black Belt or rank improvement in the Black

Belt ranks is tenuous at best; but when one is given

the opportunity to ease that emotional stockpile;

even after the physical part of the test is complete,

is also truly something that drains everyone

present. After all eyes were dry and all hugs and

kisses extended; Grandmaster Strong spoke to the

testers about what he had the privilege to see and

then Master Williamson closed out the evening by

“Bowing Out” and saying goodnight.

Looking back at other events that occurred

that evening; Ms. Brittney Sevy, E-Dan, and Ms.

Sara Fingerle, E-Dan, both from Lindsay’s Martial

Arts Academy, Orem, UT conducted GUP

Training in another room during the Black Belt

Test. These two put on a spectacular program

which had even a few Black Belts attending.

Students were asked to sign up for different

sessions that included instruction in various Forms,

Sparing, and techniques to help them be better

prepared to compete in the next day’s tournament.

After the Bow Out, Studio Owners held

their Quarterly Studio Owner Meeting with Master

Williamson and the Regional Staff; and then the

Masters practiced the form they planned to

perform at the Regional Tournament as part of the

Opening Ceremonies on Saturday morning.

The Students/Testers for the Fall Black

Belt Test were:

1. Mr. Eddie Vargas, Cho Dan, RRMA, testing

for E-Dan

2. Ms. Jennifer Pulbatek, Cho Dan, Destiny

Martial Arts Academy (DMAA), testing for

E-Dan

3. Mr. Jacek Nowacinski, Cho Dan, Starworld

Goodyear, testing for E-Dan

4. Mr. Dominic Vargas, Cho Dan, RRMA,

testing for E-Dan

5. Mr. Nasser Sinnokrot, Cho Dan, DMAA,

testing for E-Dan

6. Mr. Richard Brownell, Cho Dan Bo,

SATSD, a 75 year old testing for Cho Dan

7. Mrs. Tanya Soon, Cho Dan Bo, Martial Arts

Academy of TSD Arizona (MAATSDAZ),

Tempe, AZ testing for Cho Dan

8. Mrs. Mary McCloskey, Cho Dan Bo,

SATSD, testing for Cho Dan

9. Mr. Keith Whitted, Cho Dan Bo,

MAATSDAZ, testing for Cho Dan

10. Mrs. Adrianne Shackleford, Cho Dan Bo,

SATSD, testing for Cho Dan

11. Miss Emmalee G. Jones, Cho Dan Bo,

SATSD, testing for Cho Dan

12. Mr. Samuel Lytle, Cho Dan Bo, RRMA,

testing for Cho Dan

13. Miss Madelyn Darlak, Cho Dan Bo,

SATSD, testing for Cho Dan

14. Mr. Jake Spoon, Cho Dan Bo,

MAATSDAZ, testing for Cho Dan

15. Miss. Madeleine McBee, Cho Dan Bo,

RRMA, testing for Cho Dan

16. Mr. Maxwell Jolley, Cho Dan Bo, DMAA,

testing for Cho Dan

17. Miss Cienna Keith, Cho Dan Bo, RRMA,

testing for Cho Dan

18. Ms. Addison Laub, Cho Dan Bo, RRMA,

testing for Cho Dan

UT and put it out there that Tang Soo Do, and

members of Arizona Region 2 were definitely in

the house; and in the Land of the Dixie of the

Southwest! That is not to say that Red Rock

Martial Arts isn’t making an exciting and

everlasting name for themselves in St. George; but

Mr. Eaton is definitely advertising as he travels the

highways and bi-ways heading to and from

tournaments. It was exciting to know that Mr.

Eaton is spreading the word about Tang Soo Do!

“Who You With?”

It’s one thing to be

about that Tang Soo

Do Life; and then it

is another thing to

let everyone know

you are about that

Tang Soo Do Life!

Mr. Michael Eaton,

E-Dan, Starworld

Goodyear showed

up to St. George,

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This year’s 2019 World Tang Soo Do

Association (WTSDA) Region 2 Championships

saw the numbers 5, 10, and 15 play major roles in

the overall outcome! Amazingly enough the 2019

Regional Championships saw an increase to “5”

Divisions from Four Divisions; which meant and

increase to “10” Grand Champions from Eight

Grand Champions in previous years; and a

whopping “15” Firsts for Region 2:

(1) 1st time Grandmaster Strong visited St.

George, UT.

(2) 1st time Region 2 had Five Divisions at the

Regional Championships.

(3) 1st time Region 2 had Ten Grand Champions

at the Regional Championships.

(4) 1st time Region 2 had a Male 50 and Over

Grand Champion; Mr. Eddie Vargas, Cho

Dan; RRMA, St. George, UT.

(5) 1st time Region 2 had a Female 50 and Over

Grand Champion; Mrs. Cathy Brownell, Cho

Dan, SATSD, Sierra Vista, AZ.

(6) 1st time Region 2 had a consecutive Six-Time

Grand Champion; Ms. MoShay Williamson,

Sam Dan; Starworld Goodyear, AZ.

(7) 1st time Mrs. Diana Estrada-Garcia, Cho Dan,

Starworld Goodyear, AZ competed as a Black

Belt and earned the 35-49 Region 2 Grand

Championship Trophy.

(8) 1st time Miss Tylah Stalling, Cho Dan,

Starworld Goodyear, AZ earned the 13 &

Under Female Grand Championship Trophy

having defeated her older sister Miss

Sahmaria Stalling, E-Dan, also Starworld

Goodyear, AZ who won the trophy the two

previous years (2017 & 2018).

(9) 1st time Mr. Anthony Lake, Cho Dan,

Starworld Goodyear, AZ competed as a Black

Belt and earned the 13 & Under Male Grand

Championship Trophy.

(10) 1st time the Region 2 Championships were

held in St. George/Hurricane, UT.

(11) 1st time Region 2 had four Female Grand

Champions from the same Studio; Starworld

Goodyear, AZ (Ms. MoShay Williamson,

The 5 - 10 - 15 of the 2019 Region 2 Championships

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Sam Dan; Mrs. Diana Estrada-Garcia, Cho

Dan; Ms. Kellicia Taing, E-Dan; Miss Tylah

Stalling, Cho Dan).

(12) 1st time Region 2 had five Regional Grand

Champions from the same Studio; Goodyear,

AZ (Ms. MoShay Williamson, Sam Dan; Mrs.

Diana Estrada-Garcia, Cho Dan; Ms. Kellicia

Taing, E-Dan; Miss Tylah Stalling, Cho Dan;

and Mr. Anthony Lake, Cho Dan).

(13) 1st time Region 2 had a consecutive 5 time

Male Grand Champion; Mr. Alan Shaw, Sam

Dan; Peaceful Warrior Martial Arts, Las

Vegas, NV.

(14) 1st time Red Rock Martial Arts (RRMA),

St. George, UT earned the Creativity &

Demonstration Team Tournament Trophy

dethroning Starworld Martial Arts Goodyear,

AZ who had won the Championship Trophy

five consecutive years.

(15) 1st time a Region 2 Creativity &

Demonstration Team, RRMA earned a

Region 2 Record Setting score of five 9.0+

scores for their performance.

The morning of this year’s 2019 WTSDA,

Region 2, Regional Championships started off

like most any other Regional Championship;

“EARLY!!!” Many parents, family members, and

Martial Arts Students had spent hours at RRMA

Dojang in St. George, UT the night before for the

Fall Black Belt Test. Region 2 commonly known

as the “Second To None” Region holds two Black

Belt tests annually. The first is usually in May

just before the summer vacation and the second is

generally in October near or around the Fall

School Break. This year’s competition was a few

weeks after Fall Break and everyone appeared

prepared and anxious to show their skills had

improved from the previous years’ competition

and for some this would be the first time they

were able to compete as a Black Belt; and also

the first time they were able to try and earn one of

the ten Grand Champion Trophies, in the five

specified age groups/divisions.

Starting in 2019, a new division was

added which increased the total Black Belt

Champion Divisions from four to five. The

newest division added was the 50 year old and

over division (male & female). We often refer to

this division as our “Silver Dragon” Division…

and we like to say; “they may be older and

grayer, but they are still competitive and tuff!”

The impetus and the need for this new division

was because more and more seniors are taking up

Tang Soo Do for health and safety reasons. Tang

Soo Do along with its increased efforts to have

students train in other disciplines like Ki-Gong

and Tai Chi is so much healthier for elderly

people said Master Skylar Gubler, 4th Dan, Owner

and Operator of RRMA in St. George, UT.

Master Gubler; along with the rest of his students

served as the hosts for this year’s Region 2

Championships; which was actually held about

13 miles away in Hurricane, UT. Master Gubler

has students as young as 6 years old, and as old as

students in their 60’s. So, from 6 to 60 they are

“Making it Rock in Red Rock,” or so they say.

Master Gubler’s parents are even students of his

at RRMA!

As we have already mentioned; this year’s

2019 Regional Championships experienced many

first for the region and some individual firsts as

well. This year’s Regional Championships saw

the establishment of the 50 year old and over

Division; the increase of 8 Regional Grand

Champions (4 males & 4 females) to ten Regional

Champions (5 male & 5 female). The 2019

Region 2 Regional Grand Champions are:

Mrs. Cathy Brownell, Cho Dan, SATSD,

Sierra Vista, AZ earning the first ever 50 year

old and over Female Grand Champion Honors.

Mr. Eddie Vargas, Cho Dan, RRMA, St.

George, UT earning the first ever 50 year old and

over Male Grand Champion Honors.

Mrs. Dianna Estrada-Garcia, Cho Dan,

Starworld Martial Arts Goodyear, AZ who

participated in her first ever Black Belt Division

Championship and earned the 35-49 Female

Division Grand Champion Honors.

Mr. Alan Shaw, Sam Dan, Peaceful Warrior

Martial Arts, Las Vegas, NV who earned his

fifth straight consecutive 35-49 Male Division

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Grand Champion Honors. It would appear Mr.

Shaw is going after the Region 2 record for

consecutive wins which is held firmly by our next

Grand Champion.

Ms. MoShay Williamson, Sam Dan, Co-Owner

Starworld Martial Arts, Goodyear, AZ who

earned her sixth consecutive Grand Champion

Honors this year in the 18-34 year old Female

Division. Ms. Williamson also has the distinction

of having earned WTSDA World Championship

Grand Champion Honors in the past.

Mr. Joshua Gerontis, E-Dan, RRMA, St.

George, UT who repeated as the 18-34 year old

Male Grand Champion. That is two years in a

row for Mr. Gerontis; let’s see if he can keep his

streak going! Mr. Gerontis attends Dixie

University, St. George, UT where he continues

his studies.

Miss Kellicia Tang, E-Dan, Starworld Martial

Arts, Goodyear, AZ earned the 14-17 year old

Female Grand Champion. Ms. Tang earned her

way back into the championship ranks after a

disappointing loss last year in this same Female

Division. She is about to enter the University of

Arizona early and will soon be departing the

Phoenix enclave for the city of Tucson, AZ.

Mr. Nasser Sinnokrot, Cho Dan, Destiny

Martial Arts Academy, Peoria, AZ earned the

14-17 year old Male Grand Champion Honors.

This was Mr. Sinnokrot’s first ever win; although

he came very close to these same honors last

year. Mr. Sinnokrot joins his older Sister Miss

Salma Sinnokrot, E-Dan, also from Destiny

Martial Arts Academy; who previously earned

Region 2 Grand Championship Honors.

Miss Tylah Stalling, Cho Dan, Starworld

Martial Arts, Goodyear, AZ earned the 13 &

Under Female Grand Champion Honors. This

was her second time competing in this

competition and she came in second last year. In

a stranger twist of fate; Miss Stalling wrestled

this years Championship Trophy away from her

old sister Sahmaria Stalling, E-Dan (also from

Starworld Martial Arts, Goodyear, AZ) who had

earned the trophy the two previous consecutive

years. I guess that is what’s called “keeping it in

the family!” Miss Tylah Stalling says she hopes

to go on to be a two-time Regional Grand

Champion in this Division just like her older

sister Sahmaria. I guess we will see! She does

have some pretty stiff competition from Miss Eva

Davis, Cho Dan, RRMA, St. George, UT who

placed second this year in this division.

Mr. Anthony Lake, Cho Dan, Starworld

Martial Arts, Goodyear, AZ earned the 13 &

Under Male Grand Champion Honors. Mr. Lake

was participating in this division for the first time

this year and took home the trophy on his first try.

Mr. Lake also made a very good showing at an

earlier “unsanctioned” tournament in Chula Vista,

CA in June 2019 where he tied with the Grand

Champion but was younger and in lower rank;

and as such couldn’t win the Championship

Trophy. This year Mr. Lake had a score of 28 of

30 possible points; even beating out Black Belts

who were more senior than he was!

Now if you were paying as close attention

as I was; you would have recognized that of the

Ten 2019 Regional Grand Champions; 5 of them

came from Starworld Martial Arts Academy,

Goodyear, AZ. And in an even surprising twist;

four of those five Female Grand Champions were

from Starworld Goodyear as well.

There were many other firsts, as well as

outstanding accomplishments that have to be

mentioned in this Quarterly Edition of the “Desert

Deuce;” but rather than trying to lump them all

into one article; the decision was made to try and

separate them out to ensure that everyone is given

their due having earned the right to be a

distinguished Master, Studio, or individual in

Region 2. We don’t want to leave anyone out;

and we surely want to take this opportunity to list

as many individuals as we can; and that also

includes showing you as many photos as we can.

This year we had approximately 199 personnel

registered and who participated in this year’s

Region 2 Championships. Here are some photos

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that depict those participants followed by some

more articles that we hope you enjoy! Tang Soo!

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Hope you enjoyed the photos from this year’s Region 2, Regional Championships! If you didn’t see yourself in a

photo in this Newsletter; please check out this DropBox Link to try and catch a glimpse of yourself or student:

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/4dk9ie9s7kmttnq/AABCdfdoluAt67h8FdeUhSUwa?dl=0

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Martial Artists Are Who We Are;

But Educating Is What We Do!

Congratulations go out to Miss Kellicia Tang, E-

Dan, Starworld Martial Arts, Goodyear, AZ; and

Mr. Joshua Gerontis, E-Dan, Red Rock Martial

Arts, St. George, UT from the President of the

World Tang Soo Do Association Grandmaster

William “Bill” Strong, 8th Dan; Region 2 Director

Senior Master Johnny R. Williamson, 6th Dan;

and the Region 2 Scholarship Coordinator Ms.

Brooke Sexton, Sam Dan/Masters’ Candidate; as

well as the rest of the Region 2 Family for being

the 2019 Region 2 College Scholarship

Awardees! Miss Tang is headed to the University

of Arizona in Tucson, AZ; while Mr. Gerontis

already attends Dixie University, St. George, UT.

Both Awardees are also 2019 Region 2 Grand

Champions and are excellent Instructors and

Leaders in the Region. Congratulations to you

both. The family wishes you both continued

success in all your future endeavors. Tang Soo!!!

Promotion of Master Bruce Finger, 5th Dan

“One of my many duties; which I enjoy so very

much is administering the promotions of

members in our association;” said Grandmaster

William “Bill” Strong, 8th Dan and President of

the World Tang Soo Association. On this, his first

ever visit to Utah; Grandmaster Strong took time

out from the Region 2 Championships; and as

part of the Opening Ceremonies to promote

Master Bruce Finger, to 5th Dan. Master Finger is

the Owner and Operator of Raven Tang Soo Do,

located in Santa Fe, NM. Master Finger who is a

Retired Law Enforcement Professional is also the

Region 2 Security Officer and manages visiting

dignitary’s security all over the entire region.

Congratulation Master Finger; this honor is Well-

Deserved! We appreciate all you do for the 2nd

To None Family everywhere we travel Tang Soo!

“The Red Rock Takedown” At this year’s Region 2, Regional Championships

held in St. George/Hurricane, UT; the Red Rock

Martial Arts (RRMA) Studio; owned and

operated by Master Skylar Gubler, 4th Dan took

down the reigning Region 2 Creativity &

Demonstration Team Champions; Starworld

Martial Arts, from Goodyear, AZ. This was an

auspicious event given that Starworld Goodyear

held the title of Regional Champions since

October 2014. We are talking five consecutive

First Place Trophies; but this year RRMA would

not be denied. In my eight plus years associated

with Region 2; and having been on the floor at

the Greensboro Coliseum, Greensboro, NC for

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the 2012; 2014; and 2018 World Championships

as the Regional Photographer; this Creativity &

Demonstration Division performance was one of

the best I have ever seen! The theme was “The

RRMA Greatest Show On Earth,” and I have to

admit that it certainly was. This circus has it all:

Sword Swallowers; Jugglers; Magicians; Strong

Men; and even a Bearded Lady. All of these

attractions and exhibits were orchestrated and

presented by their Ringmaster; Miss Jessica

Willard, 10th GUP/White Belt. You know how it

is often said that every good or great team needs

to have a “hype-man?” Well Miss Willard did an

excellent job promoting the many events which

were on display and keeping the judges interested

in what was going on during the performance. I

thought she did an excellent job; and to just be a

young White Belt; she was already well-versed in

her duties to be the New Region 2 Hype-Person!!

As if this years’ 2019 Region 2 Regional

Championships wasn’t already filled with many

firsts; this was the first time that RRMA earned

the title of Creativity & Demonstration Team

Regional Champions. Then as if that wasn’t

enough; I don’t know where RRMA got the idea

to do it; but I was so impressed when I saw the

Team shoot a young Martial Artist out of a mock

cannon and earn the team a whopping five (9.0+

Scores) from the ten judges who were all Masters

and Masters Candidates in the Region.

Congratulations to RRMA and I look forward to

seeing them defend their title next year in

Goodyear, AZ. There has also been talk of

RRMA taking their “Greatest Show On Earth on

the road to the WTSDA World Championships;

but only time will tell if that is going to come to

fruition. Tang Soo RRMA!

Region 2 Adopts the Mabrouk Family

One of the mainstays in Region 2; the “2nd

To None” Region is that we are, and always will

be a Family! It is easy to say that we are all a

family; and then it is another to show those who

come into this Region and are taken in;

recognized for their support; and then eventually

adopted into this family like Senior Master

Johnny R. Williamson, 6th Dan (Region 2

Director); and Master Ian Larson, 4th Dan

(Martial Arts Academy of Tang Soo Do, Tempe,

AZ) took the time to say! They actually did more

than say it; they showed the love along with

Grandmaster William “Bill” Strong, 8th Dan

(WTSDA President) to Master Mohamed and

Mrs. Stephanie Mabrouk, 5th & 4th Dans

respectively and their children. Although it has

been said this wonderful family will be departing

our Region soon as Mrs. Mabrouk will be

changing jobs soon; they have made a powerful

team that has come into Region 2 and instructed,

and participated in many Studio and Regional

Events over the last 2-3 years. Even as they

depart Region 2; they will always have a home

here and just like family often must move on; but

often return for visits; when the Mabrouk family

comes back into the Region they will once again

be right at home. “We ask that they don’t stay

away too long; and come back as often as they

can to visit and spend time with us;” said Master

Larson. “Even though I know I will see them

often at the future Masters’ Clinics; I too will be

looking forward to the day when they return to

Region 2 and spend time with the newest

members of their family; and I know that will be

one day soon;” said Master Williamson.

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Gifts for Each Studio from the

Regional Graphics Designer

Another highlight during this years’ Regional

Championships was the gift of giving! Mrs.

Karen Gubler, E-Dan, Red Rock Martial Arts, St.

George, UT and the Regional Graphics Designer

who designs and produces all of the wonderful

shirts we get to purchase and wear during and

after every Regional Event (approximately eight-

times a year) came up with the idea to present a

specially designed Plaque depicting all World

Tang Soo Do Association Belt Ranks tailored for

each individual Studio! Every Studio Owner, or a

designated representative was called forward to

receive this wonderful gift from Mrs. Gubler on

behalf of the region. “We want to thank Mrs.

Gubler for all of her hard work and outstanding

designs which we all wear with great pride as we

advertise and represent our growing region;” said

Master Johnny R. Williamson, 6th Dan, Region 2

Director. Mrs. Gubler, ‘Thank You;’ and I am

sure I speak for everyone when I say we look

forward to your future designs! Tang Soo!

Father & Son Duo Receive

Family of the Year Honors! Congratulations go out to Mr. Eddie Vargas, Cho

Dan; and Mr. Dominic Vargas, Cho Dan; both

from Red Rock Martial Arts (RRMA), St.

George, UT who received the 2019 Family of the

Year Honors for Region 2! “Both of these young

men; are just two of the reasons RRMA is as

successful as it is;” said Master Skylar Gubler, 4th

Dan, Owner & Operator of RRMA. The two of

them act and serve as one body and do everything

together; to include instructing our young

students and helping them hone their Martial Arts

craft. Both of the Vargas men tested for E-Dan

the night before and did an excellent job; passing

and noting that they were ready for all that was

thrown at them because of the hard work and

training they put in at RRMA. Additionally; Mr.

Eddie Vargas, took home the first ever 2019

Region 2, 50 & Over Regional Grand Champion

Trophy! Mr. Vargas; even after testing the

evening before, put on a masterful display of

technique and proficiency which helped to propel

him to the Championship podium. The entire

Region and “2nd To None Family” would like to

extend its appreciation and congratulations to the

Vargas Men of RRMA and we look forward to

more powerful and wonderful things from the

both of you.

“Studio of the Quarter” Trust me when I tell you that there is a lot of

thought; reviewing of Studio Activities;

Community Service; the support of other

Regions; and most importantly the impact to the

World Tang Soo Do Association (WTSDA) and

the Region as a whole. Using those criteria; and

given the amount of hard work that every Studio

in this region does on a weekly, monthly, and

yearly basis; determining the standout studio of

the quarter is not something that one might

consider to be an easy task. In determining the

standout studio of the quarter; there also needs to

be a way for the one making the nominations to

consolidate all the information to help in the

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decision making process. Officially; at this time,

if you have photos, and/or Newspaper Articles,

and flyers to help in the nomination please

forward that information to the Region 2 Editor at

the following Email Address:

(wtsda.region2.newsletter@gmail.com). Here are

some pictures; and information that went into the

decision making process for this quarter’s pick!

Starworld Martial Arts Goodyear, AZ travels to the 4th Annual

USA -vs- Mexico Friendship Tournament in Chula Vista, CA

(Region 20) and wins numerous Medals & Trophies!

Starworld Martial Arts Goodyear, AZ travels to Starworld

Academy of Tang Soo DO (SATSD), Sierra Vista, AZ and has the

Regions’ strongest showing!

The Stalling Family Host a Region 2 Family

Gathering at their home in Sierra Vista, AZ

inviting the entire Regional Clinic for fellowship,

food, and fun! The event was supported by

approximately 53 attendees and participants.

Starworld Goodyear Family Support was

provided by Ms. Katrina Langley, 9th GUP; Mr.

Stanton Clower, Cho Dan; Mr. Christian Langley;

E-Dan; and Mrs. Patricia Williamson, Region 2

First Lady who helped with the shopping,

cooking, and meal preparation.

In the QUAD Photo above; Senior Master Johnny

R. Williamson, 6th Dan, Owner & Operator,

Starworld Martial Arts Goodyear, AZ accepts the

Studio’s 6th Consecutive Avondale Anti-Bullying

Proclamation in support of National Bullying

Prevention Month (October 2019). This year the

Proclamation was presented by Councilwoman

Sheri Lauritano who is a 10-year City Council

Member; a wife; a mother; and a Criminal

Defense Attorney. Also present were Avondale

Police Officer/Neighborhood Resource Officer

James Archer who is a 19-1/2 year veteran of the

Avondale Police Department and a US Army

Veteran. Officer Archer gave a talk to the

attendees of the 1st Annual FREE Community

Anti-Bullying Carnival hosted by Starworld

Martial Arts Goodyear, AZ. “ACE” the

Cleveland Indians Spring Training Official

Mascot who takes up residence at the Goodyear,

AZ Ball Park and Spring Training Facility of the

Cleveland Indians took photos as you can see

with everyone including DJ Skool BOI (Mr. Paul

Ellis) who provided all the music and

entertainment and has been doing so for more

than 30 years. Mr. Ellis is the Owner of Alpha

15

Style Entertainment. DJ Skool BOI provided the

music for a once-in-a-lifetime visual of Senior

Master Johnny Williamson, 6th Dan; Master

David Boechman, 4th Dan; and ACE in a heated

Dance Contest which Master Williamson easily

lost! (SMILE) There was also Face Painting;

Bouncing Houses; and a visit from the Channel

12 News. Food was cooked and provided by

Starworld Martial Arts Black Belts! And we

cannot forget a visit from Batman’s sidekick

Robin (Mr. Aiden Garcia; Cho Dan Bo); Wonder

Woman (Mrs. Diana Estrada-Garcia, Cho Dan);

and Superman (Master David Boechman, 4th

Dan)!

Starworld Martial Arts Goodyear

Conquers Dixie!

On Saturday October 26th, 2019 Starworld Martial

Arts Goodyear, AZ Conquered the “Dixie of the

Southwest” during the Region 2 Championships

which were held in St. George, UT. During the

Regional Championships; of the five divisions;

each with a female and male Grand Champion

Starworld Martial Arts Goodyear brought home

five Grand Championship Trophies out of ten! Of

those five Grand Championship Trophies; four of

them were earned by female Martial Artists; which

is one of the many firsts decided during this years’

Regional Championships; and two were earned by

first-time competitors in the Black Belt Divisions.

Here is the rundown:

1. Female Grand Champion 18 – 34

year old: Ms. MoShay Williams, Sam

Dan earned her 6th consecutive Grand

Championship Title in as many years.

2. Female Grand Champion 35 – 49

year old: Mrs. Diana Garcia, Cho

Dan earned her 1st Grand

Championship Title in her first ever

Black Belt Competition at the

Regional Level.

3. Female Grand Champion 14 – 17

year old: Miss Kellicia Taing, E-Dan

earned her 3rd Grand Championship

Title in four years.

4. Female Grand Champion 13 year

old & Under: Miss Tylah Stalling,

Cho Dan earned her 1st Grand

Championship Title in her second year

of competing at the Black Belt Level.

Miss Stalling beat her older sister

Sahmaria Stalling, E-Dan who had

earned the 13 & Under Female Grand

Championship title the two previous

years consecutively.

5. Male Grand Champion 13 year old

& Under: Mr. Anthony Lake, Cho

Dan earned his 1st Grand

Championship title in his first time

competing as a Black Belt.

Starworld Martial Arts Goodyear

Studio of the Quarter

4th Quarter 2019

Congrats Black Belts & Cho Dan Bo’s!

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2020

2ND TO NONE EVENTS

February 8th & 9th, 2020 Black Belt Pre-Test and Dan Camp

(Blue Belts & Above) Red Rock Martial Arts

St. George, UT

May 1st & 2nd, 2020 Black Belt Test and Leadership Clinic

Red Rock Martial Arts St. George, UT

May/June 2020

(Exact Date Unknown) USA -vs- Mexico Friendship Tournament

Hosted by Region 20 Chula Vista, CA

July 17th & 18th, 2020

World Tang Soo Do Association World Championships

Greensboro, NC

August 28th & 29th, 2020 Black Belt Pre-Test and Leadership Clinic

Destiny Martial Arts Peoria, AZ

October 16th & 17th, 2020

Black Belt Test & Region 2 Championships Starworld Martial Arts Goodyear

Goodyear, AZ

NOTE: Fewer Regional Events causes the need for more coordination, planning, and participation in the events

that are scheduled to ensure that everyone meets their intended participation(s) prior to testing for their next belt.

This Newsletter is an Official Publication of the World Tang Soo Do Association (WTSDA), Region 2 Derek L. Stalling, M.Ed. (Editor)