The 2004 ATKI Black Belt Clinic: Madness and Mayhem, Black Belt Style

by Ellie Barrett, 1st gup

There were sparks of excitement in the air as the seventh annual ATKI Black Belt Clinic began on May 14. Those in attendance were busily greeting old friends, switching name signs on the doors, and generally getting psyched for the action-packed weekend to come. Check-in started on Friday afternoon, between 4:00 and 6:00. When most everyone was there and eager to begin, the weekend clinic officially commenced.

A student is eligible to attend the ATKI Black Belt Clinic from the rank of 1st Gup and above. Beginning at this rank, one is considered to be a black belt in training. However, the vast majority of those in attendance were Cho Dan rank and above. The clinic is designed with a few purposes in mind. It is an opportunity to learn new techniques and perfect old ones. It is a rite of passage for those of the 1st Gup and Cho Dan Bo ranks. It is a way of recognizing the elite achievement and true honor of being an ATKI black belt. Most profoundly, it is a gathering of family.

Everyone in attendance the weekend of May 14-16 was overwhelmed by the abundance of knowledge displayed by their compatriots. Old techniques were taught with a new twist. Master Schmitt went into detail about the possible applications of upper level forms. Portions of the clinic were devoted to workshops on upper level empty hand, sword, and bong forms. Mr. Ron Schmitt reviewed the Arnis stick techniques, and Master Scheckel taught some basic defenses utilizing the cane as a weapon. In addition to the old, some new techniques were added to the repertoire. Saturday and Sunday mornings began with a Tai Chi session, taught by Mr. Jerry Trowbridge. We reviewed the new ATKI requirements for grappling, one steps, and self defense. New requirements for one step sword techniques were taught. There were even gun defenses with loaded squirt guns!

In addition to our physical requirements, a large segment of the clinic was devoted to discussions of other aspects of the martial arts. Mrs. Linda Ginter gave a talk about black belt character and integrity, which was expanded on by Master David Schmitt and Mr. Ron Schmitt. Everyone had an opportunity to learn a little about what to expect from a Master's Clinic, as well as take a written Black Belt Test. The stand-out presentation of the weekend was given by Mr. Thomas Schrauth (Pronounced like "shout", with an "r"). He provided us all with some silly and very effective memory devices for learning our Korean terms. In the process, Mr. Schrauth managed to entertain us all.

There were social events as well. On Saturday, we all went down to the fire pit to roast marshmallows and have some fun. The 1st Gups and Cho Dan Bos made a noble attempt at entertainment, but the fun really started with Mr. Tony Fortman's interactive ghost story. Far into the night, we played a very exciting game of charades, and some stayed out to the wee hours of the morning socializing. Of course, they were sorry when the 7:00 a.m. wake-up call came (hee, hee).

Throughout the weekend, everyone there felt a tremendous camaraderie. The people who reach this level in the ATKI feel a sense of achievement, and rightly so. When these people gather together, they share a common love of Tang Soo Do, a feeling of mutual understanding and respect, and a bond akin to that of a family gathering. Yet, this is a family you earn your place in, you strive to be part of, and that makes the bond much stronger.

When graduation came and the weekend closed, we all cleaned up and said our goodbyes. Personally, I left inspired, honored, and proud to be a part of an event - and a family - so unique and special. As I drove away, I felt a little sadness that the weekend was over so quickly. And next year, I will be happy to return to Strawberry Point for my ATKI family reunion.