08 was great! ... the year gone by

Here's a brief re-cap of what went on with our Complete Self Defence Hapkido in 2008, with links to the Hapkido Forum, Master G's blog and this blog. There is no doubt that '08 was great!'

We had the opportunity to 'pose' and have some professional pictures taken with family and Hapkido friends. With so many taken you've got to have a couple to treasure.

One of the biggest events during the year was Moorebank's CSD renovation, truly a fresh face and new beginning for the Dojang. It also marked the start of the OTR Sydney, again an awesome mix of instructors, techniques and fun with Masters Tooby, Cale, Floro and MG.

We also held our 10th Annual Ki Award Celebration to announce our yearly award winners (called 'Ki Awards') and to hold a dress-up dinner. This was the last of the current Ki Awards and it was fantastic to have all the nominees in attendance (a new award series will be announced next year).

Of course, the attendees certainly looked spectacular in their pants, shirts and dresses (not all at once of course). Throughout the night we congratulated the award winners (and heard their impromptu speeches), enjoyed the company of our Hapkido family and a good meal and competed in our first 'Martial Arts Trivia' night.

We did some travelling with the Sydney metropolitan Dojangs kicking off the first year of the 'Tri-Series' seminars (lookout in 2009 for this series, bigger and better):

• 'Body' at Parramatta (Dynamic Self Defence), go here
• 'Mind' at Hurstville (St George Self Defence), go here and there
• and topping it off with 'Spirit' at Moorebank (Complete Self Defence), go here.

And our Regional Dojangs hosted wonderful OTR's in Melbourne (Power Hapkido) and Wagga Wagga with great hospitality and events; 'old skoole' and the world famous Hapkido olympics.

Back in Moorebank CSD there was more training, training, training throughout the year. We had Technical Focus Classes taught by MG on 'kicking', 'striking' and 'difficult techniques' (to name a few) and several Black Belt Club Seminars including 'Free sparring' and 'Street fighting for beginners'. Of course there was the 'Sun Bae' training for Red and above, instructors courses, along with the UHS Lite and the Return of Hell Week.

We also managed some Senior Degree promotions along with Colour Belt promotions througout the year!

And did we mention the opening of the full-time Parramatta Dojang? What a year!

To wrapup this 'look-back' we must go back to the start of '08 where we held a huge celebration to herald the 15th Anniversary of the AHG in style.

With the return of guest instructors Sirs Terry and Elias along with techniques presented by Sirs John, Jimmy, Phil, Hassan and Maam Tina, the day was a fantastic gathering of Hapkido family (past and present).

Master Geoff wrapped up the day with some techniques and fending off the '20 questions' from the crowd where he shared his thoughts on the creation of our Hapkido and his experiences with GM Ji Han Jae.

Look out for the New Year which is coming fast and full - it's already packed to the rafters so check out the list of 2009 events now!

Regards

The CSD Team

December Grading and other congratulations

December grading
Congratulations to those students who successfully graded on Saturday and have achieved progression to their next belt.

Well done to Armadeus H, Darjan G, Dion K, Nick P, Steven, and Adrian.

Other congratulations
All of the excitement leading up to Christmas has meant we've now remembered to acknowledge and congratulate the following students of the month for December: Natasha L, Chloe L and Jane P.

Hell Camp III... Dare to dream and accept the challenge

At the Christmas Party Master Geoff announced that Hell Camp III is coming. Well, as announced on the Hapkido Froum, now is the time to accept the challenge and make the decision to come along. Time is of the essence because the venue will not be available much longer!

"Dare to dream, to achieve, something you never thought possible" by a Hapkidoist longing for Hell Camp

I remember when I was first starting out in Hapkido, all the talk was about Hell Camp. Hell Camp this, Hell Camp that. How awesome and challenging it was. How it left you buzzing for weeks and months after and how thinking about it years after still made you smile. Speak to Sir's Adrian, Nick or Graham about Hell Camp II and see how their faces light up even now!

Unfortunately I sit in the boat with the hapless many who missed out on Hell Camp II back in 2001, and have spent every year since in the hope that this year would be the year for Hell Camp III.

8 long and sad years have gone by, and there hasn't been a Hell Camp III... But now, finally, the GREATEST of NEWS!

Master Geoff announced that (provided we get sufficient numbers) Hell Camp III will be run on the weekend of 20 and 21 June 2009!! 40 is the magic number (not 42) and maybe I am optimistic but I don't think 40 students is that hard a number to reach.

Surely everyone wants to go to Hell Camp III!! Hell Camp III will be challenging and loads of fun. You will sweat and laugh, you will make yourself proud, and do things you probably never thought you could do.

And long after the weekend has gone by, you will think back on Hell Camp III and it will bring back the fondest of memories, it will make you smile, and you will feel a better person for having achieved something you did not think possible.

The Hell Camp III venue is very popular and we only have 2 weeks to pay our deposit of $50 each to make sure we lock the dates and venue in. If we don't get sufficient numbers with paid deposit by next week, Hell Camp III will not go ahead.

What do you have to do? Now you need to get yourself to Moorebank before the end of next week and pay your $50 deposit so we can lock in the venue and make sure that Hell Camp III goes ahead in June next year!

Good things, as in REALLY good things, come only very rarely and are few and far between. Let's grab those special opportunities when presented and not let them pass us by. It's so easy to make sure that Hell Camp III goes ahead!!

Christmas timetable and Super Saturdays

The CSD Moorebank timetable has been modified for the Christmas period. Along with adding everyone together to keep up the heat and enjoy the Xmas cheer, Master Geoff has added Super Saturdays.

Super Saturday start December 13

Super Saturdays start this Saturday (December 13) where the class will have more focus on pad work, strikes, kicks and drills. You should expect a driven work out drink water in the morning and bring a drink bottle to class. Also, it will be beneficial to ensure you have some gloves for the pad work!

Christmas / New Year timetable

Tonight was the first combined Adults class which was full of sweat and fun. So from Wednesday 10 December - Wednesday 7 January 2009 the modified timetable for ADULTS during the Christmas / New Year is as follows:

DECEMBER 2008

11th Thursday 7:15-8:30 Adult Mixed

Friday - No Classes

13th Super Saturday 12:00 - 1:00pm Adult Mixed

15th Monday 7:30 - 8:30pm Adult Mixed

16th Tuesday 7.15-8:30pm Adult Mixed

17th Wednesday 7:30 - 8:30pm Adult Mixed

18th Thursday 7.15-8:30pm Adult Mixed

Friday - No classes

20th Super Saturday 12:00 - 1:00pm Adult Mixed

22nd Monday 7:30 - 8:30pm Adult Mixed

(Note that the 22nd Monday is the Kids Last Class for 2008)

23rd Tuesday 7.15-8:30pm Adult Mixed - Last formal Adults class for Christmas

24th Wednesday - Open Mat (Informal Class) 

25th Thursday - Closed 

27th Saturday - Open Mat

29th Monday - Open Mat 

30th Tuesday - Open Mat 

31st Wednesday - Closed 

JANUARY 2009 

1st Thursday - Closed 

2nd Friday - Kids - First Class for the New Year 

3rd Super Saturday 12:00 - 1:00pm Adult Mixed Class AND First Class for the New Year 

5th Monday 7:30 - 8:30pm Adult Mixed

6th Tuesday 7.15-8:30pm Adult Mixed

7th Wednesday 7:30 - 8:30pm Adult Mixed

8th Thursday 7.15-8:30pm Adult Mixed

Please check the Forum for more on our Christmas period opening times.

Warm Regards 

The CSD Team

CSD Christmas Party

The CSD Hapkido Christmas Party was held on Saturday 6 December 2008 and a great deal of fun was had by all!

There were 86 people in attendance at the Black Rose Cafe - 86 being seat capacity! That's right, every single seat at the cafe had a person sitting on it with no room for any latecomers!

The food was in abundance with all the pizza and pasta you could eat. It just kept coming out long after every one was full! Master Geoff had to tell them to stop cooking at one point because they were happy to keep on making pizza even though everyone had stopped eating.

The Eagle Awards winners were announced at the Christmas Party - well done to the following students:

Adults:

Sean P - Best Attitude, Nick P - Best Technique, Dion K - Best Effort, David Q - Best and Fairest

Falcons:

Luke D - Best Attitude, Dylan V - Best Technique, Daniel G - Best Effort, Jacob D - Best and Fairest

Hawks:

Joshua P - Best Attitude, Cameron C - Best Technique, Alasta L - Best Effort, Dylan H - Best and Fairest

Well done and congratulations to all the winners. Receiving an Eagle Award is a great achievement and something to be very proud of!

Master Geoff also announced Hell Camp III to be run mid-2009. This was great news and 35 students put their name on the list to attend! Those students who were in attendance at the Christmas Party and put their name on the list got a special ticket which will mean extra credit at the Hell Camp, so they're already one step closer to possibly being Knighted at the Hell Camp!

All in all the CSD Hapkido Christmas Party was a great success and a great way to spend the day with fellow Hapkidoists.

Hell Camp 2009 announced

The plans for Hell Camp III (a major Hapkido event for 2009) was announced at the CSD Christmas Party.

Friday 7pm June 19th to Sunday afternoon June 21st are the tentative dates, so put them in your calendar and get your name on the list at the Dojang.

More information will be posted when it's available and follow this link to the forum to talk about the event some more.

(Click on the picture to get the Hell Camp flyer)

Revolutionary New Black Belt Syllabus

Great news for all Black Belts in the International Hapkido Alliance!

Master Geoff is currently working on a new Black Belt Syllabus which will revolutionise the way Black Belts are taught and will set a new standard of Black Belt both within and outside the organisation.

No doubt one of the major attractions of the IHA is the opportunity for Black Belts to continue training beyond Black Belt, to continue learning new techniques and to become even better Hapkidoists. The new Black Belt Syllabus will set all IHA Black Belts even further apart from all others.

The fun begins in January with the release of a prototype for Black Belts to play around with. The official release of the Black Belt Syllabus is expected to be at the International Training Seminar in the US in April 2009.

CSD Christmas Party

The CSD Hapkido Christmas Party is on Saturday 6 December 2008, starting at 12pm.

The Christmas Party will feature presentation of the annual Eagle Awards (I have heard there are some surprise winners this year!), all the pizza and pasta you could possibly eat, and the announcement of a very special event to be run mid-next year! Rumour has it that those in attendance may also get a credit towards this special event - I can't wait to find out what it is!

There's a change of venue for this year's Christmas Party - its being held at the Black Rose Cafe, 170 George Street Liverpool.

The Christmas Party costs $30 for Adults and only $15 for kids under 10.

Friends and family all welcome ofcourse!

Make sure you see CSD staff at the front desk to get your name on the list so you don't miss out on the CSD Hapkido Christmas Party, its going to be a great deal of fun!

Official Grand Opening Report

Opening a full time school is taking a big step within the Hapkido World.

Saturday, 8th of November was no doubt one of Ma'am Tina's and the Australian Hapkido Groups highlights of the year!

With an excellent turn out to support the opening, it really shows that we are not only a Hapkido School, yet a family.

Starting off with the Thank you's made by Ma'am Tina and Master Geoff, followed by a very interesting and exciting Seminar conducted by Master G, including the famous Turbo Topics.

A few chokes and take-downs later, a group photo was taken, and then everyone headed outside to enjoy a BBQ and a piece of great Dynamic Self Defence Cake.

That wraps up the Grand opening of the new Dynamic Self Defence full time Dojang. Once Again Congratulations to Ma'am Tina on this Achievement.

For more pictures, please head to Dynamic Self Defence & the AHG Flickr

Official Hapkido Opening at Dynamic Self Defence Parramatta

The Opening was a fantastic event and the Dojang looks amazing (a huge transformation from the old). Check back here for more about the day shortly.

In the meantime, read Maam Tina's update and see her photos.

Kum Sa Hum Nida

November Hapkido events not to be missed

Here's the update for the month, including the exciting events planned for November and other things to remember. Put them in your diary, get your name on the list and get yourself there!

Deadline - ITS 2009: Airline ticket payments are due during the first week of November - Get your boarding pass now. For further information please talk to Master Geoff or Ma'am Donna

Event - 'Grand Opening' Dynamic Self Defence @ Parramatta: 8th November starts 11am sharp, be a piece of history. Bring your Dobok. No class at Moorebank that day. For more information on the festivities, please contact Ma'am Tina

New Class - Senior Belts Green+: Starts Wednesday 12th @ 8:15pm. Thanks to everybody that attended the extra Wednesday Senior (green +) Belts classes in October your efforts have been rewarded. Master G has decided to make this class a permanent fixture to our training timetable. Put Monday and (now) Wednesday's in your diary for Senior belt training.

Event - Tri-Series 'Spirit' 19th November: the final installment of the 'tri-series' with MG's "SPIRIT" @ CSD Moorebank (7:30pm start). Don't forget to hydrate during the day, because I'm sure there'll be a flood of sweat in the dojang!

Event and Deposit required: 12 November - for the Xmas Party 6th of December 12pm. Don’t miss out on the Annual Xmas party to be held at the Black Rose Cafe. This celebration will close out the 'Great 08 Year' - all the events during the year are wrapped up, including presentation of the prestigous 'Eagle awards*". Please put your name on the list and pay ASAP, speak to Ma'am Donna for more info.

*REMINDER - EAGLE AWARDS: if you have not filled in a form yet, please grab one from the front desk, fill it in and return. The 'Eagle Awards' are to recognise the efforts of coloured belts (Black Belts are not eligible).

So don't miss out on the best chance to get involved and make 08 great - as Sir Aaron says, 'Why not turning kick 2008 out of the way and start fresh with 2009!'.

Wrapup for October

Well a fantastic October of Hapkido has come and gone at CSD Moorebank. Before posting the events for next month, here's what happened:

Students joining in October

We welcomed the following new students:

• Jake N
• Daniel N
• Manish C
• Aaron G
• Nicholas S
• Vivian S
• V J T
• Samantha P

October Grading results

The grading for October included the following succesful Hawks and Falcons.

Hawks

• Benjamin M – Brown
• Dylan H – Brown
• Thel L – Citrus
• Evan H – Citrus

Falcons

• Elynor C – Orange
• DJ T – Orange
• Jonathan T – Orange
• Savannah A – Yellow
• Jacob D – Blue

And the Adults also had a huge month, with new Adult colour belts awarded, and two new 2nd Degree IHA Black Belts promoted as well.

Students of the month

We recognised the following people for student of the month:

• Hawk – Emanuel A
• Falcon – Tyler P
• Adult – Robert L
  

Hell Week returned!

Finally, the month of October started off with sweat, sweat and more sweat with the Return of Hell Week!

Check out Master Geoff's blog with his updates on the succesful week - it covered the Kicks, Strikes, Self-defence & Self-defence plus, and the Survivors final day.

Look out for the next Hell Week.

New Full-Time Parramatta Hapkido Dojang Address Released!

Exciting news!

The address of the new full-time Parramatta Hapkido Dojang was released in the Kids and Adult classes !

The address of our new Parramatta Hapkido Dojang is...

Drum roll>>>>>

...wait for it...

90 Alfred Street Parramatta

No doubt a lot of you in your excitement about the new Hapkido Dojang will already be grabbing your car keys or begging your parents to hop in the car and drive you right over there so you can see what the new Hapkido Dojang looks like. But can I suggest that you've waited this long already, perhaps waiting a little while longer would be a good idea so that you don't spoil the surprise?

The official opening of the new Full-Time Parramatta Hapkido Dojang is only 1.5 weeks away... not long to go now and it will be all the better on the day if you don't take a sneak peak just yet!

All good things come to those who wait.

2nd Official Photo Released!

Without wanting to give too much away, below is the second official photo to be released of the new Parramatta Hapkido Dojang.

The new Hapkido Dojang is nearing completion and work over the weekend went well.

Just a reminder the Grand Opening of our new training facility is on Saturday 8 November 2008, commencing 11am.

This will be your first chance to see the new Parramatta Hapkido Dojang in all its glory with a very special surprise in store on the day for all Complete Self Defence students!

October Grading Results

CONGRATULATIONS to the following people who successfully graded for their new Hapkido Coloured Belt Ranks on Saturday @ Complete Self Defence Moorebank!!

David T - Yellow Belt
Nam - Yellow Belt

Natalie - Green Belt
Jeremy - Green Belt
Laura - Green Belt
Andrew - Green Belt

Lan - Blue Belt

Dianne - Brown Belt
David Q - Brown Belt
Dimitri - Brown Belt
Colin - Brown Belt


All put in a really good effort and the grading results speak for themselves! Well done to all

You can comment here or on the IHA forum :)

The Official opening of the Parramatta Full-time Dojang

Start with some awesome students, mix in a highly qualified and fired up black-belt Instructor, fry it all up in a fresh, new Parramatta location and you've got yourself a recipe for glory!

Moorebank will be closed on 8 Nov because we're taking our excitement to the new opening.

Students of the Complete Self Defence, mark Saturday the 8th of November 2008 on your calendars and be a part of the Parramatta legacy as our beloved part-time school evolves into an Official Full-time Parramatta Dojang! The official festivities kicking off at 11am. Address details of the new Dojang will be released over the next few days.


The ultimate transformation from this

TO

See you on the new mats!

[Updated to show the huge transformation from the old to the new]

 

October's Events - past | present | future

October has been a jam packed month, with events including;

4th Kids Sleepover

6th - 10th Hell Week

10th @ 5pm - Hawks Grading

10th @ 6pm - Falcons Grading

10th @ 7.30pm - Black Belt Challenge

11th @ 1.00pm ITS 09 Meeting

11th @ 1.30pm - BBC Seminar Street Fighting For Beginners

11th @ 3.30pm - Annual General Meeting

12th Sun Bae

25th Adult Grading

Don't forget the POSSIBLE permanent addition of a Senior Class for Green Belts & above on Wednesdays (Terms & Conditions Apply)

So there you have it, wrapping up at the end of a fun filled month, with more exciting Events & Plans to be revealed in the months ahead.

Stay Tuned for Updates as they Come!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY from CSD - Blast From The Past

Its never too late to give Secret Hapkido Birthday Punches!!

SEPTEMBER

1st Joshua P

2nd Dion K

3rd Amna T

7th Sir Adrian

8th Georgia K & Jenifer B

11th Diane W

12th Lucas C

14th Brett W

20th Darjan G & Joshua T

23rd Dylan V

25th Andy N

OCTOBER

6th Rob L

11th Paul D & Tri N

15th Sarah B & Lachlan B

18th Michael L

20th Daniel Gj

23rd Shane P

28th Renee S & Thang L

STUDENT'S of the MONTH - Blast From The Past..

Congratulations to all of those who were nominated as Students of the Month for July, August & September.

For those who are unaware, the students who received this award are as follows;

JULY

Hawk - Christian T

Falcon - Michael L

Adult - Jackson W

AUGUST

Hawk - Noah C

Falcon - Daniel G

Adult - Nick P

SEPTEMBER

Adult - Dion K

If you haven't already, please congratulate the recipients for their achievements!

Grading Congratulations ... blast from the past

Congratulations to the following students who successfully graded in August '08.

Hawks

• Joey A – Yellow
  
• Mason G – Citrus
  
• Emanuel A – Citrus
  

Falcons

• Daniel G - Green
  
• Deepak V - Green
  
• Renee S -     Red
  

Adults

• Andrew L - Green
  

New and returning members... blast from the past

Catching up on news just gone by...

NEW MEMBERS

JULY

• Chris H
• Khoa C
• Damon C
  

AUGUST

• Codey M
  
• Jayden M
• Joshua T
• Robert Z
  

SEPTEMBER

• Carl T
• Dominique N
• Benjamin V
• Philip L
  
• Lucas P
• Lucas C
• Talia M
• Mureed A
  
• Arzu K
• Leon V-S
  

RETURNED MEMBERS

• Rebin A
• Angelo T
• Alex B
  
• Rithear T
  

See you on the mats.

Welcome to the News Blog for Complete Self Defence

Welcome,

This will be our news and info for Complete Self Defence @ Moorebank, so bookmark it and check back!

Regards

Master Geoff