Weekend went great, proud of how everybody stepped up to the plate.  Much gratitude go out to Ea Dan Helen Espinoza for being the Project Manager this year and ensuring the banquet, all the paperwork and logistics went well.  Also to Master Eric Jones for his help on Saturday.  A profound thanks goes out once again to the Golden Dragon Karate Studio staff and their Chief Instructor GM Jesse Rodriguez for helping host a top notch event again this year.

 

This year's special awards went out to:

 

TKA Blackbelt of the Year - GM Jesse Rodriguez

TKA Sr. Blackbelt Instructor of the Year - GM Clarence Smith

TKA Master Blackbelt Competitor of the Year - Master Michael Hornsby

TKA Blackbelt Competitor of the Year - Ea Dan Douglas Mase

 

2011 James Cummings Jr. Spirit Award was presented to Master Gabriel Green from California.

 

New promotees this year were:

 

Master Juan Vasquez Sr. promoted to 6th Dan

Master Sean E. Thomas promoted to 5th Dan

Sam Dan Stephanie DeLoach promoted to 3rd Dan

Sam Dan Shannon Ramsey promoted to 3rd Dan

Ea Dan Douglas Mase promoted to 2nd Dan

Chodan Brian DeLaughter promoted to 1st Dan

Chodan (TKD) Joseph Rodriguez promoted to 1st Dan (Tang Soo Do)

 

Thanks go out to all that supported and helped make this conference very memorable.  You all did great.  Thanks to my sister Silvia who helped procure the banquet location and even helped serve and accommodate every body.

GM Danny Valdez thanks Sam Dan Shannon Ramsey for driving from San Antonio to San Angelo to pick him up, all in one day, 500 hard miles of driving.  And to Ea Dan Doug Mase for putting him up and getting him back home safe and sound.

 

So many to thank I know I am forgetting somebody, but please know I am proud to be associated with this great team.  You all remembered it's not about one but about the group as a whole.

 

Tang Soo to all!

 

Johnny K. Thompson, GrandMaster, 8th Degree