Greetings from MTA President Steve Rosbarsky To All Montana Taekwondoists, Parent and Supporters, First of all, I am greatly honored to assume the role of President of the Montana Taekwondo Association. I am particularly honored to take the helm from Master Dan Williams. His endless hours of tireless dedication leave some very big shoes to fill. In my past twenty eight years of continuous practice in the state, I have seen the MTA at its best and, at times, its worst. I am happy to say that in recent years we have grown into what I think is our best place to date. We have become more inclusive and driven than ever before. We have gained six brand new member schools and welcomed two more back. We have grown to include tournaments in Billings as sanctioned MTA Tournaments and the caliber and quality of our tournaments is unsurpassed. We have seen the rise of our comrades to Master and even Grand Master Ranks. The MTA recognized Scott Miranti as a 7th Dan at the state tournament and Martin Martin was also promoted to 7th Dan. (John Paul Noyes and I were awarded or 7th Dan USAT rank by USAT President Dave Askinas) On a National Level, the presence of Montana is being felt outside of the ring as well. I had the honor of video reviewing gyroogi matches (challenges of points) next to Herb Perez (‘92 Olympic Gold Medalist) at the US Olympic Trials this year. Regrettably, we also have felt the loss of incredible and tireless leaders like Grand Master Fujiwara (8th Dan, Billings), who passed away last year. His lifetime of dedication to continuing the martial arts way is awe-inspiring. I only hope we all can lead and serve as he so ably demonstrated. What’s in store for the MTA in the coming two years? The MTA has created for the first time ever, the MTA WOMENS COUNCIL. This is a group dedicated to furthering, enhancing and empowering the role of women involved in Montana Taekwondo, including both practitioners and supporters of Taekwondo. The Council is not only intended to give a voice to women in the state, but also provide seminars, retreats and a communication platform for open dialogue on women in Taekwondo. The first retreat will happen this year at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort. This year the MTA will also host a training camp/seminar that will reach out beyond just competitive Taekwondo. This event will possibly include self defense and other martial arts. These camps were a huge success in the past and I’m confident martial arts practitioners around the state will enjoy them again. Of course, these seminars are open to all MTA members. We also hope to dramatically expand the number and rank of qualified referees this year. All MTA-member schools with an A-1 referee are giving referee seminars this year. Finally, we anticipate seeking full approval of Taekwondo as a varsity sport in high schools throughout the state. Already Missoula County Public School District, one of the largest school districts in the state, is well on the way to such approval with a final review by the school board in February 2011. We hope to use this first experience as a template for other clubs to seek varsity sport recognition of Taekwondo in their local high schools. If all goes as planned, we anticipate that Missoula will host the first Montana High School Championships this fall. I wish you all my best! I hope we all continue moving forward together and preserve the long tradition of excellence of martial arts in Montana. I challenge you to dedicate yourselves to put Taekwondo in this state in a better place than ever before. With respect, humility and patience, Steve Rosbarsky, President, Montana Taekwondo Association Copyright © 2006-2011 the Montana Taekwondo Association. All rights reserved. |
