If you're a Taekwondo senior and live within striking distance of Tewksbury, Massachusetts, now's the time to sign up for the 20th Annual New England Open Taekwondo Championship. The event is being hosted by Kwon's Taekwondo, which has two schools in the area, and the tournament's chairman is Grandmaster Young A. Kwon.
The tournament's events include forms, sparring, breaking, and power breaking -- in other words, something for everyone. And the great news is that the top age division is 53+. Since many tournaments list a top age group of only 35 or 40, I think it's important for us seniors to support events that recognize that 55 or 60 isn't 35. At 66 I don't mind competing in forms against someone who's as young as 53 -- and I'll definitely be competing at Grandmaster Kwon's tournament -- but I'm not interested in competing against 35-year-olds. Yes, the rumor is true: flexibility doesn't improve with age. So my high kicks aren't quite as high as they were 30 years ago. I definitely need the "old guy" division.
If you can make your way to Tewksbury, MA, you're welcome to participate in this major Taekwondo tournament. You don't need to be a Massachusetts resident, and you can hold any Taekwondo rank whatsoever. Each area of competition offers both age and rank divisions. Although the top age group is 53+, some of this blog's readers may fit into the 43-52 age group. Either way, it's time to get out there, make some new friends, and challenge yourself in a way that only a tournament can do.
You can pre-register [and save money] or register on the day of the tournament. For all the facts, all you need to do is click over to http://www.kwonstkd.com/newsletter/2012NETKDPoster_InfoPacket.pdf, where you'll find a registration form, fee schedule, and other useful tournament information.
Ready to compete? Then sign up today. But if you're still thinking about learning Taekwondo or perhaps "unretiring" after a long layoff, then just come out to watch the tournament. For a small admission fee you'll enjoy hours of competition featuring students ranging in age from under 5 to . . . well, at least 66.
Hope to see you on October 20th!
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Many thanks for sharing your comments with Seniors in the Martial Arts. Best wishes for continued success with your training.