United States Goodwill
Tang Soo Do Association

The weekend of September 25th was an important one for the students of Family Martial Arts in Woodbine, GA. Seven students traveled to Fayetteville, North Carolina to compete in their first US Goodwill Tang Soo Do Regional competition.  The Tournament was hosted by the Unites States Goodwill Tang Soo Do Association’s representative, Master David Sgro, founder of San Kil Tang Soo Do. Instructors Cindy Barrington, Mary Beth Crawford, and James Barrington trained their students rigorously to prepare for this tournament.  “It was very exciting preparing for my own competitions in the past, but it does not even compare to the excitement of having my students compete for the first time!” explains Mary Beth Crawford.

Novice athletes to Masters were present from several states including North Carolina, Virginia, Georgia, and Connecticut. “One of the best things about competing in a Unites States Goodwill Association tournament is the camaraderie  of all the competitors; it is more like a homecoming for Tang Soo Do,” explains Cindy Barrington.

The students competed in individual forms, team forms, sparring, self-defense, and weapons.  Aly Milican 6, earned one gold, one silver, and two bronze medals.  Adam Head, 8, earned two silver and one bronze medals.  Caleb Bogart, 8, earned three bronze medals.   Zach Vitale, 10, earned one gold, two silver, and two bronze medals.  These competitors are all students at Woodbine Elementary and were able to show their dedication as a testament to their ability and willingness to learn.  Johnathan Lormand and James Barrington represented Camden Middle School with honors. Johnathan earned three silver, and two bronze medals.  James Barrington competed in the black belt division for sparring and earned the gold.  “I really had to pull out all the stops to earn that gold, the competition was fierce, but it made the win all the more satisfying.” quotes James Barrington. Molley Bogart from Camden County Ninth Grade Academy performance was truly amazing.  Molley had only trained for a month, but she was able to bring home both the gold  and  bronze medal.
 
“It was an amazing experience to see our students compete with other kids in their first competition and see all of them come home with medals but more importantly a deeper understanding of their art. I couldn’t be any prouder of the way they competed and handled themselves as ambassadors for Family Martial Arts and the state of Georgia, “ says Cindy Barrington, head instructor.