MASTER
Announcements
2025 TTKD Academic Scholarship Recipient, Ronel Ankam
Congratulations to 2nd Dan Black Belt and assistant instructor, Ronel Ankam, of Athens School District, for being this year’s recipient of the Tioga Tae Kwon Do Academic Scholarship Award! We’re very proud of you! 
Ronel will be attending the University of Rochester in the fall, majoring in Chemistry.
The Tioga Tae Kwon Do Academic Scholarship recognizes a student that has demonstrated outstanding academic and martial arts performance and will be pursuing a college degree.
Farewell and Thank You, Master Justice
It is with mixed emotions that we announce the departure of our beloved instructor, Master Justice, who will be moving to Washington state. Her last day with us will be Tuesday, June 3rd.
For over five incredible years, Master Justice has been a pillar of our TTKD community. Her unwavering dedication, passion, and commitment to helping students grow – both on and off the mats – has left a lasting impact on everyone she’s taught and trained with.
While we are sad to see her go, we are incredibly excited for this next chapter in her life. We know she will continue to inspire and lead wherever she goes.
Master Justice, thank you for everything. You will always have a place on our mats whenever you’re back in town!
Congratulations to Our New Colored Belts
Congratulations to the following students who belt tested at the end of March!
Josiah Catwell
Dax Dixon
Jude Sands
Pictured L-R: Master Paul Mittan, Tyson Wahl, Maria Gautreaux, Landon Munn, Gavin Ross, Erika McCarthy, Tom Thornton
Congratulations to Our Newest Black Belts
Earning a black belt is more than just mastering techniques—it’s about personal growth, mental strength, and an unshakeable commitment to excellence. The following students now join an elite club that only a few will ever experience. We are beyond proud of what they’ve accomplished!
Landon Munn - 1st Dan Black Belt
Erika McCarthy - 1st Dan Black Belt
Gavin Ross - 2nd Dan Black Belt
Tyson Wahl - 3rd Dan Black Belt
Special thanks to Master Paul Mittan for coming up from Penn State to help judge our black belts today. Also, thanks to Maria Gautreaux for coming down from Mighty Oak Taekwondo to help judge. It always a pleasure to have you back in the dojang!
Dads on the Mats - Celebrate Father's Day With Us!
In honor of Father’s Day, we’re inviting all our amazing dads to step onto the mats and join their kids for a special week of training, laughter, and bonding!
Whether it’s your first time trying a martial arts move or you’re just in it for the fun, this is your chance to share a memorable experience with your student.
Schedule:
- Tiny Ninjas – Dads join in on Monday, June 9th
- Tae Kwon Do Classes – Dads are welcome to participate on Tuesday, June 17th and/or Thursday, June 19th
Come dressed comfortably and ready to kick, punch, and smile! We can’t wait to celebrate YOU on the mats!
Tiny Ninjas Summer Break
Our last Tiny Ninjas class before the summer break will be on Monday, June 30th. After that, Tiny Ninjas will be taking a well-deserved summer break and classes will resume again on Monday, September 8th. We wish you and your families a safe, sunny, and joyful summer!
Summer TTKD T-Shirt Season Is Here!
From May through August, students are permitted to wear an official TTKD T-shirt in place of their regular dobak (uniform top) during classes. T-shirts are optional, but a great way to stay cool and show your TTKD spirit! Note: T-shirts are not permitted for belt testing.
Tournament for Scholars Postponed Again!
Unfortunately, we need to postpone our annual tournament once again. We will have too many black belts unavailable on June 14th, so we won’t have enough judges for the event. We are tentatively rescheduling the tournament for Saturday, August 9th.
Tuition Reminder
Please remember monthly tuition is due by the first class of the month. Tuition received after the 10th calendar day is subject to a $25 late fee. Payments can be made on the TTKD website or directly in you Kicksite account. If you don’t have an invoice on your account, please see Master Tom.
Other Classes
Black Belt Class
Monday, June 30th @ 7:15 PM
These classes are once a month and open to all black belt and provisional black belt students at no additional charge. This class focuses on advanced techniques, black belt forms, instructor training, and black belt philosophy.
Weapons Class
Wednesday, June 11th @ 5:15 PM
This class is once a month and open to all students, blue belt and up, at no additional charge.
If you have your own weapon(s), you are welcome to bring them to this class to practice with. We have nunchucks, Arnis sticks, and bo staffs available for anyone that doesn’t have their own weapon.
Testing
Belt Test
Friday, June 27th
This month’s testing will take place on Friday, June 27th
- The doors will open at 5:00 PM.
- Testing will start promptly at 5:30 PM. Please plan to arrive early enough to stretch, warm up, and review your forms and one-steps. Note that stretching and warming up are not part of the test itself.
All students testing will receive email notifications at least one week in advance and must register through their Kicksite account. Test fees are due by Thursday, May 29th and must be paid before the test begins.
White TTKD uniform and belt are required
NO T-SHIRTS! NO COLORED PANTS!
Tournaments
2025 Tournament for Scholars
Tentatively Rescheduled for August 9th, 2025
Doors Open: 9:00 AM
Black Belt Meeting: 9:30 AM
Tournament Begins: 10:00 AM
SAVE THE DATE! for our annual inner school tournament, taking place at the Athens Area High School and is tentatively rescheduled to Saturday, August 9th. We offer this tournament to our students as a great way to introduce them to the world of martial arts tournaments in a small, familiar environment. This tournament also serves as an annual fundraiser for our Academic Excellence Program that gives grants to area school districts for STEM projects and Social & Emotional Learning Programs.
Workshops & Special Events
Parents' Night Out
Friday, July 11, 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Open to all students and their friends, ages 5-13! Enjoy a fun-filled evening with games, a movie, and tasty snacks. We’ll provide pizza, popcorn, and water, and this month’s movie is still to be determined.
Space is limited to the first 20 registrants, so be sure to pre-register to secure your spot!
Private Lesson/Workshop/Party
Our private sessions are tailored to suit your needs, providing personalized instruction in a dynamic and engaging environment.
Options to Consider:
- Tae Kwon Do Lessons: Perfect for beginners and advanced practitioners alike. Learn traditional techniques, build discipline, and improve fitness.
- Self-Defense Workshops: Empower yourself with practical skills and strategies to stay safe and confident in real-world situations.
- Birthday Parties: Celebrate with a unique and action-packed event that blends fun and fitness. Includes games, activities, and a demonstration tailored to your group.
Contact us today to discuss your goals, schedule, and pricing. Let’s create an unforgettable experience!
Calendar of Events
