Friday, May 1st of 2015, was a day set for  U.S. World Class Taekwondo of Bethany to hold a special Graduation for Jacob Wismer Elementary students. Although a short program, structured on a four week timeframe, It's been a fun, fast paced, and an amazing journey, working  with a great group of elementary school students and their supportive families. Through our Character Kids program we teach basic self defense skills, we cover the first steps in Taekwondo and Martial Arts, we constantly do the "mat chat"  and practice of  discipline, respect and the importance of focus -  core values, for that they are  key factors in order to achieve success regardless of one's endeavor. 
5:30pm -  Students showed up, wearing clean uniforms and ready to take on their final test: Basic Blocks, Steps, Front Kick, Round Kick, Discipline Form, Self Defense Against Wrist Grabs, Family Codes and Push Kick Board Breaking. The School was packed with family members and friends.  Graduation certificates and Yellow Belts were awarded to all participants. " They all passed their test with flying colors! I want to thank the families for taking the time to be here today. It is a day of celebration. A $500 check goes to Jacob Wismer Elementary. We are looking forward to the next fundraiser opportunity. It is about the community and its great people we proudly serve." said Chief Master George Hristescu.

USWC Team

Spent a good part of my Saturday evening reading our Black Belt Candidates Essays. Students of all ages and from all walks of life.  On this very Sunday, April 26th of 2015, Bethany USWC Academy of Martial Arts sends twenty-three martial arts scholars to the US World Class Taekwondo Association Black Belt Test taking place at the Oregon Convention Center. 

Instructor Mr. Jared will take on his 4th Degree Black Belt Test: 
" By earning my fourth degree I will join the ranks of countless masters that have helped people overcome their own fears and doubts. I will continue my training and look to progress in the areas I am not limited in. I think back to that first day I saw USWC Bethany and all the new white belts with me in class. I remember how scared I felt that first day and then how amazing I felt once the class was over. I want to be able to change the lives of people in the same way that my life was changed. Throughout my Taekwondo career I have realized that no victory on the mat will feel as good as when I help someone else achieve their dreams just like Master George has done for me." 

" Being a Black Belt requires perseverance. When I was a purple belt, I thought Taekwondo is getting a little hard. Some of my friends from class quit. They also felt like is getting quite challenging and was taking a lot of their time. I have started to think the same and almost quit. I made it! April 26th I test for my Black Belt." Catie S.

"Taekwondo is not just a Martial Arts to me, It does mean more. I walked in as a White Belt. I didn't know anything.  am ready to graduate and proudly wear my Black Belt." Satvik 

" Being a Black Belt, also means being responsible for your actions" Sahana J.

" August 15th of 2009 was my very first class of Taekwondo." Tej H. 

" Becoming a Black Belt is to become a true embodiment of all the feats you have accomplished."  Nicolas F.

" I started Taekwondo many years ago. I was inspired by my brother who it happens to be a second degree Black Belt." Nicholas M.

" I was a little guy with gross motor skills issues. Therapists recommended  my parents to put me into an organized activity like Taekwondo" Ryan C. 

"I have changed for the better and I realize how much closer I am to self-betterment. When the test day downs, I know I can pass with flying colors and earn my Black Belt and beyond." Nicolas Fong

"I have learned what success is. I have learned about discipline and not quitting. I love coming to Taekwondo every time. I meet my friends, other students, Chief Master George and Mr. Loya." Nicholas M.

" To be a Black Belt is not just important to me but to my family, friends and everyone around me. It shows that I am a capable individual, a leader that can be trusted in many different tasks." Hans V.

" Taekwondo opened up a completely new world for me, a world of friendship, new skills to learn, even enlightenment in SELF-CONTROL and certain behavioral choices." Joseph W.

"I am glad that my Black Belt test is just around the corner. Now it's the time to write what being a Black Belt means to me."  Donal B.

" I like sparring and the forms. These are my reasons why I stuck with Taekwondo." Alex M.

" I am a 4th grader at Jacob Wismer Elementary. Taekwondo has helped me to succeed and develop good habits."
 Nividh S.

" Along the years of practicing Taekwondo, and overcoming the obstacles and the physical tiredness, I became a better listener, I have a sense of what it means to be respectful,what honor means, and I am doing my best everyday to continue to do so. I felt insecure at times, and my parents always reminded me of my accomplishments. Taekwondo made me stronger!." Andrei P.

" It was 2009. My first day of Taekwondo at USWC. Wearing a brand new uniform and a white belt.  I got closer to my Black Belt and I went for a Pre-Test. My teacher told me that I need some more practice. I wasn't ready. After failing I was ready to quit. But quitting is not Black Belt Attitude. Being a Black Belt is an achievement, a goal and a whole new stage." Tej H.

"Taekwondo is not just about being physically strong. i will get my Black Belt as a formal recognition of whom I have became.It is not the end of the journey because the journey will never end." Mariam M.

" Taekwondo taught me about self discipline and determination." Ahmed M.

" Taekwondo made me be more respectful and courteous" Palak H.

" If you want to get a black belt you need Perseverance. There are many things you need to overcome. Remember, Nothing is Impossible." Celina F.

"As I am continuing my journey in acquiring higher proficiency in Taekwondo, I am pondering over this question, ~What does it mean to be a black belt? ~  It means that you are stronger, mentally tough and emotionally stable with a high standard for personal integrity and character. My dream is to become a Taekwondo Teacher one day!" Anwaya B.

" I see life in a different perspective. I believe that the meaning of life is not only about getting a chance to live, but is also making your life living for. Taekwondo has taught me to enjoy life." Minwoo C. 

" I have been doing Taekwondo for four years. i have learned about self control. I have learned about how to be a reliable individual and pay attention to what I am being taught. " Cathal B.

 "I intend to change the world. I may not be able to change the entire world yet, but I can change someone's own individual world today, which is more than I could do before I had Taekwondo."  Silas W. 

Let's cheer for these fine students and celebrate their success.

Chief Master George Hristescu

" We just had our first session and it was a hit. Both students and parents are excited. It is a very popular program, within our community, that we run for our public schools. It is setup as a fundraiser for the public schools. We teach basic beginner curriculum with an emphasis on  focus, discipline and family values. Today we had a great turnout! This is our 8th year running this program at Springville Elementary. We hope that we will be able to provide this program throughout the entire Beaverton School District. I look forward to see these students on their graduation day. That will be the  test that will complete their course. " said  Mr. George Hristescu,  the Vice-President of USA Taekwondo Oregon, the national governing body of Taekwondo in USA and member of U.S. Olympic Commitee.

Character Kids is U.S. World Class Taekwondo Association's very own,  5 session character development program that incorporates Taekwondo with Life Skill lessons. 
Open to all students in grades K to 5, this innovative series of classes is designed to not only introduce your child to basic martial arts but also to improve focus, confidence, discipline and respect. It will benefit your child at home, at school and in team sports. U.S. WORLD CLASS TAEKWONDO VOLUNTEERS  the time and qualified staff to teach the Character Kids program.

Until next time,
USWC Team


                          Springville Elementary Students working on their Discipline form. Yes! It is about Discipline.

It's been twelve years since Mr.  Jared started his journey with us. Back then, just a nine year old, now a strong twenty-one year old, soon to be made a Taekwondo Junior Master and a 2016 Business Degree Graduate of Oregon State University,  I still remember his very first days at the Do Jang like it was yesterday, proud to wear his uniform, super excited about coming to class and always eager to earn his stars. Time passed by and I was blessed for that I have been given the opportunity to guide him and watch him grow into this fine young man that he is now.
There is something special about Jared. If I think about the amount of work he had to put in towards his training, whether it was Elite Team or Regular Class he was one that always had to work twice as much as other students, he never gave up, he did overcome the challanges and never caved into his doubts. He is a winner.  Ever since his middle school years he expressed great interest in being around the academy , giving back, helping other students, and later on,  taking on an opportunity to turn his hobby into a job and join US World Class Taekwondo Leadership Team as  one of our Instructors, and think about it..how beautiful is that? It is my belief that his martial arts journey will continue and that at some point in time, in the near future I look forward to the day when he will share with us a  "Jared" story of his own.  
Join us and support Mr. Jared on this very special day of USWC Black Belt Graduation on April 26th of 2015 at the Oregon Convention Center. It is a special day.