ITF/USTF TAEKWON-DO

USTF LATEST NEWS!

Entry 7/17/01

USA TEAM RETURNS FROM WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS IN ITALY
The US National Team sent by the USTF returned from the World Championships in Rimini, Italy, with 3 medals. Ms. Erin McCord received a bronze medal in II Dan patterns, Ms. Desiree D'Angelo gained a bronze in women's individual special breaking, and the Mens Team got a bronze in team power breaking. For a detailed description of the events of the week from a spectators perspective, please see the description of IV dan, Mr. Bob Martin at http://www.maestastkd.com/worlds/worlds.htm. You can also check out a lot of information on Mr. Paul McPhail's great New Zealand website at http://itfnz.org.nz/news/italy/index.htm.

Entry 2/10/00

A MESSAGE FROM GRANDMASTER SEREFF:
VITAL SPOT SUPPLIES TKD ENCYCLOPEDIAS
To all Instructors,
Grand Master Charles E. Sereff is proud to announce the latest revised issue of the 15 volume Encyclopedia of Taekwon Do authored by Gen. Choi, Hong Hi.
The Complete Encyclopedia of Taekwon Do includes:
- Origin and Development of Martial Arts
- Complete History of Taekwon Do
- Culture and Philosophy
- Theory of Power
- Attacking and Blocking
- Tools - Vital Spots
- Free Fighting
- Fundamental Exercises
- Step by Step Instructions to All the Original 24 Taekwon Do Forms
VITAL SPOT is glad to announce a special discount to USTF members and instructors at the following prices:
- Instructors:
  $215.00 plus tax, shipping and handling (For 5 Sets or More) or
  $225.00 plus tax, shipping and handling (For Single Sets)
- USTF/ITF Students:
  $255.00 plus tax, shipping and handling
TO ORDER, send in a check or money order made payable to:
Vital Spot Inc.
P.O. Box 888273
Grand Rapids, MI 49588

Please allow 2 to 3 weeks for delivery.
For further information, you may contact Vital Spot Inc. at: Vtlspot@aol.com
Sincerely,
C.E. Sereff
President
Vital Spot, Inc.

Entry 1/31/00

LEGACY VIDEO SERIES AVAILABLE
Legacy Video Series by COM.DO CORP.
Legacy Video Series in stock $99 non-USTF, $89 USTF members, $79 USTF instructors.
EACH OF THE FIVE VIDEOS INCLUDES: Patterns viewable from all 4 angles, self defense techniques, Breaking techniques (Master Wheatley), diagrams of stances, facing and body lines, additional individual pattern moves, definitions of patterns and belt colors, Korean English translations, and General Choi interviews.
Each set includes a Calligraphy by General Choi. The videos are 1. White Belt, 2. Yellow Belt, 3. Green Belt, 4. Blue Belt, and 5. Red Belt.
Master Choi, Jung Hwa supervised the filming of these videos with his father, General Choi Hong Hi. He feels this is a very important tool to enhance training as well as teaching ability. Grand Master Sereff previeived these tapes and is excited about not only the content, but the professionalism displayed by the creators.

A NEW YEAR MESSAGE FROM GRANDMASTER SEREFF
December 20, 1999
GRAND MASTER CHARLES E. SEREFF IX DAN
President, USTF

Message From Grand Master Sereff
Vice President, ITF
The last year of the 20th Century, I remember about 15 or 20 years ago, thinking it would be wonderful to see the year 2000. Looks like I'm going to make it!
A quick recap of the 1999 season. A great way to start off with the Instructors Course in Denver with General Choi, Feb 26th-28th. I've been involvd with over 20 courses with the General, this was his finest hour. The course made history, over 400 people and on the last day 70 plus 4th dans and above went through all 24 patterns. It also marked tge 1st visit by the General's son, Master Choi, Jung Hwa. Mr. Mario Cancelliere and Mr. Ruben suarex were promoted to 6th dan, and Mrs. Monica Cancelliere was promoted to 5th dan.
March, I was in Queens for a great seminar and testing, hosted by Mr. Ruben Suarez. Denver's I Dan testing included students from all over the state of Colorado.
April, Mr. Fabian Nunez hosted the USTF Championships to select a team to represent the US in Argentina for the ITF World Championship.
May, I went to Miami for a Black-Belt testing including promoting Mr. Mel Steiner to Master Instructor. San Diego event was hosted by Cody Springsguth, including his testing to 4th Dan. Master Sereff and I had a great reunion with many Denver Black Belts who now live in California.
June, I conducted my 3rd ITF Instructors Course in Brisbane, Australia hosted by Charles Birch. I was accompanied by Master Renee' Sereff and Master Mel Steiner. One of the great events of my life took place in June when I went to Dallas, Texas to see my sons Scott and Guy. My granddaughter Misty Sereff sang the National Anthem at the Texas Rangers baseball game. What a wonderful sense of pride I had! Guy II about to turn 17 is a Sophomore in College at Denton in a special sceince program.
July, we went to Mississippi with Mr. Pete Thibado and Mrs. Sylvia Thibado, hosted by Mr. Jim Ferguson. The largest testing ever held in that region! Jim Ferguson promoted to V Dan and Richard Storey to IV and many more students promoted. Another great event, the brth of my 5th grandson, parents Scott and LaNeice Sereff welcomed Cameron Sereff to this world!
August, we went with the team to the XI ITF World Championships in Buenos Aires Argentina. I was very proud of all the members of the US Team. Marcello Cancelliere won a silver in 4th Dan Pattern and the US Women's team won a bronze in power breaking.
September found us in Oregon hosted by James Mason for a testing and seminar. Mr. Taylor and Mr. Mason tested for IV Dan. Mr. Kevin Humphreys, former Oregon State Director, accompanied us.
October gave me the greatest pleasure to go to Caspesr, Wyoming and be a part of the grand opening of Stan Martin's Casper TKD center. Another feeling of great pride. Mr. Martin was one of the founding instructors of what is now the USTF.
November found me in downtown Texas with Fabian Nunez hosting a Black-Belt Testing and seminar. Both were very successful! Mac The Knife MaMahan was promoted to 5th Dan.
Early December, Black Belt testing in Denver, Mr. Paul DeBaca tested to Master Instructor along with Mr. Dennis Swan to 6th Dan, Mr. Dan Huntington to 6th Dan, and Mr. Marcello Cancelliere and Mr. Joe Bosse' to 5th Dan, Mr. Keith Rose and Jeremy Kempka for IV Dan many more for II Dan. Promoting Paul to Master was one of my proudest moments. He is one of the most outstanding students and men I have ever known. His family came for the testing and many of his peers came from all over the USA to be part of his special day.
I look forward to the 2lst Century and continued success of Taekwon-Do. l wish good health, happiness and success to all of my beloved students.
Grand Master Charles Sereff.

Entry 10/13/99

WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS IN ARGENTINA - RESULTS
Congratulations to the USA team returning from the World TKD Championshipos in Argetina. The US took two medals: Mr. Marcello Cancelliere, IV Dan, won silver medal in mens IV Dan patterns, and the US women's team took bronze in the power breaking. A full set of results are available in PDF (Acrobat Reader required) here

Entry 8/2/99

INTERNATIONAL INSTRUCTORS COURSE, AUSTRALIA
An official ITF International Instructors course was hosted by Bai Rui on behalf of ITF Australia and was taught by GrandMaster Charles Sereff. Brisbane is nestled near the sea in Queensland, Australia. It was a beautiful location for the International ITF Instructors course which was held from June 12th to June 14th, 1999. Over 120 black belts and many red belts attended the well-received course, hosted by Bai rui, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Birch. GrandMaster Charles Sereff conducted the course along the guidelines General Choi has set for the International Instructors courses. Al 24 ITF patterns were reviewed and studied extensively. Master Renee' Sereff, Master Paul Cutler, Master Mel Steiner and Mr. Michael Daher were the Seniors attending the course. Mr. and Mrs. Rocky Roundthwaite, Bai Rui from the Sunshine Coast served as hosts at the Virginai Palms hotel where the dignitaries were housed. Mr. and Mrs. Charles Birch and Mr. and Mrs. Rocky Roundthwaite were great hosts to the students and isntructors from all over the world. From the Lone Pine Koala retreat with wombats and kangaroos, to the Ettamonga Pub and Aborgine culture, we had a great experience in Aurstralia. To conclude the seminar, we were treated to a cruise down the Brisbane river in a traditional paddle steamer for dinner, which was the best way to see Brisbane city.
GOODWILL VISIT TO PAPUA NEW GUINEA.
Read about the first female Master's visit to PNG via a report from that country.

Entry 5/1/99

RESULTS OF USTF NATIONALS IN ODESSA, TEXAS, APRIL 24/25TH 1999

The USTF national championships and selection process for the USA team going to Argentina took place in Odessa, TX on April 24/25th. After one of the largest national tournaments yet, the individual slots for the USA squad are filled, and Grandmaster Sereff aided by Master Renee Sereff and Master Robert Wheatley have selected the members for the team events. Full details of the results are available on Mr. Nunez's tournament home page. Mr. Nunez deserves congratulations for running a very successful tournament, and thanks go to all the competitors who showed up to make it a great event.

Entry 2/1/99

USTF NATIONALS IN ODESSA, TEXAS, APRIL 24/25TH 1999

The USTF national championships and selection process for the USA team going to Argentina will take place in Odessa, TX this April. All black belts are invited to attend.

SAD NEWS
Mr. Schofield, V Dan, died after many years of battling various illnesses. As Ambassador to the USTF and as an inspiration to all, he will be sincerely missed. Many from the USTF attended the funeral in Boulder, to celebrate his life and to honour his memory. Many stories of his sparkling character were offered, including reminiscences by Grandmaster Sereff, Master Renee Sereff and even a telegram from General Choi. Mr. Schofield will be absent but his character will live on for a long time.

Entry 6/6/98

MS. RENEE SEREFF PROMOTED TO FIRST FEMALE MASTER
Ms. Renee Sereff, secretary of the USTF, was promoted to VII Dan, Master, in Broomfield, Colorado on the 6th June 1998. Ms. Sereff performed patterns, ho sin sool and breaking for Grand Master Sereff and was promoted as the first female Master in the ITF. Grand Master Sereff presented her with one of his VII dan belts in a ceremony following the testing. Many other gifts were tendered in a show of support of Master R. Sereff's achievements.

MR. ROBERT WHEATLEY, REGION 1 DIRECTOR, WAS PROMOTED TO MASTER WHEATLEY ON MAY 29, 1998 IN RENO, NEVADA.
Attending his testing was Grand Master C.E. Sereff, Master Renee Sereff, Mr. Mel Steiner, VI Dan and Stan Martin, VI Dan. For his testing, Master Wheatley began by performing pattern Tong Il, and then gave a demonstration of Tae-kyon with Mr. Ashley Parr, 3rd Dan. Grand Master Sereff later stated that he was particularly impressed with this part of the test. Master Wheatley then gave a demonstration of self-defense against knife and gun and finished his examination with three demonstrations of power breaking. Congratulations to Master Wheatley on a great testing!!

Entry 3/20/98

Loyalty awards and TKD artwork

Entry 12/7/97

MASTER SEREFF PROMOTED TO 9TH DAN, GRANDMASTER!
Master Sereff was promoted to Grandmaster Sereff officially on his birthday, 12/8/97. A ceremonial presentation was made on 12/6/97 after the upper Dan testing at Sereff Taekwon-Do, CO. Grandmaster Sereff was presented with his certificate, A-9-1, by his two Master students, Master Lang and Master Winegar. Ms. Sereff, VI Dan, then presented Grandmaster Sereff with his belt and an Indian chieftain's war bonnet as a token gift from the whole of the USTF. Grandmaster Sereff spoke a little about the honour and responsibility that he felt at this juncture. For simplicity, he said that he would also prefer to be addressed by the Korean term Sa Sung rather than Grandmaster, particularly in view of the current pretentiousness of the latter title in the martial arts. The ceremony was followed by a presentation from Sa Sung Sereff to all his VI Dan students and then dinner and dancing. Many high ranking students and officials of the USTF were able to be present.

Entry 9/10/97

MASTER SEREFF TO BE PROMOTED TO 9TH DAN, GRANDMASTER!
Master Sereff will be promoted to 9th degree black belt, Grandmaster, in December. More official news on this event to follow.

Entry 5/29/97

2nd International Instructors Course a success!
Master Sereff taught his 2nd International Instructors Course in Denver, Colorado, this April to a packed crowd of about 260 people. The course, attended by Masters to white belts was very well received over the three day period. Master Sereff conveyed a huge amount of material very efficiently and clearly. Other highlights included versions of Choong-Moo tul given first by the red belts, then the lower Dans and finally the upper Dans, Mr. Roundthwaite's explanation of diverse cultures and a cowboy style banquet!
Changes in the USTF officers announced
At the banquet, Master Sereff outlined some changes in the officers of the USTF. Master Winegar retires as Vice President but continues to hold the title of Director of Technique. Mr. Paul DeBaca (VI Dan) takes over as Vice President. Mr. Fred Akard (VI Dan) retires as Chief of Staff in order to concentrate on his duties with the weapons self-defense seminars. Mr. DeBaca will be an active Vice President, encompassing the Chief of Staff role also.
Loyalty awards presented
Also at the banquet, Master Sereff gave away a number of prestigious loyalty awards. Among the recipients were Ms. Rene Sereff, Mr. Paul DeBaca, Mr. Rob Tobin, Mr. Dale Burkhart, Mr. Carl Benton, Mr. Haynes, Mr. Kent Hupps and Ms. Terisa Fox. The awards were beautiful ceramic figurines.

Entry 2/5/97

RESULTS FROM THE 1997 USTF NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

Entry 12/4/96

SPANISH VERSION OF THE CONDENSED ENCYCLOPEDIA ARRIVES!
Please contact USTF headquarters for information.

Entry 9/9/96

First international instructors course taught by a non-Korean. Master Sereff's inaugural USTF/ITF Instructor Course is a success!

Entry 6/18/96

USTF Vice President and Director of Technique Mr. Mike Winegar tests to VII Dan and becomes Master Winegar. With a great display of patterns and multiple flying kicking technique, Mr. Winegar was promoted to Master by Master Sereff. Many emotional presentations were made to Master Winegar to celebrate the occasion including that of a Jim Bowie knife and a loyalty trophy from Master Sereff himself.

Entry 6/18/96

Four V Dans test to VI Dan in front of Master Sereff. Mr. Gerry Brown, Mr. Dale Burkhard (Colorado state director), Mr. Rick Mitchell and Mr. Fred Akard (USTF Chief of Staff) tested to VI Dan at the testing on 6/15/96 at Master Sereff's gym. Individually and collectively, the four upper dans put on an impressive and intense display of their TKD skills, showinga the capacity crowd what a lifetime of TKD is all about.

Earlier entries

Grand Master Sereff visits Scotland

Grand Master Sereff and Mr. Akard visit Papua, New Guinea.