Perfect Gift Ideas!

Tae Kwon Do: A Visual Guide to Forms and Tang Soo Do: A Visual Guide to Forms

are both available at Ebay, Amazon, and New Edge Martial Arts
The DVDs show forms for each style from white belt through 4th Degree Black Belt (5th Degree for the Tang Soo Do DVD.) Patterns are performed at varying normal and slow speeds, with most having selectable varient camera angles. They are a great gift idea for any Tae Kwon Do or Tang Soo Do enthusiast.

Kickpics, Round 2... 2010 FIGHT!!!

Here are some action shots of me taken by Stace Sanchez, owner of http://www.kickpics.net/
Stace is a class act, and a great photographer. I recommend him to any martial artist. :)

New Belts for my students :)

Friday, November 12th was yet again another great day for New  Edge Martial Arts.
I held two tests for some of my students- young and old, beginner and more advanced. The first test was full of so much positive energy from both pupils and parents alike. It is so nice to see all of the positive reinforcement that moms, dads, and family members can bring at times when seeing their loved ones perform.

The second test had the same amount of energy, but with a different feeling. Several of my adult students participated... all of whom were support to eachother. I was also happy to see that three of my other adult students came to watch and cheer on their friends. :) I love the fact that New Edge is helping create friendships... such a good sign. Also of note, the latter test saw a group of nine blue belts become promoted to brown. This was honestly the biggest group of one belt color (aside from black,) that I have ever seen test in my 19 years of martial arts. Way to go, guys and gals ;)

Master Kev

Tae Kwon Do and Tang Soo Do Forms DVDs

Tang Soo Do: A Visual Guide to Forms and Tae Kwon Do: A Visual Guide to Forms

Both are TOP SELLING Tae Kwon Do and Tang Soo Do DVDs

at Amazon and Ebay.

They are also available at Newedgemartialarts.com

The DVDs feature all ranking and black belt patterns up to 4th Degree Black Belt (5th Degree Tang Soo Do.) Check the above links or articles below for more details on included forms, features, and bonus material.

Master Kevin Nilson

New Edge Martial Arts, LLC

Bo Staff Forms and videos

Several new videos from New Edge Martial Arts are available on youtube. Featured are Master Kevin's Black Belt Tang Soo Do pattern, as well as all current Bo Staff Forms for students at New Edge.










                           

New Black Belts and MI Cup Championships!!!

 

(Pictured: Youth students from New Edge Martial Arts have some fun while waiting for the Michigan Cup to begin.)

Students at New Edge Martial Arts, LLC, participated in the 2010 Michigan Cup Championships on September 25th. The tournament was held at Hackett High School in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and was hosted by Senior Grand Master James Sun Hwan Chung. Tae Kwon Do and Tang Soo Do practitioners from New Edge, all of whom did exceptionally well, were just some of the enthusiasts at the event. Schools from various parts of the United States, Canada, and also Bermuda were in attendance... with their students competing in forms, board breaking, sparring, and for the first time at the Michigan Cup, weapons. A special demonstration of various bladed weapons was also put on by 8 time World Weapons Champ and Escrimadora, Mariah Moore.

(Two female students from New Edge Martial Arts prepare for their board breaking competition.)

Various black belt students also participated in either testing or pre-testing at Grand Master Chung's school on the day prior to the big tournament. A few adults from New Edge were promoted to 2nd Degree Black Belt, while a youth student earned his 1st Poom (junior) Black Belt. Master Kevin Nilson and Master Cindie Lee New also were awared their 5th Degree Black Belts and various certifications. Congratulations to all participants over the weekend.

Senior Grand Master James Sun Hwan Chung

This past Saturday, September 11th, 2010, marked a day of importance for one of my strongest mentors. James Sun Hwan Chung, titled 'Senior Grand Master,' celebrated his 40th anniversary of martial arts instruction in the United States. Kalamazoo, Michigan, has been privy to Grand Master Chung's tutilage for four decades... whether it be at various demonstrations or local college courses, or at one of his various branch schools in that area. His company, the International Academy of Martial Arts (I.A.M.A.,) also boasts branch schools and connections around the world. My dojang, New Edge Martial Arts, LLC, is one of the aforementioned branch schools. Students young and old at New Edge learn techniques that were either modified or created by Grand Master Chung, despite being two and a half hours away from his main Kalamazoo headquarters.

Senior Grand Master is a 9th Degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do, Tang Soo Do, and Hap Ki Do... all of which are Korean martial arts. 9th Dan (or Degree,) is the highest level of achievement in those systems. A man in his early 70s, it would be easy to assume that he no longer teaches or is actively involved in running classes at his branch schools. This is by far not the case. Just a few weeks ago, I was fortunate enough to spend the week with Grand Master and his wife, Senior Master Teresa Moon Chung (also a high leveled martial artist.) It was amazing to witness just how hard my instructor works at operating his several schools in the area. Even moreso, it was a breath of fresh air to see just how exciting his instruction was, still, with his youth classes. The smiles on their faces and sweat from their brows was proof enough that he is truly deserving of his titles.

  He holds several titles of importance in the martial arts community. He is a level 1 referee for the World Tae Kwon Do Federation, which is the branch that oversees Tae Kwon Do at the Olympics. He is also an advisor to the President of the Kukkiwon- the governing body to WTF Tae Kwon Do. Just one month ago, he was an honorary chairman for the 8th Triennial World Hap Ki Do Championships, which is similar in circumstance to any event that he attends. He also has strong connections as far as celebrities in the martial arts world are concerned. From Jason David Frank of Power Rangers fame to Chuck Norris, Senior Grand Master James Sun Hwan Chung is respected amongst that community.

  Grand Master Chung and his wife, Senior Master Teresa, have been a strong foundation in my martial arts career for many years... whether directly or indirectly. My students that make it up to black belt rank are promoted at the I.A.M.A. headquarters in Kalamazoo under Grand Master Chung four times per year. They also attend his annual Michigan Cup Championship, which takes place every year in late September (this year it is on September 25th.) Several times per year, I am honored to visit Kalamazoo on my own time for training, relaxation, and comradery between my martial arts peers. Each visit, I am welcomed with open arms by the Chungs as if I am one of their sons... being allowed to stay at their house, study with them, and join them for the frequent meal. About three summers ago, I had the priveledge of travelling to South Korea with Grand Master Chung for around three weeks. It was there that my relationship with him as a student began to expand, as he showed me so much about the culture of Korea and Tae Kwon Do. I was allowed to visit the Kukkiwon, meet Korean Olympic medalists and coaches, experience the people and food of that region, and also teach and take classes in various Korean martial arts. That experience boosted my drive and morale as a martial arts school owner, which I have shared with my mother and students ever since. Senior Grand Master James Sun Hwan Chung has been so much to me in my life. A teacher and mentor, a business advisor, an example, and a father figure.

Moo Sool!
Master Kevin Nilson
New Edge Martial Arts, LLC

Summer Martial Arts Update

Hey Everyone,

  Just thought I'd share with you what is going on for the summer. As far as Tae Kwon Do and Tang Soo Do are concerned, New Edge Martial Arts has already hosted an in-house sparring tournament for youth students. The sparring tournament was held last Saturday, July 17th. 24 students competed, which is a great turnout for the summer. It was a very fun experience, and a great way for them to stay focused for when the bigger competitions arrive in the fall season.
  On Saturday, August 14th there will be an in-house forms tournament for students aged 5-14- each being broken up into respective divisions, of course. Home events are always fun to host. :)
  Last Monday five adult students participated in the 2nd Hap Ki Do test ever at New Edge Martial Arts. It was a near-flawless performance on their part- amazing to witness. Several other adults who could not make that date due to personal circumstances will be testing soon at a makeup.
  Speaking of Hap Ki Do, the 8th Triennial World Hap Ki Do Championship will be taking place in early August in Battle Creek, MI. I am considering going to either witness or POSSIBLE participate... as this is the first time the event has not been in South Korea. Sweet! :)

  Lastly- does anyone know where one could take lessons in the Korean language in the Detroit area?

Until Next Time,
Master Kevin :)

Master Kevin Nilson earns 5th Degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do, Tang Soo Do

This past Saturday- June 12th, 2010- I tested for my 5th Degree Black Belt in both Tae Kwon Do and Tang Soo Do. Other than having to perform all of my required patterns, board breaking, and physical fitness drills, I was also required to create a demonstration of my choosing. I put together a knife fight scene, in which I fought three of my adult black belts- much like out of a movie- judging by the cheers it seemed like it was a success. Afterwards I had to spar five black belt men at once (elimination style.) I beat all of them together in five seconds.

As far as my students are concerned... they all did such an amazing job on their portions of the test. Four of my youth students whom I've been teaching for around 4-5 years tested for their black belts. I was beaming with smiles as they performed... and so were they! :) I also had several adult black belts participate via a pre-test... which is an evaluation of sorts- they were outstanding in every way. Last but not least, a training partner of mine for some 14 years tested and was promoted to 4th Degree Black Belt.

Such a wonderful weekend. Thank you for all of the support before and after the exam. :)

-Master Kevin Nilson

Tae Kwon Do Tournament and Master Kevin to test for 5th Dan...

Hey everyone,

  Just stopping by to share a few things going on in my martial arts world.
1. I recently held my first Hap Ki Do test for students. It was a great change of pace from the normal exams that I hold- as it comprised mainly of partner drills, armbars, and takedowns. All passed and either earned their yellow or purple belts... depending on experience.
2. Last Friday I had around 40 students test in both Tae Kwon Do and Tang Soo Do, depending on age. Both children and adult tests were full of talent and awesomeness. :) There will also be an exam next week at New Edge Martial Arts.
3. Both Master Cindie and I are very busy preparing for our first tournament on May 8th. We are holding it at a gym in a local church... one of our adult black belts owns and operates a martial arts school there. Several other schools will be in attendance, with competitors participating in both forms and sparring events.
4. Last but not least, June 12th marks the date in which I will test for my 5th Degree Black Belt in both Tae Kwon Do and Tang Soo Do... almost 19 years in the making! I am pretty excited about this- and hope to find time in my busy schedule to prepare myself ;) haha. I also have several students testing for their black belts- it will be a great group event!

-More later-
Master Kevin
New Edge Martial Arts, LLC

Tae Kwon Do and Tang Soo Do belt testing- 3/13/10

Master Cindie and I were very happy with the performance of both students that tested and were promoted to 1st Degree Black Belt today in Kalamazoo... they really represented our school well. The other black belt students from my location did a wonderful job on their pre-tests. It is amazing to see how well their hard work payed off. :)

Also- I recently started holding black belt classes for my junior students twice a month on Saturdays. The feedback was very positive for the first three sample sessions... so I decided to make it permanent. The last class had 14 young athletes in attendance- very amazing to see how the school is growing.

Lastly... I am running my first race tomorrow. The corktown 5k in Downtown Detroit for St. Patrick's Day! Should be a lot of fun.

wonderful week of Tae Kwon Do and Tang Soo Do-

The first week of business in January proved to be a very good one. New Edge Martial Arts, LLC brought in several new students each day... with classes booming anywhere from 15-32 students per hour. There were also two belt tests on Friday--- each student performed at their hardest and best potential--- and did a great job. Saturday we held a FREE sparring tournament for youth students at the school. 38 children between ages 5-12 competed and were awarded either 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place ribbons for their divisions. A special thanks goes out to all adult students that helped with the event.... and an obvious congratulations to all above students.

:)
- Master Kevin Nilson
New Edge Martial Arts, LLC

Happy New Year!!!

Just wanted to wish everyone a Happy New Year!

Last month I tested for 2nd Degree Black Belt in Hap Ki Do... and as an update, I happily would like to say that I passed! It was a pretty difficult test physically, but I was able to pull it off. I'm now planning to create a Hap Ki Do program for my students at New Edge Martial Arts.

Also, thank you for everyone who helped make my Tae Kwon Do Forms DVDs one of the top selling in its category for the month of December on Amazon.com . :)

-Kevin