What an event in Thief River on Wednesday. We were made to feel so welcome there, and felt honored to meet their students and be a part of their color belt testing. It was great to see the new facility, in progress, and would hope to visit again at some time in the future. We wish Mr. Mike and his school the very best.

We both decided that this was the first time that we were not nervous during a color belt testing. I was not nervous because I just enjoyed so much to be with the children, and Mr. Jerry was not nervous because he was still so weak from 5 days of food poisoning. Just wanted you to know that when Mr. Jerry answered the question during the test saying that "I think I'm failing", he was trying to convey his physical weakness, not that he was failing the test. The bottles of water came at a very vital time.

We may probably never forget this experience, as so many things about it are so memorable! Ms. Jill and company being there was also so very special. The spontaneous demonstrations that she assisted with during the test exemplify the very reasons that Mr. Jerry wanted me to know self defense in the first place.

Thank you to both you and Grand Master Cindy for the opportunity to train at Bemidji Tae Kwon Do. We are hoping for the best for your organizaion for all of your hopes and dreams. We both feel that all four members of your family are model citizens and an asset to the community.

Gratefully,
Mr. Jerry and Ms. Lana

I am a Bemidji Tae Kwon Do School student currently on hiatus while serving in the United States Army. For those of you not familiar with the Army's rank structure, the first couple of promotions as a Soldier are awarded automatically. Soldiers are promoted to Private First Class, and then Specialist, after a certain number of months in the Army. The next promotion, however, is the promotion to Sergeant. Sergeants are expected to be able to lead and train Soldiers, so the promotion to Sergeant is a little more difficult.

To be promoted to Sergeant a Soldier must appear before a promotion board. The Soldier comes to the board in their dress uniform, introduces them self to the board, and is expected to be able to answer questions on a wide range of topics ranging from how to perform first aid or use a weapon to unit history and Army programs. They will be graded on their appearance, presentation, and knowledge. Most importantly, they will be graded on their confidence.

For many Soldiers the promotion board is an extremely stressful experience. They have never been expected to memorize oral knowledge, present them self to a board, and answer questions based on that knowledge. Having gone through several promotion tests, as well as two black belt tests, I was extremely confident as I prepared for the board. On the day of the promotion board while other Soldiers were nervously going over their notes my sponsor and I were laughing and cracking jokes.

My confidence was completely justified. I successfully passed the board and was selected for promotion to Sergeant. Several of the board members complimented me on my calmness and articulate answers. I would like to thank Grand Master Spencer and Grand Master Cindy for training me over the years and for helping give me the confidence to succeed in life.

~ Mr. Nathan
Sergeant, United States Army

Spencer did an excellent job with the Self Defense workshop! The workshop wasn’t just about learning techniques but also about encouraging us to be aware of our environment and do something in case of an attack. I was impressed with the knowledge and experience that Spencer brought to the workshop. I was also pleased with the increase in self-esteem that I felt after just two training sessions. I know more than I did before I started and it has also inspired a desire within me to learn more. As a rape survivor, I can honestly say that this has been one of the best things I could have done for myself to feel more safe, confident and empowered. Thank you!

~ Deb P.

The basic self-defense class was fun, and empowering. With no martial arts experience, I expected the class to be intimidating, but it wasn’t at all! The class was taught in a professional manner, but was also relaxed and fun. I was very comfortable working with Grand Master Spencer and his black belt students. They made sure we knew exactly what we were doing before we left the class with a new-found confidence. I took this class as a mom of two young children wanting to be able to defend myself or my children, but I would HIGHLY recommend this training for women of all ages. I will definitely take more classes at Brandt Tae Kwon Do in the (hopefully near) future.

~Tammy M.

We Love you all for all you do...

"I just wanted to share a great moment in our lives, as Brandt’s Association and Saint Cloud Center of TKD were as much a part of it as Deb and I. The other night Simon missed his team dinner for hockey. Three other kids couldn’t be there as well, all the players where given a small trophy for their participation. The Coach got up and gave a speech about his team and players that brought several parents to tears. He held one trophy in his hands and looked at the room full of players and parents and said...

“I want to talk about the player that belongs to this trophy. His name is Simon, and if I had one word to describe this little man, it would be GUTS. He joined hockey having never before skated and he played with most of you that have been in hockey for more than five years. Every time he fell, he got back up. Every time he was asked to do something, he did it. He stuck with a team of skaters that where better than he was and never quit. Not only did he not quit, but he contributed to the team in a way most of you can't understand right now. But some day when your older and life is getting you down and you think you can't make it, I want you to remember Simon. I want you to think about him and remember his courage, his spirit, remember his desire. He is what being a team player is all about. I will always remember this season as long as I live as the season a player taught me what it is to be strong. Simon is the Guts of this team.”

I read this as the Coach handed it to me coming off the ice tonight and could hardly contain myself. I sit here writing you, my friends, this e-mail in tears. I have never been so proud to be a father and a friend to such great people. You should be proud of your contribution to this moment in our lives. The day I walked into the GYM, Saint Cloud Center of TKD, Brandt’s Association, Mr. Rob walked to greet us and I whispered to Deb, 'this is the place for the kids.' I have never been more right about anything in my life. Thank you Mr. Rob, Ms. Dawn, Grand Master Cindy and most of all for what you created for all of us, thank you Grand Master Spencer.

Please feel free to share this as it would be an honor for us to let others know the positive impact Tae Kwon Do has had on our children."

~ Mr. Dave

Bemidji School of Tae Kwon Do performs great service

Bemidji Pioneer - 12/20/2006
I am writing as a parent of a mildly autistic child. Participating in extracurricular activities is hard for my child. We decided that since our child is 9, it is time he found a hobby outside the home. This not only allows him to develop independence, but also to work on social goals. After thinking about what options we had, we turned to Bemidji School of Tae Kwon Do. I contacted Master Spencer Brandt, and he encouraged us to try it.

The community needs to know what an exceptional place Bemidji School of Tae Kwon Do is. Not only has my son learned better manners, respect and sportsmanship, he has also learned to succeed, overcome his fears and try new things. I am overwhelmed with gratitude at the time and extra effort they have put in to help him succeed. We are very lucky to have such a wonderful organization in our community.

~ Lisa K., Bemidji, MN