Byron News: Tae Kwon Do awards

A few days ago, I visited with Jared and Skylar Bates. Both had returned from a competition in Canada, and both had won awards. Skylar came home with a gold in his sparring competition and Jared won a bronze.

Jared, now 19 years old, signed up at age 7 for Tae Kwon Do classes through the Lovell Rec Department. It sparked an interest that has continued. Skylar came on board at about the same age. 

Although Lovell Rec discontinued the classes, both boys continued on with their training through the Big Horn Martial Arts Academy in Powell. Their instructors are Master Paul and Master Prante. Over the years they have traveled many miles to compete in events with other groups. The recent competition in Canada was an international event.

The past six months they have traveled weekly to Missoula for special training in sparring with Master Corbin, who is well known for his sparring classes. I asked about the safety, with kicks to the head, etc. They explained that they wear head gear, and they also wear sensors on their foot socks. The competitions are judged on form, technique and contact. The sensors record electronically on each of four judges devices at each corner of the ring.

There are exhibition events using swords and bow staffs. Both Jared and Skylar’s favorites are breaking boards.

The five tenants of Tae Kwon Do are self control, courtesy, integrity, perseverance and indomitable spirit. Their group has added character, humility and good attitude. Jared expressed that these traits were very beneficial to him when at age 9 he was diagnosed with craniopharygioma, a rare brain cancer. He has been under medical care since, but has overcome the worst effects and has graduated from college and started his own welding business. He plans to continue in his Tae Kwon Do training and enjoys teaching.

Jared has risen in the ranks to second degree black belt. Skylar is a blue belt. Both of these Tae Kwon Do athletes are headed to Arizona this weekend to compete in sparring in the Grand Phoenix Open held at the Arizona Grand Resort in Phoenix. They are two young brothers representing our area in this athletic event that draws competitors from throughout the world. We are rooting for you.