I want to congratulate our athletes for their display of Taekwondo spirit despite of some difficult matches and for representing TKD Wellness positively at WOT Championships 2022 on March 5th and for supporting their teammates during/after every match. “This is the way.”
Also… major kudos to our amazing coaches Chris and Dion for not only training up our athletes but for their leadership and dedication to our athletes’ wellbeing.
On December 18, 2021 Taekwondo Wellness held its Q4 promotion Taekwondo test in Tucson and it was a great success. A big congratulates to the following students on their rank promotion and display of effort, dedication and perseverance.
This Taekwondo promotion test was extra special because TKD Wellness held its first ever black belt promotion test in Tucson! It was 4 hours worth of pure Taekwondo heart and spirit that each of the black belt candidates demonstrated. The black belt test not only tested their physical conditionings and technical knowledge but it also required a written essay and multiple choice/short answer exam to test their understanding of Taekwondo psychology, history, terminology, etc. It is with great honor that I welcome these black belt candidates into the black belt Taekwondo family! Welcome and let the journey to mastery and self growth continue.
Black Belt Promotion Rankings
Christopher “Dion” Williams Jr who promoted from 1st Dan to 2nd Dan black belt
Christopher D Williams Sr who promoted from deputy black belt to 1st Dan black belt
Kawsa Ponnampalam who promoted from deputy black belt to 1st poom black belt
Allen Kempel who promoted from deputy black belt to 1st poom black belt
Mylo Baker Torres who promoted from deputy black belt to 1st poom black belt
Color Belt Promotion Rankings
Matthew Cruz who promoted from brown belt to red belt (2nd Kub)
Madeleine Berry who promoted from purple belt to brown belt (3rd Kub)
Mateo Berry who promoted from orange belt to green belt (6th Kub)
Elias Berry who promoted from orange belt to green belt (6th Kub)
Aidan Ball who promoted from orange belt to green belt (6th Kub)
Cristal Romero who promoted from yellow to orange belt (7th Kub)
Angela Romero who promoted from yellow to orange belt (7th Kub)
Valeria Romero who promoted from yellow to orange belt (7th Kub)
Fletcher Cassen who promoted from yellow to orange belt (7th Kub)
Sam Irish who promoted from yellow to orange belt (7th Kub)
Sebastian Nellums who promoted from yellow to orange belt (7th Kub)
Auburn Culp who promoted from yellow to orange belt (7th Kub)
Everett Culp who promoted from yellow to orange belt (7th Kub)
Gabriel Wong who promoted from yellow to orange belt (7th Kub)
Carlos Wong who promoted from yellow to orange belt (7th Kub)
Christopher Womack who promoted from yellow to orange belt (7th Kub)
Jordan Duran-Lizarraga who promoted from yellow to orange belt (7th Kub)
Kai Baker Torres who promoted from yellow to orange belt (7th Kub)
Bethany Molina who promoted from white to yellow belt (8th Kub)
Bonnie Boyer-Stevens who promoted from white to yellow belt (8th Kub)
Emilia Bustamante who promoted from white to yellow belt (8th Kub)
Gavi Al-Haddad who promoted from white to yellow belt (8th Kub)
Issac Ripley who promoted from white to yellow belt (8th Kub)
Isabella Bustamante who promoted from white to yellow belt (8th Kub)
Jayden Molina who promoted from white to yellow belt (8th Kub)
Maia Cruz who promoted from white to yellow belt (8th Kub)
Woody Al-Haddad who promoted from white to yellow belt (8th Kub)
Want to see highlight photos & videos from the promotion test? Visit our facebook page. Hope you enjoy the photos/videos… if so, please like and share to help us recruit more students! Much gratitude, Master Torres
Just a few more hours before 2020! Can you believe it?
Back in August I hinted on a Facebook post at a collaborative project between TKD Wellness and Dancesequences Inc. I’m pleased to share that we’ll have Kareene and Sabrina from Dancesequences joining us for a special 8-session program starting on Saturday, Jan 11, 2020 (more details below).
The program will be a part of the Saturday kids TKD classes. Dancesequences will take the reins at 9:40am and go to about 10:15am. I’ll be joining the fun too. There will be no fee for this program and everyone (including parents) is invited to participate and move.
I’m hopeful that this program will help students get more comfortable with moving and in turn find their own expression of the “art” of Taekwondo.
Program Description
Dancesequences’ IN MOTION classes encourage individual and group movement expressions and take inspiration from the free approach to body movement pioneered by Barbara Mettler. In IN MOTION, there is no “right” or “wrong” way to move. Utilizing improvisational creative problem-solving modalities, we explore what it means to follow our own movement feelings while simultaneously cultivating awareness of the larger group. Each person learns to value individual choices; in turn, the group provides support for individual creativity. Among the themes that we will explore are Sound and Movement (with a wide variety of self-accompanied percussive instruments, vocals and spoken word), Moving with Objects (both man-made and natural items), Movement and Art (exploring the intersection between 2-dimensional art and body movement), Moving Cultures (exploring cultural themes through movement), and many, many more. We will creatively move together, discover new ways to communicate and connect with each other, and find inspiration from each other.
Class Details
Dates: 8 Saturdays, beginning 2020
Jan. 11, 18, 25
Feb. 1, 8, 15, 29
Mar. 7
Times: 9:40 am – 10: 15 am
Cost: Free
Notes: Open to TKD Wellness students, families and friends
This project is supported in part with funding from Ong Family Foundation.
On December 21, 2019 Taekwondo Wellness held its Q4 promotion test and it was a great success. A big congratulates to the following students on their rank promotion and display of effort, dedication and perseverance.
Gabriel who promoted from red belt to deputy black belt (1st Kub)
Allen who promoted from brown to red belt (2nd Kub)
Kirk who promoted from brown to red belt (2nd Kub)
Mylo who promoted from blue to purple belt (4th Kub)
Chris who promoted from green to blue belt (5th Kub)
Lena who promoted from orange to green belt (6th Kub)
Rodney who promoted from orange to green belt (6th Kub)
Kawsa who promoted from orange to green belt (6th Kub)
Alaina who promoted from yellow to orange belt (7th Kub)
Braydon who promoted from yellow to orange belt (7th Kub)
Roger who promoted from orange to green belt (6th Kub)
Odin who promoted from yellow to orange belt (7th Kub)
Bridgett who promoted from white to yellow belt (8th Kub)
Liam who promoted from white to yellow belt (8th Kub)
Want to see highlight photos & videos from the promotion test? Visit our facebook page. Hope you enjoy the photos/videos… if so, please like and share to help us recruit more students! Much gratitude, Master Torres
On October 5, 2019 Taekwondo Wellness held its Q3 promotion test and I want to congratulate the following students on their rank promotion and display of effort, dedication and perseverance.
Allen who promoted from purple to brown belt (3rd Kub)
Kirk who promoted from purple to brown belt (3rd Kub)
Mylo who promoted from green to blue belt (5th Kub)
Chris who promoted from orange to green belt (6th Kub)
Ben who promoted from orange to green belt (6th Kub)
Elena who promoted from orange to green belt (6th Kub)
Gray who promoted from orange to green belt (6th Kub)
Lauren who promoted from yellow to orange belt (7th Kub)
Kawsa who promoted from yellow to orange belt (7th Kub)
Brandon who promoted from white to yellow belt (8th Kub)
Alaina who promoted from white to yellow belt (8th Kub)
Braydon who promoted from white to yellow belt (8th Kub)
Odin who promoted from white to yellow belt (8th Kub)
Want to see highlight photos & videos from the promotion test? Visit our facebook page. Hope you enjoy the photos/videos… if so, please like and share to help us recruit more students!
On July 13, 2019 Taekwondo Wellness held a promotion test and I want to congratulate the following students for their hardworking, dedication and perseverance.
Kirk who promoted from blue to purple belt
Mylo who promoted from orange to green belt
Gray who promoted from yellow to orange belt
Elena who promoted from yellow to orange belt
Chris who promoted from yellow to orange belt
Lauren who promoted from white to yellow belt
Lena who promoted from white to yellow belt
Rodney who promoted from white to yellow belt
Kawsa who promoted from white to yellow belt
Roger who promoted from white to yellow belt
Want to see highlight videos from the promotion test? Visit our facebook page. Hope you enjoy the videos… if so, please like and share our video!
On December 22, 2018 Taekwondo Wellness held a promotion test and I want to congratulate the following students for working hard and their perseverance.
Gabriel who promoted from purple to brown belt
Austin who promoted from orange to green belt
Kirk who promoted from orange to green belt
Lotus who promoted from white to yellow belt
Mylo who promoted from white to yellow belt
Want to see highlight videos from the promotion test? Visit our facebook page. Hope you enjoy the videos… if so, please like and share our video!
On June 30, 2018 Taekwondo Wellness held a promotion test and I want to congratulate the following students on working hard to improve their skills and not giving up on themselves.
Blue who promoted from green to blue belt
Gabriel who promoted from green to blue belt
Gamal who promoted from white to yellow belt
Austin who promoted from white to yellow belt
Kirk who promoted from white to yellow belt
I also want to share a fun “action movie style trailer” video that I created to show some highlights from the promotion test that can promote TKD Wellness. Hope you enjoy the video… if so, please like and share our video!
On March 31, 2018 Intuition Wellness Center’s Taekwondo Wellness program held it’s third promotion test in Tucson! Intuition Wellness Center congratulates:
Gabriel A who promoted from yellow to green belt
Blue B who promoted from orange to green belt
Tanner M who promoted from white to orange belt
Ben J who promoted fromwhite to yellow belt
Elijah C who promoted from white to yellow belt
An extra special message from Master Torres: “Thank you for continuing to allow me to be your Taekwondo instructor. It is an honor to watch your growth. Don’t forget to finish what you start!”
Its been several years since I have competed in a Taekwondo tournament but I decided mid 2017 that I would start training for poomsae competitions sponsored by USA Taekwondo. Tournaments are great fun and a tremendous opportunity for overcoming anxiety, learning sportsmanship, and creating memories that will last a lifetime.
I’m excited to share that the Arizona State Taekwondo Association released the details for the 2018 Arizona State Taekwondo Championships. See tournament details below:
Date: March 24, 2018
Location: Washington High School, 2217 W. Glendale Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85021
Divisions: There are many divisions for all ages to compete in such as sparring, poomsae, board breaking, team poomsae, etc.
Price varies by the amount of divisions you compete in. See chart below:
Price For 1 division(s):
$75.00
Price For 2 division(s):
$95.00
Price For 3 division(s):
$115.00
Price For 4 division(s):
$135.00
Price For 5 division(s):
$155.00
Price For 6 division(s):
$175.00
Price For 7 division(s):
$195.00
Price For 8 division(s):
$215.00
Taekwondo Wellness students are welcomed and encouraged to attend the AZ Taekwondo Championships as either spectators or competitors in the poomsae and/or board breaking events. Students, please note that in order to compete in a USA Taekwondo sponsored tournament, competitors must pay an annual USA Taekwondo membership of $45 in addition to the event price. This is worth spending if you plan on competing in more than one tournament per year.
I will be competing in the Adult 31-40 Male Black 1st / Black 9th All (UNDER 40) Poomsae Division. Hope to see you there!
On December 16, 2017 Intuition Wellness Center’s Taekwondo Wellness program held it’s second promotion test in Tucson! Intuition Wellness Center congratulates:
Gabriel Avenenti who promoted from white to yellow belt
Blue Breuer who promoted from yellow to orange belt
An extra special message from Master Torres: “Thank you for continuing to allow me to be your Taekwondo instructor. It is an honor to watch you both flourish and thrive inside and out of the dojang. Don’t forget to work on those goals you set for yourselves and keep up the hard work!”
Movember is finally here… Men get your mustaches ready, set, grow!
For those of you who haven’t heard about the “Mo” movement, I recommend you start by watching this TED talk by the founder of Movember.
Back in June 2015, I wrote a blog post about Men, Fathers & Mental Health for Men’s Health month where I highlighted the suicide and depression rates for men in the United States in addition to reviewing the signs of depression and offering some resources for men. As a psychologist, I work with many brave men who courageously confront their mental health. As a father of two boys, I want them to know that it is OK to talk about feelings and it is OK to ask for help.
Globally, the rate of suicide is alarmingly high, particularly in men. Too many men are ‘toughing it out’, keeping their feelings to themselves and struggling in silence. The Movember Foundation is aiming to reduce the rate of male suicide by 25% by 2030, and I want to help them get there. Help me stop men dying too young.
So this year, I want to do something a bit different and offer any father who donates money to Movember a free month membership of Taekwondo Wellness or give the same deal to any father who enrolls their child into Taekwondo Wellness in November (these membership proceeds will be donated to Movember).
At Intuition Wellness Center we specialize in integrated behavioral health services and wellness programs for children, young adults and families and supporting other like-minded professionals in doing good work. Call 520-333-3320 for a free phone consultation and to get more information on any one of the many services and programs we offer.
I remember training in Chicago, Illinois and hearing my sa bum nim, Master Rodriguez, say “families that train together, stay together.” I am now reminded of that value as Intuition Wellness Center restructures Taekwondo Wellness classes with the vision of establishing a family oriented program that brings families closer together.
As a result, we have decided to lower our Taekwondo Wellness monthly fees to $95/month so that it is more affordable for Tucson community members to participate. For families with two children interested in learning the art of Taekwondo, they only pay an additional $65 for the second child. Most importantly, we have created a $175 monthly “Family Membership” that encourages parents to enroll with their kids and benefit from Taekwondo Wellness training.
Lets kick together to make our families stronger and happier.
If you would like to enroll, please call us at 520-333-3320 or stop by our office between 9-7 pm.
Our team at Intuition Wellness Center is proud to share that as of May 1, 2017, Taekwondo Wellness group classes are open to all Tucson area community members young and old and with or without a mental health diagnosis. This change was in an effort to be more inclusive of all Tucson area residents and to lower financial barriers for those interested in learning the art of Taekwondo. Private Taekwondo Wellness and psychotherapy sessions are still available.
For more information or to enroll, please call 520-333-3320.
We have exciting news about a new Taekwondo Wellness therapy group for kids ages 7 and up that will be starting on May 24, 2016 at Intuition Wellness Center. We are currently accepting referrals for kids, teens, and adults who may benefit from an alternative approach to overcoming emotional, behavioral, and social challenges. The cost will be $35 per 60 minute group session. We are a provider for BCBS insurance and group therapy services may be billable. Please note that this can be an adjunct to current counseling services or a standalone service for clients.
Please call 520-333-3320 to register or visit us online to learn more about Taekwondo Wellness therapy groups and other services we provide. Here are two flyers, one for kids TKD and the other for teens and adults TKD. Please feel free to email (contact@intuitionwellness.com) or call (520-333-3320) if you have any questions about Taekwondo Wellness therapy groups. Below is a bit more info about Taekwondo Wellness.
Taekwondo Wellness Difference
What sets Taekwondo Wellness apart from your typical Taekwondo school? We incorporate three distinct services into our classes that are aimed at helping youth, adults and their families improve their mental health and family and peer dynamics. The first key component is psycho-education, which teaches psychological hygiene, coping skills, and social skills. The second key component is parent coaching that helps families improve their communication and interactions with their kids and others. Mindfulness meditation is the third key component, which is incorporated into each session to take advantages of its many benefits such as improved attention span, pain relief, and decreases in anxiety to name a few.
Taekwondo Wellness Core Curriculum
Clinical Interview & Treatment Plan: Participants will each be evaluated by one of our clinicians who will help identify mental health needs and treatment plan.
Taekwondo Philosophy: Students will learn about the core Taekwondo principles and how yin jang concepts of Taoism can be applied to our daily lives to reach a state of harmony.
Poomsae: Students will learn and practice a set pattern of defensive and offensive techniques as a means of improving power, speed, and balance while striving for self refinement.
One Step & Self Defense: Students will learn to apply Taekwondo blocking and striking techniques to real-life situations building self-esteem and sense of security.
Olympic Style Sparring: Intermediate rank students will learn sparring rules, skills, and strategies of Taekwondo sparring while developing good sportsmanship, coordination, balance, self control, and self-reliance.
Board Breaking: Students will learn to focus their minds and overcome fear to achieve feats of strength and build confidence.
Physical Fitness: Through rigorous exercises using interval training students will see improvements in their endurance and strength as well as managing their weight.
Flexibility Training: Students will practice stretching regularly for improved range of motion not only for higher kicks but for its physical and stress relieving benefits as well.
Psycho-education & Mental Training: Students will learn about self talk, goal setting, and energy, stress and anger management in addition to other psychological issues and risk factors.
Parent Coaching: Parents observing class will get parenting tips and learn how to manage or redirect unwanted child or adolescent behavior.
Meditation: Students will learn and practice mindfulness meditation for its physical and psychological benefits, including stress, pain, and mood management.
Body Awareness: Students will became aware of their bodily sensations and the difference between tension and relaxation, as well as, a better understanding of how stress can be stored in the body.
Fun: Last, but not least, is fun! Students will laugh, smile, and have lots of fun while practicing Taekwondo. Humor has been shown to have physical benefits such as boosting our immune systems and energy and diminishing pain, in addition to improving mood and relieving stress.
Written by Yoendry Torres, Psy.D., Clinical Psychologist
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