Category: News

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December 21, 2019 Q4 Promotion Test

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

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October 2019 Promotion Test

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!
Much gratitude,
Master Torres
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July 2019 Promotion Test

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!
Much gratitude,
Master Torres
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December 2018 Promotion Test

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!
Much gratitude,
Master Torres
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June 2018 Promotion Test

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!
Much gratitude,
Master Torres

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March 2018 Promotion Test

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!”
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2018 AZ State Taekwondo Championships

Hello Taekwondo Family!

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
  • Contact: 623-875-2882, Email: aztkdworld@gmail.com
  • Spectator Admission: $10 per person, 5 years old and under Free
  • Competitors Register Online: www.usat.hangastar.com by March 19, 2018
  • 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!

Train hard but have fun, Master Torres.

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December Promotion Test

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!”
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Lets Reduce Male Suicide Rates: Fathers Train Free During Movember


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).

DONATE TO MOVEMBER

Liked what you read? Ready to join me in the Taekwondo Wellness Program at Intuition Wellness Center?

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.

Written by: Yoendry Torres, Psy.D.

Photos by: Movember Foundation

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Families That Train Together, Stay Together

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.

Thanks, Yoendry Torres, Psy.D.

 

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Taekwondo Wellness Welcomes All

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.

Thanks and be well,

Yoendry Torres, Psy.D.

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Taekwondo Wellness Therapy Group Starting May 24, 2016

TKDKidsFlyerHello,
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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Taekwondo Wellness History

YoendryTorresTaekwondo Wellness has been offering its unique wellness classes to children, adolescents, and adults of all ages and skill levels experiencing emotional, behavioral, or relational problems since 2008. Taekwondo Wellness was developed by Yoendry Torres, a bilingual Cuban American, during his clinical psychology internship (2008-2009) at Illinois Masonic Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois. The program originally had a focus on physical fitness to help treat childhood obesity, which is not only a growing problem in the United States but also more common in youth or adults experiencing mental health issues.

After internship and graduation from doctoral clinical psychology program, Dr. Torres obtained a job as a post doctoral fellow and then as a psychologist at Mount Sinai Hospital in Chicago, Illinois where he further enhanced and streamlined his program. A much stronger emphasis was given to the importance a family has on participants’ wellbeing with the incorporation of parent coaching during group sessions. Additionally, emotional regulation was emphasized by regular practice of meditation at the end of every session.

At the present time, it is the goal of Intuition Wellness Center and Dr. Torres to bring Taekwondo Wellness to youth, adults and families in Tucson, Arizona in 2016. Corporate and private programing will also be available through Intuition Wellness Center. For more programing information visit our Programs page or to see the Taekwondo Wellness training curriculum visit our Taekwondo page. If you would like to be added to our waitlist so that we contact you once the group is about to start, please give us a call or email us.

Thanks,

Yoendry Torres, Psy.D., Clinical Psychologist, 4th Dan Taekwondo Black Belt

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Hello Tucson!

DSCF4490I’m excited to share that Taekwondo Wellness will be restarting in Tucson, Arizona in 2016. Our team, at Intuition Wellness Center will begin looking for gym space in the northwest side of Tucson early next year. Please stay tuned for more news and updates about this program.

If you are interested in being put on our waitlist for Taekwondo Wellness training, please feel free to contact us at 520-333-3320.

Thanks, Dr. Torres