Ozzies Crew, Springfield, Karate

A belt test is an exciting event at Osborn's Tae Kwon Do. More than just a belt testing, it is also a time for family and friends to celebrate the achievements of our students.  We make no secret of the fact that belt promotions do not come easy at this school. When a student earns a new belt, he or she can be confident the belt was truly earned. Testing has became so big, it has to be split into two different sessions, Febraury 7 and February 14.  Students arrived promptly with their uniforms freshly cleaned and pressed. Their intentions were to impress the Black Belt Board.  The Black Belt board of Ozzies Crew is made of many masters and years of wisdom and experience.  You can't easily find a testing Board with so many high ranked Black Belts.  Dynamite's Tae Kwon Do and Joplin TCOB tested the first Sunday and Ozzies Crew of Springfield tested the second session.  All students did a great job.  Congratulations to each of you.

The first annual TCOB Midwest Karate Challenge was held despite the many inches of snow  and single digit temperatures.  Danny Miller and Steve Irby did a great job hosting their first tournament.  Inside the two gyms it was plenty warm with competition.  Several of Ozzies Crew took home the Grand Champions, Keith Rhoten took home the Junior Advanced Runner-up Grand Champion, with Keisha Colvin taking  Grand Champion.  Uriah McHaffie was the Adult Advanced Grand Champion, Kelli Rushing Black Belt Women’s Sparring Grand Champ, Austin Alcorn Black Belt Men Sparring Grand Champion and Runner-up Black Belt Forms Grand Champion.  Brandon Osborn took home the Black Belt Forms Grand Champion.  Top school was close with Dynamite TaeKwonDo taking 3rd, Ozzies Crew a close 2nd and 1st went to Top Mount Martial Arts from West Plains.   Way to go Ozzies Crew!

Another great MMASC weekend.  The 4 State Open was again, a top rated event.  Congratulations to Mr. Mick Sweeten on a great event. Ozzies Crew took home many trophies and lots of smiles.  Ozzies Crew was short 3 competitors from making top school.  Top Mount took the top school award again.  Ozzies Crew is asking for a recount however, as someone noticed the registration forms were printed in Florida. (Dang those hanging chads.)   :)

All MMASC events are great and very consistent.  This tournament however, was special in the outpouring display of love, faith and fellowship like no other.  It begain by Mr. Sweeten dedicating this tournament to the memory of Brian Estep.  Black arm bands printed with "In Memory of Brian Estep" was worn by the competitors throughout the day.  Then, the  Black Belt competitors increased the awareness of the love for each other and to the loss of a brother, Brian Estep,  by awarding  the Grand Champion Cups to his father and mother, Rick and Mary Estep.  Each Black Belt then stood in line to give Rick and Mary a supportive hug  and condolences.  The loss of any one of our competitors is like the loss of a close family member.  This is the MMASC.

Ozzie's Crew had a great showing this weekend for the MMASC tournament held at the Clarion, Springfield MO.    We did however, come up one short from taking the Top School Award.  Ozzies Crew took home a few Grand Champions and a lot of trophies.  Congratulations to everyone.  There are alot of tight races for the MMASC Championship.  The next two tournaments will be the deciding factor to who will be wearing that Championship warm-up. 

Another family night with Ozzies Crew.  A big thanks to KIM HARRIS-BROOKS for the way you helped out several families with free tickets to the fair.  Just like family, looking out for one another, Kim stepped up and gave away lots of free tickets.  What an enjoyable night we had. The kids wore us more mature (not going to use the word old!) folks out.  Again, lots of laughter, fun and fellowship.  The smiles on the kids face said everything.  The teenagers took off on their own, no way can I keep up with these guys. We hung out at the smaller rides with the youngest kids. At 11:30 at night the kids were still going strong wanting to ride one more ride.  Whew, it takes alot of stamina to stay at the fair for 4 or 5 hours.  But it was memorable and it was fun. 

Ozzies Crew being the family that we are, all went bowling. What a time we had.  This was for the entire family.  From the very young ones, who had their own lane set-up equipped with bumper pads to the old folks.  I believe the ages ranged from 0 to 76.  This was truly a great time.  Not all of us are great bowlers and fun is what we scored the highest in.  Master Brandon Osborn during his second game was shooting for a zero score.  He had thrown 3 or 4 sets in the gutter....well, he must of got his bowling skills from his mother, because she didn't do too much better.  By-the-way, Master Osborn did not make his goal, he did eventually knock down a few pins.  For the 50 or so who showed up from Ozzies Crew we had twelve lanes reserved.  Grandpa Joe was there showing off some of his bowling skills too.  Impressively, Grand Master Osborn and Master Steve Irby was throwing those bowling balls something like 50 mph.  (Did you know they measure the speed of your balls?).  Keisha Colvin and her family came all the way from Lebanon to join us.  I must warn you, don't stand behind Keisha while she throws the ball.  Sometimes, she forgots which way the ball is was suppose to travel. (Love ya, Keisha!).  We ate some food, laughed alot and told a few stories.  What more can you ask for?  A stranger witnessing this event, might have thought we were all related by blood, not Martial Arts.  Next week we go to the fair.  These family outings are awesome. 

A big thank you to Mick Sweeten for hosting a great MMASC Fight night.  Nearly 60 people were present for an evening of sparring, learning and fellowship.  Grand Master Osborn started the evening with a few reminders about judging.  He reminded the audience (parents included) that people are not perfect.  Calls are going to be missed, you can't see every point, every time.  However, everyone is trying their best.  No one is out to be mean or malicious. He also discussed, karate is a contact sport.  You could get hurt.  It doesn't happen often, but it can.  We do what we can to prevent it, we don't want it to happen, but there are times knees clash, shins clash or a misjudge of distance or power occurs.  Grand Master Richard talked about judging in all sports.  There are referees (judges) in every sport.  In football, basketball, volleyball, soccer, the referees (judges) get paid big money to be there to ensure the rules are being followed and to award points.  They have hundreds and some thousands of hours of training and experience.  They too miss calls. It's not an easy job.  The Black Belt judges are volunteers, instead of being critical about the judges, how about telling them thank you for their time and effort.  Grand Master Osborn decided to assist the parents and family in understanding a judges job, he invited all spectators to take a ring, as a judge.  This gave them upclose, first hand experience.  It was great to see everyone involved in this fight night.  After about two hours of sparring, Mick treated everyone to some pizza and lots of needed bottled water.  It was a hot one, the tempurature outside was 97, inside about 157 (well it felt like it, just ask anyone). But it didn't stop one person from participating in this great learning experience.  Many positive comments were made.  Everyone has something to offer and everyone has something to learn.  Fight night is awesome!

Guess what folks, there is a life out there other than Karate.  I actually (well, not really me, but his dad) got Grand Master Osborn to take a full day off of Karate.  Now, don't misunderstand what that means.  He still connected with Karate folk by phone during the day, but we actually did an activity that didn't have Karate involved....this doesn't mean Martial Arts is bad or bad for you, (we all like taking a break from our kids once in a while).  Okay, so we took a trip to Silver Dollar City, without you, one time.  But I must warn you...there is this horrible thing at Silver Dollar City called, Marvel Cave, never, ever, ever, go through the cave....never.  600 stairs down, 150 stairs up.  Need I say more?

About every two months a MMASC promoter hosts an open fight night at their school.  Ken Franck was the host for May.  A mixture of about 70 promoters, black belts, under belts, adults and children were on hand for full evening of sparring.  What a heatwave of action this was.  Three full rings of sparring, fun and fellowship was all going on at the same time.  Adults shared one ring for a huge round robin.  The teens had another ring of round robin sparring and then the younger youth took the third ring.  Everyone was serious about gaining sparring tips and knowledge from each other.  The Masters shared their wisdom and experience to help everyone improve.  In the ring, focus and intensity, out of the ring, smiles and pats on the back. After more than 2 hours  of sparring everyone gathered around for an update on future events.   GM Osborn went over the MMASC rules and scoring to be sure everyone was up to speed.  This helps to keep judging consistent at every tournament.  This is also a way to train new MMASC members and keep the old timers in check.  R & S provided pizza and drinks to everyone.  This day was very hot and humid, you might have exected flairing tempers and snarling faces.  But as I looked around the room, I seen groups of folks laughing, I heard stories of some great warriors and I seen babies getting lots of hugs and kisses, no worries here, not in this moment.  Who wouldn't want to join us?  This is why MMASC IS THE BEST!

A big Congratulations goes out to Meri Thompson as 2009 High School Graduate.  Meri invited Ozzies Crew to join her on this very special day.  It was a beautiful day, we took pictures, ate some really great barbque, admired the beautiful landscape and shared some tears.  Meri gave a touching testimony of her walk with the lord and gave us insight to her future plans. (She wanted to major in dirt, but somehow, the 30 letter official word slips my mind!)  Meri has been home schooled, so presentation of her diploma is a little different than a public school.  Her mother and father had the honor of presenting Meri with her diploma.  Valerie read the diploma as she tried to contain the tears, no doubt the pride and happiness was overwhelming to her.  Gary then addressed the audience, explaining that every one played a part in Meri's life.  Her family, her church friends and her Tae Kwon Do family.  He talked about the promise made by, Grand Master Richard Osborn.  Should she have any trouble at all while she is away at college, he and her dad are only a phone call away.  GM Osborn vowed they would fill a thermos with coffee and they be one their way to fix the problem.  Gary also spoke very highly of Meri's training with Ozzies Crew and recommened Tae Kwon Do to everyone.  Thanks Meri for including us on your special day.  You made this day special for us too.....

Ozzies Crew was invited to the Springfield's Best 15th Expo at the OASIS Inn and Convention Center.  Grand Master Richard Osborn led the Black Belts in a few basics, demonstrated a few self-defense moves, board breaks and Musical Weapons Forms.  1st Degree Black Dustin Stapp was the attacker for Grand Master Osborn's self-defense moves.  We all know how everyone loves to be picked for this!  The audience seemed to enjoy the entire demonstration.  Louie the St. Louis Cardinals mascot got in on the action by demonstrating his Knife Hand Strike!  Thanks Kim Harris-Brooks for the invite!!

Ozzies Crew was invited to the E-Plex to show off their talants and help celebrate the 600 kids who had perfect attendance for the entire 2008-09 school year sponnsored by the North-side Betterman Association.  The reception was great.  Brandon Osborn and Mark Scroggins performed their Weapons Musical forms.  The other Black Belts broke boards.  Many of the kids picked up the broken boards and requested autographs from the Black Belts.  Osborn's provided a scholorship to each of the 600 kids as a reward for their hard work.  At Osborn's we are all about the kids and enjoy being active in the community.  Grand Master Richard Osborn, Sr. and Master Steve Irby are pictured with the mascot, Nate of the NSBA.  Nate is the Super Hero for the 14 North elementary schools attendance program.

Mr. Austing Alcorn received his Certification as an Instructor on May 14, 2009.  Congratulations Mr. Alcorn.

The 4-State Brawl was held on May 2 at the Crowder College in Neosho, Missouri  drawing nearly 150 competitors..  As with all MMASC tournaments, the event started at 9:00 am and ended at 2:30 in the afternoon.   The competition was awesome and got even more tense when the Black Belts seen what they were competing for.  Jim and Bob Moore gave away the most awesome Championship Belts.  All day long the Black Belts came by the trophy table taking turns trying on the Belt, some posing for pictures, each of them confident they would be the recipient of such a great Grand Champion Award.

Top School was awarded to Gary Mann, Top Mount Martial Arts of West Plains.  However, it is rumored, that Ozzies Crew did tie with Gary Mann.  So, it was a close second for Ozzies Crew.  Thanks to everyone from the Osborn's schoold for the support to Jim and Bob Moore. 

Ozzie's Crew took lots of trophies and grand champions.  The picture shows only a few of the awards brought home by Ozzies Crew. 

Grand Champion winners are:  Black Belt Women Sparring; Codee Ratliff, Black Belt Men Sparring; Rundall Mosley. Black Belt Forms; Brandon Osborn.

Seeing is believing, so check out the pictures on the Tournament Pics page.  When checking out the “other” rating systems, notice the empty pictures! Well, some don't publish their pictures, maybe for a reason?

MMASC Annual Banquet held again at the OASIS Inn and Convention Center in Springfield, Missouri.  Over 300 was in attendance for the banquet, this event did not lack a feeling of family. (And we didn’t count the serving staff!)  Family portraits were taken by the in-house professional photographer and shown around with pride.  Proud they should be.  The men in tuxedos and suits the ladies in their evening wear.  Not to mention the fact these martial artist were being rewarded for their year long hard work.  Demonstrations were performed by MicKenzy McCarter (Karate Zone)  and Jacquline Riley and Ashlee Emerson (AMA Dojo) were fantastic.  The demo team, Ignite, from Arkansas, included a great message of peace and unity.  A great thanks to them all!

The Award Ceremony went well.  All first place competitors in attendance received their MMASC pull-over hoodie and plaque.  2^nd through 10^th place winners were awarded a plaque for each division they won.

As usual, the food was great, the company even better.  But wow, did the door prizes ever seem to be popular.  This year there were 10 tables full of prizes.  Two Flat Screen TV’s with DVD players, two DVD players, 6 bikes, 14kt Gold Necklace and bracelet, gift cards for gas and restaurants,  and a Grand Father Clock were among the favorites of the hundreds of prizes given out this evening.  It took more than an hour to hand out the door prizes.  What fun! 

Grand Master Osborn presented Gary Mann the Top School Award.  The two tied in 2008.  Look out in 2009, they have competition.  Ray Kellison of Karate Zone may give them a run for their money.

The evening concluded around 9:30 pm, just in time for swimming and more fellowship.  Wow, what a great evening.  You’ll have to read the detail in the new magazine to hit the deck in April.  Check out the pictures.

Thanks to Master Ray Kellison for inviting Ozzies Crew to witness the Black Belt promotion for Lia Wu.  Ms. Wu certainly had the support from her friends and family as about 50 people were in attendance.  Ozzies Crew was honored to be included as part of the judges table. Ms. Wu was very proficient in her skills, and demonstrated a high degree of strength, stamina, and self control. Master Kellison certainly put Ms. Wu one of the most rigorous testing Grand Master Osborn has ever been a witness to.  Congratulations Lia Wu.

Sensei Donnie Wilhelm hosted a seminar on Grappling on Saturday, February 7, 2009.  The presenter, Todd Lawrence, held everyone’s attention for more than 3 hours of continuous schooling and heavy duty work out.  Mr. Lawrence is a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.  Among the spectators was Grand Master Osborn.  Participants of this event included one twelve year old young man, one female and fourteen other men of various ages, of which included MMASC Promoter, Gary Mann.  Way to go Gary!! Grappling is very new to me, so please forgive me for my mistakes in terminology.  I just call it as I see it.  This definitely was an interesting seminar. The techniques in arm locks, leg locks and chokes performed by Mr. Lawrence appeared to be excellent and flowed together smoothly.   He provided a large volume of information, had tremendous ability and his attitude was very humble. Mr. Lawrence demonstrated the technique showing them how to engage the hold and then the counter for the hold as well. He even “rolled” (a new term I learned!) with the participants to assist them, sharing details and tidbits he found useful in his matches.  I wish I had written down his words, but the most awesome thing Todd Lawrence said was not to get caught up in the hype of all of this.  He said to use grappling as a learning experience.  Everyone will have loses. Not to let winning go to your head.  Thanks Sensei Donnie Wilhelm for inviting us to this seminar.  You can see the pictures on the "Tournament Pics" page .  MMASC has began a  grappling circuit, offering a monthly tournament that will be rated.  Contenders will be given points for each tournament they participate in.  At the end of the year, they will be included in the MMASC Awards Banquet and receive recognition for their final rankings.

Only the Rath of Mother Nature kept the MMASC Tournament hosted by Tommy Barker of Lebanon, Missouri from a breaking a record of 200 competitors.  Guess what, we have 8 x 10 glossies to prove it, check ‘em out on Tournament Pics Page.  Congratulations to Promoter Tommy Barker!!  As usual, the tournament started and ended on time, even with the additional competitors and divisions.  This tournament introduced the first RATED Grappling Division and Flag Karate.  What competition!!

Good job Ozzies Crew.  We came in a close second for top school next to Top Mount Martial Arts of West Plains.  Each division was large but Ozzies Crew still walked away with several Grand Champions.  Congratulations to Gunnar Brooks, Nathaniel Irby, Tayvian Chamberlain, Xavier Estrella, D.J. Harris, Tori Alcorn, Jenzen Latham, Alanis Estrella, Austin Alcorn, Dustin Stapp, Mark Scroggins, Codee Ratliff, Meri Thompson, Jeff Foust, Amanda Avery, Kristal Chamberlain, Joe Jones, Brandon Osborn, Ozark Nunez, Rundall Mosley and Steve Irby. 

Saturday Night must be alright for fighting, ‘cause Osborn’s Tae Kwon Do was standing room only with fighters on Saturday evening, January 17.  Nearly 100 people showed up for “Fight Night”.  Promoters, competitors, parents and friends were in attendance for this learning experience.  Some drove for two hours just to attend this event.  As many people were in attendance, you might have thought you were at a tournament.

Upstairs 15 pairs of adults lined up toe-to-toe to do battle.  Then “GO!”  The fighting began.  Pictures and plagues were falling to the ground everywhere.  Two minutes of sparring and then “switch”.  One side of the line moved down by one and presto, a new sparring partner.  Adults were standing on the sidelines, anxiously awaiting their turn to jump into the line.  “You need a break?” was called out by a fighter anxiously waiting to get in on the action.  No one wanted to be left out.  This was a great experience to spar with someone new and learn new tactics.  It was a great cardiovascular workout, fighting toe-to-toe made you have to stay in there, learn to block, and figure out how to get your opponent off of you.  Male and females fought each other to assist in this learning experience. Very quickly the windows were fogged over and (even though it was only 20 degrees outside) someone asked if we could turn on the air conditioner.  Everyone seemed to be have a great time.

Downstairs the same experience was happening for the juniors.  The juniors utilized the ring and did round robins.  One junior stayed in the ring, building stamina and perfecting skills, and fought every other junior in attendance.  Then it was the next junior’s opportunity to get their 10 or more fights in.  These kids slept well this evening, no doubt.

Grand Master Richard Osborn went over the next season’s schedule for the MMASC.  He reviewed the rules and objectives and discussed how Grappling was going to be introduced at the Sport Karate Tournaments.  Donnie Wilhelm, the grappling guru, gave insight to the grappling rules and what to expect at the tournaments.  The next fight night is scheduled in April to be held at Tommy Barker’s school. 

Pizza was brought in for all the attendees, all over the school, there were pods of people gathered, talking strategies, laughing and just plain good‘ole fellowship happening everywhere.  What a sight, ten or more different karate back grounds, schools and philosophies mingling and have a good time.  This is what the MMASC is all about.  Making new friends, enriching lives, and providing the best competition, (I’m going to say it!) in the Nation.  Because come tournament day, every one of these competitors will come with their A-game.  They’ll take this experience, learn by it, and walk into the ring with new found confidence and skills.

There may be a few other rating systems out there.  Some will try to mock the MMASC.  They’ll take some parts of the MMASC and claim it as their own.  But not one of them have the promoter support, experience and top-notch membership like the MMASC.  AND NO ONE HAS THE HEART like the MMASC!

Check out all the pictures on this web site on the Fight Night page.

The MMASC All-Stars made their last appearance for the year at the Mid-American Martial Arts Championship hosted by Donnie and Andi Wilhelm, on Saturday, December 6.  The Reeds Spring YMCA was the sight for this pioneered event.  On the East side of the gym, the All-Stars took their place as they competed in a typical Open Karate Tournament.  Sifu Wilhelm is a new promoter for the MMASC and followed the MMASC tournament theme.  Brandon Osborn, Codee Ratliff, Mark Scroggins, Austin Alcorn, Jeff Faust, Earl Gulley, Keisha Colvin, Kyle Hudson and Tavian Chamberlin all took 1^st Place Honors in their divisions.  Brandon, Codee, Mark and Keisha  all received a Grand Champion Award.  This tournament had some new and tough competitors, but the All-Stars were on the top of their game.  Great Job All-Stars.  Congratulations to Donnie and Andi Wilhelm for hosting a successful event.

On the West side of the gym two rings were devised using interlocking mats for a Grappling tournament.  Something new and unique being added to the MMASC tournaments beginning in 2009.  Now this is what we call an open tournament.  Grappling tournaments and ratings will be incorporated into the MMASC schedule of tournaments. Grapplers will have the same opportunities to compete, earn points and be rated in their weight divisions with MMASC.  Grappling will run concurrent with the Karate Tournament.  For those of you not so familiar with this sport, Grappling is the gripping, handling, and controlling of an opponent without the use of striking, typically using various grappling holds, choke holds, throws, joint locks and pinning techniques.  The MMASC is excited to add this componet to its relm of pioneering.   Competition seems fearce in this catagory.  Visit the MMASC at www.mmasc.net .

Ozzies Crew had a huge belt testing on Sunday, November 16.  As you could imagine with  44 students testing, it was a day long event.  Testing began at 2:00 pm with the lower ranks and concluded at 9:30 pm with the newly promoted Black Belts.  Congratulations to everyone on your new belt!  Several of those tested found out what kind of endurance they truly had.  Although, no one actually had to use the trash can, the look on their face showed they were not far from giving up their breakfast and lunch.  No one can ever say they didn’t deserve their belt color.  Testing is based on your agility, basic punches and kicks, your ability to perform your form without flaws and to complete one-steps with power and confidence.  Board breaking is  a big tradition of belt testing at Osborn’s School of TaeKwonDo.  Not everyone made their board break.  But for  those who did succeed, the excitement was overwhelming.  You should have been there!  Promoted to Black Belt were:  Dustin Stapp, Johnny Boyd, Shaniah Hercher, Dawn Latham-Jones, Jenzen Latham, Merle Rhoten, Keith Rhoten, Rundall Mosley and Richard Avery.  Promoted to Second Degree Black Belt were:  Meredith Thompson, Mark Scroggins, Ozark Nunez and Kelli Rushing.  Promoted to Third Degree Black Belt was Codee Ratliff.  How many martial art instructors do you know who retain their Black Belt Students like Grand Master Osborn?  It’s not all about blocks, kicks and punches. I think this indicates the dedication, love and fellowship this school has to offer. Life skills are learned here. There is no other like it!

October 25, 2008 was cool and nippy day, but inside the Holiday Inn located in Joplin, Missouri the competition was on fire!  The Second Annual 4 State Brawl had a terrific turn-out of competitors and spectators.  Everyone was full of excitement as they attempted to gain more MMASC points.  With only one tournament left for the year, all points are important.  Protocol of the MMASC tournaments is to start at 9:00 am sharp with Muscial competition, this tournment was no different.  Everyone one was on pins and needles watching the musical division.  But low and behold, the ever poplar, Brandon Osborn, with his spectacular sword kata, did not take first place.  Mark Scroggins, Mr. Osborn's protegee,  soared today and took the victory!  Congratulations to all of Ozzies Crew for taking a very, very close second, Top School Award to Karate Zone of Joplin, Missouri.  The race is still on with Top Mount Martial Arts for the Top School Award for the year. Go Ozzies Crew Go! 

Did you know your instructor, Grand Master Richard Osborn, was the first Martial Artist to be inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame.  He has made history and well deserving of this award.  You can go to the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame website and take a virtual tour.  This week Grand Master Osborn and his father visited the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame and took a few pictures of the display they have in honor.