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Dojang News

Finally Officially Approved By the IRS! TLK = 501(c)3

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Dear Dojang Families,

As announced at tournament this weekend, the Tomorrow’s Leading Knights program is now an Officially Approved 501(c)3 Non-Profit Organization!!!  It has taken over 2 years of work to get to this point, and very exciting to finally be official and have the letter in hand!  We have been operating as a non-profit the past 2 years, however, have had the “pending” status hang over us which has been very limiting.  However, with that out of the way, it is time to roll full steam ahead!

I have already been connecting with folks to get some of our initiatives moving.  Along with being able to evolve our operations and presence here with our home location, we do have some significant plans for the future.  There is now information posted online that shares our story and mission.  When you have a chance please jump on over to the following link for a detailed scoop on the plans:  http://tlkafterschool.com/tlk/mission/non-profit-agenda/

As things develop with our Academy please stay tuned for news and materials related to the exciting impact that’s in store.  From the first seed that was planted here 14 years ago with just a handful of people training hard in Hwa Rang Do with me, we are now ready to reach out as a significant organization!  The horizon is bright, and I look forward to the continued journey together.

Also wanted to drop in a special Thank You to Stephanie Alexander.  As things have expanded here at our school, she has really been dedicated to our vision and worked tirelessly to move things forward, and administer much of the non-profit loops.  When you run into her, I hope you can share some appreciation ^^

Give to the Max!

While we didn’t have our official status to be included in Minnesota’s great online GIVE TO THE MAX DAY (yes today Nov 13), we do have online processing available for anyone who wants to give or share with others!  We are in the razoo non-profit platform right here:  http://www.razoo.com/story/Tlk

Please remember, all contributions made to TLK whether online or dropped of in check format are FULLY TAX-DEDUCTIBLE!  Receipts will be provided once processed.  Thank you very much for your consideration during the end of the year push.  We look forward to making a significant impact around the region, but know it will only happen with support and partnerships from you and the community!

Best Always!

Dylan Sirny
CEO & Chief Instructor
Tomorrow’s Leading Knights
The Hwa Rang Do Minneapolis Academy

TLK Afterschool Is Almost At Capacity!

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For everyone looking for INCREDIBLE After School Programming, make sure you get signed up ASAP.  We only have a few more spaces left in our program, and do expect to reach capacity this fall.  Tuesday’s are currently full unless you want 5 Day per week option.  Wednesday & Thursday are just about full if you want 2, 3, or 4 day per week options.  Again, we are saving a couple places for those families that want 5 days per week, otherwise, slots are almost gone and we will create a wait list and other admission requirements once program is full.  If you need more information just visit = www.tlkafterschool.com 

IMPORTANT JULY ANNOUNCEMENTS!

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Testing, Classes, Tournament & Seminars!
Hello Dojang!
Summer is certainly in full swing these days! Been having fun with camps, and of course classes moving right along. I did want to drop in some reminders about July events – there is actually quite a bit of stuff upcoming.
1) This weekend is actually our last weekend regular classes! Friday Junior TGT, Acrobop, and Open Gym Fight Night Practice. Saturday Kid’s Sword Fighting, Teen/Adult Weaponry, Adults Sparring & Grappling. Hope you can make it in for some good weekend workouts!
2) The next test is coming up, next week! We would do tip tests during class on Wednesday and Thursday, and then full belt level tests on Friday and Saturday. Make sure to get your paperwork in if you are doing a full belt test.
3) The Hwa Rang Do World Championships are now ONLY 2 WEEKS AWAY!!! This is definitely the biggest event in the Midwest regional history for our martial art, and we are looking for a great turnout from the entire region. I know the Madison, WI folks are extremely fired up, as I have been getting some friendly trash talk from some of the instructors. All in good nature for sure – but they are looking to bring a nice challenge to the Minneapolis contingency. I know some people still need to get registered for this incredible event – so please make sure to go online and take care of that as soon as you can. The tournament is on July 26th and 27th – and then there are seminars with our head Grandmasters during the following week. This is a super important event, that will be sure to educate and inspire everyone who participates. And at minimum, it would be great to at least make it for the tournament. Again, the tournament has events for ALL ages, ALL levels, and will be a huge highlight! (it is run similar to how we run our event each fall – just will include more people from around the region, and world!)
If you haven’t registered already just go here online to take care of it all: http://summer.hwarangdowi.com/
4) The Minneapolis Dojang WILL BE CLOSED during the tournament and seminar events since the majority people will be there – especially all instructors. There will be summer camp on July 25th, however NO OTHER CLASSES Friday the 25th through Saturday August 2nd. Everything will be back to normal Monday August 3rd.
5) There are also some spaces left in the summer camps that were running here locally. It would be fun to see some more people join the crew, and especially if you’re heading the Madison for tournament the kids can get in a good amount of extra practice to prepare for the events. August camps have some space too, so just connect up if you want to get registered! All the info on each week session is online right: http://tlksummercamp.com/
6) We are also accepting enrollments for our Afterschool Programming too these days – and after crunching some numbers in terms of facility/staffing/kids, we are going to be putting on a cap in terms of space on the program this year. Everyone who has been enrolled in the past definitely has a space secured if you want it. Also, new siblings will get preferential treatment – however it looks like we will be able fill the place up this fall! Thanks again for your support & involvement – it is so exciting to work with a great group of kids and build strength, confidence, and health every day! http://tlkafterschool.com/tlk/index/
OK, that’s all for now – so best wishes in your training before an awesome championship in a couple weeks!
Hwarang!
Instructor Dylan Sirny
& The Hwa Rang Do Martial Art Academy
www.tlkafterschool.com
www.tlksummercamp.com
www.hwarangdominneapolis.com

2014 New Year Message

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As we finish a large chunk of family time and moments of rest amongst the holidays, the new year of 2014 looms ahead and I am reflecting on a thoughtful phrase passed on to me by one of our dojang parents.  more or less…. “The moments of rest are the draw of the bow, and our action will follow with the arrow once released.”

There definitely is a strong and creative force that drives the human experience.  Day-in and day-out many of us dream for possibilities and then are putting in time and effort for various fulfillment.  The energy expounded in our actions

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TLK Non-Profit Prezi

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At the 2013 MUSA Challenge Tournament here in Minneapolis, our dojang publicly launched our own local non-profit mission focused on youth development.  The programming offered here in terms of our regular classes, afterschool, and summer camp program is unparalleled, and we intend to strengthen our own abilities, get engaged in more community outreach, and eventually work to build a Charter/Public Educational School!

We obviously have some big goals on the horizon, however,

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New Blog for the Dojang!

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Alright folks, website is upgraded and we also now have an official blog for our dojang! Sure looking forward to building out some content and insightful articles. Obviously this will take a little time to get rollin’ so please stay tuned and check back regularly for some thoughts from our Chief Instructor Dylan Sirny, news & event details, articles & insights from our student community, and more!

Keep up the solid training!