Press Release

TKD Unlimited are very active in the Verde Valley and Tournament Competing. It is important that all these students get reconized for their acomplishments.

Saturday, March 12, 2011

Verde Independent

http://verdenews.com/main.asp?SectionID=2&SubSectionID=1194&ArticleID=40845&TM=3902.216

February 25 thru the 27, Tae Kwon Do Unlimited took their demo team, Team X.G.T, to Ontario, California to compete at Compete Nationals

2011.

It was a world-ranked NASKA (for North American Sports Karate Association) tournament. Many of the competitors on the tournament circuit end up in movies and other televised productions.

You may know Taylor Lautner from the Twilight series, Steve Terada from Quest Crew on America's Best Dance Crew, and Matt Emig who just performed in the Grammys with Justin Bieber. The best of the best come to compete in these prestigious tournaments all around the country.

Team X.G.T. members and second degree black belts at Tae Kwon Do Unlimited, Gavin Furrey and Thekla Hutyrova, have been attending tournaments for the past two years. They have been working their way to the top through hard work, training, and dedication.

Furrey says one of the main reasons he loves going to the tournaments is "I always get pumped up after I go to a NASKA tournament. I can't wait to get home and start training again!"

Team X.G.T consists of eight members who have been competing and training together for about three years. Dominating the local Arizona tournaments, the team wanted to try the NASKA circuit.

Team Leader and head instructor of Tae Kwon Do Unlimited, Caleb Labarda, choreographed the demo as well as the music. The practices leading up to the tournament became increasingly more challenging as Mr. Labarda began asking more and more from his students.

"They worked hard and definitely deserved their win." Mr. Labarda says. "I am very proud of the commitment, dedication and hard work of this team."

In addition to the team competition, team members competed in individual events as well.

This team is pumped for the upcoming Arizona tournaments and demo competitions.

All of the competitors made their families and schools proud, showing the results of all their hard work and determination.

Parents looking for an exciting year-round sports activity for their children are always welcome to try out the program with two free classes. Tae Kwon Do Unlimited is located in Cottonwood, AZ, at 415 South Main Street, Suite B (next to JPS Paint Center). Visit online at www.tkdarizona.org or call 928-649-1530.

Sunday, February 16, 2011

Verde Independent

Tae Kwon Do Unlimited competed this year in the Arizona Martial Arts State Competition on Saturday, January 22, 2011. Owned by Head instructor Caleb Labarda and Chemin Alldredge, Tae Kwon Do Unlimited’s students have competed vigorously on the state circuit in 2010. To qualify for the state championship competition, competitors had to rank top 8 in their divisions for the year. TKD Unlimited had 13 students qualify in 30 divisions. Due to illness by most of the competitors, only five of the students where able to attend and compete that Saturday and brought home 5 state championships. Gavin Furrey, second degree Black Belt and National Competitor took the 2011 State Champion Title in Extreme Weapons, Musical Forms, and Open Forms. Kaden Smith, who has been training for competition with Furrey, took state in the Open Forms and Weapon divisions. Both Furrey and Smith will receive embroidered belt for state champion. Other Students qualifying for or Competed in State were Mr. Brad Meyer, Kaleb Lyonnais, Kale Smith, Damian Huff, Damian Cushman, Miss Thekla Hutyrova, Tayvie Jennings, Jon-Marco SanGiovanni, Serena Allen, Zach SanGiovanni, & Briar Williams.

On Saturday, January 29th Baeley Johnson white belt age 13 competed in the Copper Classic in Globe, Arizona. As a first time competitor Johnson took home 1stplace in Open Hand forms and 1st place in Sparring. ‘It was a great Tournament’ says KC Ferguson mom of Baeley and also a 1st degree Black Belt. ‘There weren’t enough Beginner belts in his division to compete, so he had to compete in the Intermediate division. He sparred a purple belt twice, and won both matches!’

To start out this year’s competition, Tae Kwon Do Unlimited will betaking its team to Ontario, California to compete at Compete Nationals. A prestige tournament that is part of the World NASKA Tour. "My students are elite athletes and are at the level where they need the challengeto compete against the world's best. They have proven this time and time againwith many victories under their belts. I am very proud of our school, andstudents. They train hard, and give 110% in all that they do." Stated Mr.Labarda. With quality, professional instructors and the drive that this schoolshas they are ready for anything.

TKD Unlimited has been gearing up for the New Year expanding with floorsizes, adding more classes and taking training and competition to a new level. They are gearing up and working with other talented instructors around theVerde Valley.

November 16, 2010

Verde Independent

Black Belt Graduation

Tae Kwon Do Unlimited pout 10 of their students to the test

http://verdenews.com/main.asp?SectionID=2&SubSectionID=1194&ArticleID=39239&TM=77200.47

By Sean Morris
Sports Reporter

Photo Courtesy of Brian Lewis

COTTONWOOD-10 Black Belt candidates from Tae Kwon Do Unlimited graduated last Saturday in front of family and friends at the Evangle Worship Center Foursquare Church in Cottonwood.

The word, "graduated," is a little misleading. They did in fact graduate, but they had to pass the test first.

Six of the candidates earned their first degree and four earned their second degree by performing karate techniques at a high level in front of a testing committee consisting of Master Anthony Gooch and instructors Caleb and Charlie Labarda.

"That was very nerve racking to perform in front of Master Gooch," said first degree Black Belt Bradley Meyer. "He's very strict and critical. There were about 75 people there to support us, but it felt like another 75 with just him."

Tae Kwon Do Unlimited Head Instructor Caleb Labarda made sure his students were ready for the test. For months leading up to the event, the candidates undergo a rigorous training regiment that is much harder than the test itself.

"Everyone passed. We have a pre test two weeks before the real test. It consists of six hours of hard conditioning, also the curriculum and fighting, and they have to be able to pass that to continue on to the final test. The last test isn't as intense, but it's more technical. The pre-test is behind closed doors and it's very intense and they have to get through that day before they can move on," said Caleb Labarda.

Michael Mullins earned his first degree Saturday. The training leading up to the final test made him confident he could pass.

"It's exhausting, so tiring. Running six miles, it's not anything fun. We've been doing a lot of sparring and conditioning. I've come home so many nights where I couldn't lift up my arms, but I'm in the best shape of my life right now-I look great when I go to the pool. It's just been a lot of fun," said Mullins.

The hard training brought the group closer together.

"We've gotten so much closer. I've been with these kids for all these years, but this really brought us all together," said Mullins. "We all have our own strong points. Some kids have the high kicks, some kids have the strength, some kids have the form, and when we're all together it really brings it out and it looks really good. We all have something to help each other with."

Hannah Radd also earned her first degree Saturday. She has amazed herself at times in the studio with her own ability, but martial arts has also helped in life outside the studio.

The training was strenuous, but it only added to the positive impact martial arts has had on her life.

"I admit that it's been difficult, but it's been helpful in many ways, like with my confidence and self-discipline. I feel different from everyone else in the crowd, but in a good way," said Radd.

Benny Guadarrama also earned his first degree Saturday. He had to work through pain to reach his goal.

"When we first started it was hard. In the beginning I wasn't in condition yet," said Guadarrama, "but when we got further in the test I got more endurance and I could handle the pain that we went through. The pre test was the hardest part of it."

Michael Luna is one of the four who earned second degree Saturday. He enjoys helping other kids learn and he has a great sense of humor. He got started with martial arts because Labarda Senior suggested he give it a try.

"One of the instructors recommended it to me, so I tried it out and I liked it. I kind of owe it to him that I became a Black Belt. It was Charlie Labarda," said Luna. "The enthusiasm and being able to do martial arts kept me coming back. Plus I was always a fan of the Ninja Turtles."

Braiden Campbell also earned his second degree Saturday. He's only 14 and he's already at second degree, but it hasn't been easy.

"During the training it was really tough and I had thoughts about quitting, but I pushed through it," said Campbell. "After the test I felt like I could do more, accomplish more than I could before."

Gavin Furrey and Thekla Hutyrova were the other two students that earned their second degree. They travel all over the country to compete in competitions, and sometimes internationally.

"Me and my friend Thekla have been traveling a lot the past two years. The farthest we went was Canada and my friend went to Scotland," said Furrey. "Florida a lot, California, Minnesota. It's the NASKA circuit, the North American Sports Karate Association. All those kids are in movies and at first it was intimidating, but we've gotten a lot better and it's really exciting."

Furrey has aspirations to be in action movies and having Caleb Labarda as his instructor has helped him learn more tricks and flips.

"It's really great to have Mr. Labarda as my instructor. He's younger, so he's more relatable. He's got a really good head on his shoulders. He's a really good example and he's a great martial artist, so I really like him as an instructor," said Furrey.

All of the Black Belts said similar things about Labarda. They also said the current class of Black Belts has been impressive from top to bottom, but if one kid stood out the most it would be Tyler Lewis.

He's 4'6' and 72 pounds, but he's ripped. His small compact body is capable of doing amazing things and his intensity is infectious.

"He's a little kid, but he's got more heart than anyone. He's really in it," said Mullins.

"Out of all the kids, well I'm so proud and impressed with all of them-I love all those kids so much now, but Tyler Lewis definitely, and Kiara Jaraczewski," said Furrey.

"I can brag about all of them because they were all at a certain level that they surpassed. They all hit a stopping point, but they all got past it. I have to say I was really proud of Tyler Lewis because he's really come a long way with his body physically, and when he started he was really quiet, but he picked it up. Also he is the smallest of the group, but he really came through," said Caleb Labarda.

The commitment from the parents can't be stressed enough. Some kids wanted to quit, but their parents pushed them to finish and they're better for it. Also the time and money commitment is a big sacrifice, especially in a down economy.

Even with the economy the way it is, Administrator Chemin Alldredge said the school is still doing well.

"There's been a little decline in enrollment, but not a lot," said Alldredge. "Parents seem to sacrifice their telephones, or they cut back on other things, but they don't cut back on their kids. This is something that they feel is very important for their kids' self-esteem and confidence. The parents feel they can't afford not to keep them in karate and we're very family oriented. This is their home away from home."

Alldredge is a hard worker behind the scenes at the studio. She's also taken an active role in helping the students become well rounded.

"This group has been great because we've been trying to make them more well rounded and I want them to be more people friendly, so I make them work in the office too. I've been able to develop relationships with them and watch them grow as people. Like Hannah, she was very shy and timid and now she's turned social," said Alldredge.

Caleb Labrada and Chemin Alldredge own the studio together and they're also brother and sister. They say it can be difficult at times, but in the end it's all worth it and they appreciate the time they get to spend together.

Alldredge is also a Black Belt and she says the process has changed a little bit since she was tested.

"It's gotten harder," said Alldredge. "With every group we try and raise the bar and challenge them a little bit more. It's one of the hardest things you can do, but one of the most rewarding things you can ever do. I am extremely proud of this group. They've come a long ways. Most of them started as little dragons and it's taken them eight to 10 years to get here, so the dedication and time length for these guys was amazing. Putting the time and energy into it was awesome."

Caleb Labarda has a high standard for every student, but especially the Black Belts.

"For this class, these kids have probably been in it the longest. They all started when they were little dragons. Most people train for their Black Belt in six months, but this group did it in three," said Labarda. "At one point we didn't have the test because they weren't getting it, but then they stepped it up and got to the level I approve of."

Tae Kwon Do Unlimited’s Black Belts Bring home

Grand Championships

Martial arts student’s from Cottonwood’s Tae Kwon Do Unlimited earned 9 first-place awards at the Summer Showdown Martial Arts Tournament in Gilbert, Arizona Saturday, August 28, 2010

Briar Williams age 5 Lil’Drgaon Blue Belt earned 3^rd place in the 5 & under Beginner’s open hand forms division. Brandon Williams age 6 Lil’Dragon Blue Belt was a participant in the 6-7 open hand forms division. Tayvie Jennings green belt at age 7 took 1^st place in open hand forms. First time competitor gold belt Kaleb Lyonnais age 11 took 2^nd place in weapons and 2^nd place in sparring.

Highlights included Tae Kwon Do Unlimited’s 2 Black Belts coming home with the Grand Championships. Miss Thekla Hutyrova won $100 in the Adult Black Belt Division and Mr. Gavin Furrey won $75 in the Jr. Black Belt Division. Both took home three 1^st place trophies in weapons, open hand forms, and musical forms divisions. This qualified them to compete in the tournaments Grand Championships.

“When they performed the whole tournament stopped to watch” stated Dawn Jennings, mother of Tayvie Jennings.

Ms. Hutyrova, Mr. Furrey, and Tayvie Jennings are competitors on the NASKA circuit and will be traveling to San Diego this September to compete in the American Open Martial Arts Championship.

In more exciting events Tae Kwon Do Unlimited is once again preparing for Black Belt testing in October. There are seven conditional belt candidate testing for their 1^st degree and four black belt candidates testing for there 2^nd degree. To help pay for testing funds they will be hosting a Yard Sale Fundraiser this Friday & Saturday, Sept. 3^rd & 4^th from 8am-3pm. All donations excepted.

Tae Kwon Do Unlimited is located at

415 South Main Street

next to JPS Paint Center. Classes are held Mon-Friday 3:00pm-8:00pm. For more information call 928-649-1530

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Cottonwood Journal Extra

Put more kick in your life through martial arts

     Tae Kwon Do Unlimited is a family-based, total martial arts studio for family fun, fitness and self-defense for all ages where training goes beyond learning the martial arts.
     Caleb Labarda and his sister, Chemin Alldredge own Tae Kwon Do Unlimited and their father, Charlie Labarda, created the studio. In August, they will celebrate their first year in the new location on Main street in Cottonwood,
“We strive for honesty, respect, and friendship, and provide on environment conducive to positive relationships fostering self-discipline, self-confidence and self-respect,” Chemin Alldredge said. “Our students must keep an A or B average and must be good members of the community.”
     The four instructors have achieved a degree of black belt, and among the students are nine. Caleb Labarda, head instructor, teaches martial arts as his full time profession, constantly looking for innovative ways to train and motivate students. His philosophy is to never fight to achieve selfish ends but to develop might for right.
     TKD Unlimited helps students become the best they can be with classes designed for ages 4 through adult while having a lot of fun. Several families train together.
     Besides being fun, the benefits of martial arts are tremendous, Alldredge said, such a increased energy, strength, stamina, flexibility, reduced stress and a strengthened immune system.
“We love working with the kids and seeing them develop and grow,” Alldredge said.
    Tae Kwon Do Unlimited is at 415 s. Main Street in Cottonwood, Classes are Monday through Friday between 3-8p.m. For more information, call 649-1530 or visit tkdarizona.org.

Sunday, July 11, 2010

Verde Independent

USA Mixed Martial Arts World Championships

On June 24^th Tae Kwon Do Unlimited took eight of their top students to the USA Mixed Martial Arts World Championships held in Las Vegas, Nevada. The USA World Championship has created some of the most dynamic tournaments on the West Coast. With over 500 competitors competing, competitors came from all over from Columbia to Hawaii.

Tae Kwon Do Unlimited’s XaolinGruv Demo team competed that Saturday morning. Placing in the top 4 of the competition they were asked to perform again for the Evening Show and & Night finals. This was an extreme honor for them, especially since this was their first international competition as a team. This team has been competing in state tournaments for the last 3 years, and has performed in numerous demos around the Verde Valley. “This was an inspirational opportunity, the team worked extremely hard for this competition and their hard work paid off.” stated Gavin Furrey, Black Belt and Team Leader.

This competition is tougher, demanding a higher level of discipline and dedication. All Students Placing top in their divisions:

Tayvie Jenning- 7yr. old Green Belt

2^nd Place Weapons/Sword

4^th Place Open Forms