Class Cancellations 🥋

Thank you for being flexible with our fall schedule. Here is what you need to know for both Parks and Rec and YMCA students.

Thursday, October 9
There will be no kids classes.
Master Jim and Master Nathan will teach the adult class.

Friday, October 10
There will be no classes at the YMCA. My sister is getting married and I will be at the wedding.

Tuesday, October 14
There will be no kids class or weapons class at Parks and Rec.
Master Jim and Master Nathan will teach the adult class.

I appreciate your understanding and your continued support. Please thank Masters Jim and Nathan for keeping the adult training moving.

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Halloween Update 🎃

I will be performing at a Renaissance Faire on November 1, which is the date we would have used for the party. With several schedule changes already in October, I am choosing to cancel the Halloween Party this year. I know that is disappointing for some, but I want to protect our training time and keep our momentum.Costume Picture Contest

We will make it fun in a different way with a Halloween Picture Contest. The Grand Prize is a Century Martial Arts Wave Master Bag!

Put as much work into your picture as you can. Create or find an appropriate background or setting. Choose a pose that matches your costume. Creativity, effort, and presentation will be important.

All photos must be submitted by midnight on October 31.
Email entries to BulsajoTKD@gmail.com with the subject Halloween Picture Contest and include the student name in the subject line.

We will award the Grand Prize for the best overall picture. We will also choose second and third place winners, and there may be runner up mentions for standout categories that come up.

To make the last week of October more fun, students are welcome to wear costumes to classes that week. We will likely not hold classes on October 31.

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Happy Chuseok!

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Next Belt Testing Save the Date 🗓️

Please mark your calendars. Our next belt testing window is the week of December 8. The main testing date is Saturday, December 13.

Testing is underway and off to a GREAT start! Our tests usually take two days to complete:
Day 1: During the week, at your normal class time.
Day 2: Saturday of that testing week at Goffstown Parks & Rec.

What to Wear & Bring

• Full Dobok/Uniform (clean and pressed).
• If you’re brand new and don’t have a uniform yet, please wear comfortable workout clothes.
• Students practicing sparring: bring full sparring gear for Saturday.
• All students: bring water and a sweat towel.

Saturday Schedule (September Testing)

• Kids Testing: 10:00 – 11:30 AM (arrive by 9:45 AM)
• Adults Testing: 12:00 – 1:30 PM (arrive by 11:45 AM)

(Note: originally times were reversed—thank you for your patience with the correction!)

There will not be a weapons class demo/mock testing this time. That will return in December testing.

Black Belt Help Requested

We have far more kids testing than adults/teens, so adult testing will likely run shorter. For kids testing, I would greatly appreciate help from our black belts to:

• Assist on the floor with safety and organization.
• Hold for breaking.
• (2nd Dan and up) Help with grading.

Please speak with me if you are available, otherwise I may reach out directly.

Thank you everyone for your hard work and dedication. Testing is not just about new belts, but about showing growth, focus, and perseverance. I wish each of you the very best of luck, and I look forward to seeing your progress on the floor.

About Korean Sijo Poetry

Sijo (pronounced shee-jo) is a traditional Korean poetic form dating back to the 14th century. It typically has three lines, each averaging 14–16 syllables (around 44–46 total). A sijo presents an idea in three movements:

1. Introduction – Setting the scene or theme.
2. Development – Expansion or complication of the thought.
3. Conclusion – A twist, resolution, or reflection.

It balances structure with beauty, often weaving nature, philosophy, and human experience into simple yet profound expression. Below are some examples of Sijo poetry.

Sijo on Autumn

Golden leaves drift down the path, crisp winds whisper through tall pines.
The harvest moon crowns the sky, its silver glow bathing the fields.
Seasons bow and change their robes — autumn wears them with quiet grace.

Sijo on Testing and Achievement

Students bow and step with care, hearts steady as drums of courage.
Years of effort sharpen skills; sweat becomes a forge for will.
Belts may change, yet greater still — the spirit that learns to endure.

Parks & Rec. Students

There will be no kids class on Thursday, September 11th, 2025. However, the adult class will still be held that night, led by Master Jim (and possibly Master Nathan as well). Thank you, gentlemen!
Note: this schedule change is due to a special event I’ll be attending.

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Testing

Testing will take place during the week of September 22nd.

The first part of testing will happen during our regular class times.
The second part of testing will be on Saturday, September 27th:

**EDIT: I’ve changed the this to Kids at 10am and Adults at 12pm.**
Adults: 10:00am to 11:00/11:30am
Kids: 12:00pm to 1:00/1:30pm
**EDIT: I’ve changed the this to Kids at 10am and Adults at 12pm.**

This time, our weapons class will also be doing a short demo between the adult and kids testing sessions! We’ve been working hard on the weapons curriculum, and this demo will serve as a kind of “mock test” for the students in that program.

More details on testing will be shared as we get closer.

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Ego vs. Wisdom

After a recent adult class at Parks & Rec., I had a quick discussion with some students that I thought was worth sharing. This is mostly directed at adults and teens, but kids can learn from it too.

The topic was: How should we handle pain and injuries during training?

To clarify, I don’t mean the normal soreness or fatigue that comes from a tough workout. That’s where the saying “No pain, no gain” applies. Instead, I’m talking about real injuries or physical limitations where pushing through can make things worse and potentially prevent you from training altogether.

I’ve been dealing with this myself: about a month ago, I pulled my right hamstring and glute and am still in the PT/healing phase. Mandy of our adult students also train with injuries or long-term physical challenges.

Here’s the key point:
Ego says: “Push through the pain. Don’t quit.”
Wisdom says: “Adjust. Train smart. Protect your body so you can keep training tomorrow.”

If something hurts because of an injury, don’t force it. Slow down, modify the drill, or switch to something different. You’re still training, even if it looks different than what others are doing. Remember: “The only bad workout is the one you didn’t do.”

Sometimes people confuse being “tough” with pushing recklessly through injuries, but real toughness is making the smart choice to protect your body and keep training long-term. If you truly need rest, take it. A short break is better than being sidelined for months.

Many students at Parks & Rec., including Master Jim, Bill, Roland, and Sarah, are great examples of this. They’ve all adjusted their training due to injuries, yet they continue to show up, work hard, and make wise choices.

So if you ever need to slow down or modify your training, do it. You don’t need to wait for me or another instructor to tell you. You are responsible for your own training, so be honest with yourself, care about the quality of your practice, and make smart decisions.

That said, it’s always a good idea to let me or another instructor or master know about any new or ongoing injuries or limitations so we can support you.

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Looking Ahead

If you liked this little piece of knowledge, I can start including more of these insights in future newsletters, and maybe even in blog posts. In fact, I might be able to get some of our more experienced students, black belts, and masters to share their own experiences and lessons as well.

There is still no class this Friday — but the make-up class will be on Friday, August 29th! Sorry about the confusion; I got ahead of myself when planning around the Interim weeks.

Here’s the correct breakdown:

• Next week (8/11–8/15) is a normal class week and the final official week of the session at the YMCA Allard Center — until we return in September.
• The following week (8/18–8/22) is Interim Week 1.
• Week after that (8/25–8/29) is Interim Week 2, with the make-up class happening on Friday the 29th.

Thanks for your patience, everyone!
Master Andy

Shirt Orders
The second batch of shirts should be in by this Wednesday or Thursday. I’ll be handing them out this week and next (or in a few weeks at the YMCA). Several of you still have balances due—no worries! You can settle up when you get your shirt(s).

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No Class This Friday – 8/8/25
There will be no classes at the YMCA this Friday, August 8th. Nothing serious—just a family commitment I need to take care of. We’ll do a make-up class on Friday, 8/15/25.

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Interim Schedule: 8/11–8/22
During Interim, there will be no classes at the YMCA, except for the make-up on 8/15.
Goffstown Parks & Rec classes will continue as usual, and YMCA students are welcome to join in!
Just keep in mind:

• Kids Class: 5:00–5:45 PM
• Adult Class: 7:30–8:30 PM

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Summer Fun Day
Unfortunately, we won’t be able to pull it off this year.
But—I’ve got some other fun events in mind and will keep you posted!

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Bulsajo TKD RedBubble Store
I’m excited to announce that I’m working on a Bulsajo TKD RedBubble Store!
We’ll have stickers, shirts, posters, and other fun swag. I’ll share the link once it’s ready!

This summer’s testing will be on the smaller side—which isn’t surprising, since many students take time off during the season. Also, due to the Goffstown Gallop happening on our usual testing Saturday, we’ll not be holding Saturday testing this time.

Instead, testing will begin this week, starting on Friday, June 28, and continue through next week—possibly even a bit beyond, depending on how things go. As always, testing will take place during regular class times.

Why start this Friday?
Because there will be no class on Friday, July 4th, we’re beginning a week early so that our Friday students don’t miss out.

Quick Recap:
✅ Testing starts Friday, June 28
❌ No class on Friday, July 4
📆 No Saturday testing (due to Goffstown Gallop)
🕒 Testing takes place during regular class times

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T-Shirts & Hoodies – New Order!

Have you seen some of your fellow students rocking our sweet new shirts? If not—now’s your chance! We’re putting together a new order, and this one should arrive much faster than the last one. No delays this time!

Let me know if you’d like to grab one (or more), and be sure to include:

• Type (Regular, Performance, or Hoodie)
• Size
• Quantity

Prices:
👕 Regular 50/50 Blend – $20
🏃‍♂️ Performance Style – $25
🧥 Thin Hoodie – $45

Attention YMCA Students

This week is typically our interim break with no classes, but we will be holding makeup classes!

✅ Monday & Wednesday
Classes will run at their normal times and count as makeup sessions.

❌ Friday (June 20th):
No class. This was originally planned as a makeup for a May cancellation, but it will now be moved to Monday instead.

I apologize for any confusion and appreciate your understanding!

Bulsajo T-Shirt Update

Wondering where your new Bulsajo shirt is? You’re not alone—and good news: they should be ready soon!

There was a delay due to a missed communication and some packed schedules on both my end and our shirt vendor’s. I sincerely apologize for the wait on behalf of both of us. The order has been resubmitted (a couple of weeks ago), and now we’re just waiting for the shirts to arrive and get printed.

Thank you for your patience—I believe we’re in the home stretch!

***EDIT*** Not soon after I posted this and sent out the newsletter, I got a text that the shirts were done.

No Classes Tonight – Thursday, May 22nd

I’m still feeling very tired and wiped out, even though I’m starting to feel better. The past few weeks have been intense—between setting up, performing at, and tearing down the NH Renaissance Faire, working my regular jobs, and dealing with some wild weather, I think it’s all finally caught up with me… and I’m definitely feeling my age.

So, out of caution and the need for full recovery, I’m going to cancel tonight’s classes as well. My apologies for the short notice.

I truly appreciate your continued patience and support—it means a lot.

— Master Andy

No Classes Tonight, Wednesday May 21st, 2025.

After a long couple of weeks, I find myself in need of some rest. I’m not sure if it’s just fatigue and allergies or the start of a cold—but either way, I believe it’s best to cancel classes today.

Thank you for your patience and understanding. My sincere apologies for the inconvenience.

— Master Andy