March 19, 2008 — Congratulations to Blue Cliff Tae Kwon Do's award winners from this year's A-KaTO banquet. Michelle and Nicole Marquez were awarded Co-Students of the Year. These sisters have both come so far and learned so much in the last year, and I am very proud of them!

Also, Tony Ferrer received the Tenet award for Indomitable Spirit. Tony's unflagging devotion to the dojo and the art have shown in his rapid progress and excellent performance. His positive attitude and good nature are a blessing and a benefit to the whole dojo.

Finally, congratulations to Alonzo, Androt, and Adler in the kids' class for passing their tests for 2nd degree white belt. Great job!

March 10, 2008 — I just returned from a fantastic trip to Texas for the annual A-KaTO banquet. Included in the trip was a banquet, of course, along with special black belt classes, demonstrations, and a high dan rank examination. You can see some pictures and find more information about this event on the dojo blog!

December 25, 2007 — Congratulations to Tony Ferrer for his advancement to 2nd Degree Yellow Belt! This past month, Tony had one of the best tests in the history of the dojo to earn his newest rank. He now joins the ranks of the other senior students in the class in training for his green belt, and entry into the intermediate ranks of Tae Kwon Do. Congratulations, Tony!

September 29, 2007 — Congratulations to the latest students to successfully pass their tests. The following students were promoted to 2nd Degree Yellow Belt: Michelle Marquez Nicole Marquez The following students received their 1st Degree Yellow Belts: Emily Torrez Edith Torrez Patricia Marquez Congratulations everyone!

Summer Schedule — The Kids program has been moved, for the summer, to Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to Noon. I am not accepting new students in that program at this time. It will return to Friday evenings in the 2nd week in August. At that time, I will be accepting new students again. I am, however, still accepting new adult students in the Friday evening class.

May 16, 2007 — Congratulations go out to the following students who were promoted to 2nd Degree White Belt (9th Gup) today. Great job, gang!

May 3, 2007 — I am proud to display the new site design as of today. I have put together graphics that, I feel, better display the Korean and Japanese aesthetics, as well as enhancing the navigation capabilities of the site. I hope you enjoy the new design!

April 27, 2007 — Congratulations to Barbara Sholley, Blue Cliff Tae Kwon Do's Student of the Year. This certificate, issued by A-KaTO, was presented to Barbara at the end of class tonight in recognition of all of her hard work at and for the dojo this past year.

April 24 , 2007 — Congratulations to Blue Cliff TKD's newest yellow belt, Tony Ferrer! Tony displayed the results of his hard work and was awarded his yellow belt following an excellent test this morning! Great job, Tony!

March 29, 2007 — This past weekend I had the honor of attending the A-KaTO 31st annual banquet with some of the most influential figures in the history of American martial arts.

The weekend included weapons training, special Kenpo and Arnis seminars, and the chance for me to meet several living legends including Grandmaster Jhoon Rhee. (The rest of the story [with photos] is here.)

March 9, 2007 — Congratulations to the latest testing group! The following people have been advanced to 2nd Degree White Belt:

February 24, 2007—Congratulations go out to Barbara Sholley for passing her recent test for 2nd degree yellow belt! This is the first "sparring" test, and Barbara did an excellent job. We wish her luck as she begins her green belt training!

February 24, 2007—The children's class has been moved to 5:00 - 6:00 on Friday evenings so that more of the assisting adults can attend. This will be great for all of our adult student helpers!

January 26, 2007 — Congratulations to the January testing group! The following students were advanced to their next rank:

Great job, gang! I'm very proud of you!

January 19, 2001 — A new schedule is in effect for the new year at Blue Cliff Tae Kwon Do! The kids class will now run on Fridays from 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. and the adult class will run on Fridays from 6:30 p.m. - 7:45 p.m. I'll see you there!

December 22, 2006 — Congratulations go out to Paul Labbé for successfully passing his 2nd Degree White Belt test. He had an excellent test. Great job, Paul!

December 11, 2006 — Holiday Schedule Update: Class will be cancelled on Friday, December 29th. Mr. Couch will be out of town and unable to schedule a make-up class. Class will resume the regular schedule on Friday, January 5th.

December 11, 2006 — Mr. Couch's Corner: I just returned from a wonderful weekend of studying TKD in Texas. Click here for details of my exciting trip! Pics added 12/14!

November 11, 2006 — Congratulations to Barbara Sholley and Tony Ferrer on passing their tests! On Nov. 11th, Barbara was advanced to Yellow Belt and Tony was advanced to 2nd Degree White Belt. Great job, Tony and Barbara!

November 9, 2006 — Holiday Schedule: class will be cancelled the day after Thanksgiving: November 24, 2006. Class will also be cancelled on Friday, December 8: Mr. Couch will be flying to Dallas that weekend to undergo further training with Grandmaster Yates. If possible, that class will be rescheduled to the following Monday.

November 7, 2006 — We are proud to announce the release of Volumes 1 & 2 of the Blue Cliff Tae Kwon Do curriculum DVDs. These DVDs offer students a chance to review the complete curriculum of the Blue Cliff school of Tae Kwon Do at home. Volumes 1 & 2 chronicle the requirements for the first two ranks. Eventually, Mr. Couch plans to put out a DVD for each rank up to Black Belt.

These DVDs are available free of charge to Blue Cliff Tae Kwon Do students only. If possible, a suggested donation of $10/DVD is appreciated to help cover production costs.

October 7, 2006 — On Saturday, October 7th, three Blue Cliff TKD students took and passed their first Tae Kwon Do tests. Nicole and Michelle, both from the children's class, passed their test for 2nd Degree White Belt (9th Gup) with flying colors! Additionally, Barbara (known by her nickname Bobbi in the adult class), underwent a strenuous 9th Gup exam and turned in an excellent performance. Mr. Couch and everyone at Blue Cliff TKD extend hearty congratulations to all three on their successful examinations!

October 3, 2006 — Scheduling announcement! Due to an event being held in the gym on Friday, October 27th, that class time has been rescheduled to Monday, October 30th. Classes will meet at the usual times: 6:00 for kids and 7:30 for adults.

October 3, 2006 — Welcome to our newest adult students: the whole family got involved when George, Ivonne, George Jr. and Ashley arrived at class! And a warm welcome to Rick, a practitioner of other styles who has decided to spend some time in Tae Kwon Do!

August 21, 2006 — Mr. Couch was recently accepted into the American Karate and Tae Kwon Do Organization, or A-KaTO. Affiliation with this prestigious organization, headed by Grandmaster Keith D. Yates, will present all Blue Cliff students with opportunities to advance in our knowledge of the martial arts!

August 12, 2006 — On Friday, August 18th, Mr. Couch will be in Dallas, TX visiting Grandmaster Keith Yates. One of the original American Black Belts with over 40 years experience, Master Yates has graciously offered his time and training expertise. However, CLASSES IN TUCSON ARE NOT CANCELLED! Classes will be held on the usual schedule so be sure to be in attendance!

August 4, 2006 — Congratulations to William Westdyke on his promotion to Yellow Belt (8th gup)! Already a Black Belt in Aikido, we are glad to have him broadening his martial knowledge in our Tae Kwon Do program!

July 25, 2006 — We at Blue Cliff Tae Kwon Do and the Salvation Army extend our thanks to Fountains Management Services for their recent donation of $500 to the program in order to assist with the purchase of uniforms and supplies.

Generous contributions from caring members of the community help to keep this quality program free to all.

Thank you, Fountains Management Services, for your commitment to the development and ongoing education of the Tucson Community!