May 7, 2007

Dear Sir:

My daughter was recently a competitor in your 33rd National All Martial Arts Championships. I am writing to tell you about our experience.

My daughter, Lauryn Tyler, is a 10 year old orange belt practicing at your Natrona Heights school under Master Zak Szabo. She started karate in August of 2006 and loves coming to class. She was very excited about the tournament and couldn't wait to compete. She was even more excited when we walked in and saw all the trophies sitting on the floor. She competed in both the forms and breaking categories. Even though she practied hard prior to the competition, Lauryn failed to finish in the top three of either category. The look of disappointment on her face when the winners were announced was almost more than I, as a mother, could bear. With a tear in her eye, she smiled, congratulated the winners, and walked away. I couldn't have been more proud of her if she had walked away with both 1st place trophies. I can only imagine that coming to class with Master Szabo has taught her that good sportsmanship is as important as winning.

Thank you for running such a great and efficient tournament. And thank you for teaching my daughter something I could not, the good and the bad of competition.

Sincerely, Sara Suwan

COMMENT FROM NATIONAL ALL MARTIAL ARTS CHAMPIONSHIP COMMITTEE: We appreciate your time in sending this information to us and are impressed with your wonderful Martial Arts spirit. Tang Soo!