After a long struggle with brain cancer, Kyoshi Everhart sadly is no longer with us. Kyoshi passed away on Sunday morning, July 27, 2008.
Robert Everhart,
Kyoshi, Shihan, Hachidan, Kanto Sho
Several hundred martial artist students, masters and grand masters from all across the country stood in the long line that led out of the sanctuary door of Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, into the streets of Southeast, Washington, DC. They were accompanied by a long list of friends, business clients and associates, students, and relatives who patiently waited to file past his three daughters Robyn, Ryann, and Rayla, his wife Tonya, and his mother, Bessie Thomas-Kelly, to view the body of our friend and colleague.
Lots of fond memories were reminisced by everyone of the man who touched the lives of so many as everyone crowded into the small Catholic church where Robert attended as a child.
Tributes were made by close friends and Promoters Plus co-founders, Shihan Eberhard Welch, and Kwanjang James Wyatt, and the former nationally rated Black Belt Student, Joyce Larkin. More than 150 cars traveled to Fort Lincoln Cemetery, in Bladensburg, Maryland for the internment ceremony and our final "Good Byes". At the conclusion of the ceremony, several martial arts schools and organizations cheered their school shout, creeds and enthusiastic kiaps. Finally, after all of the tears of sadness, hugs, handshakes and chats with everyone, several persons went to convene at the Ward Memorial AME Church, in Northeast, DC.
A memorial tournament is in the planning stage to honor Shihan in March, 2009. To read more about Shihan, visit his webpage in the BIOGRAPHY section at http://www.everhartenterprises.com/KenpoKarate.html , or you can read what the Washington Post wrote on this great martial arts legend by going to this link:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/19/AR2008081902794.html?referrer=emailarticle
Master Wyatt to be presented the prestigious MARTIAL ARTS PIONEER Award
Master Wyatt will be one of the few martial artist in the entire Washington Metropolitan Area to receive the coveted Martial Arts Pioneer Award for his many contributions to the martial arts industry.
He was most recognized for his inovations to his many years of promoting martial arts tournaments including including The SuperKids Martial Arts Championships and the JW Classics. He was also recognized for being the creator of his nationally acclaimed, high impact Tae Robics workout program, which has been taught all around the area including, The White House, the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, IBM, Exxon/Mobile, the Department of Justice and many, many more locations.
The Black Tie awards ceremony and dinner will take place on Saturday evening, Spetember 13, 2008, at the James R. Cousins, Jr. Municipal Center, in Glen Arden, Maryland and will be hosted by Grandmaster Reginald Jackson, Sr..
Join Us For Our Annual WTKDC Early Morning Fall Workout!
A few of the WTKDC Tae Kwon Do students work on their forms at the historic Fort Washington National Park in the early morning hours.
Our Annual WTKDC Early Morning Spring Workout was totally awesome! The air was crisp, the weather was cool and the scenery is strikingly incredible! It was just a GREAT day for our annual Spring Outdoor Martial Arts Workout and Family Outting.
For the past three years, several of our students have come out and enjoyed a morning of fun and fitness, including Tae Kwon Do and weapons training. The students work out for more than three hours in glorious spring weather and the most awesome view of the beautiful Potomac River. By the end of the session, the students learned the basics of the art of the sword, the Bo Staff, the Escrima Sticks, Self Defense techniques and a number of Tae Kwon Do Forms.
This year, the Annual Fall Workout is OPEN TO EVERYONE (whether you are a martial artist or not) and will be held at two locations on two different dates. The first workshop will be held in Reston,Virginia at Lake Fairfax Park, on Sunday, October 5, 2008, from 9:30 until 12:00 noon. Take a look at the Reston Outdoor Workshop
The next workshop will be held at the historical Fort Washington National Park, in beautiful Fort Washington, Maryland, on Sunday morning, October 19, 2008, beginning at 9:00 a.m until approximately 12:00 noon. Everyone is asked to bring a dish of food so that we all can enjoy a light meal after our workout.
Bring your whole family and all of your friends to both sessions, as there is plenty of fun for everyone. Even if you are not a martial artist, you can still join in and learn some basic techniques.
The view of the historic fort is breathtaking as we
workout while looking at the beautiful Potomac River
The annual Fall Workout will be held at the beautiful and historical FORT WASHINGTON NATIONAL PARK, in Fort Washington, Maryland.
The students practiced the techniques of the Sword.
 
The hooking kick technique from White Belt Elena Loukoianova (left) looks as good as 9th Degree Master Black Belt, James Wyatt's kick
  
After Kwanjang demonstrates the technique, the students join in and show their skills
We're expecting NEW Black Belts in November
Black Belt Candidates Denise Morelli, Imanie Content and Rodtico Baker are training to become our next Black Belts at the WTKDC. Each of them have been training for at least five years and not only perform well in Tae Kwon Do, but they are also certified in CPR/AED and Kyusho revival techniques. In addition, they are also learning more intense Tae Kwon Do history, culture and etiquette, and Korean Hangul (Writing) and tournament judging, score keeping and refereeing, which will make each of them a much more rounded martial artist.
The Black Belt Simsa is scheduled to be held in November, in Largo, Maryland before an all star panel of Black Belts from several martial arts schools and organizations. Then there will be a special belt awarding ceremony later that week at the dojang.
The JW Spring Classics Martial Arts Tournament was a HUGE success. Click on the link to read what Master Wyatt had to say about this exciting event The JW Spring Classics.
The WTKDC Black Belt Club members show why they are among the top in the Mid-Atlantic Region at the JW Classics!
   
The WTKDC Celebrates 25 Years of Service to Our Community!
Do you remember what you were doing twenty-five years ago? Were you in college or high school? Were you starting your first professional job? Or perhaps, you weren't even born yet!
Well, on May 7, 1983, the Washington Tae Kwon Do Club started its first Tae Kwon Do class and this year, we're going to celebrate....BIG-TIME!!! To read about the all of the fun and excitement we're having, and to see the NEW Commemorative WTKDC 25th Anniversary patch, click here.
Kwanjang Wyatt Joins Host, Master Samuel Scott, on the Martial Arts Forum Cable TV Show
Master Scott stands on the set with Kwanjang Wyatt just
before taping the conversation segment of the show
Kwanjang Wyatt was the featured guest martial artist on Master Scott's cable TV show entitled, "The Martial Arts Forum". The show is for those who are truly interested in all types of martial arts.
The two chatted about the future of martial arts, martial arts and kids, how to find a good martial arts school for adults and kids, and of course, The Washington Tae Kwon Do Club.
It was also followed by a Tae Kwon Do Kick demonstration and a few self defense techniques by Kwanjang Wyatt and Black Belt instructor Darryl Maye, and a fantastic demonstration on the use of the Katana sword by student Jung Kim. To see some of the fun that everyone had, click this link.
The Study of Korean Writing and Korean History is not Easy, but...the WTKDC Black Belt Candidates are handling the challenge!
J ung Kim gives a lesson on Korean History
to the Black Belt Candidate Students
At the Washington Tae Kwon Do Club, our program is not just about kicking and punching. In addition to all of the mechanics and fundamentals that each student must learn, they are also required to learn the art of Korean hangul (Korean writing) and a bit of the Korean history, as well as Tae Kwon Do history. To see what else our students learn, click here.
The WTKDC Black Belt Candidates become CPR/AED certified
The Black Belts of the WTKDC are not only skilled in their Tae Kwon Do techniques, but they are also trained to avoid unecessary injuries and possibly save lives. Each Black Belt candidate (Brown Belt) must undergo training in Lung Revival, Heart Revival, Neurological Shutdowns and CPR/AED training before they are eligible to test for the rank of Black Belt.
Several of the candidates became cer tified in May by the American Heart Association in both CPR and AED response rescue. Each candidate had to perform the proper techniques of saving a life in an actual heart failure situation by using mouth to mouth techniques and the use of an AED (Automatic Electronic Defribulator).
They each must be able to use these techniques in the case of a accidential classroom situation, or even an event outside of the dojang. Their next quest is to become certified in the revival techniques of Kyusho Jitsu. One more reason why you and your kids will be in good hands at the Washington Tae Kwon Do Club.
Become A Part of Our Winning Tradition!
Two people can register for our Championship Tae Kwon Do Program for the price of one!
You've always wanted to do it yourself, or maybe you think it would be great for your kids... TAE KWON DO!
We're not only one of the oldest Tae Kwon Do schools in the entire Washington area, but we're also ONE OF THE BEST! Our students have won more championships and grand championships than any other school in the area. We have competed in several different arenas, including the AAU, the USTU, NASKA, SKI, NBL, the Open Point Circuit, and the Promoters Plus Circuits. Not to mention that the head instructor (9th Degree Black Belt, James Wyatt), is one of the most recognized Tae Kwon Do Black Belts in the area. In addition to that, 85% of the youth members are HONOR ROLL STUDENTS at their academic schools. We're expanding our class size to 100 Tae Kwon Do students and we'd like for you to be a part of it.
To read how you and your whole family can be a part of our winning tradition, click here!
Black Belt, Karissa Campbell graduates from college...
With Honors
Once again, Black Belt, Karissa Campbell made us all very proud of her by graduating from Virginia State University in Petersburg, Virginia, with honors with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electronic Engineering Technology.
She has landed a powerful career position with the EDS Corporation in Chantilly, Virginia and is already making big strides.
Congratulations, and we are looking forward to hearing more good this from you.
Master Wyatt is a member of the first Class to graduate from the Accredited Kyusho Health & Wellness Program.
The first graduating class of the Certified and Accredited Kyusho Health & Wellness Program, held in Peabody, Massachusetts, January, 2008.
The class included Glenn Pilato, New Jersey; Wayne Lawrence, Rhode Island; Don Viccaro and Rodger Hinds, New York; Lusk Penn, Samuel Scott, Wallace Powell, James Wyatt, Ronnie Vaughn, and Sam Smart, all from Maryland; Nathan Wender, Virginia; and David Gawle, Massachusetts.
Several martial artists from the Maryland area were among the first to graduate from the first Kyusho Health & Wellness program in Peabody, Massachusetts. For more in this historic event, click here.
Everyone looked "GREAT" at the International Hall of Honor Banquet Awards Dinner
Top: Master Wyatt stands with some of the adult students who were honored at the International Hall of Honor Banquet Awards.
Left to Right are: Black Belt, Andy Butts, Green Belt, Alan Thomas, Master Wyatt and Green Belt, Jung Kim.
Bottom: Youth students pose with Master Wyatt. Left to Right are:
1st Gup Brown Belts, Jelani Wilson and Imanie Content, Blue Belts Kailyn Wilson and Norman Nixon, 2nd Gup Brown Belts, Briannah Charles and Rodtico Baker.
Recently, several students from the WTKDC were inducted into the International Hall of Honor. The induction started on Friday with a ceremony in honor of Andrew Butts, who was promoted to Cho Dan Black Belt. Andy was presented his Black Belt before a room full of Masters and Grand Masters from all ofver the country. For more pictures, click here.
Saturday was filled with all types of martial arts workshops and seminars, including an Iaido seminar given by Master Wyatt. The evening was full of awards and honors to the WTKDC students, as several of them received the prestigious and beautiful "Outstanding Acheivement" Award for their accomplishments in, and outside of the dojang. Rodtico Baker and Norman Nixon amazed the audiance with a performance of their competition form.
Finally, everyone enjoyed a delicious dinner of Salmon, Filet Steak, and Chicken and dancing.
To see more of the Hall of Honor Awards pictures, click here.
Master Wyatt sits on an"All Star" Panel of Martial Arts Advisors
Is Martial Arts A Good Activity for Your Child?
Pictured standing left to right are Sensei Juan Davis,
Shihan, Robert Everhart, Master Wallace Powell,
Grandmaster Furman Marshall, Master Samuel Scott,
Grandmaster Manuel Agrella, Shihan Clarence Murray,
Mfundi Tayari Casel, and Kwanjang James Wyatt
Recently, Master Wyatt sat on a board of select martial martial artist who is making a strong statement to the community that martial arts in not just about Kicking and Punching. While many parents put their kids in a martial arts program for many reasons, we like to think of our programs as "life skills" and "personal development" programs.
 The Forum, which was hosted by Master Samuel Scott, of The Full Circle Martial Arts Academy put forth a power discussion on the well being and the survival of our youth. Each of the board members stated that in their school, several "old school" disciplines is an absolute must, including, morals and character issues like tradition, courtesy, respect, integrety, and honor, just to name a few.
With all that is going on in our school school systems and neighborhoods, this pannel feels that our youth should also be taught that words like "yes sir" and "yes ma'am" should still be a part of today's vocabulary and how to properly (and proudly) wear a uniform as well as other values such as obeying parents and teachers, helping others, patience and doing your best in every aspect.
The panel plans to meet with local government officials to try to implement a special martial arts program in the school system. After all, what would you rather your child belong to...a disciplined martial arts school or the local neighborhood gang?
Master Wyatt is Inducted into Three (3) Nationally Recognized Hall of Fame Organizations
Kwanjang Wyatt receives the prestigious Hall of Honor Award
Recently, Kwanjang Wyatt received the nationally recognized Hall of Fame Award from the World Mudo Federation, at the lavish dinner banquet, which was held at the Sheraton Premier Hotel, in Tysons Corner, Virginia. He was awarded the prestigous "Man of the Year" award and was presented the award by Grandmaster Yong Sung Lee, President of the Mudo Federation.
He also received the "Golden Lifetime Award of Honor" from the nationally renowed United States Head of Family Martial Arts Association, and was honored at a Black Tie dinner at the luxurious BWI Ramada Inn Hotel in Hanover, Maryland. Master Wyatt, along with WTKDC Master Black Belt award recipients, Greg Davis, Gerald Brown and Gregory Kennedy and several of the WTKDC UnderBelt students joined other martial artists from all over the world including Jamaica, South America, Canada, France, U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Germany, Italy and of course, the United States.
WTKDC Master Black Belts Gerald Brown, Greg Davis, James Wyatt and Gregory Kennedy show off their awards at the International Hall of Champions /Hall of Honor Awards.
Finally, Master Wyatt has been chosen to be inducted into one of the largest and most presitgious Martial Arts Hall of Fame organizations in the world... Action Magazine's Hall of Fame and Spirit Awards.
Master Wyatt has been nominated for the "Golden Ambassador to the Martial Arts Award. The induction will take place at the beautiful Tropicana Casino & Resort in Atlantic City, New Jersey, and will feature a nationally rated martial arts tournament and an international trade show. There willl also be several martial arts super stars from Tri Star Pictures, including Don (the Dragon) Wilson and others.
Master Wyatt is joined by Honorees, Purnell Wood, Roy Johns and Ali Shabazz
Be sure to visit our Photo Gallery for more pictures The Washington Tae Kwon Do Photo Gallery.
"Storman" Norman becomes one of the Winningest Students in WTKDC History
Is he on track to becoming a Martial Arts Superstar?
Ten year old Norman Nixon, better known to us as "Storman" Norman is no stranger to winning. Read what has made him the "Winningest" Under Belt Student at the Washington Tae Kwon Do Club. Click here to read about Storman Norman
Master Wyatt Helps to "Make a Difference" in New Orleans
Master Wyatt stands in front of the location sign in
Musician's Village at the revitalization site in New Orleans.
One of the requirements to becoming a WTKDC Black Belt is to perform several hours of community service. It is such a wonderful feeling and a much needed act to help others who are less fortunate than us or to assist those who have been hit by tragedy and hard times.
Recently, Master Wyatt and several other Black Belts traveled to New Orleans to assist in the revitalization and the rebuilding of one of most terrible tragedies in American history.
Team Wyatt helped to construct home number 1709 at the Musician's Village. The homes in this location will house several families of various noted New Orleans musicians who lost their homes during the Katrina catastrophe.
It turned out not only to be a very rewarding experience, but at times, it was also extremely emotional to see, and to actually stand on the land where so much devestation had taken place.
Master Wyatt says that he knows that he can't help everyone and all of the victims of Hurricane Katrina, but to the residents of home number 17 09 in Musician's Village, he did.
He also says that with all of the thousands of martial arts leaders, students and parents in the United States, we should be able to do more to help and to assist this effort. Master Wyatt will travel back to New Orleans in 2008 to continue the much needed work.
Master Wyatt becomes one of the Senior members of Simba Dojang, Inc.
Master Wyatt became one of the Senior members of the legendary Tae Kwon Do organization, Simba DoJang, Inc. Master Wyatt was promoted to the rank of 9th Dan and has earned the title of "Grand Master", by his instructor, Grand Master Furman Marshall, founder of Simba DoJang and Black Belt Hall of Fame member. Master Wyatt and over 30 other members of the organization were promoted to Black Belt ranks from 5th Degree to 9th Degree.
Also promoted were Masters Greg Davis and Gregory Kennedy, who were both promoted to the rank of 8th Dan. The promotion event was held in Chinatown at the beautiful Chinatown Inn Restaurant.
The "Masters" Put on a big show at the Hall of Honor Seminars
Masters Greg Davis, James Wyatt, Furman Marshall, Joe
Parrish and Joe Cooper at the Hall of Honor Seminar
It was a big afternoon at the International Hall of Honor Seminar. The crowd was entertained by several Master Black Belts from all across the world including Jamaica, Trinidad, Columbia, Canada, and Hawaii.
The instructors put on seminars ranging from Self Defense, to Forms, to various weapons and mechanics. Soke Abdul Bilal amazed the crowd with his special art of Self Defense. Master Sylvester Chetham did a wonderful workshop on some of the forms of his system and Master Wyatt put on an impressive workshop with the Japanese Sword.. Everything was culminated by Sifu Abdulmushy's Push Hands workshop.
Masters Wyatt and Davis at the
Japanese Sword Seminar
The workshops were intense and the learning was awesome. Several of the Seminar instructors agreed to do special workshops for the WTKDC, so be sure to keep in touch with our website for what's happening in 2008.
"Little" Master Wyatt stands between to "Giant" legends, 6'7'' Professor Christopher Francis, from Trinidad and 6'6'' Grandmaster Doctor Hawk Ma, from Ohio (both are squatting down to make themselves look shorter for Master Wyatt).
The WTKDC....We're Not Just "Kicks and Punches"!
Not only do we teach championship Tae Kwon Do, but we also train our students in various types of martial arts weapons. As a matter of fact, most of our students have become winners in the Weapons divisions of several local, regional and national martial arts tournaments.
The WTKDC Students train long and hard in such weapons as the bo staff, the escrima sticks, the katana sword, the nunchucks, the knives, the kamas and the sais.
The work is hard and the students MUST be able to concentrate one hundred per cent of their training time.
Our Tuesday evening weapons class is for those who want to add another tool to their martial arts arsenal. Classes are held from 7:30 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. 
Youth students have also learned the additional discipline that it takes to use any of the weapons. One loss of concentration can cause serious injury; therefore, the student MUST give his full dedication and concentration. This practice is not only used in our facility, but it is also carried on in the youth's academic school. Which is one reason we believe that most of our youth are on their school's scholastic Honor Roll.
Several of the students are now going on to compete in the national martial arts tournaments and are training very hard to make sure that they come away winners.
Top: Master Wyatt gives instruction on the use of the
Bo Staff to a few students who are new to its use
Center: Master Wyatt demonstrates a draw and cut of
his katana to Master Black Belt, Donald Brown
Bottom: Master Wyatt shows the beginning of a
striking technique to Black Belt candidate, Andy Butts
Master Wyatt's High Energy "Kick" Workshop
Master Wyatt shows that he can still get off the floor as he demonstrates the principles of the distance jump side kick at his dynamic kick workshop!
It was truly a gruling learning experience for the WTKDC students. The art of Tae Kwon Do is a very challenging style. Tae Kwon Do is known for it's powerful kick techniques, and at Master Wyatt's Kick Workshop, the students learned not only how to kick, but in the four hour session, they also learned how to apply the kick to fight situations, proper technique, speed techniques, several different kicks, breaking with a power kick and a whole lot more.
Students from the Reston facility, The International Monetary Fund, The White House, The Department of Education, The InterAmerican Development Bank, and the Fort Washington locations were all present and litterally "Worked their legs off"! Despite the tiring workout, everyone had an enjoyable time.
The Adults Enjoy Working Out at Our Intense "Midnight Madness" Training Sessions
Grandmaster Marshall demonstrates a
powerful elbow smash technique on a would-be assailant
We know that lots of adults want to come work out with us, but their time schedule does not allow it. Just for those with the hectic schedule, now we have our "Midnight Madness" Training Sessions, every Friday night from 9:00 p.m. until midnight (or sometimes later).
It's quiet, it's private, it's intense and most of all...it's FUN! We've had some of the best and most well kn ow Black Belts to come work out and train us, including the head of Simba Dojang, Inc., Grandmaster Furman Marshall, Grandmaster Reggie Jackson, Sr., Grandmaster Ali Shabazz, Master Albert Cheeks, Master Samuel Scott, Grandmaster Reggie Jackson, Sr., and Professor Al Wood, just to name a few.
Come on out and give it a try, no kids, just serious adults. You'll learn a lot and you'll be glad you did!
Grandmaster Ali Shabazz
demonstrates a throwing technique
Part of the Midnight Madness group takes a short break from a SERIOUS workout directed by Grandmaster Furman (center) that lasted well past 1:00 a.m. in the morning. Several other participants had to leave a bit earlier, but the "Die Hards" stayed on!
Master Wyatt demonstrates how to remove a weapon
from a would be assailant after subduing him
2nd Gup Brown Belt Rodtico Baker shows his talent and skills
as he leaps over the head of Hall of Fame Black Belt, Albert Cheeks
at one of the Friday night Midnight Madness Sessions
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