It’s finally Fall! Some evening chill, random rain showers, and pumpkin spice (fill in the blank). No matter how happy we are for Fall, one thing’s for sure, we had a blast of a Summer!
FORGED IN FIRE
The Nationals Training Camp fired up the beginning of Summer with an intense 2-week training schedule, in preparation for the USAT National Championship held in Detroit, Michigan from June 29th – July 6th, and the AAU National Championship in Florida on July 5th. Two to three sessions per day for two weeks got our athletes in top condition entering the championships.
A TRIPLE PLAY KIND OF DAY
On June 17th, with the camp in intermission, we went back-to-back-to-back! We started our morning at the movie theater with a private viewing of “Cars 3.” After lunch, we celebrated Father’s day together as our very own Master Vargas, joined the Quest dads and their children on the mat for a session of “one-twos” and TKD drills followed by games, food, and fatherly fun. Our day concluded with a Crosstraining Session with Excel and Sparks Taekwondo Teams, and a Bake Sale to support our Fight Team on their way to Nationals.
KICKING OUR WAY INTO SUMMER
The 2-week camp culminated on June 24th with a Summer Kick-Off Party. The Demo Team showed its board breaking and Poomsae prowess, little ones jumped their hearts out in the Bounce House, and the Fight Team spearheaded another Bake Sale Fundraiser (the Vietnamese Iced Coffee was a hit). Of course, the Quest fidget spinner also made its debut.
ON THE NATIONAL STAGE
With the support of family and friends on GoFundMe, 2 Bake Sales, and lots of Facebook shoutouts, Quest athletes brought their hearts and souls to the Nationals Championships. Here are their results:
- Ross Moore: Gold, AAU
- Chloe Towns: Gold, USAT
- Nick Alejo: Silver, USAT
- Tyler Tabil: Silver, USAT
- Kamille Carbon: Bronze, USAT
- Clare Trinh: Bronze, USAT
PARTY TIME
To show our pride in our accomplishments at Nationals AND to express our gratitude to those who helped send our athletes to the podium, the Moore Family hosted a Victory Party at their home on July 29th. There were pies, cakes, a variety of home-cooked dishes, and an entire roasted pig (lechon)!
BACK TO CAMP
Quest athletes never stop improving and take every opportunity to perfect their skills. So, after partying like it was 1999, we launched our 3-week Demo Camp. The first week, student’s honed their Nunchuks skills. In the second week, they perfected their Bo Staff techniques. And for their third week, they crushed the boards! Then on July 29th, the Demo Team concluded camp with an exhibition at the start of the Quest Annual Family Picnic.
FUN IN THE SUN
Nothing else screams summer than a picnic filled with family, friends, food, and fun in the sun! After the Demo Team’s exhibition, we held the Quest Annual Family Picnic at Alta Vista Park. Parents brought an assortment of dishes while kids brought super soakers and water balloons. The “Great Water Balloon Toss Tournament” was unforgettable, and the super soakers and water balloon fights were a blast!
A CHALLENGE MET
On August 5th, The 8th California Challenge at the University of La Verne called our athletes back to mat. While everyone fought fiercely, Sachi Moore conquered her division, taking home the Gold.
HOW TO SAVE A LIFE
Thanks to Mr. Sean Cox, an EMT for 23 years and an AHA CPR Instructor for the last 10 years who currently works as an Operations Manager for the second largest ambulance company in the United States, our Black Belt Leaders are now equipped to perform the life-saving technique of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)!
THE GRAND FINALE
Two of our athletes took to the skies and flew to Costa Rica at the end of August. Tyler Tabil, who won Silver in Detroit, represented Team USA at the Pan-Am Cadet Championship. On the other hand, Chloe Towns, who won Gold in Detroit, competed in the Costa Rica Open. Each fought in their respective divisions with determination and purpose. Although only accompanied by their mothers and Coach Vargas, they fought with the support of the whole team and all their family and friends back home. Giving their all, Tyler earned the Bronze, while Chloe took home the Silver.
THE QUEST CONTINUES…
Our athletes are on a journey to be the best. Be on the lookout for Quest at the following events:
- Jimmy Kim Invitational (JKI) Championships on September 23rd in Long Beach, CA
- World Taekwondo President’s Cup on October 5th-8th in Las Vegas, Nevada
- 2017 International Las Vegas Open on November 11th in Las Vegas, Nevada
- 2018 U.S. Open Taekwondo Championships on January 28th-February 2nd in Las Vegas, Nevada
- 2018 USAT National Championship on July 2nd-9th in Salt Lake City, Utah
Summer 2017 was truly a memorable time for us all. We hope you will continue to follow and support our athletes in their quest to rule the world be the best!
