NEW! AAU TAEKWONDO FOUR TEAM PROGRAMS

We are excited about FOUR Programs that are new or expanding for AAU Taekwondo and its members in 2017.   These programs are designed to better the athlete experience at AAU Taekwondo events and to raise the competitive level for all USA athletes.

FIRST: Regional Camps, we will be rolling out numerous regional camps throughout the USA. These camps will partner our National Coaching staff with our Regional Coaching staff to give our athletes access to the best and brightest coaches along with their methods in the country.  Be on the lookout - we are bringing these high level camps to your area.  In the past, these camps have been well attended and received rave reviews.  There has definitely been a call for more of them and we have heard you ... there will be even more!

SECOND: AAU Taekwondo would like to announce a pilot program focusing on the senior team. In the past, we have focused on cadets and junior with much success. We are very proud of the success our cadet and junior programs have produced. Giving athletes the experience of a well-run National event which qualifies them for a competitive team trials process, leading to an international event, has proven to be a valuable process for the athletes involved.  Building on this success we would like to support our competitive juniors as they age out into the senior division.

This year AAU Taekwondo will be funding two (2) female senior members and two (2) male senior members.  These athletes will be selected from our pool of "Gold Medalists" at 2017 AAU Nationals in the senior black belt divisions. This will give the opportunity that the eight (8) female and eight (8) male gold medal athletes may apply for the four (4) funded team spots.  Criteria will be as follows in order of importance for selection:
 

1. Competitive record within the AAU program.
2. Placing at past AAU nationals and/or team trials.
3. International ranking or international medals won.
4. Strength of the division won.

The goal of AAU Taekwondo program is to build from this four (4) Athlete model to full senior team support if this pilot program shows the success we anticipate.

THIRD: AAU Taekwondo will be recommitting itself to our members that focus on POINT FIGHTING.  Yes, that's right ... 1st place winners in the Black Belt Point Fighting Divisions at nationals will make up our FIRST EVER, National Point Fighting Team.  This team will receive team warm ups, uniforms and the opportunity to travel as a team to a high level championships. This team will be self-funded but please know it is the intention of AAU Taekwondo to grow this program, as it has been growing the Olympic Sparring program.  We are currently negotiating with an international federation for participation in a world level event in Italy October 2017.

FOURTH: AAU Taekwondo is very excited to announce that the ball is ROLLING ... we are laying all the ground work, so that SPORT POOMSAE will be included in 2018 Nationals.  We are committed to bringing this exciting event and its athletes into the AAU competition family!

We are so very excited about these great initiatives and the impact it will have on our AAU Taekwondo Membership!  We are committed to making your involvement with AAU Taekwondo the best it can be!

Any questions on this program, please contact Mr. Mike Friello – the AAU Taekwondo National Chair at officialaautaekwondo@gmail.com.