Hello Reader and Family,

As we begin 2026, we want to take a moment to welcome you to a new year of training, growth, and purpose here at Starworld Martial Arts Academy.

Below this email, you’ll find several items designed to help you and your family stay informed and engaged:

• The January 2026 Class Schedule
• The January Highlights & Training Calendar
• Video on weekly training focuses and special events
• A flyer outlining an opportunity to support students in Africa

In the short video, you’ll hear directly from our students along with an overview of our weekly instructional focus and upcoming events. It’s a great snapshot of the energy, structure, and purpose behind what we do.

January Training Focus

Our Life Skill Focus for January is Consistency, and our Instructional Focus is Self-Defense (applied and age-appropriate).

Each week, students will work on practical self-defense themes that build awareness, confidence, and control taught in a way that is appropriate for their age and experience level.

Saturday Gold Training – Weapon of the Month

For students in our Saturday Gold Training Program, the sword will be the featured weapon of the month along with tournament sparring training. The first tournament is the Friendship Tournament in San Diego on July 18, 2026.

A Special Opportunity to Help – Africa Student Support

As World Tang Soo Do students, we’re asking for your help with something meaningful.

As many of you know, I regularly travel to Africa to volunteer and support the local Tang Soo Do community. In the coming months, we will be hosting fundraising efforts with one clear goal: to help one or two deserving African students attend the 2026 World Tang Soo Do World Championship.

There are many dedicated students in Africa who train with commitment and heart but simply do not have the financial means to travel and compete at this level. With your help, we can change that for at least one student.

To ensure transparency and accountability, Miss Viramontes has kindly agreed to oversee the collection and tracking of all donations.

• Monetary contributions may be dropped off at the front desk in an envelope clearly marked “Africa Donation.”
• When Miss Viramontes is at the studio, she will collect and properly account for the funds.
• All donations will be forwarded to the Regional Director in Africa, who will select the recipient based on dedication, merit, and financial need.

Participation is completely optional. Any contribution—of any amount—is appreciated but never expected.

Currently, the World Tang Soo Do Association has studios in only 5 of Africa’s 54 countries, many of which face significant economic challenges. This is an opportunity for us here in Arizona to show our support and unity as part of a global Tang Soo Do family.

In addition to monetary donations, we will also be collecting used uniforms and sparring gear. If you choose to donate equipment, please write your name on it. Students and families in Africa truly value knowing where their gear came from and take great pride in wearing items donated by fellow Tang Soo Do practitioners here in the United States.

Our goal is to raise $5,000 to help cover travel and lodging costs. Every donation helps move us closer to that goal and contributes to a greater good.

Thank you for taking the time to review the information below, watch the video, and stay connected to what’s happening at Starworld. We’re grateful to be part of a community that looks beyond itself, trains with purpose, and leads with compassion.

With respect and appreciation,

Master Williamson

Tang Soo!

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