Centerline Students Earn Top Honors
At 2009 U.S.T.F. Nationals!

View The Nationals Photo Album

Six students of Centerline Martial Arts of Walla Walla traveled to Longview Washington to compete in the 2009 United States Taekwon-Do Federation National Championships June 25th and 26th. Over 200 competitors from throughout the United States participated in what is known as one of the most anticipated Taekwon-Do tournaments in the country.

Reid Reininger
The National Junior Grand Champion

Junior 10-13 Age Division
1st Place Patterns
1st Place Sparring

Erin Mason
The National Adult Grand Champion

Adult 17-35 Age Division
1st Place Sparring
1st Place Patterns

Justin Hutcherson
National Champion
Junior 15-17 Age Middle Weight Division
1st Place Sparring

John Dirr
Adult 35+ Age Division
3rd Place Patterns

Jeff Neissl
Adult 35+ Age Super-Heavy weight Division
2nd Place Sparring

Tyler Neissl
National Champion
Junior 8-10 Age Division
1st Place Patterns

The distinction of the color belt Junior & Adult Grand Champion is based on a point system according to total accumulated 1st, 2nd and 3rd place medals earned by each competitor.

Both Mr. Reid Reining and Mrs. Erin Mason competed in tie-breaker competitions in front of a panel of seven U.S.T.F. Masters as well as Grand Master Serref the President of the United States Taekwon-Do Federation and number one American student of the late General Choi Hong Hi the creator of Taekwon-Do and General of the South Korean Army.
               
Reid Reininger was one of three juniors who earned 1st place in both sparring and patterns competitions. The three competitors faced off in a three way tie breaking patterns competition. Mr. Reininger performed flawlessly in a three way show down in front of the panel of seven U.S.T.F. Masters. Mr. Reininger earned a unanimous vote as the United States Taekwon-Do Federation Junior Grand Champion.

Erin Mason was one of only two adult competitors who earned 1st place in both sparring and patterns competitions. Mrs. Mason displayed remarkable focus and intensity in a head to head patterns competition with a male competitor from Missouri. Mrs. Mason earned an overwhelming majority vote as the title United States Taekwon-Do Federation Adult Grand Champion.

Justin Hutcherson fought a great group of middle weight teenage boys ranging in age from 15 to 17. Mr. Hutcherson battled hard in his first continuous 2 minute bout with a much taller higher ranking young man. In the final round Mr. Hutherson faced off with yet another taller and higher ranking competitor. He dominated the 2 minute fight with impressive stamina, patience and outstanding combinations of scoring techniques.

John Dirr displayed excellent technique and power earning 3rd place in patterns competition. At 61 years young Mr. Dirr competed in a division of over 15 men and women ages 35 and up and proved yet again that age is what you make of it.

Jeff Neissl fought in the adult 35+ super-heavy weight division. This group of big, strong and agile men put on a great show of Taekwon-Do Power and technique. Mr. Neissls’ first 2 minute continuous bout was hard fought and won with great defense along with decisive offensive attacking techniques that overwhelmed his opponent resulting in a clear victory. During the final bout Mr. Neissl was matched up against an outstanding fighter from southern California. The match was scored very closely with Mr. Neissl losing out by the narrowest of margins earning him 2nd place in the super-heavy weight division of 35+ men.

Tyler Neissl showed great confidence and respect while competing in a large group of 8-10 year old boys and girls. Mr. Neissl demonstrated outstanding technical execution and power earning him 1st place in patterns competition.

Mr. Glencross, along with Black Belt instructors Mr. Hutcherson, Mrs. Newby and Mr. Rhynard are obviously very proud of all the students who represented Centerline at this year’s U.S.T.F National Championships.