$50

Are you excited to expand your martial arts skills and knowledge? Here’s your chance! Bid on a 60-minute Zoom lesson with Master Gary Starecheski, a master instructor with a wealth of experience in Tang Soo Do. As a dedicated martial artist and a vibrant instructor, Gary is ready to guide you through a personalized training session that can focus on whatever you wish to learn. The winner of this auction can choose from a range of topics to explore during the lesson. Whether you're interested in honing your sparring techniques—including one-steps, competition strategies, and free sparring—or diving into self-protection and self-defense tactics, Gary has got you covered. His approach includes effective strategies for keeping yourself and others safe, making this a perfect option for teens and young adults who want to be prepared for real-life situations, like helping friends stay safe at parties. Additionally, you can delve into the art of breaking, focusing on speed, skill, and power breaks, or explore hyungs—the history, philosophy, and applications of Pyung Ahn and beyond. If you have a different topic in mind, Gary is open to tailoring the lesson to meet your specific interests. Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to learn from a seasoned martial artist and elevate your training! Whether you’re looking to refine your skills, learn new techniques, or gain insights into the philosophy of martial arts, this session will be tailored to your needs. What’s Included: - Duration: 60 minutes of personalized instruction. - Specialties: Master Starecheski can teach a wide range of topics, including: - Sparring (including one steps, competition and free sparring) - Self protection/self defense- keeping yourself and others safe. Including safely helping others get out of unsafe situations. Great for teens and young adults who may see friends taken advantage of at parties, etc - Breaking- speed, skill, and power breaks - Hyungs- Pyung Ahn History, Philosophy, and Applications. Other hyungs could be chosen The winning bidder can choose the focus of the lesson based on their interests and needs. - Eligibility: Open to participants aged 10 to 99 or older! Youth participants must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. - Group Option: More than one person can participate in the lesson, making it a great opportunity for families or small groups. - Open to All: This lesson is available to both APTSDF members and non-members, including parents or friends outside the organization. NOTE: YOU MUST SIGN A WAIVER. Meet Gary Starecheski: A Journey of Martial Arts Passion Gary Starecheski's martial arts journey is a testament to dedication, lifelong learning, and the transformative power of Tang Soo Do. His story begins in 1977 when he first stepped into a martial arts dojang in Clifton Heights, Pennsylvania, training under Masters Young Kook Kwon and Young Hyuk Kwon. Just three years later, in 1980, he achieved his Black Belt under Head Examiner Jae C Shin. A Martial Arts Adventure Gary's path wasn't always straightforward. In 1985, he took a break from formal training, continuing to practice on his own. But the call of martial arts was strong, and in 2004, he returned to the dojang as an assistant instructor in Master Scott Belisle's TaeKwonDo class in Huntington, Vermont. When Master Belisle moved away, he saw something special in Gary and suggested he take over the program. This was the birth of Crouching Lion Tang Soo Do - a name inspired by the old French name for Camel's Hump Mountain. Continuous Learning and Growth Reinvigorated by teaching, Gary reconnected with his passion for learning. He was fortunate to find Master Peter Desorda's dojang in Waterbury, VT, where he continued to grow as a martial artist. His dedication paid off when he tested for his Second Degree Black Belt in 2013. In 2015, Master Desorda introduced Gary to the Atlantic Pacific Tang Soo Do Federation. After attending several seminars and the 2016 Black Belt Camp, Gary and Crouching Lion became part of the Federation family. In October 2016, he was promoted to 3rd degree Black Belt after testing before Grandmaster John St. James, Senior Master Deborah Jett, and Master Desorda. Beyond the Dojang Gary isn't just a martial artist - he's also a hospital pharmacist with a passion for teaching others about medication safety. But his true love remains teaching martial arts, especially to children and adults who can benefit from Tang Soo Do's mental, spiritual, and physical teachings. What Makes Gary Special Gary is known for his challenging yet fun classes. He focuses not just on physical techniques, but on personal safety training that combines: - Physical self-defense techniques - Situational awareness - De-escalation strategies for potentially threatening situations Today, Gary continues to inspire students as a 4th Dan SaBomNim in the APTSDF under Grandmaster St. James, proving that martial arts is truly a lifelong journey of learning and personal growth.