JD May Judo Scholarship Application

The JD May Judo Scholarship. JD was a beloved husband, father, adventurer, wanderer and long-time student of Grand Master Park at Park’s Martial Arts Academy in Billings, Montana. JD was passionate when it came to his friends, hobbies, recreation, and music. Martial arts was a 26-year pursuit for JD where he earned a 3rd Dan Black Belt in Judo while also dabbling in Taekwondo. He was a dear friend to Grand Master Suk Byung Park and his wife Youn Park. Here, he felt like an adopted son of Suk and Youn. JD was an adventurer. He was an accomplished skier, a legend at Red Lodge Mountain with the nickname 'Birdman’. Floating the river with friends and family and trying new forest service cabins provided wonderful memories. In his 40s, JD took on paragliding. To say he had guts was an understatement, if he had any fear, you couldn’t tell. He wasn’t afraid to try something new and he was always determined to become the best at it. JD was the guy who would drop everything to help someone. He was generous, kind and always looking out for the underdog. He participated in 40 Days for Life Prayer walks and led his family. He had a great devotion to the Rosary and would often “preach” or interact with the homeless who wandered by the Dwyer Park Grotto while he prayed. Unscripted adventures were going on wherever the spirit moved JD. This scholarship is a celebration of JD’s spirit for adventure, his heart and devotion to the martial arts and his generosity to others.

JD May Nov 7 1972 -Dec 2 2022

Scholarship Information

Judo is a sport where each opponent attempts to break the others’ balance and pin. Team Judo USA describes judo as: "a tremendous and dynamic combat sport that demands both physical prowess and great mental discipline. From a standing position, it involves techniques that allow you to lift and throw your opponents onto their backs. On the ground, it includes techniques that allow you to pin your opponent’s down to the ground, control them, and apply various chokeholds or joint locks until submission.”

The American Jungdo Federation and the instructors at its Branch Academies were founded by Grand Master Suk Byung Park. Grand Master Park is a 5 time Korean national champion, world class instructor and a former Olympic coach of the Netherlands. He holds a 10th Dan Black Belt in both Judo and Taekwondo.

At the American Jungdo Federation we believe in teaching the mental aspect of martial arts as well as the physical. Martial arts can boost academic performance and transform character. Current research not only supports this but also shows the martial arts enhances cognitive, behavioural, and social/emotional growth as well.

Our goal is to build methods of strength and self-defense for mind, body and spirit. The goal is to enhance the lives of students, empowering them to lead with confidence and courage. Our students learn to apply martial arts in competition but also in every day life.

AJF Precept: “ Be the One who Contributes to Society through Morale Cultivation. ”

Scholarship Amount:


Recipient(s) may receive a scholarship up to their requested amount amount to be used for a school uniform, lessons, or tests at an approved American Jungdo Federation school. Payment will be made directly to the student’s AJF school of choice.

Announcement:

Scholarship winners will be notified via phone or email.

Winner(s) may also be acknowledged at AJF functions where appropriate.

Qualifications:

This scholarship is open to students of all ages. Applicant must demonstrate financial need and a desire to learn.

TO APPLY:

Email: Melanie Tripp, parksmabillings@gmail.com

Include the following:

✓ Application Form

✓ Parent/Guardian Commitment Form

✓ Photo/Video & Media Waiver

✓ Essay

✓ Letter of Recommendation: All students must provide a reference from an adult who is not a family member. Examples of references: schoolteacher, coach, religious education teacher, martial arts teacher, or day care provider, etc.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: N/A. Scholarships may be awarded at any time during the year on an as-needed-basis at the discretion of the scholarship committee and where funds are available. Amount of funds and timing of funds will be dispersed at the discretion of the committee.

Has the applicant taken any martial arts lessons before?

ASSISTANCE AMOUNT REQUESTED

Parent/Guardian Information

Parent/Guardian Commitment Form

I understand that attendance at scheduled lessons is very important and is a reflection of my family’s commitment to my child’s martial arts education. I will provide transportation for my child and will do everything in my power to ensure expected participation. Recurring missed lessons without a valid reason and/or “no-shows” may result in termination of the scholarship.

In signing this, I agree to actively support my child’s martial arts development and will ensure regular attendance at lessons.

Photo/Video & Media Waiver

I give permission for my child to have pictures or videos taken and to be highlighted in media releases to announce the scholarship recipient and to publicize his/her progress and learning. The pictures/videos and media releases may be posted on the following:

Website and Social Media pages, Newspaper or magazine articles about the scholarship Printed materials or signage.

I have read this waiver, and agree to its terms.

Reference/Recommendation

Each applicant is asked to provide a reference/recommendation from an adult who is not a member of the applicant’s immediate family.

The following is to be completed by the adult recommending this applicant:

Applicant Essay

Please use the space below or attach as separate sheet. If the applicant is not able to complete the writing task on his/her own, he/she may dictate the ideas to an adult or send in a recording.