Dear Head of School,
As you know, this year marks the 50th Anniversary of our style. We are planning several special things at IATC to celebrate this historic moment so that it is memorable and fun for all -- “old-timers” and new members alike.
One of the most important ways we will celebrate is by having a ceremony that formally unites Cương Nhu Việt Nam and Cuong Nhu worldwide. We are flying Master Nguyen Van Nhan, the leader of Cuong Nhu in Vietnam, to Raleigh for the unification ceremony. Master Nhan was taught by our Dad and uncles during the war, and he continued to lead Cuong Nhu after our family’s departure from Vietnam. Connecting with Cương Nhu Việt Nam formally is important for our style for many reasons, one being that we will have our own "home country" to visit, like other styles, for generations to come.
Our plan is to fly Master Nhan straight from Hue to Raleigh for IATC. After IATC, we will send him on a wonderful journey touring Cuong Nhu schools in the US. He will first join Master Lap (and perhaps me) in Tallahassee, traveling with him to both Gainesville and Jacksonville. After a few days in each location, we will fly him to the west coast to visit Berkeley schools with John and Didi as their hosts, and then up to the Northwest to stay with the Kays. From Seattle, we will fly him back home to Hue, no doubt with many warm memories, great stories and new learnings to share with our Cuong Nhu schools back in Vietnam.
In keeping with Cuong Nhu’s generous tradition of taking care of causes that we believe in collectively and to make this endeavor collaborative, one in which all play a part in its success, we started a fundraising effort on Facebook to pay for the costs of bringing Master Nhan to America. We are happy to report that we have collected over $3,000 of the $6,000 needed already. No amount is too small, and most of the money has been contributed by individuals making donations under $50. For this we are grateful and proud.
Now, there is an opportunity for each school to make a collective contribution to help raise the remaining monies. We are encouraging you to discuss our 50th anniversary, the importance of bringing Master Nhan to the celebration at IATC, as well as sending him on the trip afterwards, and to discuss contributing as a dojo with your students and their families. You can set a reachable amount to collect, the date by which to collect it, and then donate it by going to the following link:
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.
Gang!
Bao Ngo
(615) 347-3500
(615) 347-3500
