This summer we will be asking students to come in and demonstrate forms, self-defense, and basic motions at the school. We plan on holding two sessions to get all the footage we need to help create some instructional videos and reviews for staff and students alike. All students who participate will also get some extra help in these skills.

If you are interested in participating please sign up ahead of time. Please be aware that not every student will be able to attend, but preference will be given to those who sign up farthest in advance

With many of our adults now reaching a point where they are prepared to spar, I would like all students with gear to make a habit of bringing it to class with them. We will be making more time for sparring now that it will be easier to have good match ups.

For any teens or adults that are green belts or above and do not yet have their sparring gear, please consider purchasing gear now. You will need a full set of equipment to safely participate in the many sparring drills that we will be working on this summer.

This seasons tournament was yet another resounding success. For those who have participated and watched these tournaments you know the true measures of success at these tournaments are courage and sportsmanship.

We always look for students who have the courage to compete. Students who are willing to risk losing to have a chance to succeed. Sometimes the odds are stacked against us, and my hope is that the students learn to chase their goals regardless of how unfriendly the odds might seem. I know that many times in my life I have chased my dreams when the odds were stacked against me. Sometimes I achieved my goals, sometimes I failed. Regardless, I am glad I tried.

The other aspect of the tournament that we stress is sportsmanship. I was proud to see how well students handled their successes and failures. I am always proud to see students shaking hands and congratulating winners after a match. I hope that students learn to carry themselves with dignity and respect in any competition.

We have already noticed a number of students out of uniform now that summer has started. We ask that students wear appropriate gi pants, and either a gi top or a school T-shirt to class.

Several students have been wearing shorts to class this is unsafe. Mat burns on students knees and legs are common occurrences when students don’t wear long pants in class. Students will be held out of several class activities this summer if they are wearing shorts.

Also we strongly suggest students attending sparring classes wear their gi top. The gi is tougher then a regular shirt and provides better protection against scratches.

Please help us keep the students safe.

As many of you know, attending classes during the summer can be a challenge. Students regular routine is disrupted and it’s very easy to let your training slip. However, many students take advantage of this opportunity during the summer to train even more consistently. For students who continue to commit themselves to training we offer several rewards.

1. Weapons Class:

If a student makes it to class 8 times during the summer they receive a pass to a weapons class. During these classes students will learn weapons such as nunchaku, swords, and bo staff (only safety weapons will be used). Weapon classes require preregistration to make the class fun and safe.

2. School Patch:

If a student makes it to class 16 times (averaging about two times per week) they will receive a custom school patch in recognition of this achievement. All patches will be awarded at the end of the summer.

3. School Outing:

Attending class 24 times during the summer requires a tremendous commitment from students and their families. On average a student must attend class 3 times per week to be invited to a school barbecue and field day. This is one event that I look forward to all year because I know I will be with my most dedicated students and families, and we have a blast.

It’s important to make certain that students pull their attendance cards and turn them in at the beginning of class. If you were here for a class that you didn’t get credit for, you must bring it to our attention within a week. We will not go back and adjust class counts after a week has past.

As most of you know we have different class levels for our students. Class groups like the Future Black Belts (for 3-4 year olds), 4-6 Year Olds and our mainstream program. Children are slotted into these class groups at registration and then are shifted as they progress and grow.

Starting immediately you will notice that all children will have different color attendance cards depending on what class group they are slotted into.

White Cards: These will remain for our mainstream program. These students should only attend class groups broken down by belt or listed as All Belts. If appropriate, they can attend 9-12 year old and sparring classes.

Yellow Cards: Are for the 4-6 year old classes. These students should only attend the 4-6 year old and belt appropriate 3-6 year old class on Saturdays.

Light Blue Cards: Are for the Future Black Belts. These students should only attend classes that are listed as Future Black Belt classes.

Each of these programs has a similar but distinct curriculum associated with them. Therefore, we discourage students mixing back and forth between class groups. This tends to cause confusion and makes it difficult on the other students as well.

To further alleviate confusion about when a student should switch class groups, we will be sending out letters to those students who in our estimation are better suited to advance to the next class time. These letters will outline some suggestions on how to make the transition from group to group.

A few basic guidelines would include:

Switching classes is best done immediately after a promotion.

If you are moving up to a new class group, its okay to switch back and forth for up to two months to make the transition easier, however, after two months do not switch anymore.