Monday, May 30, 2011

June 2011 Newsletter

TUITION AND MEMBERSHIP CHANGES

Monthly tuition went up this month on single and family plans. Those that purchased Lifetime Memberships will have their tuitions locked in. Your membership will only change when you go from a single plan to a family plan or when you are on a family plan and add additional members. This membership has always been optional and the purchase of a Lifetime Membership will lock in your current rates for the life of the school.

SPIRIT WEEK JUNE 20-25

Spirit Week is coming the fourth week of June. This is a special class that meets Monday through Thursday with all the black belts meeting on Friday evening. From Monday through Thursday everyone is in class together for an hour and a half to two hours. We will cover basic fundamentals of karate as well as the critical skills of kata, step sparring and self defense. This is the period of time when Mr. Williams gives his students a taste of the “Old Days”. Students are expected to work hard and not pace themselves but give all they have to give. This is a non-stop class. If you feel the need to take a break you will have to take one on your own. We may be having class in one of the area parks so make sure to bring a bottle of water.

On Friday the black belts have a special class where they are shook down on their kata, step sparring and self defense. On Saturday Mr. Williams will honor his students and their immediate family members with a bar-b-que at one of the local parks. This year the picnic will be at Rice Park at the shelter building from 1:00 until. We look forward to your attendance.

SUMMER HOURS

Summer hours for the adult karate classes will go in effect June1st through August 31st. All adult classes will be "open classes" on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings. The new schedule has been posted at the front desk and on bulletin boards.

Monday 7:30 - 8:30 Adult Open
Tuesday 6:30 - 8:00 Adult Open
Thursday 6:30 - 8:00 Adult Open

HOW DO I ACHIEVE A BLACK BELT?

Black Belt rank can be achieved in several ways. One way is to allow your ego to have you strap one on. This seems to be a common practice today. However, it is disrespectful towards those who worked hard to earn their way. Another way is to be recognized by a board of respectable and reputable black belts who respect you for your years of training and competition. The traditional way is to go through the belt system of your particular style and take the formal examination. This exam can be anywhere from 4-8 hours long.

It should be understood that black belt rank is an accomplishment in itself. When you make black belt you are on probation for six months to a year. Then you meet the qualifications for shodan (1st Degree). Additional dan ranks may be obtained every three years after first dan.

In many systems of the martial arts, second dan is considered an instructor level black belt. In this system you may also recieve an instructors certificate. This certificate is issued after 1000 hours of instruction under the supervision of the chief instructor.

All black belts are required to remain in good standing with his/her instructor. All black belts are required to shakedown yearly. American Karate black belts may be stripped of their rank for inappropriate behavior in the dojo or the community.

TOURNAMENTS AND SEMINARS

11th ANNUAL MIDWEST KARATE CHAMPIONSHIPS
Saturday June 11, 2011
Hays Recreation Center
1105 Canterbury Drive
Hays Kansas
Contact: Kevin Gottschalk
785-623-9570
karatefitness@sbcglobal.net

SAM'S SUMMER KICK OFF
Date and time pending
Contact: Sam or Jessica Price
620-669-9051
Hutchkarate@sbcglobal.net

KANSAS SUNFLOWER GAMES
Saturday July 16, 2011
Church of the King Church
5973 SW 25th Street
Topeks, Kansas
Contact: Tony Mielenz, 785-554-4220
anthonymielenz@yahoo.com
Please visit www.sunflowergames.com to register.

SAM'S SUMMER KICK OFF

Karate Tournament Results

Shayla Johnson 6-7 Intermediate
1st - Kata
1st - Sparring

Jolea Wheeler 8-9 Intermediate
1st - Kata
1st - Sparring
1st - Musical kata
3rd - u-tug
3rd - Obstacle course

Tatyana Huhn 10-11 Intermediate
1st - Kata
1st - Weapons Kata
1st - Sparring



SAM'S SUMMER KICK OFF
Date and time pending
Contact: Sam or Jessica Price
620-669-9051
Hutchkarate@sbcglobal.net

Sunday, May 1, 2011

May 2011 Newsletter

TUITION AND MEMBERSHIP CHANGES

Effective June 1st 2011 tuition and membership fees will increase. Keep in mind that you can lock in your current tuition by purchasing a "Lifetime Membership". This membership has always been optional and the purchase of a Lifetime Membership will lock in your current rates for the life of the school. This is a onetime fee. Lil’ Dragon and college programs are exempt from lifetime memberships therefore on new memberships on and after June 1st will be affected. Yearly programs will change as follows.

Lil' Dragon's...........12 months @ $50.00
Lil' Dragon's.............6 months @ $55.00
Lil' Dragon's............Family (X2)...$90.00

College Students.........................$30.00

Regular Rates........12 months @ $65.00
Regular Rates..........6 months @ $70.00
Regular Rates........Family (X2)..$110.00
Regular Rates........Family (X3)..$130.00
Regular Rates........Family (X4)..$165.00

Lifetime Membership (Regular karate only) $50.00

SPIRIT WEEK JUNE 20-25

Spirit Week is coming the fourth week of June. This is a special class that meets Monday through Thursday with all the black belts meeting on Friday evening. From Monday through Thursday everyone is in class together for an hour and a half to two hours. We cover basic fundamentals of karate as well as the critical skills of kata, step sparring and self defense. This is the period of time when Mr. Williams gives his students a taste of the “Old Days”. Students are expected to work hard and not pace themselves but give all they have to give. This is a non-stop class. If you feel the need to take a break you will have to take one on your own.

On Friday the black belts have a special class where they are shook down on their kata, step sparring and self defense. On Saturday Mr. Williams honors his students and their immediate family members with a bar-b-que at one of the local parks. We look forward to your attendance.

UPCOMING EVENTS

WOMENS SELF DEFENSE

Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm
MAY 3rd THROUGH THE 31st

American Karate is proud to offer the community this free event. Join us as Tommy Williams and his female staff of black belts share with you what you need to know to stay safe.
Be proactive - and never be the victim.
This class will replace the adult advanced class on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Adult karate classes will be open to all belt ranks during the beginner and intermediate classes this month.


Belt Test April 9, 2011

Gold Belts: Lourdes Albert, Leah Bentley, Dan Dewitt, Madison Francis, Levi Dewitt, Barrett Yoder, Lori Francis, Sam Vonachen and Jalen Barlow. Jr. Green Belt: Jaden Roggow

NEW STUDENTS


Dakota
Alexander
Zoey


DOJO ETTIQUETTE

The way of the empty hand begins and ends with courtesy and respect. This is, and should be evident throughout the Dojo for any student that takes notice. A student must first and always remember that they are being given the gift of knowledge of the martial arts. The fees are for your private personal membership to belong to the Dojo. Fees are also for the space used, maintenance and utilities of the facility in which to train. In other words, what an instructor has to offer is for free!!! In the classical schools each student must be accepted by the instructor as a candidate for membership to receive this gift of Martial Arts, and may be asked to leave at any time if they show disrespect or misuse the knowledge they have been given. The student candidate is expected to come to class ready and eager to learn, with the proper equipment and attire.

Upon entering the dojo (training hall) all students will give courtesy by coming to attention by placing their arms by their side and bring both feet together and bow from the waist. Students will then proceed to the dressing room and change into their gi (uniform). Male students normally do not wear a t-shirt under their gi top. They may wear a black under garment. The female students must always wear an under garment. They may wear a black t-shirt or one that matches the color of their obi (belt). Once the student changes into their gi, they should proceed to the training area and warm up by doing light cardio, dynamic stretches. Once you have entered the Dojo there is to be absolutely no horseplay, or joking around. If class has not yet begun, you may begin stretching or do some warm up on your own by practicing your Kata or bag work. Kumite or sparring is not permitted without the permission of the instructor.

Any activity prior to class starting that may be considered disturbing to the atmospheric conditions of the Dojo is not permitted. When the Instructor comes into the dojo courtesy should be given, and the student should then continue to warm up. When class is called to order the Instructor will say, "Line up!" Students will line up according to belt rank with the senior belt on the right. All students will then come to attention and give courtesy as instructed.

Maintain your respect for each other, in and out of the Dojo and your instructor at all times and get the most out of the time you spend there. Students are to come to class and be ready to learn, not to talk and disturb others.

SUMMER HOURS

Summer hours for the adult karate classes will go in effect the June1st through August 31st. All adult classes will be "open classes" on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings. The new schedule will be posted at the front desk and on bulletin boards soon.

If you or your employer would like to make a donation to the school to help purchase equipment or help a disadvantaged youth take martial arts lessons please fill out this form or pick one up at the school.

Promotions

May 2011

Gold Belts:
Lourdes Albert
Leah Bentley
Dan Dewitt
Madison Francis
Levi Dewitt
Barrett Yoder
Lori Francis
Sam Vonachen
Jalen Barlow

Jr. Green Belt:
Jaden Roggow