Thursday, September 1, 2016

September 2016 Newletter

“We are what we do repeatedly. Excellence then, is not an act, but a habit.” 

CLASS TIMES
School is back in session and we are back to regular hours for the adult classes. Monday and Wednesday - Beginner Adults - 7:30-8:30
Tuesday and Thursday - Intermediate Adults - 6:30-7:30
Tuesday and Thursday - Advanced Adults - 7:30-8:30

PROMOTIONS
AUGUST 13TH, 2016 BELT TEST
Jesse Beck - Gold Belt
Larisa Reyes - Gold Belt
Sean Johnson - Gold Belt
Matthew Meadows - Gold Belt
Grace Kiatoukaysy - Green Belt
Dylan Kiatoukaysy - Green Belt
Chance Barr - Purple Belt



TOURNAMENTS
WHEAT STATE CLASSIC RESULTS
Saturday, August 27th, 2016
Kayla Rose 6-7 Novice 1st Place Kata
Haley Stucky 6-7 Intermediate 2nd Place Kumite
Dylan Kiatoukaysy 8-9 Intermediate 2nd Place Kata
Jesse Beck 14-15 Novice 1st Place Kata, 2nd Place Kumite
Larisa Reyes 18-Over Novice 2nd Place Kata, 1st Place
Kumite LoXao Kiatoukaysy 40-Over Intermediate 2nd Place Kata, 1st Place Kumite
Aaron Whittington BB Traditional 1st Place Kata




WEAPONS SEMINAR
On Saturday, September 3rd Mr. Sam Jenkins conducted a workshop on the katana (samurai sword). The Japanese katana is a very unique weapon. It takes a lot of practice and patience. Every one learned a lot and had a great time. We look forward to another workshop in the near future.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE MONTH
OCTOBER 22, 2016
October, 2016 is Domestic Violence Awareness Month 2016. Violence Awareness Month 1 in 3 women are beaten or raped in their lifetime. Victims are deprived of who they are, liberty, and security, and face tremendous threats to their health and safety. Join us for Women’s Self Defense on Saturday, October 22nd. This is a free workshop for young ladies and women 13-Over. For more information and statistics about Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence go to the following website http://www.ncadv.org/learn-more/statistics.

MEMBER SOLUTIONS
Member Solutions is the full-service billing and account management center used by American Karate & Martial Science. Through the Customer Account Center, customers can make payments securely online, view account history, and modify account and contact information. Member Solutions allows me to teach classes and not worry about how and when I am getting paid. When you enroll at our school you also enter into a short financial contract with Member Solutions. If you ever have a problem with your account, contact them. If you have fulfilled your contract your account goes month to month instead of another six month or year. If you ever have to discontinue classes you need to contact them and let them know you want to do a 30 day notice to discontinue your account. You can contact Member Solutions or Customer Account Services at (888) 277-4408 or customerservice@membersolutions.com, including payment information.

STRIVING FOR EXCELLENCE
September 2016
The following quote popped up while I was reading the other day: “We are what we do repeatedly. Excellence then, is not an act, but a habit.” I shared it with Mr. Williams and, of course, he invited me to submit an article for the newsletter! This quote resonated with me for a few reasons.

One: Each time we enter Mr. Williams’ dojo, we are challenged to “Strive for Excellence.”

Two: Our students at Ave A Elementary have learned a morning chant with the following verse: “Be safe and be respectful. Be responsible. Excel! We practice these behaviors and we do them very well!”

Three: Having just spent countless hours glued to the TV watching the 2016 Rio Olympics, I am keenly aware of the participants’ individual journeys towards excellence!

How do these connect? What do they all have in common? What do we as a karate family share with students at Ave A Elementary and with Olympic athletes from around the world? I believe our shared vision is a desire to taste excellence!

To be an extraordinary achiever, one must commit to daily excellence. Constantly striving for excellence in every area of your life is ultimately what will determine the quality of your life, no matter what you do for a living. Excellence is not about how much money is in your bank account or what kind of car you drive or what color belt you wear to karate class. Excellence is about waking up each morning and declaring that you will do your best at everything you do and be better than you were the day before.*

Vince Lombardi, former football coach for the Green Bay Packers, once said, “The quality of a person’s life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence, regardless of their chosen field of endeavor.”

We have the opportunity to commit to daily excellence, to make excellence a habit.

Will we take that challenge?

Jean Gaeddert, AKMS Black Belt/USD 308 Educator

*ideas from Matt Mayberry / “Radicals and Visionaries”