Bullying has become an epidemic with our youth during and after school. The prevalence of bullying and harassment in America’s schools and that students who experience harassment are more likely to miss classes can impact a student’s ability to learn. Teens report that they have been verbally or physically harassed or assaulted during the past year because of their perceived or actual appearance, gender, sexual orientation, gender expression, race/ethnicity, disability or religion. The majority of students who experience harassment in school, regardless of demographics or reasons for the harassment, never report these incidents of harassment to teachers or other school personnel. Although most teachers report that they would feel comfortable intervening if they observed harassment and many say they frequently have intervened, one in ten (10%) students who do not report these incidents don’t do so because they believe teachers or staff don’t do anything or are powerless to improve the situation. At American Karate we do not condone fighting unless absolutely necessary. We have a three strikes and you’re out rule. This means that if you are being bullied or assaulted you are to tell your teacher immediately and then tell your parents. It is the parent’s responsibility to contact the school system to find out what is being done and informing the teacher or principal that you are taking martial arts for self defense, strike one! The next time you are harassed or assaulted you must do the same, strike two!! The third time you are within your right to defend yourself, strike three!!! It is a harsh reality but keep in mind that even though you are defending yourself, you are still subject to policies of the public school system in regards to disciplinary action for fighting at school.
If we are going to have a zero tolerance school system when it comes to fighting, bullying and other violence we need to have an in school investigative process that protects innocent youth and youth that defend themselves against the same sanctions that are given those that start fights, bully and commit physical and sexual assaults at school. It is the communities responsibility to make their voice heard to the school board and superintendent of your school district.
BELT TEST/PROMOTIONS
September 22, 2011
Eddie Alexander, 1st Degree Black Belt
WORLD MARTIAL ARTS DAY KICK-A-THON
Saturday October 15th, 2011
Saturday, October 15th we will be participating in the annual World Martial Arts Day Kick-A-Thon. We will be collecting pledges and donations in order to allow students that are under privileged and at risk to take karate lessons. The past two years we have collected over $1000.00 on this particular fund raiser. This year our goal is $1500.00. As always we encourage you to help your child to collect pledges and donations. We will also need help with kick counters.
WOMEN'S SELF DEFENSE
October 22nd, 2011
Saturday October 22nd we will be doing our annual Women's Self Defense seminar in support of Domestic Violence month. This is normally an eight hour workshop conducted over eight days. This year will be a one day event. This seminar is open to female participants age 13 and over.
NEW STUDENTS
 |
| Kyleah |
 |
| Kristen |
 |
| Aaron |
AMERICAN KARATE PRO SHOP
The next time you visit the school check out our pro shop. We have all your martial arts needs, sparring gear, gear bags, mouth guards and cases, AKMS seat cushions t-shirts and sweat shirts. Whatever we don't have in stock we can get within a few days of placing an order.
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.
