Sunday, July 1, 2012

July 2012 Newsletter


SUMMER HOURS FOR ADULT CLASSES

MONDAY                7:30 TO 8:30                     ADULT MIXED CLASS

TUESDAY               6:30 TO 8:00                    ADULT MIXED CLASS

THURSDAY            6:30 TO 8:00                    ADULT MIXED CLASS

Youth classes will remain the same. This will be in effect until August 31st. It is important that you start drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day and bring bottled water to class with you. Have a great summer!!!

DILLONS COUPON ADS

Tell your friends about our coupon ad at Dillons grocery stores on East 4th Avenue and North Main streets. When they check out there is a coupon on the back side of their store reciept good for two free lessons.

NO CLASSES
July 2-6

American Karate will be closed from Monday July 2nd through Friday July 6th. Classes will resume on Monday the 9th through Wednesday the 11th. There will be no class on Thursday the 12th as Mr. Williams will be doing a Self Defense Clinic in Sterling, Kansas.

SPIRIT WEEK

We had another great Spirit Week. Class was full every night. Attendance has not been this good in almost twenty years. During one of the sessions a student said "This is hard!". Another student immediately responded with "That's why it is called Spirit Week". So what is Spirit Week? Spirit week was started back in the early 1990's by Mr. Williams. It was a time to for everyone to come together in one class, work hard, develop some team effort and martial spirit. Today Spirit Week serves as a reminder of what the martial arts was like when Mr. Williams was a student. It is about putting forth your best effort and not cutting yourself short. It is about putting the best you have on display while knowing your limitations.

For those that work weapons, martial arts weapons experts, Wells Bridges and Sam Jenkins put on a seminar on bo staff and oar. Those that participated had a great time and learned alot.

Spirit Week was rounded off with a picnic and awards presentation held in the park by Mr. Williams. Over one hundred students, family members and guests were in attendance. We want to thank everyone who helped set up, cook and clean up.

SPIRIT WEEK AWARDS

Kathy Marquez-Adult Outstanding Student of the Year
Dakota Douglas-Youth Outstanding Student of the Year
Dawson Deetz-Honorable Mention
Cayden Deetz-Honorable Mention
Cristine Warring-Competitor of the Year
Susie Webb-Battle Scar Award
Alex Johnson-Lil' Spirit Warrior
Damian Hurt-Super Dragon
Charlie Daugherty-Super Dragon
Marcia Dillon-Promotion to 5th Degree Black Belt

TOURNAMENTS

ROY MILLER
GREAT PLAINS KARATE CHALLENGE RESULTS
June 23rd, 2012

Alex Johnson 5-6 Novice
2nd Place Sword Kumite
1st Place Kata
4th Kumite

Caden Deetz 7-9 Novice
5th Place Kata
3rd Place Kumite

Dawson Deetz
3rd Place Kata
4th Place Kumite
Youth Spirit Award

Shayla Johnson 7-9 Intermediate
1st Place Kata

Dakota Douglas 10-12 Novice
3rd Place Kata
1st Place Kumite
Youth Spirit Award

Lisa Johnson Adult Advanced
2nd Place Kata
1st Place Kumite

Cristine Warring Adult Black Belt
1st Weapons
1st Place Empty Hand Kata
1st Kumite

KANSAS STATE SUNFLOWER GAMES
July 14th
Christ the King Church: 5973 SW 25th St., Topeka, KS
CONTACT: Tony Mielenz 785-554-4220 anthonymielenz@yahoo.com

WHEAT STATE CLASSIC
Saturday August 18, 2012
Derby Sixth Grade Center
715 East Madison Drive
Derby, Kansas
CONTACT: Tom Hinkle 316-393-6192 thinkle2@cox.net

THE MARTIAL ARTS & RELIGION

What does the martial arts have to do with religion? Absolutely nothing. Although some martial artists study and train religiously, religion is not necessarilty a component of the martial arts, at least in America. Thousands of years ago Chinese Monks took to the highways and byways of their world to spread their religion and give alms to the poor, sick and shut in. Reflectively, although they did not practice Christianity they provided a similar service that we as Christians provide today.  Because these were religious men they were subject to persecution, robbery and assault. An Indian monk taught them a means of self defense and self preservation we later came to know as Kung-Fu. You see, the martial arts was not the end to a means but a means to an end. That end being spreading their religion and feeding the poor, sick and shut in while protecting the gifts they had for others from thieves. In America religion and martial arts do not mix although they could. The martial arts are a great way to stay in shape, become more disciplined and learn to be more confident in your daily interactions in life. Martial arts without a conscience allows for one to become abusive or a bully. I can't speak for most religions but for Christians the tenants of the Bible can teach you a great many things about how to live your life abundantly and victoriously and have a conscience in regards to harming your fellow man.  As a martial artist I hold alot of distructive power in my hands and feet. My religious beliefs guide my conscience. I will talk, I will walk, I will run and I will definitely hurt you real bad. But only because I have to. Never because I want to.



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.