PROMOTIONS
Natalie Williams Brown Belt
Dakota Douglas Brown Belt
Jolea Wheeler Jr. Brown Belt
Levi Geesling Jr. Brown Belt
ADVOCARE
For the better part of this year I have been searching for and experimenting with supplements that will benefit our martial arts students and fitness clients. I settled on Advocare for the following reasons. One, their products are tested by scientists and physicians who have the athlete's health and performance issues in mind. Two, products can be purchased or ordered at the school or online by going to our Advocare website which will be delivered to your door step. For energy supplements prior to your workout or rehydration supplements after a workout session or belt test I encourage you to visit out site. If you are interested in weight reduction or management we have products for that as well. Give yourself a health and performance edge. Visit us at https://www.advocare.com/150837167/
Mr. Williams
GUEST (DOJO) SCHOOL
Mr. Dave Hansen and some of his students from the House of Isshin-ryu will visit American Karate on Tuesday evening October 6th. Isshin-Ryu is a style of Okinawan karate founded by Tatsuo Shimabuku and named by him in 1956. Isshin-Ryū karate is largely a synthesis of Shorin-ryū karate, Gojū-ryū karate, and kobudō (Okinawan weaponry). The name means, literally, "one heart way" (as in "wholehearted" or "complete"). Mr. Hansen is from Wichita. He has been competing locally for several years now. We look forward to his visit.
Mr. Williams
WOMEN’S SELF DEFENSE
Domestic Violence Awareness Month will continue this year as part of the Domestic Violence Awareness Project. The observed month has been running since 1995 when several organizations including the Family Violence Prevention Fund and the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence united to tackle the problem. Why is Domestic Violence Awareness Month so important? Domestic violence is an extremely serious issue. It can have a huge range of consequences if it goes un-dealt with and in some cases has even lead to death. We will be doing our annual Women’s Self Defense Workshop in support of Domestic Violence month on Saturday, October 24th from 9:30 am to 2:00 pm. If you have been to this workshop before let someone know about this class.
HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR NEXT BELT TEST
Belt tests are an honored right of passage. Our belt tests are not easy. It is not enough to simply show up, you must EARN your belt. We adhere to a rigorous standard for our belt promotions. Students are expected to show physical endurance, technical skills and mental fortitude. You must be able to run 2-10 miles, perform 100-1200 pushups and 200-1500 crunches and still perform your critical skills at an acceptable level. Here are a few tips to help you prepare for your next belt test:
- Make sure you have your written belt test curriculum. If you do not have one, please ask for the appropriate belt level sheet. These forms are for you to keep, you can check off all the items as you master them.
- Practice at home! Practicing at home can make a big difference in the mastery of your forms, hand techniques, kicks, step sparring and self defense.
- Work on your physical endurance at home. An easy way to ensure you are ready for the push up and sit up requirement is to practice in smaller chunks. If you are watching television, do sets of push ups/sit ups during the commercials. As you all know, the requirement gets bigger and bigger for every belt level.
- Talk with the various black belts about areas that need improvement. Mr. Williams and a few of the other senior belts are always available before/after class to discuss your progress and what you need to work on.
- Set short term and long term goals. Work toward earning all 3 of your skill stripes. We have no set day/time for a skill stripe test. If you feel you are ready, for Mr. Williams or one of the black belts to look at your kata before/after class.
- Be sure to attend as many classes as possible. The easiest way to ensure your progression through the ranks is to come to class regularly. It is that simple. The more you come to class, the more you learn, the more you get to practice.
- Be sure to have a positive mental attitude. Attitude can determine success or failure. If you believe in yourself, you are capable of doing anything you set your mind to. The power is in your hands.
Mr. Williams
