PROMOTIONS

Dominic Rivera Green Belt
Brandon Kiatoukaysy Green Belt
Kayla Rose Jr. Green Belt
Lilly Finch Gold Belt
Adam Kiatoulaysy Gold Belt
Andrew Kiatoukaysy Gold Belt
Gabriel Cruz Gold Belt

MARK LONG’S WINTER KICK OUT

Karate Tournament Results
Saturday, December 3rd, 2016

Aaron Whittington 1st Place Black Belt Kata, 1st Place Black Belt Sparring, Grand Champion Kata
Chance Barr 2nd Place Intermediate Kata
Sean Johnson 1st Place Novice Kata, 1st Place Novice Sparring

WELLS BRIDGES KARATE TOURNAMENT

Karate Tournament Results
Saturday, December 3rd, 2016

Joshua Busue 1st Place Novice Sparring

December 2016 Newsletter

MONTHLY TUITION INCREASE
After the first of the upcoming new year monthly tuition will be going up on individual and family plans. If you have not invested in a Lifetime membership now may be the time to do so. A Lifetime membership is a onetime fee of $50.00. This fee locks your current monthly tuition in at your current tuition price for the life of the school. Keep in mind that as you add members to your plan your tuition will be adjusted accordingly. When you purchase a lifetime membership you will receive a Lifetime Membership Card and your file will be flagged as well.

HOLIDAY GIFT PURCHASES
The Holiday Gift Catalogs by Century Martial Arts Supply are in. We have a few bundles for sparring gear. Pick up a catalog and browse for Christmas. Fill out the order form and bring it back to the Dojo with your payment. The next two orders are going out December 1st and 15th. Don’t procrastinate, specialty items usually go pretty fast!

HOLIDAY SPECIALS ON MONTHLY MEMBERSHIPS
This month on Thanksgiving Day through December 31st all new enrollments for Individual and Family Plans will be 15% off for the first three months. Then they will be adjusted to the current rates. Tell your friends and family about this great special order.

YOUTH NOVICE CLASSES
On Monday, January 9th we will start an addition to the Youth Novice Class. Mondays will only be for new enrollments and novice students with up to two (2) stripes on their belt. We hope to get some sound basics instilled in order for them to make a smoother transition into the intermediate classes. This group of students may still attend class on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

TOURNAMENTS AND PROMOTIONS
Jordan Julian 2nd Degree Black Belt
Andy Lamb Jr. Gold Belt

SAM’S ALL STAR KARATE CHAMPIONSHIPS
Saturday, November 12th, 2016
RESULTS:
Andy Lamb 7-8 1st Place Novice Kata, 2nd Place Novice Kumite

WELLS BRIDGES KARATE TOURNAMENT 
Saturday, December 3rd, 2016
Central Park Community Center
1534 S.W. Clay
Topeka, Kansas

MARK LONG’S WINTER KICK OUT
Saturday, December 3rd, 2016
Stoney Point Elementary School
1001 Ryan Road
Grain Valley, MO.
CONTACT: Mark Long 816-257-6933

WHO’S WHO AT AKMS

Name: Eddie L. Alexander
Rank: BB Second Dan
When did you start martial arts? At a around the age of 12 years old with my Father and brother at Sam Price’s Hutchinson School of Karate.
What inspired you to start martial arts training? My father is the one that started me on the journey along with my brother.
What were you looking for in an instructor? An instructor should lead by example, and have knowledge of the real world. What would work and what would not?
Have you studied other styles of martial arts? What was the martial art? Yes, Tae Kwon Do Moo Do Kwan.
When did you achieve your black belt? In 2005 from Mr. Manuel Pina of Freedom Moo Duk Kwan.
What was training like when you started? It was fun, exciting and learning process. We did lots of push-ups and was not allowed to ask questions. We listened and absorbed the knowledge we were given.
What is your main focus of training, Self Defense, Competition or both? To be accurate, fast and control in Self Defense, Competition and life.
What are your current martial arts goals? To improve my chamber on my kicks, foot work in my Kata and increase my knowledge of the Art, weapons and different styles.
What would you tell anyone looking to get into the martial arts? It is worth doing, it’s fun. You learn more than what you realize. It becomes a life style and changes you in a positive way.

Get to know the Black Belts and certified instructors at American Karate. When any of our black belts, Third Degree (Dan) and over, enter the Dojo call the class to attention so that they may be acknowledged.
Mr. Williams, Chief Instructor

Holiday Special

SAM’S ALL STAR KARATE CHAMPIONSHIPS

Karate Tournament Results
Saturday, November 12th, 2016

Andy Lamb 7-8 1st Place Novice Kata, 2nd Place Novice Kumite

PROMOTIONS

Jordan Julian 2nd Degree Black Belt
Andy Lamb Jr. Gold Belt

November 2016 Newletter

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

MONTHLY TUITION INCREASE
After the first of the upcoming New Year monthly tuition will be going up on individual and family plans. If you have not invested in a Lifetime membership now may be the time to do so. A Lifetime membership is a onetime fee of $50.00. This fee locks your current monthly tuition in at your current tuition price for the life of the school. Keep in mind that as you add members to your plan your tuition will be adjusted accordingly. When your purchase a lifetime membership you will receive a Lifetime Membership Card and your file will be flagged as well.

WOMEN’S SELF DEFENSE
Twice a year during the months of April and October we offer a free workshop for Women’s Self Defense. Last month during Domestic Violence Awareness month we had twenty-one ladies participate. The ladies were introduced to new skills and worked hard. We also had several ladies that attended the April workshop shop up for a refresher. We also introduced some new personal defense tools from Damsel in Defense. Damsel in Defense is a product line that offers pepper sprays, impact weapons and stun guns as well as other personal defense products. I want to thank Tabitha and Melissa two of our area Damsel Pros for setting up a booth to showcase our product line. If you are interested in providing yourself with a defensive edge drop by the karate school or visit our website at http://www.mydamselpro.net/PRO15430/

HALL OF FAME INDUCTION
On October 1st Mr. Williams was grandfathered into The World of Martial Arts Association Hall of Fame for his time in training, instruction and community service. Potential inductees are reviewed by a panel of 9th and 10th Degree master instructors from various disciplines. TWOMAA is located in Columbus, Ohio and is one of the few martial arts halls of fame that is housed in an actual building or facility. The World of Martial Arts Hall of Fame was developed to be more than just a mere museum, it focuses on education, training, history and cultural aspects of martial arts from around the globe. Not only does this include the Asian arts, but arts that originate from Africa, the Middle East, even Europe. It encompasses a multitude of martial arts from around the world. 

TOURNAMENTS
Kent Clayborn’s Tournament Results
Saturday, October 15th, 2016
El Dorado, Kansas
Eddie Alexander - 1st Black Belt Weapons, 1st Black Belt Kata
Sean Johnson - 1st Novice Kata, 1st Novice Sparring
Kayla Rose - 1st Intermediate Kata, 3rd Intermediate Sparring
Lillian Finch - 2nd Novice kata
Andy Lamb - 2nd Novice Kata, 1st Novice Sparring

Binky Furstenberg’s Choptoberfest Results
Saturday, October 22nd, 2016
Springfield, Missouri
Aaron Whittington - 1st 18+ Black Belt Traditional Kata

SAM’S ALL STAR KARATE CHAMPIONSHIPS
Saturday, November 12th, 2016
Hutchinson School of Karate-North
3201 North Lorraine Hutchinson, Kansas
CONTACT: Sam or Jessica Price 620-669-9051

WELLS BRIDGES KARATE TOURNAMENT
Location to be announced
Saturday, December 3rd, 2016
Topeka, Kansas

MARK LONG’S WINTER KICK OUT
Saturday, December 3rd, 2016
Stoney Point Elementary School
1001 Ryan Road
Grain Valley, MO
CONTACT: Mark Long 816-257-6933

BULLYING IN USD 308
The School Board of Unified School District 308 is committed to providing a positive and productive learning and working environment. To that end, and in accordance with Kansas law, bullying, including harassment, hazing, intimidation or menacing, by students, District employees and Third Parties on or in District Facilities is strictly prohibited. "Bullying" means any intentional gesture or any intentional written, verbal, electronic or physical act or threat by any student, staff member or parent towards a student or by any student, staff member or parent towards a staff member that is sufficiently severe, persistent or pervasive that it creates an intimidating, threatening or abusive educational environment that a reasonable person, under the circumstances, knows or should know will have the effect of:

• harming a student, staff members, whether physically or mentally; or 
• damaging the property of a student, staff member or Third Party; or 
• subjecting or placing a student, staff member or Third party in reasonable fear of harm; or 
• subjecting or placing a student, staff member or Third Party in reasonable fear of damage to their property. 

Keep in mind that as a student of martial arts with self-defense being our main focus, appropriately defending yourself may not preclude you from certain sanctions that may be imposed by the Principal of the school. These sanctions being in school or out of school suspension.

At American Karate & Martial Science we have a three strikes and you’re out rule when it comes to defending yourself at school.

1. The first incident with a bully your child needs to try to talk, walk or run. Whether successful or not your child needs to report the incident to a teacher and then the parent(s). In turn a parent needs to contact the school and talk to your child’s teacher about your child taking classes for self-defense.
2. The second incident with a bully your child needs to try to talk, walk or run. Whether successful or not your child needs to report the incident to a teacher and then the parent(s). In turn a parent needs to contact the school and talk to the Principal or Assistant Principal and remind them that your child is taking classes for self-defense.
3. The third incident with a bully your child needs to try to talk, walk, run or defend him/herself. Whether successful or not you can count on a call from the Principal or Assistant Principal.

Rules are put in place for your child’s safety but may not always appear to be fair based on the situation and decision making of the School Board.
--Mr. Williams, Chief Instructor

Binky Furstenberg’s Choptoberfest

Karate Tournament Results
Saturday, October 22nd, 2016
Springfield, Missouri

Aaron Whittington - 1st 18+ Black Belt Traditional Kata

Kent Clayborn’s Tournament

Karate Tournament Results
Saturday, October 15th, 2016
El Dorado, Kansas

Eddie Alexander - 1st Black Belt Weapons, 1st Black Belt Kata
Sean Johnson - 1st Novice Kata, 1st Novice Sparring
Kayla Rose - 1st Intermediate Kata, 3rd Intermediate Sparring
Lillian Finch - 2nd Novice kata
Andy Lamb - 2nd Novice Kata, 1st Novice Sparring

October 2016 Newletter

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

PROMOTIONS
SEPTEMBER, 2016 BELT TEST
Lo Xao Kiatoukaysy - Brown Belt
Everette Gould - Brown Belt
Shalee Mog - Black Belt

TOURNAMENTS
KENT CLAYBORNS 25TH ANNUAL TOURNAMENT
Saturday, October 15th 2016
El Dorado High School Recreation Center
410 McCollum Rd.
El Dorado, Kansas
CONTACT: Kent Clayborn 316-214-6320

YOUTH AND COMPETITION
If your child has never competed in a karate tournament before, you may have some misconceptions of what’s involved. In fact, there are many great benefits that your child will derive from participating in a karate tournament and here are five of them.

1. Put your skills to the test In karate, as in most other sports, you spend a lot of time and energy going through trainings and drills to improve your skills and get better at karate. The field of play in karate is not the local stadium but the karate tournament. Why should your child spend so much time in karate class working on kicks, punches, flexibility and learn all those sparring combinations and strategies if they never get the opportunity to test their skills? That’s like studying so hard for a test they’ll never take!

2. Up your game by sparring new opponents When you’ve trained with a particular group of individuals, over time it becomes easy for you to tell their strengths as well as their weaknesses. So you know that Cindi’s sidekick is powerful but she drops her hands or that Jeff has a great blitz and all you have to do to avoid him is to change your angle. When you know all these, you stop learning and you stop getting better. That is one of the best things about karate tournaments. It forces you to compete with people you don’t know, making you up your game.

3. See the world beyond your karate school You know how when you travel for the first time, or read a book about another culture, you realize that the world is way bigger than your hometown? Well that’s what a karate tournament does for your child. Your child (and you) gets to see displays by some of the best martial artists in the area. It opens their eyes, and mind, to see that the world is way bigger than their karate school. Plus you get to meet a lot of cool people who may become famous actors tomorrow. For example, did you know that Twilight star Taylor Lautner toured the karate tournament circuit before becoming a movie heartthrob?

4. Bond with your classmates Karate is not technically a team sport, but when you’re taking classe in a place like Urban Martial Arts, you build a kind of team spirit with every one of your classmates. And when you go to a karate tournament, the camaraderie is boosted even more. When one person is sparring, the whole group comes out to cheer and if one person loses or gets hurt the whole group consoles the person. Plus there is a ton of fun involved in karate tournaments which is a great opportunity for bonding.

5. Strengthen your character The ultimate aim of most martial arts is to build the character of the participants. Karate is not different. Of course going into the tournament, you should have winning as your goal. However, participants should realize that no matter the outcome, they will learn a great deal from the experience. Karate tournaments are a character building exercise, helping some achieve humility and others gain confidence. Whatever your child’s experience level or skill, karate tournaments are just the thing for them. They’ll learn a lot, meet a lot of new people and have new adventures while having fun.
Urban Martial Arts, Brooklyn New York

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE MONTH & WOMEN’S SELF DEFENSE
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. This year we will have a booth set up by a distributor from Damsel in Defense. There will be pepper sprays, stun guns, impact weapons and information on how to keep you and your loved ones safe from domestic and sexual assault. If you are not planning on making the workshop but are interested in self defense product go to the following website http://www.mydamselpro.net/PRO15430.

AKMS BLACK BELT SEEKING A POSITION ON TEAM USA
Aaron started the martial arts with Mr. Thomas Williams when he was seven years old. He developed into a strong competitor early on. When he was about nine years old he was competing at a tournament and he was in a bad position. His opponent had him bent over and was getting ready to strike. Out of nowhere

Aaron executed a hooking heel kick, kicking his opponent in the back of the head. Mr. Williams started calling him “The Wizzard” with two z’s because it is slang for his instinctive skill. Mr. Williams said only a wizard could do that! Aaron and Mr. Williams reconnected about four months ago. And within that time Aaron has managed to get back into the tournament scene. In the last month he has taken first place in two separate national competitions. When not competing, Aaron is either in class, assisting Mr. Williams with various classes or training for his next event.

Aaron’s short term goal is to get on the NASKA, North American Sports Karate Association tournament circuit. This is a national coast to coast circuit with competitors coming from all over the United States. His long term goal is to obtain a spot next year on the World Karate Associations Team USA. They compete in Europe every year in the fall. Like any other major sport, in order to accomplish his goals he will need to obtain sponsors. Aaron is currently seeking sponsors and has a gofundme page. If anyone knows of individuals or businesses that sponsor athletes let him know.

AKMS PRO SHOP, A ONE STOP SHOP
American Karate’s Pro Shop is a one stop shop for all of your martial arts and fitness needs. Everything you need for your martial arts journey can be purchased at or through the school. Due to lack of storage space we don’t keep a lot of variety of sparring gear in stock. Anything that you would need we can have within 48 hours. For your health, wellness and self defense needs we are also distributors of Advocare, Le-vel Thrive and Damsel in Defense products. Feel free to browse our websites and place orders at the school or online. 

Advocare: http://www.advocare.com/150837167/
Le-vel: https://thrivingakms.le-vel.com/
Damsel Pro http://www.mydamselpro.net/PRO15430/

PROMOTIONS

September 2016

Lo Xao Kiatoukaysy - Brown Belt
Everette Gould - Brown Belt
Shalee Mog - Black Belt

FREE women's Self Defense

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”

WHEAT STATE CLASSIC

Karate Tournament Results
Saturday, August 27, 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

PROMOTIONS

August 13, 2016

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

August 2016 Newletter

“Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence”

TOURNAMENTS
KANSAS STATE SUNFLOWER GAMES
Saturday, July 9th, 2016

RESULTS
Shelby Alexander 6-7 Novice Bronze
Bodhi Agnew 6-7 Novice Gold and Bronze
Jesse Beck 14-15 Novice Gold
Larisa Reyes 16-17 Novice Gold and Silver
Jake Winters 7-8 Intermediate Gold and Gold
Chance Barr 9-10 Intermediate Gold, Gold and Silver
Eddie Alexander Adult Black Belt Silver and Bronze

WHEAT STATE CLASSIC
Saturday, August 27th, 2016
Wichita Sports Forum
2668 N Greenwich Rd, Wichita, Kansas 67226
CONTACT: TJ Thomas 316-461-9352, tj_thomas@cox.net 316-461-9352 

MARTIAL ARTS…A NEW SEASON
I remember back in the day there were very few martial arts schools. It was a growing thing on the coasts but in this part of the Midwest we had “Karate Clubs”. Many instructors taught in community centers, community halls, YMCA’s and other places like garages and area parks. Back then there were few instructors and their skills had been tested during their tours of duty in the military or in tournaments which were brutal compared to events we attend today. Instructors were territorial of their students and other clubs or schools. If you tried to open a school in some areas you were mentally and or physically persuaded to move on and seek life elsewhere. Likewise, students did not barhop from school to school like they do today. If a student was not a good fit another school was recommended and the two instructors would discuss the student. If a student was moving out of the area, the instructor would recommend an instructor and either make contact with that instructor or send the student with a letter of recommendation.

We have now moved into a new season of martial arts instruction. With this new season there are numerous clubs, schools and facilities where students come and go like we are Westlake, Lowes and the Home Depot. We all have the tools but they come at a different price and with different expectations of how to use them. With that, instructors need to come to the realization that we are now in the consumer world! As consumers prospective students and their parents often fail to check out “all” of the schools in their area. All good and reputable instructors will allow you to watch a class or two and then participate for free a time or two in order for prospective student or their parents to make a decision. The harsh reality for some instructors is that these people are not our students anymore. We cannot afford to be territorial. Whoever pays the monthly tuition is a consumer. Like Westlake, Lowes and the Home Depot, they can and will spend their money where they see fit even if it is at more than one location. The one thing that we have left is the right to refuse service.
Tommy Williams, Chief Instructor
American Karate & Martial Science 

SPARE THE ROD***SPOIL THE CHILD
I know the title of this article made you think about physical discipline. But one of the things that we as martial arts instructors share with almost everyone that spends time teaching or training youth in this day and age is lack of discipline, work ethic and dedication. Athletic coaches tell me all the time that their players want to be the star but they don’t want to do what it takes to be better than the rival position from the other teams.

Back in the day parents brought their kids to us for self defense and or discipline. Parents that were blessed to have more than most wanted their kids to be more disciplined and appreciative in order for them not to grow up as spoiled brats. Martial Arts schools were all rough and tough. You trained to be the best you could be. When it came to tournament competition you knew you were doing well when you placed 1st, 2nd or 3rd. If you didn’t make the top three you went back to the Dojo and WORK!!!

Then we started moving more towards sporting martial arts instead of competition as a test of your skills. Promoters started adding two 3rd place finishes or a 4th place. In some places everyone in the division received a placing award. As the discipline and work ethic started to diminish at home, it diminished in the Dojo as well. Instead of working hard to compete for a better placing, students showed no concern for progression or quit competing.

Parents, Educators and Coaches are having a growing concern for the future of our youth. As a martial arts instructor I am as well. Hard work and healthy competition helps to build character and confidence. I am not a tournament promoter but if I was I would go back to three places for the top competitors. I believe as instructors the hard work, discipline, team and character building of the martial arts is a support system for the family unit. I believe that if we do not have an attainable standard for our students to achieve, if we don’t put them in a position to train hard and compete hard, we as instructors have spared the rod and spoiled the child.
Mr. Williams, Chief Instructor

WEAPONS SEMINAR
On Saturday, September 3rd we will be hosting a weapons seminar. Mr. Sam Jenkins will be at American Karate to do a workshop on the katana (kenjutsu) and kama. This workshop is for those currently working on these two weapons. We will do sword training in the morning, take a lunch break then finish with the kama in the afternoon. There will be more information on this workshop as it draws near.

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.

KANSAS STATE SUNFLOWER GAMES

Karate Tournament Results
Saturday, July 9th, 2016
Topeka, KS

Shelby Alexander 6-7 Novice Bronze
Bodhi Agnew 6-7 Novice Gold and Bronze
Jesse Beck 14-15 Novice Gold
Larisa Reyes 16-17 Novice Gold and Silver
Jake Winters 7-8 Intermediate Gold and Gold
Chance Barr 9-10 Intermediate Gold, Gold and Silver

Eddie Alexander Adult Black Belt Silver and Bronze

July 2016 Newletter

“Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence”

SPIRIT WEEK 
SPIRIT WEEK AWARDS & PROMOTIONS
Spirit Week was well attended this year. Despite the high heat, class participation was in the 30-40’s daily. Everyone did a great job with over 1500 pushups and 2500 plus crunches over the first three days. On Day 4 the black belts started class off with self defense followed by the under color belts. At the end of class there was a black belt panel where students were given the opportunity to ask them questions pertaining to their own personal journey or anything they wanted to ask pertaining to the martial arts.

Lisa Johnson-Outstanding Martial Artist Award/Adult
Jake Winters-Outstanding Martial Artist/Youth
Lillian Finch-Honorable Mention Elian Moreno-Honorable Mention
Jeff Geesling-1st Degree Black Belt
Aaron Whittington-2nd Degree Black Belt
Marcia Dillion-6th Degree Black Belt

SUMMER HOURS FOR ADULT CLASSES
This year Summer Hours will start a July 5th through August 31st.

Monday
6:30 – 7:30 Youth Intermediate 6 – 12
7:30 – 8:30 Adult Novice 13 & over
Tuesday
5:30 – 6:15 Youth Novice 6 – 12
6:30 – 8:00 Adult Open 13 & over
Wednesday
5:30 – 6:30 Weapons Purple belt & over
6:30 – 7:30 Youth Intermediate 6 – 12
Thursday
5:30 – 6:15 Youth Novice 6 – 12
6:30 – 8:00 Adult Open 13 & over

TOURNAMENTS
KANSAS STATE SUNFLOWER GAMES
Saturday, July 9th, 2016
Christ The King Church
SW 25th and Wanamaker
Topeka, Kansas
 CONTACT: Tony Mielenz, 785-554-4220, anthonymielenz@yahoo.com

KANSAS SUNFLOWER STATE GAMES 
 The Sunflower State Games is a 501(c) (3) organization dedicated to providing a forum that initiates and encourages camaraderie between different ages, socioeconomic and cultural groups through athletic competition. This event promotes the development of healthy lifestyles and physical fitness for the participants, their families and the communities where they live. The Sunflower State Games is the largest amateur multi sport festival in Kansas conducted annually three weekends in July. The martial arts games are tentatively the second weekend of July. Mr. Williams, Chief Instructor 

DISCIPLINE: HOW MARTIAL ARTS HELPS OUR KIDS 
By Michael Sams
Our children face potentially life changing, if not life threatening, decisions every day. Drugs, bullies, violence, gangs, and predators wait around every corner; our children are their target. So how does a parent arm their children with the tools necessary to make the right decisions while they are not under our watchful eye? Confidence and discipline are the key, and martial arts can be the method. So what is it about martial arts that are so influential on our kids? The main tenants of martial arts are discipline, honor, confidence, and perseverance. Each child is started in the program on a level playing field, and becoming more senior in the program ensures they respect the effort that got them to that level. Martial Arts is comprised of a set of choreographed moves called kata (forms) that progressively build to the next level of difficulty. Each set of moves rely upon knowledge of the previously learned moves for execution. The knowledge of these moves is tested by senior belt members in the organization, and recognized through a colored belt system. Martial Arts is a proven effective method of building self-esteem, self-discipline, and goal oriented behavior. It also provides our children with the means to protect themselves when presented with a threat. Martial Arts are not the panacea to all of our children’s problems. It gives them a solid foundation to cope with the pressures each endures throughout childhood, setting the patterns and behaviors for a successful transition to adulthood.
--Michael Sams, Student and free lance writer from North Austin Taekwondo, Austin Texas.

YOUTH STUDENT JOURNALS
Several months ago we introduced journaling to our youth martial arts program. The purpose was to get a better understanding of how and what our students were thinking in regards to their martial arts training. What are they mentally and physically focusing on? Are they developing short and long term goals? How involved are their parents/grandparents in their training? It is our hopes that the student’s feedback to our program will help us in making their martial arts journey more meaningful. It is important that your child journals something about what they are learning. Bring their journal to any of our black belts for review, possible comments and their signature acknowledging that we care about your child’s martial education and training.
--Mr. Williams, Chief Instructor

May-June 2016 Newsletter

“Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence”

SPIRIT WEEK
Spirit Week starts Monday, June 20th at 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and will run through Friday the 25th. Everyone will be in class together. Because of space class may move from the dojo to Carey Park. It is important that everyone start drinking plenty of water and bring water with you to every class. On Saturday we will have our annual karate school picnic for students and their immediate family. We ask that every family bring a side dish. Like every year the school will be closed the week after Spirit Week. This year we will be at the Fair Grounds. There will be more information as the date draws closer.

SUMMER HOURS FOR ADULT CLASSES
This year Summer Hours will start a month later starting July 5th through August 31st.
Monday 
6:30 – 7:30 Youth Intermediate 6 – 12
7:30 – 8:30 Adult Novice 13 & over
Tuesday
5:30 – 6:15 Youth Novice 6 – 12
 6:30 – 8:00 Adult Open 13 & over
Wednesday
5:30 – 6:30 Weapons Purple belt & over
6:30 – 7:30 Youth Intermediate 6 – 12
Thursday
5:30 – 6:15 Youth Novice 6 – 12
6:30 – 8:00 Adult Open 13 & over

TOURNAMENTS
SAM’S SUMMER KICK OFF 
TBA
CONTACT: Sam or Jessica Price 316-669-9051

GREAT PLAINS CHALLENGE 
Saturday, June 25th, 2016
Kansas State University
2310 Centennial Drive
Salina, Kansas
CONTACT: Roy Miller 785-493-0257

KANSAS STATE SUNFLOWER GAMES 
Saturday, July 9th, 2016
Christ The King Church
SW 25th and Wanamaker
Topeka, Kansas
CONTACT: Tony Mielenz, 785-554-4220, anthonymielenz@yahoo.com 

KANSAS SUNFLOWER STATE GAMES
The Sunflower State Games is a 501(c) (3) organization dedicated to providing a forum that initiates and encourages camaraderie between different ages, socioeconomic and cultural groups through athletic competition. The event promotes the development of healthy lifestyles and physical fitness for the participants, their families and the communities where they live. The Sunflower State Games is the largest amateur multi sport festival in Kansas conducted annually three weekends in July. The martial arts games are tentatively the second weekend of July. This year we plan to have as many of our students attend as possible. Start warming up at local area tournaments not so we can all make the trip to Topeka.
Mr. Williams, Chief Instructor

COMPETITION FOR YOUTH IN THE MARTIAL ARTS
Competition can be a touchy subject sometimes when talking about kids. Whether it’s something like little league or kids martial arts many parents have a different view on the role of competition and when their kids should engage in it. It’s unfortunate that there have been situations in many youth sports that have given “competition” a bad connotation to it. It is very important for children to learn about competition in our martial arts classes. They have to learn how to be a good winner. They also have to learn how to deal with losing. There are many reasons but I think the main one is for a child to learn how much work goes into preparing and going to a tournament. It’s goal oriented in the short term, there’s a tournament, you need to prepare and the tournament will happen at a specified date and time. Some kids will love the whole experience and yet others may not like the experience, whether or not they win. The main reason youth competition is important for me is that we do not operate a “Sports Karate”, McDojo type facility. With bullying the way it is in our country martial arts classes need to take more of a serious turn. The down side to that is that there are times when classes are just boring because there is curriculum that must be taught and skill sets that must be achieved. Many of our kids cross train in other sports like football, baseball, soccer, volley ball and gymnastics. All of them said that it would not be fun to just practice those sports all of the time and not play against another team. The martial arts are no different. Children in the martial arts have a long journey because it is a life’s. There is no end of season. They need to compete in kata, weapons kata, team kata or sparring, any one or any combination. I was a child martial artist. A big part of my early journey was tournament competition. Had I not had the chance to test my skills in a safe controlled environment, I would probably have moved on to something else. It’s not about the winning or losing. It is about the experience.
Mr. Williams, Chief Instructor

TRAINING: TOURNAMENTS, STREET, THE DIFFERENCE?
Training is essential in any sports, activity, discipline, however, call it what you want. The Martial Arts students must be aware of some of the differences in their training routine with the understanding in the dojo one trains hard to defend themselves and/or others, get in condition, learn philosophy, and practice many techniques/routines. This is all good, outstanding, and great! However, the things a student learns, and execute in tournaments will not always work on the streets. Therefore, the student must know the difference in the point-fighting techniques, have different effects on the streets. The mentality of tournament preparation, and street preparation must always be on the mind of the student, and distinguish between tournament technique applications and street execution. In the event of the student’s main goal of being in the martial arts to only prepare for tournament execution, with the thought of not ever getting involved in a street situation (is something to avoid if possible) is admirable, however, not too practical, but admirable. The ‘street’ and “tournament” applications are very different. Student’s must keep this in the fore-front of their thinking. Will you know and do the difference?
H. James Young, 5th Dan

RANK ADVANCEMENT
The martial arts are codified systems and traditions of combat practices, which are practiced for a variety of reasons such as self-defense, competition, physical health and fitness, as well as mental, physical, and spiritual development. The term martial art has become heavily associated with the fighting arts of eastern Asia. The term martial arts are ultimately derived from Latin, and means “Arts of Mars,” where Mars is the Roman god of war. Some martial arts are considered ‘traditional’ and are tied to an ethnic, cultural or religious background, while others are modern systems developed either by a founder or an association. Various forms (kata) and sparring are commonly used during testing and tournaments. Some competitions pit practitioners of different disciplines against each other using a common set of rules. Rules for sparring vary between art and organization but can generally be divided into light-contact, medium-contact, and full-contact options, reflecting the amount of force that should be used on an opponent. The intent of competition is to serve as a pop quiz for the student as a way of testing skills or experimenting with their tools in a “controlled” environment. Testing or evaluation is important to martial art practitioners of many disciplines who wish to determine their progression or own level of skill in specific contexts. Students within individual martial art systems often undergo periodic testing and grading by their instructor in order to advance to a higher level of recognized achievement, such as a different belt color or title. In order for a student to advance he/she must set goals and reinforce learning through shake downs and competition. It is not about winning or losing in competition. It is about the experience and affirmation from testing your skills.
Thomas Williams, Chief Instructor with excerpts from Wikipedia

April 2016 Newsletter

“Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence”

MR. WILLIAMS’ SURGICAL PROCEDURE
Mr. Williams underwent total hip replacement surgery on March 24th. Everything went well and he is at home resting. He contributes his injury to years of martial arts training, competing, being taken down and performing exhibitions on concrete and hard wood floors with no mats. Mr. Williams stated that he could only imagine what shape his joints would be in today if he had all the equipment and flooring that he has in his school now that was non-existent for him all those years ago. He will be out for several weeks while classes will be continued by his black belts. The aerobic kickboxing boot camp will also continue to meet on Tuesday and Thursday afternoon with Christiana Wise covering the class. He would like to thank you for all the prayers, visits and assistance from his family, friends and students.

WOMEN’S SELF DEFENSE
Every year in April, the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) helps lead communities throughout the country in their annual observances of National Crime Victims' Rights Week (NCVRW), which will be observed on April 10–16. This year's theme Serving Victims, Building Trust, Restoring Hope underscores the importance of early intervention and victim services in establishing trust with victims, which in turn begins to restore their hope for healing and recovery. In support of Crime Victims Week, American Karate will be hosting their first self defense workshop for women this year. This year’s workshop will be Saturday, April 16th from 9:30 am until 2:30 pm open to women and young ladies 13 and over. Visit with your friends and family. There will also be discussions on concealed carry and active shooter options.
-AKMS Defensive Tactics Team 

TOURNAMENTS
AMERICAN SPORT KARATE CHAMPIONSHIPS RESULTS
Saturday, March 5th, 2016 Lenexa, Kansas
Dylan Kiatoukaysy - 4th in Kata/Sparring (11 yrs old)
Brandon Kiatoukaysy - 4th in Kata/Sparring (10 yrs old)
Adam Kiatoukaysy - 3rd in Kata/Sparring (7yrs old first timer)
Andrew Kiatoukaysy - 2nd in Kata/Sparring (7yrs old first timer)

ST. JUDE BENEFIT TOURNAMENT RESULTS
Saturday, March 19, 2016 Topeka, Kansas
Chance Barr 7-8 Intermediate 1st Kata, 1st Weapons Kata, 1st Kumite
Jake Winters 7-8 Intermediate 2nd Kata, 2nd Kumite
Marcus Espinoza 7-8 Novice 2nd Kata, 2nd Kumite

DAVE ESTES KARATE TOURNAMENT RESULTS
Saturday, March 26th, 2016 El Dorado, Kansas
Cristine Warring Black Belt 2nd Kata, 1st Weapons Kata
Jake Winters 7-8 Intermediate 1st Kata, 4th Kumite
Dominic Rivera 7-8 Intermediate 4th Kata, 1st Kumite

MATT LEBEAU MEMORIAL KARATE CHAMPIONSHIPS
Saturday, April 30th, 2016
Memorial Road Church of Christ
2221 East Memorial Road
Edmond, Oklahoma
CONTACT: Johnny Whatley 405-330-1996

SAM’S SUMMER KICK OFF
TBA
CONTACT: Sam or Jessica Price 316-669-9051

KANSAS STATE SUNFLOWER GAMES
Saturday, July 9th, 2016
Christ The King Church
SW 25th and Wanamaker
Topeka, Kansas
CONTACT: Tony Mielenz, 785-554-4220, anthonymielenz@yahoo.com 

JOURNALS FOR KARATE KIDS
Theoretically martial art training is the perfect activity/sport for kids with challenging behavior. For those of us that teach kids, it may be perfect for them but it is far from easy for us as instructors. If you believe everything you read in the forums and parenting magazines you’d think that simply enrolling a child in a martial art class is a miraculous remedy for their challenging behavior. I first started teaching kids about 27 years ago. Our school had grown to such an extent that we needed to add separate children’s classes. A small class of about 5 kids quickly grew to 20 and eventually 40 with different ages, different grades and only one instructor, me. Add to the mix at least one child with a diagnosed behavioral disorder and then on occasion those who because of the environment also exhibited challenging behavior. When teaching challenging kids it is best to remember that nothing is a quick fix. Most kids take a month or so to settle into regular classes. The more difficult kids about 6 months. Those with more entrenched problems can take up to 18 months, sometimes even longer. The fact is like any behavioral modification strategy, to get these kids engaged, keep them motivated and limit their disruptive behavior takes enormous amounts of support, planning, time and patience on the part of the instructor. This month we will be introducing journaling and some other physical activities to American Karate. Keeping a journal doesn't necessarily mean just writing about things that happened to you - that's more of a diary. Instead they can write about their thoughts and feelings, or work through a problem they may be having. Journaling for kids is a wonderful way to open up new horizons. A journal can be a friend, a confidant and a mentor. They can use them to be creative, find out more about themselves, develop intuition and solve problems. They can provide thoughts on kata, step sparring or other martial arts task. By getting thoughts out of their head and down on paper, they can gain insights about themselves that you and them otherwise never see.
-Tommy Williams, Chief Instructor

DAVE ESTES KARATE TOURNAMENT

Karate Tournament Results
Saturday, March 26th, 2016
El Dorado, Kansas

Cristine Warring Black Belt 2nd Kata, 1st Weapons Kata
Jake Winters 7-8 Intermediate 1st Kata, 4th Kumite
Dominic Rivera 7-8 Intermediate 4th Kata, 1st Kumite

ST. JUDE BENEFIT TOURNAMENT

Karate Tournament Results
Saturday, March 19, 2016
Topeka, Kansas

Chance Barr 7-8 Intermediate 1st Kata, 1st Weapons Kata, 1st Kumite
Jake Winters 7-8 Intermediate 2nd Kata, 2nd Kumite
Marcus Espinoza 7-8 Novice 2nd Kata, 2nd Kumite

AMERICAN SPORT KARATE CHAMPIONSHIPS

Karate Tournament Results
Saturday, March 5th, 2016
Lenexa, Kansas

Dylan Kiatoukaysy - 4th in Kata/Sparring (11 yrs old)
Brandon Kiatoukaysy - 4th in Kata/Sparring (10 yrs old)
Adam Kiatoukaysy - 3rd in Kata/Sparring (7yrs old first timer)
Andrew Kiatoukaysy - 2nd in Kata/Sparring (7yrs old first timer)

Women's Self Defense

February and March 2016 Newletter

“Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence”

AKMS BLACK BELTS AT SUNSHINE MEADOWS
Martial Arts training is deeper than mere self defense although you may become prepared to defend your family in the training. After the age of thirty the changes of ageing; loss of muscle mass and strength, brittle bones and tighter joints are inevitable. Since these changes are exactly the same as the deterioration you suffer from an inactive lifestyle, if you do not exercise into your forties and fifties you are in effect doubling these detrimental body changes. This greatly impacts your quality of life during retirement. it is never too late to gain the benefits of exercise whether you are looking for muscle tone, muscle building (size) or joint loosening. Emotional benefits of starting an active lifestyle at any age include feeling better from the release of stress and tension, decrease in depression and increase in self confidence. Osteoporosis (brittle bones) and balance problems also decrease. In January Mr. Williams took a team of black belts to Sunshine Meadows Retirement Community in Buhler. They spent about thirty minutes taking the community participants through basic blocks and strikes in an effort to show them the benefits of keeping physically active.

WOMEN’S SELF DEFENSE
Every year in April, the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) helps lead communities throughout the country in their annual observances of National Crime Victims' Rights Week (NCVRW), which will be observed on April 10–16. This year's theme Serving Victims, Building Trust, Restoring Hope underscores the importance of early intervention and victim services in establishing trust with victims, which in turn begins to restore their hope for healing and recovery. In support of Crime Victims Week, American Karate will be hosting the first self defense workshop for women this year. This year’s workshop will be Saturday, April 16th from 9:30 am until 2:30 pm open to women and young ladies 13 and over.

TOURNAMENTS
MICKEY GOMEZ’S WICHITA OPEN
Saturday, February 27th, 2016
Army Natl Guard Armory
3617 South Seneca
Wichita, Kansas
CONTACT: Mickey Gomez 316-838-8210

AMERICAN SPORT KARATE CHAMPIONSHIPS
Saturday, March 5th, 2016
Trailridge Middle School
7500 Quivira
Lenexa, Kansas
CONTACT: Dave Clifton dclifton@askc.us

ST. JUDE BENEFIT TOURNAMENT
Saturday, March 19, 2016
Christ the King Church 25th & Wanamaker
Topeka, Kansas
CONTACT: Pam Johansen 785-844-0050

DAVE ESTES KARATE TOURNAMENT
Saturday, March 26th, 2016
4H Building 200 North Griffith
El Dorado, Kansas
CONTACT: Dave Estes 316-320-5425

OKLAHOMA SPRING BREAK KARATE CHALLENGE
Saturday, March 26th, 2016
Cushing High School
700 East Walnut
Cushing, Oklahoma
CONTACT: Bryan Boles 918-953-9118

MATT LEBEAU MEMORIAL KARATE CHAMPIONSHIPS
Saturday, April 30th, 2016
Memorial Road Church of Christ
2221 East Memorial Road
Edmond, Oklahoma
CONTACT: Johnny Whatley 405-330-1996

GLORY DAYS
The other day I was walking the nature trails at Sand Hills State Park. It is good for my body and more importantly my soul. While enjoying everything about the trail and being alive, Bruce Springsteen’s song Glory Days, popped into my mind. At first I found it slightly annoying, but then I just went with the thoughts to see where I ended up; this is the result of my mental wanderings. As a “maturing” martial artist it is easy to reflect on the Glory Days, days when spin kicks were easy, competitions/fighting were exciting, and pain went away within the next day, or two; the risk is to believe the Glory Days are behind us. Rather, I propose that each day we can execute a kick, hit on target, react with an effective self-defense technique, or stick our kata, it is a Glory Day. Over the years we have demanded much from our bodies and our minds; both have responded with strength, recall, and focus; today they still work hard to do what we ask. Even though it may not be with quite the same finesse as in the past, the body and mind do what they cannot to fail us; failure is not an option, restructuring our execution of techniques is, that is a Glory Day. Over the years we, as maturing martial artists, have learned much we can share with those who are coming through the ranks. When the light bulb goes off in the heads of our junior students, it is a Glory Day. It is a Glory Day when the lessons we have learned through martial arts aid us in those difficult, challenging, and tragic times in our lives, when we don’t think we can go forward, but we must with our heads up and our eyes clear. It is a Glory Day when as senior students we learn new kata, or we have our own light bulb moment. Each day that I can get out of bed, attempt to do better than I did the day before, and continue the Bushido way of honor, integrity, loyalty, and courage, well it’s a Glory Day…. Glory Day…. Glory Day.
Marcia Dillon, 5th Dan

MARTIAL ARTS…GIVE YOURSELF AN EDGE
The martial arts are not a cure all for everything that could possibly happen to you. But children are being bullied, home grown and planted terrorist are terrorizing our homeland and we as Americans are being killed and still subject to harm when we travel abroad. One thing the martial arts can do is give you an edge. That edge could be something as simple as knowing and understanding your environment, knowing when and where to exit your personal and work environment or knowing when or where to hide or barricade yourself. This thought process could also work in our schools. These are all primary to the physical aspects of martial arts training. The physical side of the martial arts gives you tools to protect yourself or others. The world is changing and as it continues to change negatively we continue to travel across the nation or abroad with the thought process that, “Things always happen to someone else but they can never happen to me”. Bad things happen to good people. Those that we look to for protection can’t always be where we need them to be so why not give yourself an edge? Try martial arts.
Mr. Williams, Chief Instructor
American Karate & Martial Science

MR. WILLIAMS TO UNDERGOE SURGICAL PROCEDURE
Sometime in late March Mr. Williams will be undergoing total hip replacement surgery. He will be out for several weeks while classes will be continued by his black belts. The aerobic kickboxing boot camp will also continue to meet on Tuesday and Thursday afternoon with Christiana Wise covering the class.

January 2016 Newsletter

Excellence is about doing your best. By nurturing a culture of excellence, you open the path to success.

HAPPY NEW YEAR
I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and have plans for a happy and prosperous New Year. Now is the time to think about the past twelve months and what you accomplished. You should pat yourself on the back for your achievements but this journey is not over yet! What did you fail to accomplish that you feel you fell short of the mark? If you accomplished your goals for the past year what are your short and long term goals for this year? I encourage you to motivate yourself by setting your personal bar just a little higher than before. 
Mr. Williams, Chief Instructor

SUNSHINE MEADOWS REVISITED
Late last year our students were invited to the Sunshine Meadows Retirement Community in Buhler. The residents really seemed to enjoy the performances by our youth intermediate class. On Friday January 8th the American Karate Black Belts will venture out to the retirement community to work with the residents on some basic skills. More than anything else just to get their bodies in motion in a different way. I want to thank Debbie Steele-Walker for the invite and opportunity to interact with the residents of Sunshine Meadows.
Mr. Williams and AKMS Black Belts.

AMAZON SMILE FOR NEW BEGINNINGS, INC. 
What is AmazonSmile? AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you to support your favorite charitable organization every time you shop, at no cost to you. When you shop at smile.amazon.com, you’ll find the exact same low prices, vast selection and convenient shopping experience as Amazon.com, with the added bonus that Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase price to your favorite charitable organization. There is a place in our community that offers hope, support, and the means to rebuild a life. This place offers a Hand Up to people displaced from their homes. This place is New Beginnings. New Beginnings provided shelter to 1,789 people last year, 604 of them were children. In the last 5 years, New Beginnings has helped 91 households get off public assistance. If you go onto Amazon SMILE, you can register NEW BEGINNINGS, INC. and with every purchase, a donation to New Beginnings will automatically be made.

ADVOCARE FOR FITNESS MANAGEMENT
American Karate and Martial Science is a local Advocare distributor. We offer supplements to help get you through your workouts and belt tests. Products can be ordered at the school or online by going to our Advocare website where product can 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 us at https://www.advocare.com/150837167/. 

COMPETITION FOR YOUTH IN THE MARTIAL ARTS
Competition can be a touchy subject sometimes when talking about kids. Whether it’s something like little league or kids martial arts many parents have a different view on the role of competition and when their kids should engage in it. It’s unfortunate that there have been situations in many youth sports that have given “competition” a bad connotation to it. It is very important for children to learn about competition in our martial arts classes. They have to learn how to be a good winner. They also have to learn how to deal with losing. There are many reasons but I think the main one is for a child to learn how much work goes into preparing and going to a tournament. It’s goal oriented in the short term, there’s a tournament, you need to prepare and the tournament will happen at a specified date and time. Some kids will love the whole experience and yet others may not like the experience, whether or not they win. The main reason youth competition is important for me is that we do not operate a “Sports Karate”, McDojo type facility. With bullying the way it is in our country martial arts classes need to take more of a serious turn. The down side to that is that there are times when classes are just boring because there is curriculum that must be taught and skill sets that must be achieved. Many of our kids cross train in other sports like football, baseball, soccer, volley ball and gymnastics. All of them said that it would not be fun to just practice those sports all of the time and not play against another team. The martial arts are no different. Children in the martial arts have a long journey because it is a life’s. There is no end of season. They need to compete in kata, weapons kata, team kata or sparring, any one or any combination. I was a child martial artist. A big part of my early journey was tournament competition. Had I not had the chance to test my skills in a safe controlled environment, I would probably have moved on to something else. It’s not about the winning or losing. It is about the experience.
Mr. Williams, Chief Instructor