June 2013 Newsletter

SUMMER HOURS
Summer hours are now in affect from now until August 31st for the adult karate classes.

MONDAY, TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY
6:30- 7:30 Youth Intermediate M&W Ages 6-12
7:30- 8:30 Adult Novice Monday Only Ages 13 - Over
5:30- 6:15 Youth Novice T&Th Ages 6-12
6:30- 8:00 Adult Open Class T&Th 13 - Over

SPIRIT WEEK
June 24th – 28th

Spirit week is upon us. This year we look forward to a great time in the martial arts. This is the time of year when Mr. Williams exposes you to how the martial arts were when he started. Classes were tough but not as brutal as they were in the late 50’s and 60’s. This is the week where everyone is in class together for 1-1/2 to 2 hours Monday through Thursday evening starting at 6:00 pm. Black belts go through a special training and shakedown on Friday evening. It is important that you stay well hydrated during the day and bring water for class. You need to know when to bow out, take a short break and come back in. On Saturday the 29th at Rice Park is the annual karate school picnic. All AKMS students and immediate family are invited. Families are requested to bring a side dish. A sign-up sheet will be out soon.

MARTIAL ARTS MATH RELATED CONNECTIONS
Another school year has ended, but teachers and students alike know that “learning” does not come to an end. We also know that learning a particular subject is not done in isolation. Learning is cross-curricular. For example: Many math problems can be found in good literature; science problems are often solved with basic mathematics; history and a good novel go hand-in-hand; music has strong connections with math and social studies. For example: Many math problems can be found in good literature; science problems are often solved with basic mathematics; history and a good novel go hand-in-hand; music has strong connections with math and social studies. Practices within the martial arts world also have 21st century math-related connections. In today’s Common Core guidelines for success in math, eight (8) Mathematical Practices have been identified and are currently taught in schools throughout the nation. Consider the following four (4) Practices and how they align with the teachings of Mr. Williams:

1. Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them. When we are in class, we frequently ask, “What might you do in this situation?” “What would happen if…..?” “Would it work if I …?” We are then encouraged to try, and try again, until we find meaning in a new skill, drill, kata, etc. 
2. Use appropriate tools strategically. Mr. Williams often refers to the punches, kicks, blocks, strikes, etc. as “tools.” As we progress as students, one of our tasks is to choose the right “tool” for the right situation.
3. Attend to precision. As martial artists, it is essential that we develop accuracy and efficiency with the tools we have been given. This is an on-going challenge. “The path to EXCELLENCE starts here.”
4. Look for and make use of structure. There is method to the curriculum taught by Mr. Williams. We begin with basics. We move to step-sparring, and kata, and self-defense. The more (seemingly) complicated tasks are often times composed of simpler skills, but the structure remains.

Perhaps the greatest reward of learning is the fact that it never ends.

Respectfully submitted,
Jean Gaeddert, AKMS Black Belt

BULLYING
Bullying can be verbal, physical, or via the Internet. It can severely affect an individual’s self-image, social interactions, and school performance which can often lead to insecurity, lack of self-esteem, and depression in adulthood. School dropout rates and absences among victims of bullying are much higher than among other students. Studies have shown that children who have been identified as a bully by age eight are six times more likely to have a criminal conviction by age 24. Children who are bullies may continue to be bullies as adults, and are more prone to becoming child and spouse abusers.

Martial arts can help kids who are being bullied. Bullies thrive on attacking people that they view as weak. Youth who are bullied often have low confidence levels, inability to concentrate on school work, lack of focus and high stress levels which make them look even weaker. One of the biggest misconceptions about enrolling children and teenagers in martial arts is that the kids become aggressive and, therefore, are likely to bully others. The fact is that martial arts do just the opposite. Bullies often have a sense of superiority over others and their environments and lack impulse control. Often time, bullies don't know how to manage their anger so they take it out on people they deem weaker than themselves.

Many times, bullies are being, or have been, bullied at some point in their lives as well. Martial arts can assist in solving these problems in many children. Much of this depends on the house rules parents have, if any and how consistent those rules are applied.

Tommy Williams, Instructor

TOURNAMENTS
SAM’S SUMMER KICK OFF
Saturday, June 15th
Kansas Army National Guard
1111 North Severance St.
Hutchinson, Kansas
CONTACT: Sam or Jessica Price 620-669-9051 hutchkarate@sbcglobal.net

GREAT PLAINS KARATE CHALLENGE
Saturday, June 22, 2013
Salvation Army
1137 North Sante Fe
Salina, Kansas
CONTACT: Roy Miller 785-493-0257

KANSAS STATE GAMES
Saturday, July 13th, 2013
Christ the King Church
25th and Wanamaker
Topeka, Kansas
CONTACT: Tony Mielenz 785-554-4220

May 2013 Newsletter

TOURNAMENT RESULTS

AIR CAPITOL CLASSIC
Saturday April 13th
Wichita, Kansas

Rob McCaleb
Adult Novice Kata 3rd Place
Adult Novice Fighting 3rd Place

Alex Johnson
Youth Novice Kata 2nd Place
Youth Novice Fighting 3rd Place

WOMEN’S SELF DEFENSE
National Crime Victims Week
Saturday April 27th

This year’s advanced Women’s self defense workshop was well attended. Nineteen women worked on various tools for self defense. I want to thank our core group of Instructor/Coaches who did a great job keeping the group going.

SPIRIT WEEK
June 24th – 28th

Spirit week is upon us. This year we look forward to a great time in the martial arts. This is the week where everyone is in class together for 1-1/2 to 2 hours Monday through Thursday evening starting at 6:00 pm. Black belts go through a special training and shakedown on Friday evening. On Saturday the 29th at Rice Park is the annual karate school picnic. All AKMS students and immediate family are invited. Families are requested to bring a side dish. 

TOURNAMENTS

Sam’s Summer Kick Off
June 2013-TBA

SUNFLOWER STATE GAMES
Saturday, July 13, 2013
Christ The King Church
CONTACT: Tony Melenz 785-554-4220 or
REGISTER ONLINE www.sunflowergames.com

DO I REALLY WANT THE GOLD MEDAL?

Last summer several of us watched Olympic athletes from all over the world compete in just 2 weeks to see who would go home with the gold medals. Many times, the difference between silver and gold, or between bronze and 4th place was thousandths of a second or hundredths of a point. It really drives home the realization that only ONE person wins the gold.

Even though those of us who train in martial arts aren’t necessarily running a race or trying to stick a landing or touch the pool wall first, ask yourself this: what would your journey as a martial artist look like if you WERE training for the gold medal?

Let’s redefine what the gold medal might look like for us. Is it achieving the next belt rank? Showing up at Spirit Week every night it’s held? Is it losing enough weight to get into the next lowest size uniform? Is it making it through a class without jumping cadence and doing pushups?

Although in a track event the finish line looks the same for everyone racing, our finish line is unique to each of us. It changes over time, it changes as we grow, and it changes as we hone our craft. Hundreds have run and won their race, passing on their wisdom over the years. Although we are racing with others, our race is our own. One of the coolest things about being in martial arts today is meeting people at other Dojos running with you. We also have tons of material telling the stories of the ancients running their races.

Training with purpose and focus is one of the main ways to win our respective races. Olympic and pro athletes become serious masters of self-control. They maintain self-control in how they train, how they rest, what they eat, what they drink, and how they spend their time – in essence, EVERY part of their life comes under the microscope. Everything I do in reaching my finish line must have precision and purpose or I’ll end up off track. I must focus continuously so I can eventually use the tools in my toolbox without thinking. The cost of strict self-control is so very worth the prize at the finish line.

As we progress through the colored belt ranks, we hear that we must begin to train outside the dojo. What clutter is in your track lane that prevents that? What might trip you, distract you, or injure you as you are running this race? Clear it out!

Everyone needs support and encouragement. Who is in your bleacher stand cheering you on? Who can you turn to for coaching, constructive criticism, a kick in the pants when needed? Not just in the dojo but outside? Build your personal cheerleading and coaching staff.

Many self-help gurus correctly tell us to develop a mental vision of our goal. Who has gone before you that you can use as a visual image to pull you along when it gets tough? One of my weekly affirmations lists all of the black belts I’ve known over the years that possess traits that I want. Some of them I haven’t seen since 1986. Some of them are at our dojo. Some of them have passed on. But reminding myself of their abilities and their bushido journey keeps me going when I get weary. Create a mental picture of who you strive to become.

So, lace up your shoes (put on your uniform), get to the track (go to class or your backyard), and run (train). Tweak your path as you go but never ever take your eyes off that finish line.

Cristine Warring

AKMS Black Belt

TOURNAMENT PURSES OF YESTER-YEAR AND TODAY? In My Opinion, Think About It

In the tournaments of the 70s to early 90s, the cash prizes were rather lucrative. You could win several hundreds of dollars up to a thousand or more dollars in a weekend. What happened to the big purses from that day? I won’t overlook the tournaments, which do pay out those amounts into days tournaments, but, there are not many. In the national tournament scene, the winning purses may provide those kinds of large purses. But, nonetheless, the question remains, what happen to the big purses on the local scene? It was shared with me about this question from a known promoter of mine, who conveyed that promoters attempting to make money (if, you can truly make money in tournaments, as a promoter), which I understood was hard to do.

One could contend it's the insurance and liability rates paid by the promoters limiting the big purses for the contenders? Or, perhaps, the registration fees are too much or not enough to support the expenses for the promoter? Or would you think, it's a factor of the tournament promoters being a bit greedy? No disrespect, intended for those promoters not fitting this category.

So, what happen to the money purses of yester-year for the winners, and the grand championship run-offs? In a recent training clinic with GM Bill ‘Superfoot’ Wallace, I presented the question to him about the absence of the big purses, and if, I heard him correctly, he mentioned the greed factor. So, I admit to you, my thought process was along these lines of my thinking concerning this question. If, you remember those times or don’t, please chime in, and give me your take on what happen. I humbly receive your comments. Provide your feedback at www.youngsankarate.com on the electronic feedback form. What do you think? And, may your path be forever fruitful.

H. James Young

Young-San Karate

AIR CAPITOL CLASSIC

Karate Tournament Results

Saturday April 13th

Rob McCaleb
Adult Novice Kata 3rd Place
Adult Novice Fighting 3rd Place

Alex Johnson
Youth Novice Kata 2nd Place
Youth Novice Fighting 3rd Place

Wichita, KS

April 2013 Newsletter

AMERICAN KARATE PHOTO DAY

Saturday, April 6th will be our annual photo day at American Karate. Wheeler Photography will be at the school from 9:30am to 10:30am to do a group photo and individual photos. If you wish you can take photos with your trophies or weapons if you are training in weapons.

WOMEN'S SELF DEFENSE
Crime Victims Awareness Month

Our Women's Self Defense Workshop is scheduled from Saturday, April 27th. This is a FREE workshop for ladies ages 13 and over. This event will be from 9:30am until 3:00pm.

PROMOTIONS & ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Lori Francis-Green Belt
Jeff Geesling-Brown Belt
Jordan Julian-Black Belt

Acknowledgment of Time and Skill
Renshi-Skillful Technician
Jean Gaeddert-Renshi
Marcia Dillon-Renshi
H. James Young-Renshi

TOURNAMENTS

WICHITA OPEN KARATE TOURNEY RESULTS
Saturday March 23rd

Cristine Warring
1st Place Women's Black Belt Kata
1st Place Black Belt Weapons Kata
1st Place Women's Black Belt Sparring

SEIBUKAN KARATE INVITATIONAL RESULTS
Saturday March 23, 2013

Dakota Douglas
1st Place Int. Kata
1st Place Int. Kumite

Aaron Armbrust
2nd Place Int. Kumite

MID AMERICA KARATE TOURNAMENT RESULTS
Saturday March 30th, 2013

Elijah Mendoza 
2nd Place 6-7 Novice Kata
3rd Place 6-7 Novice Kumite

Dakota Douglas
1st Place 8-9 Int. Kata
3rd Place 8-9 Int. Kumite

Cristine Warring 
3rd Place Executive Black Belt Kata

LEADERSHIP-Lesson 2

How Kids Get Self-Esteem

As children get older, they can have a bigger role in developing their self-esteem. Achievements like getting a good grade on a test or making the All-Star soccer team — are things children can be proud of. So are having a good sense of humor or being a good friend. A child’s family and other people in his or her life like coaches, teammates, and classmates also can boost his or her self-esteem. They can help a child figure out how to do things or notice his or her good qualities. They can believe in the child and encourage him or her to try again when something doesn't go right the first time. It's all part of a child’s learning to see themselves in a positive way, to feel proud of what they've done, and to be confident that there's a lot more they can do.

Boosting Your Self-Esteem

Of course it's OK to have ups and downs in your feelings, but having low self-esteem isn't OK. Feeling like you're not important can make you sad and can keep you from trying new things. It can keep you from making friends or hurt how you do at school. Having strong self-esteem is also a very big part of growing up. As you get older and face tough decisions — especially under peer pressure — the more self-esteem you have, the better. It's important to know you're worth a lot. If you think you might have low self-esteem, try talking to an adult you trust about it. He or she may be able to help you come up with some good ideas for building your self-esteem. In the meantime, here are a few things that you can try to increase your self-esteem:

• Make a list of the stuff you're good at. It can be anything from drawing or singing to playing a sport or telling a good joke. If you're having trouble with your list, ask your mom or dad to help you with it. Then add a few things to the list that you'd like to be good at. Your mom or dad can help you plan a way to work on those skills or talents. 
• Give yourself three compliments every day. Don't just say, "I'm so great." Be specific about something good about yourself, like, "I was a good friend to Jill today" or "I did better on that test than I thought I would." While you're at it, before you go to bed every night, list three things in your day that really made you happy.
• Remember that your body is your own, no matter what shape, size, or color it is. If you are worried about your weight or size, you can check with your doctor to make sure that things are OK. Remind yourself of things about your body that are cool, like, "My legs are strong and I can skate really well."
• Remember that there are things about yourself you can't change. You should accept and love these things — such as skin color and shoe size — because they are part of you. · When you hear negative comments in your head, tell yourself to stop. When you do this, you take the power away from the voice inside that discourages you. 

By focusing on the good things you do and all your great qualities, you learn to love and accept yourself — the main ingredients for strong self-esteem! Even if you've got room for improvement (and who doesn't?), realizing that you're valuable and important helps your self-esteem to shine.

WHY PRACTICE GOOD STANCES?

Why practice good stances? Would it be to establish fulcrum or balance. Could it be to agree with the laws of gravity, and the physics associated with it. Or could it be to build a foundation or good base?

You decide what a good stance means, and how it effects you in your martial arts training and daily applications wherever you may walk or stand. Good stance. Good posture.

If, a person does not have feet he/she can’t stand properly, even if, the person have two pegs as feet their balance for standing and support will require some appendage in the form of feet or platform to hold them up. Look at a cane or crutch for use, it does provide some support, but the person will have a better foundation with feet. With this being said, a good stance supported by your feet, proper weight distribution, provides you with stability. Your balance is in place, and weight is equally distributed depending upon the type stance. With your fulcrum properly centered you are able to perform your techniques, whether by hand or foot. Improper stances can cause ineffective hand, and feet techniques. As long as, we are on this earth, gravity and the laws of physics remain. Therefore, a good stance in order to execute good, and effective techniques must be in agreement. The bottom line is practice good stances to enhance your techniques. In the event you have any questions about this article, please contact me at www.youngsankarate.com. And, remember, "the knowledge you obtain in your journey is like an endless circle."

H. James Young

THE OBI

The "OBI" (帯) is a BELT for traditional Japanese dress, keikogi worn for Japanese martial arts, and part of kimono outfits. It has been said that life is truly a circle. The same can be said for a student's journey on the path of BUDO. Starting out wearing a white belt made of cotton, the student rises up through the ten kyu (color belt) ranks until they find themselves on the threshold of their Sho-Dan (1st degree black belt) grading. Finally upon passing their grading they are a "black belt" at last. They will now wear this color of belt for the remainder of their martial arts life, and when the years have passed and their belt has been tied and untied countless times, the student will look down one day late in life and see that all the black coloring has ultimately worn off.

THE BELT IS WHITE AGAIN!

The beginner has now become the master, who after many years of training now understands what has ALWAYS BEEN TRUE, that they have in fact always been just a white belt, the color itself was always an illusion, something to feed the ego until, when after many years of physical growth, mental training and spiritual development, the time has come when ego is as important as it was in the beginning.

For in the arts of BUDO it is not the color of the belt around our waist that makes us better, what does makes us BETTER TEACHERS, however, is how well and how often we pass on the knowledge that we proudly possess on to those who follow us on the path of BUDO. When we truly come to understand this concept only then will the knot on the OBI (belt) become permanently TIGHT!Starting out wearing a white belt made of cotton, the student rises up through the ten kyu (color belt) ranks until they find themselves on the threshold of their Sho-Dan (1st degree black belt) grading. Finally upon passing their grading they are a "black belt" at last. They will now wear this color of belt for the remainder of their martial arts life, and when the years have passed and their belt has been tied and untied countless times, the student will look down one day late in life and see that all the black coloring has ultimately worn off. Starting out wearing a white belt made of cotton, the student rises up through the ten kyu (color belt) ranks until they find themselves on the threshold of their Sho-Dan (1st degree black belt) grading. Finally upon passing their grading they are a "black belt" at last. They will now wear this color of belt for the remainder of their martial arts life, and when the years have passed and their belt has been tied and untied countless times, the student will look down one day late in life and see that all the black coloring has ultimately worn off.

 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.

Promotions

March 2013

Lori Francis-Green Belt