“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.
