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MVKS News, Views and Clues |
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| Vol 2 Issue 1 |
January 2004 |
In this Issue
| Events Calendar | Kid's Art of the Month |
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Kenpo News |
- past and upcoming events |
2003 - A Look Back
2003 was a banner year for MVKS. I feel that we made great strides in improving the karate experience here by staying committed to providing quality instruction, while enhancing the family atmosphere at the Studio. Here are just some of the things that happened:
 | We began the year by having all members write down three goals they wanted to accomplish and post them on a bulletin board for all to see. Some succeeded, some failed, but hopefully all learned a little about goal-setting. |
| The Black Belt of the week program gave our young students an opportunity to lead the classes as well as let us get to know them better. |
| MVKS hosted seminars for Mr. White ( my Kenpo teacher ) as well as for Mr. Veziris ( my Judo teacher ). We also supported the NECKF Kenpo Camps in the Spring and Fall. |
| Black Belts Shad Smith, Katie Coughlin, and James Macdonald trained consistently for one year after receiving their Black belts and thus were certified by the NECKF. |
| Colin Robb was promoted to Black belt. |
| Mr. White was promoted to 7th degree Black Belt by Mr. Lee Wedlake. |
| MVKS broke 250 boards and raised over $1800. for St Judes Children's hospital. We also had a successful sock, hat, and glove drive for the area's needy. |
| Special classes were held to spice things up. Outside classes, Spar Wars, obstacle courses, A family week and Movie night, Halloween classes and buddy weeks made '03 our best year yet. Thanks to all who helped make it happen!!! |
| MVKS launched it's website. |
| Day classes were added. |
2004 - A Look Ahead
The new year always brings hope and promise, and here are some of the things in store for '04:
| We will again start the year with all members posting their goals |
| Our curriculum will undergo some changes to improve the connection between the material we learn and the drills we do to do it better |
| More seminars and specials will be held, starting with Mr. White coming in for a seminar on the 17th of this month!! See below.... |
If you have an idea or a suggestion for us, please feel free to talk to us. Who knows, maybe it will be the next big event at MVKS!!
Mr. White Seminar
I am proud to announce that my teacher, Mr. Steven White from Manchester, will be returning to MVKS to teach a Kenpo seminar on Saturday, January 17th at 1:00. Mr. White is the regional director of the New England Chinese Karate Federation ( NECKF ) and is the final authority on Kenpo in New England. He is also the owner of the Manchester Karate Studio and holds the rank of 7th degree Black Belt.
Anyone who has learned from Mr. White can attest to his endless knowledge of Kenpo, his high-energy instruction, and his drive to be the best.
As you know, this seminar will fill up fast ( 20 student max ) so sign up early. Family rates are available. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from one of Kenpo's best!!!
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Kenpo Views |
- in my opinion... |
So You Want to Set Some Goals...
Okay, so the new year is upon us, and you're thinking about the goals you want to set. Here are some things to consider:
Be Specific: A general statement like " I'd like to do better kicks " is too vague and open ended. It states a desire to improve but lacks a definition as to what aspect of kicking needs to be improved upon. A statement such as " I'd like to be able to kick in combinations without losing my balance" is more focused and now can be worked on.
Measure Your Progress: This is important because this is the first step in planning. Develop a plan that fits your lifestyle and get to work! Create a logbook to chart your progress or videotape yourself, and stick to it! Many plans start with the right idea, but need to be adjusted and tinkered with to be carried out. This is when you learn of your strengths and weaknesses . Remember, if you fail to plan, you plan to fail!
Adjust to Attain: While learning of your strengths and weaknesses, make sure your goal is attainable. What seemed like a good goal may be realized as too hard or too easy. A goal is something you want but don't have. It should require a little pressure on yourself to accomplish. Too much pressure ( goal too hard ) results in frustration, too little (goal too easy) teaches us how to be lazy!
Be Reasonable: Learn to laugh at yourself when things don't go as you planned. Remember that you are human and will make some mistakes along the way. Learning from them is the key.
Team Up!: We put our goals on the board in hopes that others will help us achieve them and keep us focused. There IS strength in numbers! Until next month......JP
| - Kenpo questions to help you along... |
In the technique Twirling Wings, What does the code name " wings " refer to?
For more questions and tips for this technique, visit the Technique of the Month.
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Kenpo News |
- continued |
Mr. White Promoted at Mr. Wedlakes' Seminar!
On Saturday, Dec 13th, Mr. Lee Wedlake, an 8th degree Black Belt from fort Myers, FL, visited Manchester Karate Studio for a Kenpo Seminar on family groupings and category completions. Students from all over New England were there as Mr. Wedlake provided yet another insightful seminar on Kenpo Karate.
In addition to showing us yet another way this system of Kenpo goes together, Mr. Wedlake promoted Mr. White to the rank of 7th degree Black Belt!
Mr. Wedlake commended Mr. White for keeping the Kenpo we learn in New England strong and for continuously trying to improve it. Congratulations to him!!
Testimonial of the Month!
"I would like to thank MVKS. My daughter started her classes at a time when there was a lot of turmoil in her life. MVKS has grounded her and I am very pleased for the positive role models that have entered her life. Her teachers are wonderful and she trusts them and loves going to classes. Thank you very much,"
- Debra Downing, MVKS parent
Do YOU have some kind words for us? Has Karate here at MVKS made a difference? Let us know by writing a testimonial! We will post it on our website, as well as our newsletter. See me for more info and thanks in advance.
New Ranks! (12/19/03 )
Congratulations to:
Brown/ Black Belt: Jamie Robb, Irene Robb
Brown Belt: Robert Hayden, Jamie Davison
Red Belt: Zachary Peacock, Brenden Poor, Joshua Clemens, Erik
Hayden, Mike Hayden
Green Belt: Scott Dannewitz
Purple Belt: Aspen Sotille, Tim Nichols, Evan MacIntee
Orange Belt: Eric Kolb, Alex Girard, Keith Herman, Mackenzie
Peacock ( not pictured )
Yellow Belt: David Infanti ( not pictured ) , Sue Granfors,
Collin Titus
Tiny Tiger Yellow: Alexia Gorton, Julius van Tassell, Edith van Tassell
Keep up the good work!
Stormy Weather and Closing
With winter weather just around the corner, if you have a question as to whether the School is open during a storm, Please call the Studio 1 hour before classes start and listen for a message. If the message hasn't changed, classes are being held that evening. You may also listen to WZID ( 95.7 fm ) as they will also list us as being closed. Unless it's a really serious storm, I usually wait to see what the driving conditions are 1 hour before classes start.
Happy Birthday!!!
Another year older and wiser....
01/07.......................Dan Nichols
01/15 ..........Madeleine Landrum
01/30........................Collin Titus
Mr. Parker Says
" Do not concern yourself so much with the sequence of a move, instead try to understand the concepts and principles behind it.
Pro Shop Sale Item
Save $10.00 on a Century heavyweight uniform
Reg. price: $74.98
Sale Price: $64.98
Wear the instructors choice!!
Black Belt Pre-Test Date Set
The pre - test for Black Belt testing has been set for Saturday, Feb 14th at 1:00 pm. All 1st degree Brown Belts ( brown/black belt ) with the minimum stripes ( 5 ) and minimum points ( 50 ) are required to come. Material covered will be all forms and techniques from White to Green Belt. Students who score a 90% or better will qualify for Black Belt testing beginning Feb 28th & will be awarded a Candidate's Black Belt. Good Luck!!
Pre-Test Class Offered
A class for all pre-test candidates will be held on Sat, Jan 31st from 1:00 - 2:00 pm to help prepare for the BB pre-test Feb 14th. Cost is $20.
