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In this Issue

Mont Vernon Spring Gala Parade and Karate Demo

On Saturday, May 14^th Mont Vernon celebrated its annual Spring Gala. "This was the best Spring Gala to date! " was the feeling many people had as Mother Nature was nice enough to cooperate and give us one of the few days we've had last month without rain. The parade was quite long, with over 35 different groups participating. MVKS students looked sharp in their clean, patched uniforms as they marched like pros ( not easy for a large group of kids) and were cheered loudly as they marched by and tossed out candy. It's always fun for me to see the kids marching in their first parade. Afterward, everyone gathered at the McCollom field for the Karate demonstration. This year, the demo team was headed by Mr. Clarke, Ms. Chouramanis, and Mr. Quimby, and they directed 13 MVKS students that put on quite a show. It started with a play that involved two young girls playing who are rudely interrupted by a troublesome young man with some cooperation issues. In comes Captain Kenpo( played brilliantly by Frederick van Tassell ) to the rescue!

Captain Kenpo explains to the boy and his Mother that Karate training can really provide some direction and much needed discipline in the boys life. Next Mr Clarke introduces himself and teaches the crowd about the process of training in Kenpo Karate. He leads the demo team through a spirited round of basics, forms, and self defense techniques, and finishes the demonstration with a synchronized Form 5 demonstration to music with Ms. Chouramanis and Mr. Quimby. The show concludes with Captain Kenpo revisiting our troubled young man, only to discover that he has developed into a well behaved, disciplined young Karate student. Captain Kenpo is so proud, he gives his cape to the boy, and a new Captain Kenpo is born!! This was a great demo. For the first time I got to be a spectator, and I enjoyed every minute of it. A BIG thank you to the demo team and the parents, who gave up 5 Saturdays to work on this show. You all represented your school extremely well. A special thanks to Mr. Clarke, whose vision made this show possible- you made me very proud and I'm so happy to have you back in my karate life.

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Coming Next Month: Annual Teacher's Appreciation Night

Mark your calendars for Friday, July 22^nd as MVKS celebrates its AWESOME teaching staff! This will be a pot luck dinner. Come say thanks!!

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Black Belt Step Exam - June 4th

The next Black Belt step exam is scheduled for Saturday, June 4^{th .}All Black Belts that have the minimum point requirements are expected to attend in order to move on to the next step of their training. Black Belts who missed the point requirements will roll over their points in order to qualify for the Fall exam. Material covered will be the last completed set of techniques, as well as some random selections by me. Wish these Black Belts well as they advance another step towards their next degrees!

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Women's Self-Defense Course

As a community service, MVKS will be offering a free women's self-defense course on Wednesday, June 8^th from 7:00 - 9:00pm. Topics covered will be the physical and psychological strategies necessary to succeed in a self defense situation. All MVKS and NBKS moms and their friends are encouraged to attend. Space is limited - call or see me to reserve your space today!

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Next Month - Outside Classes

Nothing like training Kenpo barefoot on the grass! Dates TBA.

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Summer Camp This Month

The first annual MVKS Summer Camp is almost here! 10 lucky students will be hiking, bowling, playing games and training karate with me starting June 27^th until July 1^st!! A gentle reminder to all participants that the balance of payment is due June 1^st, and if you suddenly can't make the camp, please let me know so that we can provide others on the waiting list the opportunity. Also, please be reminded that there will be no day classes during that week.

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First Summer Break - July 2-10

Time to soak up the sun, go fishing, go camping, get in the water, head to the mountains, fire up the grills, hit the beach and/ or watch some fireworks! Nothing beats summertime in NH! Our first summer break is scheduled for the week of July 2nd - July 10^th. We'll all be back with our batteries recharged on July 11^th. Hope you all have a nice time off!

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On June 3rd, MVKS celebrates its 14th anniversary! What started as a small after school program with 16 members at the Mont Vernon Village school has blossomed into a fulltime operation that holds over 22 classes a week and boasts an active student body of 115 members, not to mention as staff of 15 Black Belt volunteers who help make this the region's best Karate Studio!! I won't rest on my laurels, however, as I promise to continue to provide the quality classes you've come to enjoy, and to continuously improve the Karate experience here at MVKS. Thanks, everyone for your continued support and dedication. I am truly humbled.

 ... JP

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In the technique Spiraling Twig:

For Beginners:

1. If the word "twig" refers to an arm, what are the Kenpo code names for: A fist? A leg? The fingers?
2. Why would you do this technique instead of the technique Crashing Wings?

For Advanced Students:

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Guru Al McLuckie is Coming!

The date hasn't been set , but Guru Al McLuckie will again be visiting our Studio for a seminar sometime this month. Anyone familiar with Mr. McLuckie can attest that he is an exceptional martial artist, highly skilled in several weapons based Filipino arts as well as a certified Instructor of the Russian art of Systema. Keep your eyes on the bulletin board as more information will follow. Mr. McLuckie will be doing a seminar tour throughout the NECKF studios if one seminar isn't enough for you.

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This Month At The Pro Shop: T-Shirts!

The deadline for this years' t-shirts is Friday, June 3^rd. Cost is $15 and is due with the order. This will probably be our only order this year so don't miss it! The design will be the same but they will be grey with blue. They should be in by the end of the month.

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Martial Arts Pictures

   Kickphotos USA will sending out their photos to us within the next couple of weeks. It occurred to me while we were having our Studio's staff picture taken that we have an all Black Belt teaching staff!! AWESOME!!! Can't wait to put that photo up.

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St. Judes Prizes are in

See me to get yours, and thanks for another successful fundraiser!

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Do You Have A Summer Scheduling Conflict?

Our school is closing for two weeks this summer, as we always do. The first week off is from July 2^nd until July 10^th. The second week we have off is from August 6^th until August 14^th. If you are also going on vacation and the time you'll be away is different from the weeks we are closed, please let me know. I will be happy to sit down and go over some training options with you to keep you on track. Whether it would be scheduling 1, 2 or 3 free 15 minute privates or paid 1/2 hr or 1 hour time slots, I will do whatever it takes to keep you up to date with the material you need to stay on track as you work for your next rank. Each 15 minute free private is worth 1/2 point, each1/2 hr private is worth 1& 1/2 points, and each 1hr private is worth 3 points. Don't let vacation get in the way of your progress!

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Happy Birthday!!!

 
Another year older and wiser....

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Welcome New SWAT Members

True growth comes from what you give, not what you get. True happiness is felt when you are sincerely happy for other people's accomplishments. Jamie Davison, Madeleine Landrum, Jamie Robb, and Sam Taylor have joined our teaching staff! Welcome!

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Thought For The Month

"Cherish your visions; cherish your ideals; cherish the music that stirs in your heart, the beauty that forms in your mind, the loveliness that drapes your purest thoughts, for out of them will grow delightful conditions, all heavenly environment; of these if you but remain true to them, your world will at last be built. "

-James Allen, British born American essayist, Author of "As a man thinketh"

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What's New

Kenpo Camp 2008!!

Events
May 2008

Newsletter
 May 2008

Women's Self Defense Course

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