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MVKS News, Views and Clues |
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Vol 3 Issue 8 |
August 2005 |
In this Issue
| Kids Art of the Month |
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Kenpo News |
- past and upcoming events |
2nd Summer Break
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! AGAIN!
Nothing beats summertime in NH. Our second summer break is scheduled for the
week of August 6th - August 13th. We'll all be back with our batteries recharged
on August 15th. Hope you all have a nice time off!
Timely Payments, Please!
A little over 3 years ago I left my full time job to teach karate at MVKS full time. It was a dream come true, and I count my blessings every day that I'm able to do what I love for a living. I leave the studio every night, feeling satisfied that everyone who attended left "one class better". I truly feel that a difference is being made in my little corner of the world. What many of you may not realize is that the tuition that I collect is essential to my family's well being, and sometimes I can't make my bills because tuitions haven't been received. This creates a hardship and stress on me and my family that I would like to make better. Of the 35% of you who consistently pay on time (before the 7th of the month), I thank you for your promptness. As for the remainder, I kindly ask for more timely payments. Thanks for understanding - JP
Teacher Appreciation Night - A Big Success
On Friday, July 22nd, many MVKS friends and students gathered to show their appreciation for all the MVKS teachers that make MVKS so special. When the studio opened in 1991 we had 16 members. Now, MVKS boasts an active student count of over 100 students with 19 instructors!
We found out that nearly 65% of the students at MVKS are training with a family member! I personally believe that the friendships created by training martial arts together are second to none. My very best friends also happen to be training partners of mine, some of whom have trained with me for over 18 years! The thought that this bond can be created between family members means that the Karate experience here at MVKS not only strengthens individuals , but also strengthens the family unit, which in turn makes our communities stronger. Talk about a ripple effect!
Our "family" of teachers here at MVKS are all unique individual that share one common bond: They love Kenpo Karate, and they love to teach it! I have seen time and time again the efforts they put forth to help people at the studio succeed at their goals, and the satisfaction they get from making a difference. I'm very proud to call all of them "family" and would like to thank all of you who came out that night to say thanks!
A SPECIAL THANK YOU to all the new Black Belts who awarded me with the beautiful framed Kenpo Karate patch. It really means a lot!!!
Master Instructor Al McLuckie - August 19th
Join us Friday, August 19th for a seminar with Master Instructor Al McLuckie. Mr. McLuckie is a highly skilled martial artist, and is quite frankly one of the best I have ever seen - in person or on film. His seminars are always exciting, informative, and fun. We are hoping to have him do a seminar on environmental self defense, in which you learn to use things in your environment (chairs, a corner on a wall, stairs) or on your person ( your jacket, a comb, pencil, etc.) to succeed in a self defense situation. It is truly an honor to have an Instructor of his caliber visit our school, and I sincerely hope you can support this event. Sign up sheet is on the bulletin board, reserve your place today!
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- in my opinion... |
A contest for everyone!
In search of ... the perfect class
Last month, I asked people to submit their ideas to me about what they felt the "perfect" Karate class for them would be. At press time, I have only received a few submissions. I want to share this one with you:
The Best Kenpo Class, By Alice Kolb
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Helps to clarify and refresh goals.
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Based on mutual respect.
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Inspires and supports best efforts.
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Serves as examples of how to do and be.
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Expands definitions for excellence.
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Focuses on improvement but not at the expense of others.
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Fun, physical strength, elasticity, grace and balance.
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Structure of discipline without rigidity.
In fact, a class just like the one I have been attending is as perfect as I can imagine: First-rate teachers and classmates who fulfill fondest expectations (as listed), lots of physical activity, practice for balance and strength, steady development of elasticity and skills...mental and physical, and awareness of personal and community responsibility. ( And pity for little old ladies).
Alice, I couldn't have said it better myself!!!!
-JP
Let me know your thoughts on the perfect class, who knows, maybe we'll add it to our curriculum!!
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- Kenpo questions to help you along... |
In the technique Crushing Hammer:
For Beginners:
- What does the code word "Hammer" refer to, and what exactly are you crushing?
- Can you name the stance of the second move of this technique? Is it a forward or reverse bow?
For Advanced Students:
- What technique would you do if your opponent had a very wide stance?
- Can you name a related technique against a front bear hug?
Find more questions and tips for this technique in the library. {MVKS students, please visit the Monthly Techniques in the Student Center.}
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Kenpo News |
- continued |
Women's Self-Defense Course in New Boston - AGAIN
As a community service, MVKS will be offering a women's self-defense course on Monday, August 22nd from 7:00 - 9:00pm. Classes will be at the White Buildings in New Boston ( near the elementary school) . 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. Cost is $20/pp. Space is limited - call or see me to reserve your space today!
Outside Classes - AGAIN!
Nothing beats training Kenpo barefoot on the grass in summertime! Weather permitting, we will have outside classes on Monday and Tuesday, August 29th and 30th. You do not have to wear your uniforms. Bug spay is recommended.
This Month At The Pro Shop: T-Shirts!
I ordered another dozen MVKS t-shirts. If you missed the last order, here is your chance to catch one. $15 each.
New Ranks - July 15, 2005
"Learn the system, and learn to do it well"
Please take a moment and congratulate these students on a job well done:
Brown Belt: Sam Ballard, Emma Downing, Elijah Gorton
Green Belt: Tom King, Raju Gandhi
Blue Belt: Alexia Gorton
Purple Belt: Jaimie Cates
Orange Belt: Shannon Hayes
Yellow Belt: Brendan Amadon, Krista Lumibao, Alexys Lumibao
Also, six Tiny Tigers graduated from their class to the beginner kids class! They now hold the White Belt rank with one stripe!
Congratulations to: Edith van Tassell, Julius van Tassell, Timmy Driscoll, Giovanni Lazzari, Jack Kronenfeld, and Harrison Frank.
Tiny Tiger Yellow: Dylan Amadon
Coming Next Month - Buddy Week!
During the week of September 12th through the 17th, MVKS members may bring a friend with them to class all week. This year's buddy week will be different, as we will be offering a free cycle of training for all interested friends of MVKS starting the following cycle. I've always believed that the best way to grow a school is from within, and this is why I think we have such a special school to begin with. More information will be available in next month's newsletter.
Happy Birthday!!!
Another year older and wiser....
| 08/06 | .......... | Jack Kronenfeld |
| 08/23 | .......... | Kenny Dobbs |
| 08/25 | .......... | Cathy Jones |
| 08/29 | .......... | Stephen Dubois |
| 08/31 | .......... | Colin Robb |
Teachers Leaving to Satellite Programs
John Coughlin jr. will be going back for his Junior year of college this month...
Mr. Quimby and Mr. Rivard will be starting up our satellite program in New Boston again next month. Mr. Clarke and Mr. Smith will also be leaving to start up a satellite program in Milford at the Boy's and Girl's Club! Wish them well, we'll miss them!
Black Belt Pre-Test Scheduled
All 1st degree Brown Belts that have their required stripes (5) are expected to take a pre-test scheduled for Saturday, August 20th at 12:30. You will be tested on all material (Techniques and Forms ), White Belt through Green Belt. Students who score an 85% or better will be awarded a Candidate's Black belt and will begin monthly testing for their Black Belts three weeks later on September 10th. Good luck to all qualifying students!
Thought For The Month
"The
person who wins may have been counted out several times, they just didn't hear
the referee."
- unknown
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