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In this Issue

2005 - A Look Back

As I look back on 2005, I can't help but feel satisfied with how things went at MVKS, both personally and professionally. I have seen some real growth in our student body, as our Brown and Black Belt classes have demonstrated significant improvement not only in their abilities, but also personally. When I invite someone to our Studio, it is these classes that I'd like them to see, as these students demonstrate some of the many results that people receive from martial arts training. The Beginner and Intermediate classes have been great as well, as I never get tired of seeing Karate through the eyes of a beginner.

The teaching staff has grown, too. This dedicated group of individuals has earned a name for itself by demonstrating not only an in-depth knowledge of Kenpo Karate, but also the ability to encourage and motivate people to become a complete success through martial arts training. There used to be a time when there was a "drop off" in energy and enthusiasm when I wasn't on the floor teaching. Not so anymore. I've even handed over the Monday night classes so that I can continue further with my study of Judo.

Here are some highlights from 2005:

- Classroom space doubled as the back room got cleaned out and now is used regularly for classes, as well as events like movie nights.

- We've always bragged about being a family school and now we can even more, as parents are more frequently "invited" to participate. We had our usual family movie night and a couple of family weeks as well. Look for special family classes in the upcoming year.

-Our first Summer camp was held. Ten lucky students spent a special week with me, learning Karate and doing other fun things. It was more fun than I thought it would be and I can't wait to do it again!

- Our website grew, with the addition of a Parents center, where parents can go to have some FAQs answered.

- MVKS students showed their generosity and community spirit. We had a break-a-thon for St Judes hospital that raised over $2100.! We had a penny sale fundraiser for Hurricane Katrina victims that raised $1500! We did our annual sock drive for the area's homeless and needy, burying them with bag after bag of winter necessities. We also participated in the Mont Vernon Spring Gala by marching in the parade and providing an awesome demonstration afterwards. We also offered several women's self defense courses throughout the region.

- We brought in some top - notch instructors in the name of Al McLuckie and Chris Veziris, and we participated in a mini camp with Mr. White and Dr. Brassard.

- MVKS stretched beyond the McCollum Building with satellite Karate programs taught in New Boston, Amherst, and Milford.

- Our Black Belt class continues to grow, with 5 more Black Belts promoted last Spring.

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A Reminder About School Closing and Inclement Weather

Our School will be closed for the NECKF Teachers Workshop on Saturday, January 28th.

With stormy weather here (already!?), please call the Studio one hour before your scheduled class if you're not sure if classes will be held. If the answering machine doesn't say we're closed, we're open! Announcements will also be made on 95.7 WZID.

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Family Movie Day

Our movie night last month was cancelled because of a storm, so we're going to try it again Saturday, February 4^th at 10:30am. We'll turn the back room into a movie theater and provide popcorn and refreshments. Please sign up for this event so that we can best prepare. We will be showing Garfield: The Movie. Join us!!

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Spar Wars

Mark your calendars for Wednesday, January 11^th as MVKS will have an open sparring night for all members Orange belt and above. Ever want to spar with your teacher? How about that Brown belt in the other class? Well, here's your chance!!! All participants must have a mouthpiece and preferably their own sparring equipment for this event. The fun starts at 6:30 and goes until 8:00. Join us!!!

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Mr. Wedlake Seminar for SWAT Members!

On Saturday, January 28^th, Mr Lee Wedlake, an eighth degree Black Belt and my Instructor's instructor, will be teaching a seminar for the NECKF Swat members. Mr. White and the rest of the New England Board of Examiners will also be teaching during this all day event. Best of all, this event is being offered at NO COST for all of the NECKF SWAT team members as a show of appreciation for all of their dedication and generosity they give to their Studios. I am hoping that this becomes an annual event.

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A Note About Tardiness ... Again

Sadly, we are still having a problem with tardiness. I have seen time and again a class start at 6:30 or 6:00 and almost double in size ten minutes later! This is quite disruptive to the class in progress, and since classes are geared to accomplish specific goals in a 45 minute period, often times this disruption causes the class to run late, which makes every class thereafter late as well. It is a simple problem with a simple solution, and that is, to arrive for class 10 minutes early. This allows a student time to get their cards, stretch, and be ready for class to start. Let's all do our part to start on time!!!

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Summer Camp Sign-Up

Our annual summer camp has been scheduled for the week of June 26^th thru the 30^th. Space is limited to 10 people, first come, first served. See the flyer for more info. If there is enough interest, we may do an additional week.

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Next Month - Judo Seminar with Mr. Veziris

Mr Chris Veziris, 6^th degree Black belt in Kodokan Judo, will be conducting a seminar at MVKS next month. Date and subject matter to follow ... look for the upcoming flyer.

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In the technique Five Swords:

For Beginners:

1. Why do we practice a palm heel strike instead of the required straight finger thrust?

For Advanced Students:

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New Ranks - December 9, 2005

"Learn the system, and learn to do it well"

Please take a moment and congratulate these students on a job well done:

Brown/Black Belt: Anna Ballard, Zachary Hagan

Brown Belt: Teresa Harz, Trevor Harz, Tanner Harz, Alex Girard, Eric Kolb, Keith Herman

Red Belt: Harry Granfors, Tom King

Blue Belt: William Bernard

Purple Belt: Megan Manha, Nicole Manha, Joshua Manha, Dominic Manha

Orange Belt: Alice Kolb, Natalie Ellis

Also in Tiny Tigers

Tiny Tiger Purple: Anna Quinlan

Tiny Tiger Yellow: Caleb Gorton

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Black Belt Pre-Test Class Offered

A class will be offered to help all 1^st degree Brown belts prepare for the upcoming pre-test in February. All 1^st Browns with the required points ( 50 ) and stripes (5) are encouraged to attend. Material covered will be all forms and techniques from White belt Thru green belt. The date for this class is Saturday, January 21^st, 12:30 - 1:30/2:00. Cost is $20.

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Did You Know?

As a young boy growing up in Hawaii, Ed Parker was told by one of his teachers that he would never amount to anything. Mr. Parker would later say that after he achieved great success, he wanted to find that teacher and thank him, for he provided him with the single driving force to succeed and prove him wrong. Talk about turning a negative into a positive!

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Happy Birthday!!!

 
Another year older and wiser....
 

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Thought For The Month

You can't live a perfect day until you've done something for someone who will never be able to repay you. "

- John Wooden

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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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