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MVKS News, Views and Clues |
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Vol 7 Issue 2 |
February 2009 |
Last Month
Members of our teaching staff attended a seminar with Mr. Lee Wedlake, a 9th degree Black belt and My Instructors’ Instructor. As is tradition, Mr. Wedlake was flown up from Florida by the New England Studio owners in Mr. White’s lineage as a way to say thanks to our wonderful staff of volunteer teachers. Over 50 people attended this seminar, which was based on the 6 step approach to problem solving and how it applies to a self defense situation. After an in depth discussion on the 6 steps, assistant instructor Jack Nilon from Australia took the floor and taught us how to make some of our standard techniques work against multiple attackers. Mr Nilon works as a doorman when he is home in Australia, and has had many an opportunity to field test his work. Those of you who have a hard time making time to train, consider this: Mr Nilon travels to Florida and stays for 6 months at a time to learn from Mr Wedlake! Apparently he’s been doing this for the past 3 years or so. Now that’s dedication!
After the class was bowed out, a ceremony was held for Mr Wedlake in which he was awarded the title of Hanshi, Which is a traditional Japanese title that means “ A Model for the Whole”. The title is generally given to people who are the highest rank in their martial arts organization. Mr Wedlake received this recognition from Hanshi Richard Bernard, a 10th degree Black Belt in traditional Japanese Karate. Mr Bernard is recognized as a Hanshi though an organization called Shidokan international, who are recognized by the Japanese Ministry of Education. According to their standards, a Hanshi title can only be awarded to someone by another who holds the title of Hanshi. The ceremony was rich in tradition, and we were all very honored to have been able to witness it.
As if that weren’t enough, Mr Wedlake also brought with him copies of his new book, Lessons With Ed Parker. I have since read it and can honestly say it’s the best book Mr Wedlake has ever written, and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in our arts’ history and the man behind it all.
We also held a make up exam for the Black Belts affected by the ice storm in December and I am proud to announce the promotion of Zach Hagan to 2nd degree Black Belt. Nice Job, Zach!
My Judo instructor was kind enough to come down to MVKS to instruct us on the 17th. We’re hoping he can make it down again this month. I’ll keep you posted.
We currently have 4 openings for our first, and 6 openings for our second summer camp. These spots may fill quickly, so register today and get in on the fun!This Month...
Our bi annual Black Belt testing starts with a Pre - test on February 14th. All first degree Brown belts who have the minimum points ( 50 ) and stripes ( 5 ) are encouraged to attend. The test is on all material White thru Green Belt. Students scoring 85% or better will receive their Black Belt Candidates’ rank and begin testing in March. Good luck, everybody!!
MVKS is going to the Manchester Monarchs on the 21st. This is their martial arts night promotion, so we will be one of many schools from New Hampshire! Tickets will be in soon
Kenpo
Clues: - Kenpo Questions to Help You Along Your Journey
In the technique Leaping Crane:
For Beginners: What does the code name “ crane “ refer to?
For Advanced: This technique shares some motion with another technique named Gathering Clouds. Can you explain why you would do one instead of another?
Happy
Birthday!!!
- Another year older and wiser…..
Happy Birthday!!! - Another year older and wiser…..
2/ 12..Trevor Harz
2/ 14..Jack Granfors
2/ 19..Joshua Georgoulakos
2/ 24..Dylan Amadon, Sarah McGlauflin
New Ranks!! Please join me in congratulating these fine students for earning their new belts!
2nd degree Black ……Zach Hagan, Brendan Poor
Green Belt…Leah Mead
Blue Belt….Joey Brisson, Seamus Othot
Purple Belt…..Jed Jones, Daniel and Tim Trzepacz
Tiny Tiger Blue….Taioghan Othot
Tiny Tiger Orange…..Aiden Bowie, Hannah Bennet, Adeline Macdonald
Other News and Notes:
A new schedule begins February 9th. Please check the calendar for the new class times.
- We will be having a Buddy Week Event next month during week two of the next cycle, starting March 16th. Students may bring a friend to class all week, and we will finish the week with a movie night event, with a showing of the movie, Kung Fu Panda!
-Mark your calendars and register early for the “ My 3 Sons “ Camp, scheduled for May 1st, in Manchester, NH. This camp will feature Mr Lee Wedlake, and his 3 7th degree Black belts under him, Gary Ellis from Plymouth, England, Graham Lelliot from Sacremento, California, and our own Steve White from NH. This will be a historic Camp as it will probably be the only time these four gentlemen will be teaching on the same floor together. Definitely one you won’t want to miss!!
Kenpo Views
The Travelers and the Monk Story
One day a traveler was walking along a road on his journey from one village to another. As he walked he noticed a monk tending the ground in the fields beside the road. The monk said “ Good day “ to the traveler, and the traveler nodded to the monk. The traveler then turned to the monk and said “ Excuse me, do you mind if I ask you a question?”
“ Not at all ”, replied the monk.
“ I am traveling from the village in the mountains to the village in the valley and I was wondering if you knew what it was like in the village of the valley? “
“ Tell me “ said the monk, “ What was your experience of the village in the mountains?”
“ Dreadful,” replied the traveler “ to be honest, I am very glad to be away from there. I found the people to be most unwelcoming. When I first arrived I was greeted coldly. I was never made to feel part of the village, no matter how hard I tried. The villagers kept very much to themselves, they don’t take kindly to strangers. So tell me, what can I expect from the village in the valley?”
“ I am sorry to tell you” said the monk “ but I think your experience there will be much the same.”
The traveler hung his head despondently and walked on.
A while later another traveler was journeying down the same road and came upon the monk.
“ I’m going to the village in the valley” said the second traveler, “ do you know what it’s like?”
“ I do “ replied the monk “ but first tell me - where do you come from?”
“ I’ve come from the village in the mountains “
“ And how was that? “
“ It was a wonderful experience. I would have stayed if I could but I am committed to traveling on. I felt as though I were a member of the family in the village. The elders gave me much advice, the children laughed and joked with me and people were generally kind and generous. I am sad to have left there. It will always hold special memories for me. And what of the village in the valley?”
“ I think you will find it much the same” replied the monk “ good day to you”.
“ Good day and thank you” the traveler replied, smiled, and went on his way.