Here is a video of the Karate Team performing Heian Godan for the parent seminar yesterday morning. Several of the parents commented on how much crisper the karate looked...yesssssss!
December 22, 2009
December 6, 2009
Shihan Cyrus Madani Seminar
On Thursday, December 3rd and Friday, December 4th we had all day training and a tournament with our dojo and Shihan Madani. On Thursday we started karate at 9:00 am and we trained until 12:00 p.m. and we all learned new and different training methods. After lunch we had a karate tournament with the students in our dojo who wanted to participate. We all had a lot of fun and all enjoyed ourselves. On Friday we started training at 9:00 a.m. and we finished around 12:00. I know that personally I learned a lot about what I needed to change and what I need to work on to start perfecting my karate and working on my kyu exam requirements.
MADANI
Shihan Madani was awesome!!! I loved it!! He was very nice and he knew a lot about karate. He was a 7th Dan black belt!!! I did a lot of endurance training. My favorite part was his warm up. We ran around the gym and did a workout that was pretty hard. My legs still hurt from the squat jumps we did. I'm pretty bummed that I didn't get to compete in our in-house tournament. I had to go to town to do some stuff and that had to be during our tournament. But overall it was way fun and I learned a lot--and the T-shirts were way cool!!!! I give thanks to Christine for bringing Shihan Madani to our Dojo.
- Alexander the Great
- Alexander the Great
Karate at its Finest
The Madani Seminar... where to begin. I got in the Dojo to see to new faces. Sensei McGavin and Shihan Madani. The warm ups were... different. We did the usual ones, then we ran around the gym for about 20 minutes doing the grapevine, punching, jumping, etc, etc. Then we learned new techniques and just cool things we've heard of, but never really been taught. Having the Shihan here was both exciting and insightful. I enjoyed every second of it. I even kept my cool during the tournament.
Like Shihan told us--a black belt costs $5. A Black Belt is a mind set, a true Black Belt comes within.
-Drama Queen
Like Shihan told us--a black belt costs $5. A Black Belt is a mind set, a true Black Belt comes within.
-Drama Queen
December 1, 2009
Shihan Madani
Osss! I pick up Shihan Madani tomorrow afternoon as our teaching guest for the next two days. Shihan has years of extensive experience--scroll through some of the older blogs for a link to his bio--and he is coming here to share it with us. Not all of the students have signed up. The cost is $50 and includes a t-shirt. This is a great price for such an event.
The tournament we went to in Salt Lake City a couple of weekends ago was a USANKF tournament hosted by an IMA affiliated dojo, IMA Utah, and it was exciting for us to have such solid expectations and good competition. We were very happy with the judging and with all of the people we met there.
I saw many people I trained with when I lived in Salt Lake City a few years ago. It was nice to get so many hugs. Those people are some I consider to be part of my karate family, and I am invested in building a greater karate family for our students.
Shihan is also bringing a sensei out of Colorado whom I met in Keystone and who was a judge at the IMA tournament. Sensei McGavin is a great teacher and will add a lot of depth to our seminar and tournament here this week. You can see a bit of his dojo at www.northforkkarate.com.
Stay posted for blog posts and pictures. I know I still have to post the results from Salt Lake City--I will get it up here!
The tournament we went to in Salt Lake City a couple of weekends ago was a USANKF tournament hosted by an IMA affiliated dojo, IMA Utah, and it was exciting for us to have such solid expectations and good competition. We were very happy with the judging and with all of the people we met there.
I saw many people I trained with when I lived in Salt Lake City a few years ago. It was nice to get so many hugs. Those people are some I consider to be part of my karate family, and I am invested in building a greater karate family for our students.
Shihan is also bringing a sensei out of Colorado whom I met in Keystone and who was a judge at the IMA tournament. Sensei McGavin is a great teacher and will add a lot of depth to our seminar and tournament here this week. You can see a bit of his dojo at www.northforkkarate.com.
Stay posted for blog posts and pictures. I know I still have to post the results from Salt Lake City--I will get it up here!
November 24, 2009
The Things We Learned
Another tournament... except this one was so, so not what I had experienced in the past. New rules and different judging styles. While I was there I was frustrated and upset, especially in kumite. It didn't make sense and didn't correspond with our training. The next day, I woke up and realized, this tournament(and all tournaments really) are about learning, not winning, but improving ourselves. We can't expect to know everything about karate in hardly a year of training. However, next tournament we will know what to expect. As long as we put in a sufficient amount of effort in training, based on what we have learned we can represent our dojo with pride.
Drama Queen
Drama Queen
November 22, 2009
Cedar Ridge Shotokan at the IMA Utah Tournament
We went to our first USANKF/WKF tournament yesterday. I'm glad we were mostly there to learn because the competition was pretty good even though the tournament was small. We represented well, and I had a great time because I knew everybody there and got a lot of hugs from people I trained with while I lived in Salt Lake City a couple of years ago.
November 15, 2009
Cedar Ridge Shotokan Karate Team
The Karate Team is final pending the approval from the parents. I don't have all their pen names yet, but we have three girls and four boys on level 700 training to compete in our first WKF tournament in Salt Lake City on Saturday, November 21. We spent yesterday and today working on the kata they will perform in the competition. I have been using a video recorder to film them so that they can see how they are doing and focus on the things they need to improve for competition.
This will be the beginning of us learning how to navigate the World Karate Federation rules. All I know so far is that they require a lot more protective gear. You can look up the rules by entering a search for WKF. It's a big karate world out there and I'm excited that we will be a part of it!
Sensei Christine
This will be the beginning of us learning how to navigate the World Karate Federation rules. All I know so far is that they require a lot more protective gear. You can look up the rules by entering a search for WKF. It's a big karate world out there and I'm excited that we will be a part of it!
Sensei Christine
November 9, 2009
Rhythm Tape
We started sorting students last week for our Black Belt Challenge and Cedar Ridge Shotokan Karate Team. Mostly last week Rob and I just watched to get a feel for how much effort the students put in during class. I also had a class on Sunday during which we did the 'rhythm tape.' The rhythm tape is a grueling cardio/endurance workout that you do to a regular beat for an hour or an hour and a half. We started with the one hour workout to the tape, which is twelve shifting patterns (stances) and kicks. It is not a fun workout (if you ask the students--personally, it's my favorite), but it's the single best way for each of us to increase our endurance and improve our form.
I figured if a student was willing to come on a Sunday for two hours (rhythm tape, the ab wheel, and sparring) for this hard, basic workout, they are truly invested in working toward their black belt and being eligible for the karate team. These students each took an application to fill out, and we will conclude our selection process with a sort of tournament on Friday.
I will select the final team by the end of the day on Friday, November 13, and Saturday we will begin training as a team for our first tournament.
Sensei Christine
I figured if a student was willing to come on a Sunday for two hours (rhythm tape, the ab wheel, and sparring) for this hard, basic workout, they are truly invested in working toward their black belt and being eligible for the karate team. These students each took an application to fill out, and we will conclude our selection process with a sort of tournament on Friday.
I will select the final team by the end of the day on Friday, November 13, and Saturday we will begin training as a team for our first tournament.
Sensei Christine
November 4, 2009
Cedar Ridge Shotokan Blackbelt Challenge and Karate Team
Hey, folks. We are gearing up this week to begin our Black Belt Challenge and put together a karate team to travel to more nearby tournaments and training.
We are ready to ramp up the karate program for Cedar Ridge Academy. Traditional martial arts is an excellent way to improve many things about the way a person functions, and, honestly, I think it's the most fun I ever have. The karate team will train additional hours some evenings and on the weekends and compete as often as we can find a tournament within a day's drive, mostly in Colorado and Utah.
I have several students interested. The team will consist of seven students and a couple of alternates who will fill in as needed or who will step in fully when one of the original team graduates and goes home. We are going to get started, but for at least the first year the team will be in the formative stage and we will be working out the bugs. What I really want from you is support as parents for this team since it will cost a little and require a lot of extra work on the part of the students (and myself, but I haven't considered karate 'work' for a long time). I am excited to open up our dojo to the bigger world of karate and have worked on making connections to enhance our training.
I will blog some more details as we go through 'tryouts' and I will be sending out an email with attachments to the parents of the students whom I select for the team.
Also stay posted for details about a great training opportunity we have coming up with Shihan Madani out of Louisville, Colorado. He is a seventh degree black belt and founder of the International Martial Arts Karate organization. You can check out his web site at www.imakarate.com. He will be at our academy December 3 and 4 and all students on campus are greatly encouraged to attend. The cost will be $50 and will include a t-shirt for participating. I will need a response from parents by November 20 to finalize the shirts.
Thanks!
We are ready to ramp up the karate program for Cedar Ridge Academy. Traditional martial arts is an excellent way to improve many things about the way a person functions, and, honestly, I think it's the most fun I ever have. The karate team will train additional hours some evenings and on the weekends and compete as often as we can find a tournament within a day's drive, mostly in Colorado and Utah.
I have several students interested. The team will consist of seven students and a couple of alternates who will fill in as needed or who will step in fully when one of the original team graduates and goes home. We are going to get started, but for at least the first year the team will be in the formative stage and we will be working out the bugs. What I really want from you is support as parents for this team since it will cost a little and require a lot of extra work on the part of the students (and myself, but I haven't considered karate 'work' for a long time). I am excited to open up our dojo to the bigger world of karate and have worked on making connections to enhance our training.
I will blog some more details as we go through 'tryouts' and I will be sending out an email with attachments to the parents of the students whom I select for the team.
Also stay posted for details about a great training opportunity we have coming up with Shihan Madani out of Louisville, Colorado. He is a seventh degree black belt and founder of the International Martial Arts Karate organization. You can check out his web site at www.imakarate.com. He will be at our academy December 3 and 4 and all students on campus are greatly encouraged to attend. The cost will be $50 and will include a t-shirt for participating. I will need a response from parents by November 20 to finalize the shirts.
Thanks!
October 30, 2009
Phoenix trip
The trip was way fun!! It took awhile to get started because after we had been driving in the bus for awhile Rob decided to turn it around and drive the Yukons. but after that we drove to St. George for 8 hours. When we got there the girls were making some amazing burgers and hot dogs, they were great. Christine decided she wanted to spin poi, which is basicly spinning maces around and looking cool. So being the competitve person that I am, I decided to do some spinning of my own. When I was at home I spun rifles for a drill team. So I grabbed a digging tool and started spinning that it was pretty fun. We played pool and hung out after that. Rob watched baseball. The next day we had another 8 hour drive to Pheonix and that was pretty fun. That night we went swimming and hung out at the pool. on our first whole day at Pheonix we hiked sqwa peak. I worked out in the morning with Sensi and then we went and hiked. The hike wasn't that hard but it was fun. I got to get close to some of the girls. The next day we went to the tournament. We sat around and watched a bunch of people compete. Then it was our turn, I didn't do to well, but it was still fun. we hung out for the next day and drove back to St. George. We were all pretty tired but I was the only one to do school. The funnest part of the trip was hanging out and getting close to the girls I haven't gotten to hang out with before.
- Alexander the Great
October 28, 2009
October 27, 2009
Kung Fu karate Trip
For the last three days I have been on a karate trip in Phoenix, AZ. Fun stuff. on Wednesday last week we started our drive to Phoenix. It was a six hour drive to St. George where we stayed at Rob and Pam's house. The house was awesome, we stayed the night there and had a BBQ. played some pool, hung out, socialized with the other boys and girls on the trip. It was nice to just get to relax for the day. The next morning we packed up and left for another six or seven hour drive to Phoenix. On the way we passed through Las Vegas and went over the Hoover Dam. They are building a new bridge across the canyon so people aren't driving across the dam and it was about half way finished. That was an amazing sight to see. We also stopped outside of Phoenix and got to hike around which was pretty cool. We found a lot of quartz crystals just lying around.
On Friday we hiked up Squaw Peak. That's the biggest peak in the area I think, but that was a sweet hike and a few of us wore ourselves out trying to run up the last steepest leg of the trail. After that we went to One's house for another BBQ.
Saturday was the tournament. I did alright personally, didn't place or anything but most of the other students all took home a sweet medal for their division. We were there most of the day and we watched the black belt divisions compete, which was awesome to watch. Those guys were crazy good. After the tournament we just kicked back the rest of the day and went swimming at the hotel.
The whole trip overall was awesome. I think it was the best Cedar Ridge trip I have been on so far and I have been on quite a few. The part that I think I liked the best was just time out in the "Real World" I guess you could say and getting to know some of the girls that I see on a daily basis here but never really get to talk to to find out who they really are.
i'm really anticipating the next karate trip and planning to do better in the next competition but I'm really glad I got to go on this one.
-
October 24, 2009
Yes, The training pays off.
So, today was the day of the tournament, both excitment and anxiety were in the air...but mostly anxiety. It started off slow. We got there and waited forever for our groups to get called, but when they where, boy did time fly. It was amazing.
I went to this same tournament last October, and this time it felt completely different, I was much more aware, and everything seemed so much more important, especially representing our Dojo and our senseis.
I went to this same tournament last October, and this time it felt completely different, I was much more aware, and everything seemed so much more important, especially representing our Dojo and our senseis.
The Western Karate Championships
Hey Everybody,
Today we went and did the tournament. We all did well. The girls were all against each other except for one other girl who was from Phoenix, she only did Kata. Then in Kumite all five of the girls sparred against one another. I know that for myself I was so nervous for the Kata and ended up not doing as well as I'd hope for. In sparring though I did well I got third place. Which meant that I got a medal!!! YAY! Then after we got to watch the adult black belt finals. The Katas that they did were beautiful. There aren't many words I use to describe what I saw today. After we got to eat some grub at the World Buffet. Man I definitely ate too much. Swimming for the last time was awesome but hard. Knowing the fact that this is my last night in Phoenix is definitely a hard concept for me to grasp. The relationships that I made with each one of the people whom I went with is something that I don't want to lose. This trip was a once in the lifetime opportunity with Cedar Ridge. I hope that people who get this opportunity next year will take this in a positive direction and follow on the tradition of Cedar Ridge Shotokan.
-Blick
Today we went and did the tournament. We all did well. The girls were all against each other except for one other girl who was from Phoenix, she only did Kata. Then in Kumite all five of the girls sparred against one another. I know that for myself I was so nervous for the Kata and ended up not doing as well as I'd hope for. In sparring though I did well I got third place. Which meant that I got a medal!!! YAY! Then after we got to watch the adult black belt finals. The Katas that they did were beautiful. There aren't many words I use to describe what I saw today. After we got to eat some grub at the World Buffet. Man I definitely ate too much. Swimming for the last time was awesome but hard. Knowing the fact that this is my last night in Phoenix is definitely a hard concept for me to grasp. The relationships that I made with each one of the people whom I went with is something that I don't want to lose. This trip was a once in the lifetime opportunity with Cedar Ridge. I hope that people who get this opportunity next year will take this in a positive direction and follow on the tradition of Cedar Ridge Shotokan.
-Blick
October 23, 2009
Cedar Ridge Shotokan--Phoenix Trip--DAY 3
Oi!
Today started out bombdiggity. Some of us,(Madlove, Contrary and Moi) slept in, cleaned up, and began the embarkment on hiking Squat (Squaw) Peak. All of us BMWs, or BMMs (burly mountain women or men) made haste to this seemingly impossible hike. Unfortunately my legs weren't long enough and the steps were taller than I am, so I had some help from the gentlemen. :)
As us beasts hiked the peak, Princess Madlove and Page walked up the first little leg, and then went back to the Yukon and the Denali to sun bathe. What precious water nymphs. Speaking of water nymphs, we headed to the crib of One and family. Of course, Drama Queen and I were the first ones in! Unforunately no one told me that I might have to know the warning signs of hypothermia.
After One's house, we packed in the car and went back to the hotel, in which my baby sister and daddy were there waiting for me. My dad is the cutest little thing, and my sister.... well let's just say she grew up.
more in the a.m!
%%^^&W@$@#$^$@^%@$@#lettuce#$%^&&(()*&)_+(*&^%$
Today started out bombdiggity. Some of us,(Madlove, Contrary and Moi) slept in, cleaned up, and began the embarkment on hiking Squat (Squaw) Peak. All of us BMWs, or BMMs (burly mountain women or men) made haste to this seemingly impossible hike. Unfortunately my legs weren't long enough and the steps were taller than I am, so I had some help from the gentlemen. :)
As us beasts hiked the peak, Princess Madlove and Page walked up the first little leg, and then went back to the Yukon and the Denali to sun bathe. What precious water nymphs. Speaking of water nymphs, we headed to the crib of One and family. Of course, Drama Queen and I were the first ones in! Unforunately no one told me that I might have to know the warning signs of hypothermia.
After One's house, we packed in the car and went back to the hotel, in which my baby sister and daddy were there waiting for me. My dad is the cutest little thing, and my sister.... well let's just say she grew up.
more in the a.m!
%%^^&W@$@#$^$@^%@$@#lettuce#$%^&&(()*&)_+(*&^%$
October 22, 2009
Cedar Ridge Shotokan--Phoenix Trip--DAY 2
Hello again, all!
So today we made our travels through Las Vegas, on to Phoenix, Arizona! We eat, we drink, and get back to some good conversation. On our way through Arizona, we stop to do some sight-seeing through the cacti-filled desert. We take pictures and find ourselves making way to step on some new turf. After a few more hours of Fleetwood Mac and a 20oz. Diet Pepsi, WE FINALLY ARRIVE! All us kids' get some scrumptious free-hotel food and jump straight on into the pool where we did our katas and water-ballet in front of other foriegners. I can safely say that today was one of the best days I've had in a long time.
DON'T MISS TOMORROW'S BLOG--THE GANG CLIMBS THE EPIC SQUAW PEAK!
Love,
MadLove
October 21, 2009
Cedar Ridge Shotokan--Phoenix Trip
Hello, dear friends!
So this morning I woke up, totally stoked for the ride to Phoenix. With no more than a few hours of sleep, I pack up the car with my things, along with a few other of my fellow housemates, and get ready to enjoy the ride! Yeah! The first night, all 13 of us kids pack into Rob and Pam's BEAUTIFUL St. George house and chill. I made dinner; for the first time might I add, as well as grocery shopping for our group. After barbequing the delish dinner, we all just relaxed and got ready for the rest of our exciting trip. CAN'T WAIT TO CONTINUE OUR JOURNEY!
STAY POSTED.
--MadLove
So this morning I woke up, totally stoked for the ride to Phoenix. With no more than a few hours of sleep, I pack up the car with my things, along with a few other of my fellow housemates, and get ready to enjoy the ride! Yeah! The first night, all 13 of us kids pack into Rob and Pam's BEAUTIFUL St. George house and chill. I made dinner; for the first time might I add, as well as grocery shopping for our group. After barbequing the delish dinner, we all just relaxed and got ready for the rest of our exciting trip. CAN'T WAIT TO CONTINUE OUR JOURNEY!
STAY POSTED.
--MadLove
October 18, 2009
Phoenix Tournament Trip
Well, we've geared up and the Western States Karate Championships are just around the corner in Phoenix, Arizona. The group has been trimmed to a lucky thirteen students who have put in hours of additional training to be ready for the ring.
Today we practiced kata on the carpet in the big dome so that everybody would be used to it. Rob worked with the group on kata, sharing with them some of the 'secrets' of Shotokan. He has an amazing wealth of knowledge that he is beginning to focus on sharing with the Cedar Ridge karateka.
Of course, gearing up for the trip means much more than just the few minutes of fame that each student will have in the ring. They are all extremely excited to hang out with each other and barbecue and swim in the warm Arizona weather.
Stay posted for details from them during the trip (including pictures). And I pinky swear in blood that I will have a post every day from one of the students starting on Wednesday.
Today we practiced kata on the carpet in the big dome so that everybody would be used to it. Rob worked with the group on kata, sharing with them some of the 'secrets' of Shotokan. He has an amazing wealth of knowledge that he is beginning to focus on sharing with the Cedar Ridge karateka.
Of course, gearing up for the trip means much more than just the few minutes of fame that each student will have in the ring. They are all extremely excited to hang out with each other and barbecue and swim in the warm Arizona weather.
Stay posted for details from them during the trip (including pictures). And I pinky swear in blood that I will have a post every day from one of the students starting on Wednesday.
October 4, 2009
'Camping'
Osss! When you come back from three days of karate, karate, and more karate, you start responding with Oss! to every question and bowing in and out of every room--even the bathroom!
I, Sensei Christine, went with two of the girls to the 15th Annual Gasshuku Karate Camp hosted by the IMA Karate Association out of Louisville, Colorado. The camp was held in the Rockies west of Denver in beautiful Keystone, Colorado. We trained--HARD. It's a solid sense of accomplishment to actually do karate for eight hours all in one day. Bess and Alex did a good job of representing Cedar Ridge Shotokan in both their work ethic their social behavior.
This camp is a great example of how students can find a very healthy and supportive 'family' for socializing when they leave Cedar Ridge Academy. Dojos--good dojos--create a family atmosphere centered around the healthy lifestyle, work ethic, and commitment inherent in traditional karate training. Bess and Alex trained hard, but they also enjoyed time with peers in a healthy, productive way and spent the weekend being confident teenage girls.
Alex's Blog:
Sept. 25--Today we were off to Keystone and it was a really fun trip in the car. I got to play with Dylan (Christine's little girl) for a little bit and then we were off. We listened to music for the most part. I was surprised when I got to see snow when we got to Keystone. Our first training was fun. We did ladder drills and kicking. I'm tired from the trip. Tomorrow is going to be hard and fun.
Sept. 26--Wow, let me tell you, I'm very tired and getting sore. We did a lot of karate today. I learned how to use a bow staff and a sword. Then we worked on self-defnese. We got a three hour break to go swimming and Bess and I hung out with a girl from the karate camp and went swimming. It's cool being a teenager again. I'm going to come to this camp again. After we did fun drills and more traning. Then we got ready for the banquet. I got to learn how to belly dance and that was fun! This trip was awesome. I'm sad that it's over tomorrow.
Sept. 27--We had our last classes and we were off. I really wish we didn't have to leave. I got a lot out of this and I hope to go next time and we are on our way back to Cedar Ridge.
Bess's Blog:
Sept. 25-- We hit the road at 8:30. Christine's playlist guideds tthe whole way there. We took a few pitstops and saw some amazing scenery. Around 4:00 p.m. we got to our amazing hotel. After being checked in we set out for some fun shopping and eating. At 7:30 our training began. The groups here split depending on belt. Blacks and browns were together while the rest were in another room. Our group did drills and some killer workouts that left us feeling great.
The training ended at 9:00, but that didn't stop anyone from socializing. I got to meet different senseis and fellow trainers from different parts of the country. I can't wait 'til tomorrow.
Sept. 26--Our training began around 8:30. The first class was on weapons. Don't worry--they were padded. My partner taught me how to use a bow staff. Next we dueled each other. I lost but learned a lot. If I'm ever in a dark alley, I'll break out my bow staff. The next part of our training was spent practicing kicks and how to defend ourselves against an attacker. At 11:30 we got a three hour break. Christine, Alex and I went to a great pizza place. Christine had to go to sensei training directly after, so Alex and I met up with some junior black belt friends from training. We went to the pool and got to be normal teenagers for the first time in forever. We went straight back to training at 3:30. After two hours of drills we were allowed to go back to our hotels to take showers and get ready for the banquet. At 7:00 we walkzed into the dining hall. The night was full of dancing, eating cake, and me learning how to play hackey sack from a really hot guy. By the time we returned to the hotel we were passout out!
Sept. 27--It was the last day of the camp. We rushed to get to the 8:00 training. Most people were late. AFter some fun games to test our reaction time we were done. Every one said goodbye and hoped to see each other next year. I got a picture with a hot sixteen year old black belt and memories that will stay forever.
I, Sensei Christine, went with two of the girls to the 15th Annual Gasshuku Karate Camp hosted by the IMA Karate Association out of Louisville, Colorado. The camp was held in the Rockies west of Denver in beautiful Keystone, Colorado. We trained--HARD. It's a solid sense of accomplishment to actually do karate for eight hours all in one day. Bess and Alex did a good job of representing Cedar Ridge Shotokan in both their work ethic their social behavior.
This camp is a great example of how students can find a very healthy and supportive 'family' for socializing when they leave Cedar Ridge Academy. Dojos--good dojos--create a family atmosphere centered around the healthy lifestyle, work ethic, and commitment inherent in traditional karate training. Bess and Alex trained hard, but they also enjoyed time with peers in a healthy, productive way and spent the weekend being confident teenage girls.
Alex's Blog:
Sept. 25--Today we were off to Keystone and it was a really fun trip in the car. I got to play with Dylan (Christine's little girl) for a little bit and then we were off. We listened to music for the most part. I was surprised when I got to see snow when we got to Keystone. Our first training was fun. We did ladder drills and kicking. I'm tired from the trip. Tomorrow is going to be hard and fun.Sept. 26--Wow, let me tell you, I'm very tired and getting sore. We did a lot of karate today. I learned how to use a bow staff and a sword. Then we worked on self-defnese. We got a three hour break to go swimming and Bess and I hung out with a girl from the karate camp and went swimming. It's cool being a teenager again. I'm going to come to this camp again. After we did fun drills and more traning. Then we got ready for the banquet. I got to learn how to belly dance and that was fun! This trip was awesome. I'm sad that it's over tomorrow.
Sept. 27--We had our last classes and we were off. I really wish we didn't have to leave. I got a lot out of this and I hope to go next time and we are on our way back to Cedar Ridge.
Bess's Blog:
Sept. 25-- We hit the road at 8:30. Christine's playlist guideds tthe whole way there. We took a few pitstops and saw some amazing scenery. Around 4:00 p.m. we got to our amazing hotel. After being checked in we set out for some fun shopping and eating. At 7:30 our training began. The groups here split depending on belt. Blacks and browns were together while the rest were in another room. Our group did drills and some killer workouts that left us feeling great.The training ended at 9:00, but that didn't stop anyone from socializing. I got to meet different senseis and fellow trainers from different parts of the country. I can't wait 'til tomorrow.
Sept. 26--Our training began around 8:30. The first class was on weapons. Don't worry--they were padded. My partner taught me how to use a bow staff. Next we dueled each other. I lost but learned a lot. If I'm ever in a dark alley, I'll break out my bow staff. The next part of our training was spent practicing kicks and how to defend ourselves against an attacker. At 11:30 we got a three hour break. Christine, Alex and I went to a great pizza place. Christine had to go to sensei training directly after, so Alex and I met up with some junior black belt friends from training. We went to the pool and got to be normal teenagers for the first time in forever. We went straight back to training at 3:30. After two hours of drills we were allowed to go back to our hotels to take showers and get ready for the banquet. At 7:00 we walkzed into the dining hall. The night was full of dancing, eating cake, and me learning how to play hackey sack from a really hot guy. By the time we returned to the hotel we were passout out!
Sept. 27--It was the last day of the camp. We rushed to get to the 8:00 training. Most people were late. AFter some fun games to test our reaction time we were done. Every one said goodbye and hoped to see each other next year. I got a picture with a hot sixteen year old black belt and memories that will stay forever.
July 7, 2009
June 11, 2009
Our Deepest Fear
There are a lot of things that I like about teaching karate. Giving out the kyu certificates and belts is one of them. It's the concrete piece of seeing the students achieve the next level of training.
This is Mary with me. She is one of my strongest students, but she is also a good example of a student working through some of her issues in karate. Mary is naturally good at sports--she has a long history of competitive softball--but she holds back in karate because she is afraid to be better than her peers. It's a fear of success born of a fear of peer rejection. She doesn't want the other girls (or boys, probably) to reject her out of their own insecurities because she is better than they are at karate. This is a small piece of a larger issue, obviously, but Mary has to start approaching it somewhere.
We have several students with a fear of success, all with their subtle differences. Some of them are afraid to be capable and independent because they believe that their family system requires them to be incapable and dependent. Some of them are afraid to no longer need their parents (or a parent) because their parent has some emotional need that they want their child to fill. For many of them, success means losing some relationship dynamic that they might not necessarily want, but the unknown that a change in the relationship would bring is frightening.
Some students are simply afraid of being better than their peers at something and being rejected for it. It can be hard to be brilliant, beautiful, and talented--or at least it appears that way to someone who has spent a good portion of their energy ensuring that they aren' too beautiful, too brilliant, or too talented.
"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate, our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous?' Actaully, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn't serve the world. There's nothing enlightening about shrinking so other people won't feel so insecure around you. We are born to manifest God's glory within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And, as we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."
Nelson Mandella, 1994 Inauguration Speech
This is Mary with me. She is one of my strongest students, but she is also a good example of a student working through some of her issues in karate. Mary is naturally good at sports--she has a long history of competitive softball--but she holds back in karate because she is afraid to be better than her peers. It's a fear of success born of a fear of peer rejection. She doesn't want the other girls (or boys, probably) to reject her out of their own insecurities because she is better than they are at karate. This is a small piece of a larger issue, obviously, but Mary has to start approaching it somewhere.
We have several students with a fear of success, all with their subtle differences. Some of them are afraid to be capable and independent because they believe that their family system requires them to be incapable and dependent. Some of them are afraid to no longer need their parents (or a parent) because their parent has some emotional need that they want their child to fill. For many of them, success means losing some relationship dynamic that they might not necessarily want, but the unknown that a change in the relationship would bring is frightening.
Some students are simply afraid of being better than their peers at something and being rejected for it. It can be hard to be brilliant, beautiful, and talented--or at least it appears that way to someone who has spent a good portion of their energy ensuring that they aren' too beautiful, too brilliant, or too talented.
"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate, our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous?' Actaully, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn't serve the world. There's nothing enlightening about shrinking so other people won't feel so insecure around you. We are born to manifest God's glory within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And, as we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."
Nelson Mandella, 1994 Inauguration Speech
May 30, 2009
Photos
I have a photo site that allows me to upload galleries of photos with password protection. I now have pictures of students competing in the Utah Open karate tournament and pictures taken during kyu exams in May that parents may look at and download the full size file from.
The web address is chaggerty.zenfolio.com and our pictures are in the 'students' group. The password for the galleries is 'cedarridge.' I am happy to have feedback from the parents about how this works for you to get pictures of your students and about how secure you feel it is for confidentiality purposes.
Enjoy!
The web address is chaggerty.zenfolio.com and our pictures are in the 'students' group. The password for the galleries is 'cedarridge.' I am happy to have feedback from the parents about how this works for you to get pictures of your students and about how secure you feel it is for confidentiality purposes.
Enjoy!
May 25, 2009
Utah Open Karate Tournament
A weekend or two ago I took eleven students to a karate tournament in Salt Lake City. We did well, as we usually do, which is something I am proud of because as dojos go, we don't spend a lot of time training for competition.
The part about it that has stayed with me over the past week is a conversation I had with a gentleman from the hosting dojo. He was a mature man, with glasses and a head full of pure white hair, and he was announcing the winners of each division as the rings concluded their events. I ended up standing near him while I watched a few of the boys compete in kumite (sparring). His name was Jim, and he took some interest in our students as he watched them compete.
"So, are you their sensei?" he asked once I moved out of his way (at 5'1", I don't get in very many people's way, but he was trying to sit down).
"Yeah, I teach the karate classes at their boarding school."
"Where are you from?"
"Cedar Ridge Academy, in Roosevelt."
"Oh, yeah, I remember you. You guys come every year, don't you?"
I nodded.
"Well, we sure appreciate you making it out every year. Your students are very well trained, very good control. I like watching them spar."
We talked more after that, observing the competitors in some of the other rings and discussing the value of teaching karate students to control their power so that they don't hurt their fellow karateka.
It is a great complement to receive from a veteran of another dojo that the students of Cedar Ridge Karate are well trained and exhibit good control. As much as the students might struggle with their need for instant gratification and getting their way, they demonstrated excellent respect and self-control at this tournament. Most of them learn self-control of some degree in karate, understanding the limits of thier own body and choosing to control their power. It is what we teach at Cedar Ridge Academy in karate--that self-discipline and self-control. It is validating to me as a sensei to see it carried outside of the dojo and into competition. It is even more validating to see it carried outside of the dojo and into every day life.
The part about it that has stayed with me over the past week is a conversation I had with a gentleman from the hosting dojo. He was a mature man, with glasses and a head full of pure white hair, and he was announcing the winners of each division as the rings concluded their events. I ended up standing near him while I watched a few of the boys compete in kumite (sparring). His name was Jim, and he took some interest in our students as he watched them compete.
"So, are you their sensei?" he asked once I moved out of his way (at 5'1", I don't get in very many people's way, but he was trying to sit down).
"Yeah, I teach the karate classes at their boarding school."
"Where are you from?"
"Cedar Ridge Academy, in Roosevelt."
"Oh, yeah, I remember you. You guys come every year, don't you?"
I nodded.
"Well, we sure appreciate you making it out every year. Your students are very well trained, very good control. I like watching them spar."
We talked more after that, observing the competitors in some of the other rings and discussing the value of teaching karate students to control their power so that they don't hurt their fellow karateka.
It is a great complement to receive from a veteran of another dojo that the students of Cedar Ridge Karate are well trained and exhibit good control. As much as the students might struggle with their need for instant gratification and getting their way, they demonstrated excellent respect and self-control at this tournament. Most of them learn self-control of some degree in karate, understanding the limits of thier own body and choosing to control their power. It is what we teach at Cedar Ridge Academy in karate--that self-discipline and self-control. It is validating to me as a sensei to see it carried outside of the dojo and into competition. It is even more validating to see it carried outside of the dojo and into every day life.
May 6, 2009
May 4, 2009
KYU Exams
Every six weeks we hold KYU exams, which are traditional karate exams during which students test up for their next belt. We allow the white belts to test every three weeks (twice every kyu cycle, or 'double testing') because students often learn the beginning basics quickly enough that they don't need to wait until a full kyu exam.
In our dojo, we have 11 belt levels that students need to pass in order to earn their first degree black belt, or first dan. The first students come in as a 'no kyu', or no rank student. They are considered a true beginner. They test first for their 10th kyu, which asks for the three basic stances and the basic foot positionings for kicks, and for the beginnings of our first training kata.
As senseis, during the early kyus, we look for some participation, a receptive attitude while learning in the dojo, and respect for traditional dojo etiquette. At this level, the more relaxed a student can be while in the dojo, the more successful they will be at learning what they need in order to pass their kyu exam. Girls often progress a little more quickly than boys at this level also because boys tend to get caught up in their shoulders where they assume they have physical power and it pulls them out of proper form.
For the students taking their early kyu exams, up through yellow belt or 8th kyu, we prefer that they stay relaxed. We want to see some spirit, but it does not need to be impressive. Their willingness to learn while they are in the dojo counts for the majority of their exam.
As students reach yellow and orange belts, we expect to see more power and spirit in their moves while maintaining proper form. They have several katas they must know at this level and they must remember them all. We look for spirit in several ways: willingness to work hard and accept instruction, the beginning of focus and power in their movements, and their kiai (sp?) or spirit shout.
Test for the first green belt is where most students begin to struggle (not all of them, but most of them). The expectation of spirit and power takes a jump here. Students must also demonstrate an understanding of the practical application of techniques in part of the exam we call 'one-step sparring' where they must defend against an attack and then counter-attack with a single effective technique. As students learn, they typically are able to master one aspect of these expectations at a time--either power OR speed OR accuracy--but then require another kyu cycle to master another and so on. Some students get it all at once.
The major element--more than speed, power, or correct form--that we expect at the green belt level is spirit. Now spirit entails work ethic, willingness to learn, willingness to risk mistakes in order to learn and grow, and a productive attitude toward the sensei and their peer partners in class. We are more willing to pass a student who has good spirit and struggles a little with technique than a student who has perfect technique but no spirit. We can teach technique, but we cannot teach spirit. Spirit is a choice that each student makes when they bow into the dojo each day.
The brown belt levels are the final few levels before students may test for their black belt. Now we require that they have strong spirit, good and consistent work ethic, correct technique, power, speed, accuracy, and an understanding of the purpose and application of moves. We expect them to be a good example to their peers in the dojo. It is at this level that we expect them to put all of these things together in preparation for their black belt.
Now the kyu system counts down from no kyu to first kyu (third degree brown belt). The philosphy behind this is that the first degree black belt, or first dan, is level one in karate. The other belts and kyus are simply steps in reaching the first level. Having a first dan signifies that a person has mastered all of the basics of karate and may now begin to truly train. A first dan means only that a person knows enough to finally be a true student of karate and the learning has just begun.
Our students excel at and struggle with karate each for their own reasons. As senseis, we focus on their karate training, but also how they learn, what motivates them, and how they handle stressful situations. We work through what we can with them in the dojo.
We just had kyu exams on Friday. Most of the students passed. Some students didn't pass because they didn't put effort into training over the last six weeks and didn't have it to draw on when they needed it. Some students didn't pass because they chose to cope with the stress by becoming apathetic. Some students didn't pass because they weren't willing to risk a mistake and played it too safe. Some students didn't pass because they are physically awkward and struggle with even the basics. Some students passed because their spirit and hard work in the dojo compensated for some of their mistakes in form. Some students passed because they tried really really hard and put their whole heart in regardless of the risk.
In our dojo, we have 11 belt levels that students need to pass in order to earn their first degree black belt, or first dan. The first students come in as a 'no kyu', or no rank student. They are considered a true beginner. They test first for their 10th kyu, which asks for the three basic stances and the basic foot positionings for kicks, and for the beginnings of our first training kata.
As senseis, during the early kyus, we look for some participation, a receptive attitude while learning in the dojo, and respect for traditional dojo etiquette. At this level, the more relaxed a student can be while in the dojo, the more successful they will be at learning what they need in order to pass their kyu exam. Girls often progress a little more quickly than boys at this level also because boys tend to get caught up in their shoulders where they assume they have physical power and it pulls them out of proper form.
For the students taking their early kyu exams, up through yellow belt or 8th kyu, we prefer that they stay relaxed. We want to see some spirit, but it does not need to be impressive. Their willingness to learn while they are in the dojo counts for the majority of their exam.
As students reach yellow and orange belts, we expect to see more power and spirit in their moves while maintaining proper form. They have several katas they must know at this level and they must remember them all. We look for spirit in several ways: willingness to work hard and accept instruction, the beginning of focus and power in their movements, and their kiai (sp?) or spirit shout.
Test for the first green belt is where most students begin to struggle (not all of them, but most of them). The expectation of spirit and power takes a jump here. Students must also demonstrate an understanding of the practical application of techniques in part of the exam we call 'one-step sparring' where they must defend against an attack and then counter-attack with a single effective technique. As students learn, they typically are able to master one aspect of these expectations at a time--either power OR speed OR accuracy--but then require another kyu cycle to master another and so on. Some students get it all at once.
The major element--more than speed, power, or correct form--that we expect at the green belt level is spirit. Now spirit entails work ethic, willingness to learn, willingness to risk mistakes in order to learn and grow, and a productive attitude toward the sensei and their peer partners in class. We are more willing to pass a student who has good spirit and struggles a little with technique than a student who has perfect technique but no spirit. We can teach technique, but we cannot teach spirit. Spirit is a choice that each student makes when they bow into the dojo each day.
The brown belt levels are the final few levels before students may test for their black belt. Now we require that they have strong spirit, good and consistent work ethic, correct technique, power, speed, accuracy, and an understanding of the purpose and application of moves. We expect them to be a good example to their peers in the dojo. It is at this level that we expect them to put all of these things together in preparation for their black belt.
Now the kyu system counts down from no kyu to first kyu (third degree brown belt). The philosphy behind this is that the first degree black belt, or first dan, is level one in karate. The other belts and kyus are simply steps in reaching the first level. Having a first dan signifies that a person has mastered all of the basics of karate and may now begin to truly train. A first dan means only that a person knows enough to finally be a true student of karate and the learning has just begun.
Our students excel at and struggle with karate each for their own reasons. As senseis, we focus on their karate training, but also how they learn, what motivates them, and how they handle stressful situations. We work through what we can with them in the dojo.
We just had kyu exams on Friday. Most of the students passed. Some students didn't pass because they didn't put effort into training over the last six weeks and didn't have it to draw on when they needed it. Some students didn't pass because they chose to cope with the stress by becoming apathetic. Some students didn't pass because they weren't willing to risk a mistake and played it too safe. Some students didn't pass because they are physically awkward and struggle with even the basics. Some students passed because their spirit and hard work in the dojo compensated for some of their mistakes in form. Some students passed because they tried really really hard and put their whole heart in regardless of the risk.
April 27, 2009
Open Blog
This blog will now be an open blog so that it can be accessed by potential parents as well as current parents. That means that there will be no pictures unless we have specific permission from a parent/guardian to post a picture.
Thanks.
Thanks.
April 23, 2009
Signing On
This blog is for the parents who have students enrolled at Cedar Ridge Academy in Roosevelt, Utah. I will spend some time on here talking about the purpose of karate at Cedar Ridge, my teaching philosophy, and what I believe karate does for my students. This is a private blog that may include pictures of students, but only those whom I approve will be able to view any of the contents of this blog.
If you have any questions you would like me to address, please leave a comment on the blog and I will respond in another blog or with a comment of my own.
Thanks, and happy karate!
If you have any questions you would like me to address, please leave a comment on the blog and I will respond in another blog or with a comment of my own.
Thanks, and happy karate!
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