Inner School Competition Re-Cap

Wow! For anyone that had an opportunity to witness it; what a fantastic day at the Dojo last Sunday. With over 60 entries in four different categories, it was our best turnout in the three years that we have held it.

Though the majority of my years in Martial Arts were competitive years, I have never tried to establish the DOJO as a center for athletes. The concept of becoming a "competitive" school can be a slippery slope if not carefully handled. The reality is that while Martial Art competition can be fun, it isn't for everyone. As a Center for youth, I realize that about 20% of our students have an interest in competition while the rest are very happy in the pursuit of their personal best in Martial Arts.

The Inner-School Tournament is an opportunity for everyone to compete in a friendly environment that enhances more than just their Martial Art Skills. If you were there on Sunday, you would have noticed the amazing personal introductions. We had two of our youngest students (Lil Dragons) take center stage and compete - complete with a full introduction in front of about one hundred people. How incredible was that? Way to go Ethan and Nicky! All of the students sounded confident and controlled. Could you not imagine them as grown adults, speaking to a crowd, leading a team, running a board room, changing the world?!

Some of my favorite moments of the Competition:

• Ethan Bell helping Nicky Rice with his 8 Positions.
• Maddy Katz continuing to smile and keeping her composure when I knew she was disappointed she went on to congratulate everyone else who won...a sure sign a great character. We love you Maddy!
• Jack Madison Nailing Foundation Drill Number One
• Jack Kelly's Awesome Introduction
• Zach Brooks shocking everyone with his terrific kata! Who knew?
• Daniel Pawlowski Sitting at the Judge's Table
• Daniel P. and Liam M. sparring and me biting my nails the entire time. Intense.
• Brit U. Hitting Reece W. as soon as Kyoshi said "Begin". LOL - Reece didn't even see it coming.
• Veronica Mendivil's Crazy, Awesome control of her kicks in the kicking combinations.
• Isobel Phillips stepping up in sparring and saying, 'Hey, this is my turn to win." :-)
• Watching the Candidates taking turns with the Gold Belts during their Foundation Drill.
• Eva's Board Breaking

...And my favorite moment of all, " When I asked Catherine Gibson if she wanted to do her Kata over, she looked at me so sweetly and said, "No, not so much." :-) Catherine, your smile and attitude are just the best. :-)

So many other great moments too. Thank you to everyone who participated and to ALL of the parents for helping make it possible.

February 1 - 4 - Weekly Update

Welcome to February!

A few notes for the week:

REGISTRATION: We begin our 20% registration tier this week. Please keep in mind that for a family to receive the 20% discount, registration needs to be paid at the DOJO - or postmarked - by February 6th. (Saturday)


EVENTS: No events posted this week. Please keep in mind that PDR is next Saturday, February 13.

PDR: All PDR registrations must be paid no later than Thursday, February 4.

Thank you to our new Specialty Instructor, Randy Barnett. It is awesome to have you on board! Also, a BIG thank you goes out to Dana (Sir) for all of his effort last month. You are amazing!

Everyone have a wonderful week training. See you on the Mat!

Renshi Kelly

February Updates

For me, February is the LONGEST month of the year. I believe that most of us "Midwestern" Folk feel the same way about now...bring on the sunshine and warmth. With the cold, windy days, the month seems to move at a snails pace.

At TKC, we like to pack February with loads of activities to help the students stay focused all month long. This year, we have two major events on our calendar. The first, PDR on February 13th, has been met with a huge response from the students, families, and community. I am looking forward to an amazing Seminar.

Our second activity is specifically for the children. Our 3rd annual "Inner School" tournament will give our students an opportunity to "show off" their skills in a fun, safe environment. The Tournament date was originally scheduled for early February, however, we have moved it to Sunday, February 21 from 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM. (Belt Examinations will still be held at 4:00 PM
for those who qualify)

Who Can Participate?

Any Student 6 - 18 Years.

What Can They Compete In?

We will have 5 divisions this year:

Kata
Creative Kicking
Weapons
Breaking
Sparring

What is the Competition Fee?

$15 Per Event / Per Child OR $100 for a family of two or more with unlimited events.

Details Will be posted at the Website and handed out in Class. Registration Deadline is February 11th.

Blauer Tactical Training - BMF Advanced Certification - Virginia Beach


Hello Team! I just returned back from Virginia Beach last night. I appreciate all of our students and their families supporting my trip last week. It was absolutely worth every mile I drove to get there!



There were approximately 16 individuals who arrived to complete the course. Of those, we had individuals from Scotland, Ireland, Singapore, Trinidad and, of course, the United States. I was in the company of incredible individuals who were absolutely committed to advancing their advanced defensive skills.



What does this mean for those here in Columbus? Well, over the next few months I will be working with the International PDR director for Blauer Tactical creating a personal protection and personal safety course specifically geared for women and college age females. The course will be second to none - providing the most effective tools that exist for helping a woman to keep herself safe. As many of you know, I am not very impressed with many of the programs that exist today. As a mother, as a woman, as an Executive Protection Specialist, and as a professional Martial Artist, my idea of effective safety programs tend to vary from most.



It has been my goal to find the most effective, and realistic, material that exists and build a program that can be taught in high schools, colleges, and in martial art schools around that material. Now, working with Blauer Tactical, I am absolutely confident that we have found that material. I am honored, and thrilled, to be working with such an amazing company in an effort to create a program that will save someones life. After all, the technology that we are using is exactly the same technology that Blauer Tactical uses to teach the Elite Military forces to keep themselves alive in combat. It doesn't get anymore realistic than that! I will keep everyone posted on the progression of the material. We will be unveiling this program here in Columbus in early 2010.

AUGUST SCHEDULE

August 8th: KYU Examinations 8:00 AM - DOJO

August 8th: Candidate Meeting and Training - Blacklick Park 11:00 AM

August 13-16: Center Closed : Shawn's Bootcamp Graduation

August 17-23: Center Closed: Renshi Kelly Attends OSS-I Training

August 24: Classes Resume / "End of Summer" Students Return

August 28 - 29: (Select Group) Blauer Tactical Training Herkimer, NY

A Busy Month!

Our first summer in our new building has proven to be an amazing one! Typically summer is a time to slow down, re-group and prepare for the busy Fall. This summer, however, has turned into our busiest seasons to date. Some Highlights from Summer 2009:

SUMMER CAMP: Over 40 children attended what turned out to be an amazing two weeks of learning, fun and friendship.

INTRODUCTION OF CANDIDATE TEAMS: Our first Black Belt Candidate Team was un-veiled in July. It has taken us 5 years to get to this point, however, anything good is worth waiting for.


NEW FAMILY MEMBERS:
We introduced 21 new students into our program this summer. I have always made it very clear that we were not out to be the largest Martial art Program but rather, one that has value, substance and integrity. Out of our 21 new families, 18 are direct referrals from current members. Thank you for the confidence you have placed in us!

INTRODUCTION OF AN ADULT PROGRAM:
After many requests and years of saying, "No", we officially kicked off our Traditional Adult Karate Program. I have to admit, it has been a great time teaching folks who actually get my jokes. (as bad as they are!!!)

BLAUER TACTICAL PDR:
I am looking forward to travelling with some of our students to New York in late August for an introduction to an amazing self defense program offered by the World Famous Blauer Tactical Team: PDR. Personal Defense Readiness. We will be offering this program to our dojo and the community beginning in 2010.

Introducing our Black Belt Candidate Team 2010

Black Belt Candidate Team 2010







Examination Date June 2010

Bradley Binsky
Nathan Binsky
David Messmer
Ian Eldridge-Allegra
Reece Wilson
Kathleen Kirker
Daniel Pawlowski
Brit Unangst

We are meeting for a team meeting and picture at Jeffrey Mansion Saturday, July 11th. Please wear Formal Gi and Bring All Weapons.
NOTE: These are your Official Candidate Photos.

Each Team Will Have their own BLOG. Families, I recommend setting up your blogger account so that you may post comments for your candidate as the year rolls forward. BLOG will be established by July 10.

"He who endures, Conquers."