MIGHTY MITES LIMITED DIVISION PUNCH-BLOCK-KICK OCTOBER 2008
1ST DREW BUCKHOLDT
2ND KAYLEB KUCHENBECKER
3rd ETHAN STORCK
4th SARAH BERRY
MIGHTY MITES UNLIMITED DIVISION PUNCH-BLOCK-KICK OCTOBER 2008
1ST DANIEL KACSUR
2ND IAN MacDONALD
3rd SEAN JENSEN
4th SACHEEN TIPNIS
BEGINNERS LIMITED DIVISION PUNCH-BLOCK-KICK OCTOBER 2008
1ST FRANK SMOGOLESKI
2ND ALICE WANG
3RD MATTHEW SZEWS
3RD ABBY GUENTHER
BEGINNERS UNLIMITED DIVISION PUNCH-BLOCK-KICK OCTOBER 2008
1st MICHELLE MILLER
2nd COLTEN McDONELL
3RD SAM ASPINWALL
4TH DREW KACSUR
INTERMEDIATE LIMITED DIVISION PUNCH-BLOCK-KICK OCTOBER 2008
1ST CAMERON CERA
1ST CADEN RYDER
3RD PIERCE BOLDIN
3RD TRENT BOLDIN
INTERMEDIATE UNLIMITED DIVISION PUNCH-BLOCK-KICK OCTOBER 2008
1ST DAWID KRYNICKI
2ND EVAN LI
3RD DOMINKA KRYNICKI
4TH RYAN LAPPE
4TH CONNOR CAPONI
ADVANCED LIMITED DIVISION PUNCH-BLOCK-KICK OCTOBER 2008
1ST NICHOLAS RILLING
2ND BRADY PERKINS
ADVANCED UNLIMITED DIVISION PUNCH-BLOCK-KICK OCTOBER 2008
1st WILL OCHOWICZ
2nd VICTORIA WALLACE
2ND ADAMS VANRENS
4TH LUCAS TREPTOW
4TH BENJAMIN CABALLERO
ADULT LIMITED DIVISION PUNCH-BLOCK-KICK OCTOBER 2008
1ST JESSE WALCZAK
1ST DAN BOLDA
3RD DAVID VONRUEDEN
ADULT UNLIMITED DIVISION PUNCH-BLOCK-KICK OCTOBER 2008
1ST MEGAN KUHN
2ND TONY MICELI
3RD JOE FEIERSTEIN
4th RYAN SHANKS
MIGHTY MITES LIMITED DIVISION BEST DISCIPLINE OCTOBER 2008
1st SARAH BERRY
1ST WILL STAVISKI
MIGHTY MITES WARRIOR SPIRIT OCT. 2008
NEHA KURPAD
AKSHEY SALUJA
HENRY SMOGOLESKI
ABBY SCHLAFER
BEGINNERS LIMITED DIVISION BEST DISCIPLINE OCTOBER 2008
1ST AILEEN KUNG
1ST MICHAEL POKER
1ST ALICE WANG
BEGINNERS UNLIMITED DIVISION BEST DISCIPLINE OCTOBER 2008
1ST JOSEPHINE MAYHEW
1ST COLIN MAYHEW
1ST MICHELLE MILLER
1ST CHANDLER SCHLAFER
1ST RUNNER UP MATTHEW MILLER
INTERMEDIATE LIMITED DIVISION BEST DISCIPLINE OCTOBER 2008
1ST RICHARD BAUER
1ST ALEXIS CERA
1ST CONNOR CERA
INTERMEDIATE UNLIMITED DIVISION BEST DISCIPLINE OCTOBER 2008
1ST ZACHARY BREIDER
1ST CLAYTON HARLAN
1ST JACON KRYNICKI
1ST JAMES STEINHAFEL
INTERMEDIATE WARRIOR SPIRIT OCTOBER 2008
ADAM ABUHAJIR
TRAVIS GURLIK
MAX RYDER
ANAND SALUJA
ADVANCED UNLIMITED DIVISION BEST DISCIPLINE OCTOBER 2008
1st ELIZABETH ZIECH
1ST ADAMS VANRENS
ADVANCED WARRIOR SPIRIT OCTOBER 2008
CHRISTOPHER CAPONI
FRANCESCA PESSARELLI
ADULT LIMITED DIVISION BEST EFFORT OCTOBER 2008
1ST DAVID CROSBY
1ST JIM LARSON
1ST WYATT UNDERHILL
ADULT UNLIMITED DIVISION BEST EFFORT OCTOBER 2008
1ST JOE FEIERSTEIN
1ST MEGAN KUHN
UNDERHILL WORK ETHIC AWARD OCTOBER 2008
JOSEPH OCHOWICZ
TOUGH GUY AWARD OCTOBER 2008
SEAN JENSEN
ZAC ARNDT
BRENNAN SISTER PEACE AWARD OCTOBER 2008
KYLIE BRENNAN
CHASE BEIHOFF
PROTOCOL AWARD OCTOBER 2008
WILL BUEBENDORF
BECHTHOLD/BAUER HONOR AWARD OCT. 2008
CHRISTIAN RICHTER
Thursday, October 30, 2008
CHALLENGE MATCHES
Mr. Richard Bauer’s father shared this story with me. Richard competed in the Challenge Matches.
On his way to the Challenge Matches, Richard’s father said to him, “Fight hard Richard so you win that trophy. Young Mr. Bauer replied, “Dad, karate is not about winning a trophy it is about bringing peace to the world”. Richard Bauer is an eight year old Jr. Blue Belt. His statement is a representation of our Martial Arts community. I could not be more proud.
We had a small but most spirited representation for the Challenge Matches. All the fights were close. And all could have gone either way.
CHALLENGE MATCH WINNERS
Richard Bauer Frank Smogoleski Megan Lappe Megan Kuhn
Richard Bauer (Blue Belt 8) vs. Colton McDonnell (Purple Belt 9)
This match went into overtime. Mr. Bauer was a bit bigger than Mr. McDonnell. In the over time Mr. McDonnell should have moved more, but being the warrior he is, he squared of toe to toe with Mr. Bauer and traded punches.
Frank Smogoleske (Orange Belt 8) vs. Ryan Lappe (Green Belt 8)
Great fight. Mr. Smogoleski started the match by closing. Mr. Lappe countered with a hard right cross to the head. Mr. Smogoleski came right back with his own right counter. The prompted the referee, Sensei Paquette, to give them a warning about controlled technique to the head. Frank had a three point handicap, because of Ryan’s rank, but it still was a close fight, and a very competitive one.
The match got so spirited that we had to incorporate a new rule in sparring class. “No head contact below Purple Belt.” Orange Belts can make controlled body contact but only focus to the head. We call it the “Frank Smogoleski Rule”
Joe Ochowicz (Blue Belt 10) vs. Sam Aspenwall (Orange Belt 10)
The best technical fight of the night. It reminded me of the classic Frazer and Ali fights. Mr. Aspenwall was on his toes moving and using the ring. Mr. Ochowicz kept moving forward, closing. Sam would throw techniques from his moving stance, and Joe would block and counter punch. Excellent ring generalship on both parts.
Megan Lappe (Green Belt 10) vs. Kylie Brennan (Blue Belt 8)
The closest fight of the night. It went all three rounds, and overtime. Two warrior princesses giving it all they had. Ms. Brennan took the match on short notice, and did a heck of a job against a very spirited and intense Ms. Lappe.
Megan Kuhn (Brown 13 ) vs. C.J. Caponi (Brown 13)
Very clean technique on both fighter’s part. Ms. Kuhn’s first opponent had to cancel because of a pulled hamstring muscle, so CJ took the fight with one day’s notice. What Warrior Spirit. He didn’t win the match, but his spirit speaks for itself.
I want to give the students plenty of notice for the next Challenge Matches so they can plan their schedules. The next Sparring Challenge Matches will be Friday, February 13th, 2009. The next Jui Jitsu Challenge Matches will be Friday, March 27th. Challenge Matches are very helpful to a student’s develop as a Martial Artist. Plus all the proceeds go to our non-profit program, “Operation Kick-Start” which grants scholarship to deserving students who, otherwise, could not afford our program.
On his way to the Challenge Matches, Richard’s father said to him, “Fight hard Richard so you win that trophy. Young Mr. Bauer replied, “Dad, karate is not about winning a trophy it is about bringing peace to the world”. Richard Bauer is an eight year old Jr. Blue Belt. His statement is a representation of our Martial Arts community. I could not be more proud.
We had a small but most spirited representation for the Challenge Matches. All the fights were close. And all could have gone either way.
CHALLENGE MATCH WINNERS
Richard Bauer Frank Smogoleski Megan Lappe Megan Kuhn
Richard Bauer (Blue Belt 8) vs. Colton McDonnell (Purple Belt 9)
This match went into overtime. Mr. Bauer was a bit bigger than Mr. McDonnell. In the over time Mr. McDonnell should have moved more, but being the warrior he is, he squared of toe to toe with Mr. Bauer and traded punches.
Frank Smogoleske (Orange Belt 8) vs. Ryan Lappe (Green Belt 8)
Great fight. Mr. Smogoleski started the match by closing. Mr. Lappe countered with a hard right cross to the head. Mr. Smogoleski came right back with his own right counter. The prompted the referee, Sensei Paquette, to give them a warning about controlled technique to the head. Frank had a three point handicap, because of Ryan’s rank, but it still was a close fight, and a very competitive one.
The match got so spirited that we had to incorporate a new rule in sparring class. “No head contact below Purple Belt.” Orange Belts can make controlled body contact but only focus to the head. We call it the “Frank Smogoleski Rule”
Joe Ochowicz (Blue Belt 10) vs. Sam Aspenwall (Orange Belt 10)
The best technical fight of the night. It reminded me of the classic Frazer and Ali fights. Mr. Aspenwall was on his toes moving and using the ring. Mr. Ochowicz kept moving forward, closing. Sam would throw techniques from his moving stance, and Joe would block and counter punch. Excellent ring generalship on both parts.
Megan Lappe (Green Belt 10) vs. Kylie Brennan (Blue Belt 8)
The closest fight of the night. It went all three rounds, and overtime. Two warrior princesses giving it all they had. Ms. Brennan took the match on short notice, and did a heck of a job against a very spirited and intense Ms. Lappe.
Megan Kuhn (Brown 13 ) vs. C.J. Caponi (Brown 13)
Very clean technique on both fighter’s part. Ms. Kuhn’s first opponent had to cancel because of a pulled hamstring muscle, so CJ took the fight with one day’s notice. What Warrior Spirit. He didn’t win the match, but his spirit speaks for itself.
I want to give the students plenty of notice for the next Challenge Matches so they can plan their schedules. The next Sparring Challenge Matches will be Friday, February 13th, 2009. The next Jui Jitsu Challenge Matches will be Friday, March 27th. Challenge Matches are very helpful to a student’s develop as a Martial Artist. Plus all the proceeds go to our non-profit program, “Operation Kick-Start” which grants scholarship to deserving students who, otherwise, could not afford our program.
Joe Ochowicz with Sensei Reshel
Joe Ochowicz was the winner of the Underhill Work Ethic Award for his never say quit attitude.
New Students & Belt Graduates
New Students:
Jackson Richter
Jack Bodart
Ricardol Kane
Genna Parer
Mike Bullock
Ryan Schlink
Graduates:
Mighty Mite Purple
Sarah Berry
Abby Schlafer
Mighty Mite Blue
Akshay Saluja
Ethan Storck
Henry Smogoleski
Will Staviski
Mighty Mite Green
Christian Richter
Sacheen Tipnis
Orange Belts
Matthew Szews Part 1
Alice Wang Part 2
Sara Smith Part 2
Ian Smith Part 2
Aileen Kung Part 2
Andrew Koehn Part 2
Purple Belts
Josephine Mayhew Part 1 & 2
Colten McDonell Part 1 & 2
Blue Belts
Ryan Mills Part 1
Cameron Cera Part 2
Brown Belts
Alexis Cera Part 2
Brown Belt Level 2
AJ Paquette Part 1
Adult Orange Belt
Genna Parer Part 1
Adult Purple Belt
Tony Miceli Part 1 & 2
Adult Green Belt
Jim Larson Part 2
Jackson Richter
Jack Bodart
Ricardol Kane
Genna Parer
Mike Bullock
Ryan Schlink
Graduates:
Mighty Mite Purple
Sarah Berry
Abby Schlafer
Mighty Mite Blue
Akshay Saluja
Ethan Storck
Henry Smogoleski
Will Staviski
Mighty Mite Green
Christian Richter
Sacheen Tipnis
Orange Belts
Matthew Szews Part 1
Alice Wang Part 2
Sara Smith Part 2
Ian Smith Part 2
Aileen Kung Part 2
Andrew Koehn Part 2
Purple Belts
Josephine Mayhew Part 1 & 2
Colten McDonell Part 1 & 2
Blue Belts
Ryan Mills Part 1
Cameron Cera Part 2
Brown Belts
Alexis Cera Part 2
Brown Belt Level 2
AJ Paquette Part 1
Adult Orange Belt
Genna Parer Part 1
Adult Purple Belt
Tony Miceli Part 1 & 2
Adult Green Belt
Jim Larson Part 2
PUNCH – BLOCK – KICK - CONTEST Starts November 15th
The new Punch – Block – Kick & Best Discipline Contest will start November 15th and end April 1st. The Discipline competitions are always the hardest to judge. Almost every student in this Dojo is deserving of a Discipline Award, so this contest attendance will be more closely monitored, and protocol. For all beginning students, you can fill our and bring in a monthly workout sheet. This will give you three bonus stars in discipline stars. Of course, being on time is a must, unless you have a proper excuse. If you have any questions about the contest or the workout sheets please ask an instructor. They will be available to pick-up in the Dojo.
ACADEMIC FITNESS PATCHES
All Samurai put the highest value on their formal education. Students may bring their reports cards in at the end of each semester. If they qualify they will receive an Academic Fitness Patch. Each time after they will receive a chevron to put on their gi.
Closed Thursday November 27th for Thanksgiving
We will be closed Thursday November 27th for Thanksgiving. We will have classes Wednesday the 26th and Saturday the 29th.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
STUDENTS IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Faith – Dissolution & Passing the Torch
"Life is no brief candle to me. It is a sort of splendid torch which I have got a hold of for the moment, and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it onto future generations." -
-- George Bernard Shaw
I had what one would call a martial arts spiritual experience after I returned from my summer get-a-way. I did some bike riding and visited two dear friends of mine who have some fairly serious health issues. As soon as I returned from vacation, my neighbor had told me a friend, who I was best man for his wedding, had passed on at 47. When I returned to teaching I was in a rather, melancholy, reflective mood. Then I took an enthusiastic intermediate class outside. Shortly after we started class a rainbow formed above them. Call it a coincidence, but it greatly lifted my spirits. It made me realize the circle of life. This new generation of young Martial Artist, to whom I am passing the torch of leadership. We all share one common destiny. We all will face our time of dissolution, but for now I have a lot go get accomplished as I slowly pass the torch of leadership to the new generation of Martial Artist.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
From the Desk of Sensei Reshel
Dear parents Students and Friends
The October cover letter is written by my colleague and dear friend Sensei Andre Harwell. Please read it for his words of wisdom.
Respectfully
Sensei Reshel
Hello Parents, Students and Friends:
What was it that brought you to be with those you love? Was it fate, friends or family? For many of us it was probably a combination of the three, however, I have been brought close to what, and those, I love through the martial arts. Specifically, what I speak of is the relationship I have come to enjoy with my family at Elite Martial Arts.
It has been the martial arts that brought two completely different lives together, and now the combination can't be separated. Two things that come together to produce something wonderful is an occurrence that has probably been experienced by most people. For example: salt and pepper, vanilla and chocolate ice cream, peanut butter and jelly, two different colors to make one, chocolate and peanut butter (Reese's), Batman and Robin, Tom and Jerry (laugh). These are just a few of the many combinations of things that go well together.
The combination I would like to speak of is myself and Sensei Rick Reshel. We were raised in two totally opposite backgrounds. Him a white male from a remote rural area of Wisconsin, and me, a black male from the inner city of MIlwaukee. Through the arts we have found that diversity has enabled us to bring to the families of Elite Martial Arts a teaching that reaches beyond the walls of the Dojo, and into the hearts and minds of every person associated with our school. The hearts and souls of the students here at The Elite Dojo have, and continue to develop into very caring and productive citizens of our society. Certainly this could have been accomplished without the aid of myself or Sensei Reshel, however, it is our belief that we have contributed to making it stronger.
Seems simple huh? It is...as humans, if we can find value in our diversity. For in the martial arts, we can find value in our diversity for life.
So, the message is, look to others as an object of strength and not as an object of negative difference. With an open mind we can all work to live together and live to work together towards a common goal. That goal is peace throughout... I believe that "kindness should not be a practice, it should be a given." It shouldn't be taught, it should be felt.
With love, peace, and respect... yours truly in the martial arts.
Instructor Andre Harwell
The October cover letter is written by my colleague and dear friend Sensei Andre Harwell. Please read it for his words of wisdom.
Respectfully
Sensei Reshel
Hello Parents, Students and Friends:
What was it that brought you to be with those you love? Was it fate, friends or family? For many of us it was probably a combination of the three, however, I have been brought close to what, and those, I love through the martial arts. Specifically, what I speak of is the relationship I have come to enjoy with my family at Elite Martial Arts.
It has been the martial arts that brought two completely different lives together, and now the combination can't be separated. Two things that come together to produce something wonderful is an occurrence that has probably been experienced by most people. For example: salt and pepper, vanilla and chocolate ice cream, peanut butter and jelly, two different colors to make one, chocolate and peanut butter (Reese's), Batman and Robin, Tom and Jerry (laugh). These are just a few of the many combinations of things that go well together.
The combination I would like to speak of is myself and Sensei Rick Reshel. We were raised in two totally opposite backgrounds. Him a white male from a remote rural area of Wisconsin, and me, a black male from the inner city of MIlwaukee. Through the arts we have found that diversity has enabled us to bring to the families of Elite Martial Arts a teaching that reaches beyond the walls of the Dojo, and into the hearts and minds of every person associated with our school. The hearts and souls of the students here at The Elite Dojo have, and continue to develop into very caring and productive citizens of our society. Certainly this could have been accomplished without the aid of myself or Sensei Reshel, however, it is our belief that we have contributed to making it stronger.
Seems simple huh? It is...as humans, if we can find value in our diversity. For in the martial arts, we can find value in our diversity for life.
So, the message is, look to others as an object of strength and not as an object of negative difference. With an open mind we can all work to live together and live to work together towards a common goal. That goal is peace throughout... I believe that "kindness should not be a practice, it should be a given." It shouldn't be taught, it should be felt.
With love, peace, and respect... yours truly in the martial arts.
Instructor Andre Harwell
Black Belt: Kelsey Kasmerchak
On May 3rd 2008, I finally reached the point of culmination of 6 years of effort, practice, and perseverance. I don’t want to over-dramatize this event, but I do wish to reflect on what the title of “Black Belt” means to me. It is so much more than knowing how to execute a 360 degree round kick or throw a hard right hook.
It is about the person I was, the person I have grown to be, and all the winding roads in between. It is about what I have learned and what I have been able to teach others. For me, being a black belt means making the right decisions. It means choosing loving over hating, swimming over sinking, and giving over taking. A black belt is a person who is so accustomed to pushing and persevering that the thought of quitting does not even occur to him or her. A black belt is not merely a measure of performance, but a quality of character.
I was expecting this to change me; however, I have come to realize that becoming a black belt is not a hop or jump, but a gradual change. Honestly, I do not feel differently because over the years I have grown into this new role. I know all of the areas I still need to improve: my hands need to be faster and my kicks harder. My growth and learning do not stop here.
I never truly thought about the words we say every time before beginning class. I have become fond of them after so many years of repetition and have used them as advice on how to live my life.
Peace. Don’t cause unnecessary drama and don’t get caught up in it. Forgive and forget.
Unity. Reach out to others. Be there for your friends.
Respect. Accept others as they are. Do what makes you happy.
My black belt has not been “achieved,” but rather I have grown into the person it requires me to be. It will continue to evolve with me as I strive to find purpose and meaning within my life, wherever that may take me.
So thank you to those who have given me instruction and inspiration. I will carry your “warrior spirits” with me always.
Sincerely,
Kelsey Kasmerchak
CONGRATULATIONS BELT GRADUATES
Mighty Mite Yellow
Daniel Kacsur
Mighty Mite Purple
Drew Buckholdt
Sean Jensen
Neha Kurpad
Mighty Mite Blue
Ian MacDonald
Kayleb Kuchenbecker
Yellow Belts
Drew Kacsur
Orange Belts
Abby Guenther - Part 2
Cameron McDonald - Part 2
Madison McDonald - Part 2
Colin Mayhew - Part 2
Will Buebendorf - Part 2
Frank Smogoleski - Part 2
Purple Belts
Michelle Miller - Part 1 & 2
Matthew Miller - Part 1 & 2
Michael Poker - Part 2
Blue Belts
Travis Gurlik - Part 2
Joseph Ochowicz - Part 2
Connor Caponi - Part 2
Green Belt
Zachary Breider - Part 2
Brown Belts
Alexis Cera - Part 1
Connor Cera - Part 1
Brady Perkins - Part 2
Adult Yellow Belt
Genna Parrer
Adult Orange Belt
Tony Miceli - Part 1
Adult Green Belt
David Crosby - Part 1 & 2
Student of the Month: Will Buebendorf
I’m going to call Will Buebendorf Mr. Protocol. He is early to class, focused, disciplined, and has a great work ethic. His energy flows in harmony with our instructional format. I make a correction, and he pursues it as long as I ask. His energy is so balanced sometime I don’t even notice him in class. However, I always notice him on sparring days. He methodically puts on ever piece of equipment and has it all on in time for the start of class. This is not usually accomplished by most students. Will is a transfer from another Martial Arts school, and I am glad he chose this one. He is a joy to have in class. He makes each student around him follow our protocol more efficiently. Congratulations on being named the student of the month Mr. Buebendorf, the best is yet to come.
Brown Belts – Moving on Up
We have a large enrollment of dedicated advanced students. They have patiently honed their martial arts skills and are ready to move up in rank. We want all the brown belts to start thinking about their black belts. In October we want to get several brown belts tested for Part 1 of their next level of brown. The first or second Friday of November we want to get them tested for their Part 2.
Awards Day
Thursday October 23rd 6:45pm
(This day is subject to change depending on the remodeling of the club.)
All are invited to attend awards day. See the elite demo team perform. Winners will be notified in advance by phone, if you have won an award. If you did not win an award in this contest keep trying. As your Sensei, I don’t care if you would ever win an award, as long as you were trying your best. Effort is what we are looking for in the student body.
(This day is subject to change depending on the remodeling of the club.)
All are invited to attend awards day. See the elite demo team perform. Winners will be notified in advance by phone, if you have won an award. If you did not win an award in this contest keep trying. As your Sensei, I don’t care if you would ever win an award, as long as you were trying your best. Effort is what we are looking for in the student body.
School House Rocks Demo
We like to keep the beginning and intermediate students inspired. We want them to know the skill level they can acquire. The Elite demo team is an excellent example of this, and they will be doing a short demonstration between classes, Saturday October 11th 9:45am, Monday October 13th 5:45pm, and Tuesday October 14th and 5:45pm. Beginners class stay and watch the demo team. Intermediate class will start a few minutes later than normal.
Extra Sparring Classes
There will be extra sparring classes this month in preparation for Challenge Matches.
Monday, August 25, 2008
September Announcements
Punch - block - Kick Contest ends October 1st.
The Punch-Block-Kick Contest will end October 1st. We will be having more contest in the month of September. Most all the students are back from vacations so everyone should get an even chance at earning stars. Good luck to all.
Demo Team Practice Times
We have tried to come up with the best time for the Demonstration Team practice. We have come to the conclusion that the most appropriate time for the students on the demo team would be the last half of the Black Belt Club. Black Belt club will run from 5:45p.m. to 7:30pm on Thursday evening. The first 45 minutes will be devoted to fundamentals and instruction. The last hour will be for preparing for demonstrations.(BBC members, try and stretch out on your own as much as possible before class, because we want to spend more time on instruction.) Black Belt Club members, who are not on the Demo Team should try and stay. We will have enough instructors available to help you improve in areas necessary to your development.
We may need to schedule special practice dates on Friday evenings periodically if it becomes necessary. Also, on the one week a month we do not have Advanced Sparring we may run Demo Team practice longer. We will keep demo team members informed.
Challenge Matches
We will be having the Fall Sparring Challenges Matches on Friday evening October 17th. The Punch - Block - Kick Contest will have been completed, and students will be able to focus on this competition. We will also be able to schedule more sparring classes in early October to prepare students for them. The Fall Jiu Jitsu Challenges will follow one month later on Friday November 21st. We will give you more information as that event approaches.
Elite Competition Team
Sensei Panicucci is forming a competition team to compete outside the Dojo. There are many different venues of competition. Lets try some different ones. Rules vary from tournament to tournament. The most important thing is if you become a better martial artist from your experience. Winning is nice, but that should be secondary. Improving as a Martial Artist, and following our Code of Ethics, should be our first priority. Anytime you work with different systems you become a better Martial artist. Any questions, you can email Sensei Panicucci.
Start taking notes
Sensei Panicucci would like to see students bringing notebooks to class. Some techniques you learn are complex and the steps should be written down and studied. This will help you advance further as a martial artist and enable instructors to teach higher skilled techniques.
The Punch-Block-Kick Contest will end October 1st. We will be having more contest in the month of September. Most all the students are back from vacations so everyone should get an even chance at earning stars. Good luck to all.
Demo Team Practice Times
We have tried to come up with the best time for the Demonstration Team practice. We have come to the conclusion that the most appropriate time for the students on the demo team would be the last half of the Black Belt Club. Black Belt club will run from 5:45p.m. to 7:30pm on Thursday evening. The first 45 minutes will be devoted to fundamentals and instruction. The last hour will be for preparing for demonstrations.(BBC members, try and stretch out on your own as much as possible before class, because we want to spend more time on instruction.) Black Belt Club members, who are not on the Demo Team should try and stay. We will have enough instructors available to help you improve in areas necessary to your development.
We may need to schedule special practice dates on Friday evenings periodically if it becomes necessary. Also, on the one week a month we do not have Advanced Sparring we may run Demo Team practice longer. We will keep demo team members informed.
Challenge Matches
We will be having the Fall Sparring Challenges Matches on Friday evening October 17th. The Punch - Block - Kick Contest will have been completed, and students will be able to focus on this competition. We will also be able to schedule more sparring classes in early October to prepare students for them. The Fall Jiu Jitsu Challenges will follow one month later on Friday November 21st. We will give you more information as that event approaches.
Elite Competition Team
Sensei Panicucci is forming a competition team to compete outside the Dojo. There are many different venues of competition. Lets try some different ones. Rules vary from tournament to tournament. The most important thing is if you become a better martial artist from your experience. Winning is nice, but that should be secondary. Improving as a Martial Artist, and following our Code of Ethics, should be our first priority. Anytime you work with different systems you become a better Martial artist. Any questions, you can email Sensei Panicucci.
Start taking notes
Sensei Panicucci would like to see students bringing notebooks to class. Some techniques you learn are complex and the steps should be written down and studied. This will help you advance further as a martial artist and enable instructors to teach higher skilled techniques.
A Word from Sensei Reshel
Dear Parents, Students & friends;
This will be a brief newsletter. The complete Kicker will follow later this month. I will be out of town for a week doing some bike riding. Work hard for the instructors.
Click here for the September calendar and here for the announcements.
This will be a brief newsletter. The complete Kicker will follow later this month. I will be out of town for a week doing some bike riding. Work hard for the instructors.
Click here for the September calendar and here for the announcements.
Friday, August 1, 2008
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Christ King Festival
The Elite Demo Team performed an excellent job at the Christ King Festival. Great compliments were given by the Festival's coordinators. The comment was will "Will you please come back next year!?"
Sunday June 22nd. Christ King Festival
C.J. Caponi. performs a double leg take down on Chris Bower.
C.J. holds the crowd with his tomfa kata.
Ben Caballero and Laura Brennan demonstrates escrima.
Sunday June 22nd. Christ King Festival
C.J. Caponi. performs a double leg take down on Chris Bower.
C.J. holds the crowd with his tomfa kata.
Ben Caballero and Laura Brennan demonstrates escrima.
Welcome to the Black Belt Club:
Michael Wallace
He has followed the Code of the Samurai.
I want to join the Black Belt Club because it is the most elite group in Elite Martial Arts and it will help me develop my skills to a greater level. Joining the Black Belt Club will allow me to practice with advanced students and improve my skills in karate. I want to become a better student and a teacher.
I deserve to be in the Black Belt Club because I have consistently participated in karate for 6 years. I have been and will continue to be a role model for younger and lower ranked students. Not everyone who joins the Black Belt Club earns their black belt, but I will work until I succeed. I want to strive for excellence and become a leader. The Black Belt Club is the way.
Michael Wallace
I want to join the Black Belt Club because it is the most elite group in Elite Martial Arts and it will help me develop my skills to a greater level. Joining the Black Belt Club will allow me to practice with advanced students and improve my skills in karate. I want to become a better student and a teacher.
I deserve to be in the Black Belt Club because I have consistently participated in karate for 6 years. I have been and will continue to be a role model for younger and lower ranked students. Not everyone who joins the Black Belt Club earns their black belt, but I will work until I succeed. I want to strive for excellence and become a leader. The Black Belt Club is the way.
Michael Wallace
Welcome To The Black Belt Club:
Victoria Wallace
She has followed the Code of the Samurai.
I remember when I barely passed my Brown Belt test. In the past that would have been the point at which I would have quit. I have quit other activities because of disappointing failures. I stumbled while being timed in track, and I didn’t want to face it ever again. During the time I have spent in karate, I had a bunch of little things happen that made me not want to go back, my Brown Belt test being the biggest.
I am not normally one to sound dreamy, but I came back the Saturday after my Brown Belt test and went through another class like nothing had happened, except for the fact that Sensei told the class I past my test. That is a huge thing for me to accomplish, to come back after experiencing a disappointment.
Karate has been the only activity I have stuck with, and have enjoyed for several years. Any activity that can do that is worth time and effort. Since my last test I have done everything I can do to become better and improve, so I can avoid a future stumble. Here I go again pushing the border, but the determination I have learned from karate has helped me get over something that has always been a part of me. Because of that, I want to become the best I can be. Right now I am in the Black Belt Club to improve, and I plan on following that path no matter where it takes me.
Victoria Wallace
I remember when I barely passed my Brown Belt test. In the past that would have been the point at which I would have quit. I have quit other activities because of disappointing failures. I stumbled while being timed in track, and I didn’t want to face it ever again. During the time I have spent in karate, I had a bunch of little things happen that made me not want to go back, my Brown Belt test being the biggest.
I am not normally one to sound dreamy, but I came back the Saturday after my Brown Belt test and went through another class like nothing had happened, except for the fact that Sensei told the class I past my test. That is a huge thing for me to accomplish, to come back after experiencing a disappointment.
Karate has been the only activity I have stuck with, and have enjoyed for several years. Any activity that can do that is worth time and effort. Since my last test I have done everything I can do to become better and improve, so I can avoid a future stumble. Here I go again pushing the border, but the determination I have learned from karate has helped me get over something that has always been a part of me. Because of that, I want to become the best I can be. Right now I am in the Black Belt Club to improve, and I plan on following that path no matter where it takes me.
Victoria Wallace
Challenge Matches
Elizabeth Ziech 11 2nd Brown
Max Kane 10 Purple Belt
Mike Burgerino 8 Green Belt
Lucas Romero 7 Purple Belt
We had a small but spirited turn-out for the Challenge Matches. For students who wanted to compete but couldn't attend we will be having them again the first Friday in October. That will be a more convenient date.
Sensei Paquette, who was judging the matches, commented on how improved all the Belt ranks were. This is a tribute to the work ethic of the participants, and the job of the excellent staff of instructors. I am so blessed to have such a committed and dedicated staff of Senseis and Instructors. It makes my job easy.
All the participants had their game face on. The matches were very close. Most went two out of three rounds and had overtime periods. The fights set up some great re-matches for fall.
To the winners, congratulations, but don't rest on your victory. Some of your opponents have already scheduled in for private lessons to hone their Challenge Match skills.
To the opponents, you all fought valiantly. I could not be more proud of you. I have always learned more and became a better Martial Artist, because of my defeats, more-so than my victories. Work hard because you may have a rematch in October.
Max Kane 10 Purple Belt
Mike Burgerino 8 Green Belt
Lucas Romero 7 Purple Belt
We had a small but spirited turn-out for the Challenge Matches. For students who wanted to compete but couldn't attend we will be having them again the first Friday in October. That will be a more convenient date.
Sensei Paquette, who was judging the matches, commented on how improved all the Belt ranks were. This is a tribute to the work ethic of the participants, and the job of the excellent staff of instructors. I am so blessed to have such a committed and dedicated staff of Senseis and Instructors. It makes my job easy.
All the participants had their game face on. The matches were very close. Most went two out of three rounds and had overtime periods. The fights set up some great re-matches for fall.
To the winners, congratulations, but don't rest on your victory. Some of your opponents have already scheduled in for private lessons to hone their Challenge Match skills.
To the opponents, you all fought valiantly. I could not be more proud of you. I have always learned more and became a better Martial Artist, because of my defeats, more-so than my victories. Work hard because you may have a rematch in October.
Sensei's Tulips
Each year I plant a large flower garden. It is quite therapeutic. All students should find someway to commune with nature. Not only in summer but all year round. Students, try to play outside as much as possible this summer.
From The Desk of Sensei Reshel
This month’s cover letter is written by Sensei Josh Peterson. Sensei Peterson has twenty years of Judo experience and spent three and one half years at the Olympic training center in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He has competed with the best Judo players in the world.
Students please read his words of wisdom.
Respectfully,
Sensei Reshel
Dear Parents, Students, & Friends,
One of my old team-mates had a phrase he was fond of: Some Days You’re The Hammer, Some Days You’re The Nail. He told me this the day he won his third National Championship...and he told me again when he blew out his knee a few months before the Olympic Trials.
After twenty years of Judo, I know what it’s like being the nail. I’ve got the dents, dings, and flat head to prove it. Being a martial artist isn’t easy, and getting banged up is just something we have to get used to. Over time, we learn that scrapes and bruises come with the territory but only by looking past them can we achieve our goals.
My friend was told that for his type of knee injury it would take major surgery and 9 months of rehab to get back on the mat. He did it in three. Entire days he spent in the weight room with his cast on, always with a face twisted in pain. Two weeks after his surgery he was back on the Judo mat doing everything he was capable of, which wasn’t much having only one usable leg. Defying all expectations, he went on to make that Olympic team.
Carbon atoms under extreme heat and pressure over a long period of time turn into diamonds, the hardest substance known to man. Every night we come to class, we are exposing ourselves to that same process. Training and practice are the martial artist’s way to become like that beautiful, virtually indestructible gemstone.
Don’t get me wrong, we’re still going to stub our toes, get paper cuts, and catch colds. We’re still human when all is said and done. What we are hardening is our will, our minds, and our spirits. Anyone can learn to throw a decent punch or do a successful turnover. We become diamonds not in the sense that our technique is perfect, or that our bodies are invincible, but in that our will can never be broken.
We learn to overcome every obstacle. We train ourselves so that we may not collapse under every pressure, not be crushed beneath every weight. The harder we practice, the stronger we become...and the easier it is to handle all the tough things life throws at us when we look up and realize that the hammer is going to fall.
Yours in the Martial Arts,
-Josh Peterson
Students please read his words of wisdom.
Respectfully,
Sensei Reshel
Dear Parents, Students, & Friends,
One of my old team-mates had a phrase he was fond of: Some Days You’re The Hammer, Some Days You’re The Nail. He told me this the day he won his third National Championship...and he told me again when he blew out his knee a few months before the Olympic Trials.
After twenty years of Judo, I know what it’s like being the nail. I’ve got the dents, dings, and flat head to prove it. Being a martial artist isn’t easy, and getting banged up is just something we have to get used to. Over time, we learn that scrapes and bruises come with the territory but only by looking past them can we achieve our goals.
My friend was told that for his type of knee injury it would take major surgery and 9 months of rehab to get back on the mat. He did it in three. Entire days he spent in the weight room with his cast on, always with a face twisted in pain. Two weeks after his surgery he was back on the Judo mat doing everything he was capable of, which wasn’t much having only one usable leg. Defying all expectations, he went on to make that Olympic team.
Carbon atoms under extreme heat and pressure over a long period of time turn into diamonds, the hardest substance known to man. Every night we come to class, we are exposing ourselves to that same process. Training and practice are the martial artist’s way to become like that beautiful, virtually indestructible gemstone.
Don’t get me wrong, we’re still going to stub our toes, get paper cuts, and catch colds. We’re still human when all is said and done. What we are hardening is our will, our minds, and our spirits. Anyone can learn to throw a decent punch or do a successful turnover. We become diamonds not in the sense that our technique is perfect, or that our bodies are invincible, but in that our will can never be broken.
We learn to overcome every obstacle. We train ourselves so that we may not collapse under every pressure, not be crushed beneath every weight. The harder we practice, the stronger we become...and the easier it is to handle all the tough things life throws at us when we look up and realize that the hammer is going to fall.
Yours in the Martial Arts,
-Josh Peterson
Students of the Month:
Michelle & Matthew Miller
The brother and sister team of Matthew and Michelle Miller are transfer students from a different martial arts school. Many times that transition is difficult for young students, but not to these dedicated martial artists. They embraced our system wholeheartedly, and have made this a better dojo. Michelle started when the punch block kick contest was nearly half over. She did an amazing performance and came very close to overcoming the leader, Evan Li. In fact, he was so far ahead he started to coast, so Michelle made him a better martial artist by challenging his 1st place position.
Matthew was apprehensive the first time he attended a board breaking class. After a little encouragement he realized how good he could be, and won the breaking contest in that class.
He asked his mom if I gave him the first place ribbon because I was just being nice. All veteran students here know that you don’t get anything here unless you earn it, not even a compliment. All is earned. Both Michelle and Matthew come to ever class focused and ready to work. They are helping to make the Elite Dojo a great one. Congratulations Michelle and Matthew on being named the students of the month.
Welcome New Students & Belt Graduations
New Students
David Crosby, Jr.
Sam Aspinwall
Tony Miceli
Tara Kindwall
Jeffrey Childs
Drew Kacsur
Daniel Kacsur
Katie Michels
TESTING
Mighty Mites Orange
Sean Jensen
Abby Schlafer
Ian MacDonald
Coleman Reavey
Noah Abuhajir
Claire Bolda
Sarah Berry
Mighty Mites Purple
Will Staviski
Akshay Saluja
Ethan Storck
Henry Smogolseki
Mighty Mites Blue
Christian Richter
Sacheen Tipnis
Yellow Belt
Chandler Schlafer
Orange Belt
Joey Pagel Part 1
Alice Wang Part 1
Ian Smith Part 1
Sara Smith Part 1
Steven Bolda Part 1
Madison McDonald Part 1
Cameron McDonald Part 1
Frank Smogoleski Part 1
Abby Guenther Part 1
Aileen Kung Part 1
Cameron McDonald Part 1
Andrew Koehn Part 1
Daniel Kratoska Part 2
Ritvik Gutgutia Part 2
Jackson Pickerell Part 2
Matthew Miller Part 2
Michelle Miller Part 2
Josephine Mayhew Part 2
Purple Belt
Michael Poker Part 1
Evan Li Part 2
Dawid Krynicki Part 1 & 2
Dominika Krynicki Part 1 & 2
Blue Belt
Travis Gurlik Part 1
Adam Abuhajir Part 1
Connor Caponi Part 1
Cameron Cera Part 1
Richard Bauer Part 1
Joseph Ochowicz Part 1
Megan Kratoska Part 1
Bryan Kratoska Part 1
Anand Saluja Part 2
Green Belt
Zach Breider Part 1
Brown Belt Level 1
David Horneffer Part 1
Katie Horneffer Part 1
Brady Perkins Part 1
Joe Feierstein Part 1
Christopher Bauer Part 1 & 2
Brown Belt Level 2
Laura Brennan Part 1
Carrie Brenna Part 1
Theresa Brennan Part 1
Nicholas Rilling Part 1 & 2
Adult Yellow Belt
Tony Miceli
Adult Orange Belt
David VonRueden Part 2
David Crosby, Jr.
Sam Aspinwall
Tony Miceli
Tara Kindwall
Jeffrey Childs
Drew Kacsur
Daniel Kacsur
Katie Michels
TESTING
Mighty Mites Orange
Sean Jensen
Abby Schlafer
Ian MacDonald
Coleman Reavey
Noah Abuhajir
Claire Bolda
Sarah Berry
Mighty Mites Purple
Will Staviski
Akshay Saluja
Ethan Storck
Henry Smogolseki
Mighty Mites Blue
Christian Richter
Sacheen Tipnis
Yellow Belt
Chandler Schlafer
Orange Belt
Joey Pagel Part 1
Alice Wang Part 1
Ian Smith Part 1
Sara Smith Part 1
Steven Bolda Part 1
Madison McDonald Part 1
Cameron McDonald Part 1
Frank Smogoleski Part 1
Abby Guenther Part 1
Aileen Kung Part 1
Cameron McDonald Part 1
Andrew Koehn Part 1
Daniel Kratoska Part 2
Ritvik Gutgutia Part 2
Jackson Pickerell Part 2
Matthew Miller Part 2
Michelle Miller Part 2
Josephine Mayhew Part 2
Purple Belt
Michael Poker Part 1
Evan Li Part 2
Dawid Krynicki Part 1 & 2
Dominika Krynicki Part 1 & 2
Blue Belt
Travis Gurlik Part 1
Adam Abuhajir Part 1
Connor Caponi Part 1
Cameron Cera Part 1
Richard Bauer Part 1
Joseph Ochowicz Part 1
Megan Kratoska Part 1
Bryan Kratoska Part 1
Anand Saluja Part 2
Green Belt
Zach Breider Part 1
Brown Belt Level 1
David Horneffer Part 1
Katie Horneffer Part 1
Brady Perkins Part 1
Joe Feierstein Part 1
Christopher Bauer Part 1 & 2
Brown Belt Level 2
Laura Brennan Part 1
Carrie Brenna Part 1
Theresa Brennan Part 1
Nicholas Rilling Part 1 & 2
Adult Yellow Belt
Tony Miceli
Adult Orange Belt
David VonRueden Part 2
August Announcements
Closed Labor Day Weekend
We will be closed Saturday August 30th, 2008, and Monday September 1st, 2008 for Labor Day Weekend. Enjoy the Holiday.
Practice Time for Elite Demonstration Team to be rescheduled.
We want to thank Rob Martin for all of his hard work and dedication in creating the foundation for our Elite demo team. Due to his busy schedule, a baby on the way, and other responsibilities he is no longer able to continue at this time. Hopefully at a future date he will be able to return, and share with us his expertise. Parents have said that Friday nights are a difficult time. We are considering a different day to make it more convenient on parent’s schedules. We have no demonstration schedule through the month of August. We will not be having demo team on 5:00pm on Friday. Therefore we will be extending Black Belt Club on Thursday from 7:15pm to 7:30pm. We will use the last half of Black Belt Club for practice time for demonstrations. We will decide in the month of August what day to reschedule demo team practice. If Friday proves to be most convenient for all involved we will continue on that day.
Black Belt Club is to be extended to 7:30pm in August. Black Belt Club on Thursday will be extended from 5:45pm to 7:30pm. We will use the last half of Black Belt Club for demonstration team practice.
Trying to form a competition team. Sensei Panicucci who runs our advanced sparring class, has expressed interest in starting a competition team. There are many different venues of competition in the Martial Arts. He can decide which are most appropriate. If you have an interest in competing outside the Dojo, please inform one of your instructors.
We will be closed Saturday August 30th, 2008, and Monday September 1st, 2008 for Labor Day Weekend. Enjoy the Holiday.
Practice Time for Elite Demonstration Team to be rescheduled.
We want to thank Rob Martin for all of his hard work and dedication in creating the foundation for our Elite demo team. Due to his busy schedule, a baby on the way, and other responsibilities he is no longer able to continue at this time. Hopefully at a future date he will be able to return, and share with us his expertise. Parents have said that Friday nights are a difficult time. We are considering a different day to make it more convenient on parent’s schedules. We have no demonstration schedule through the month of August. We will not be having demo team on 5:00pm on Friday. Therefore we will be extending Black Belt Club on Thursday from 7:15pm to 7:30pm. We will use the last half of Black Belt Club for practice time for demonstrations. We will decide in the month of August what day to reschedule demo team practice. If Friday proves to be most convenient for all involved we will continue on that day.
Black Belt Club is to be extended to 7:30pm in August. Black Belt Club on Thursday will be extended from 5:45pm to 7:30pm. We will use the last half of Black Belt Club for demonstration team practice.
Trying to form a competition team. Sensei Panicucci who runs our advanced sparring class, has expressed interest in starting a competition team. There are many different venues of competition in the Martial Arts. He can decide which are most appropriate. If you have an interest in competing outside the Dojo, please inform one of your instructors.
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