Summer karate is coming!
Summer Break Karate
Days: Mondays & Fridays
Time: 3:00PM – 4:30PM / Ages: 5+
Location: Zone Recreation Center
(West 65th & Lorain, Cleveland)
Cost: $20.00 / Month (Donation)
First Class June 14th
(open enrollment all summer)
Program includes a free uniform
Call 216.375.9644 for details.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Tournament - May 1st, 2011
I want to recognize the competitors at the Open Tournament Held in Akron, Ohio, promoted By Heidi Gauntner of Kent Karate & Fitness in Kent, Ohio.
Jasmine Albino - 1st in Fighting, 2nd in Forms
(She fought in a boys division since there were no girls; and competed in intermediate kata division since she missed her novice division)
Ivan Garcia - 4th Forms, 3rd Fighting
(Didn't have a great day; proud of his effort)
Daniel Torres, Jr. ("Lion King") - 5th Fighting, 3rd Forms
(I think his scores in forms were a little low but he did place; proud of him)
Cole Fluker - 1st in Fighting
(Didn't do well in Forms, lacked intensity; told him to make the "Face" and get it back in fighting; he sure did!)
Geanette Vega - 1st Forms, 2nd Fighting
(Fought in a boys division since there were no girls; schooled the first boy; had trouble with the 2nd but fought well, proud of her effort).
Jordy - 2nd Forms
(First time competing and did great!)
Lisbeth Lopes - 1st in Forms
(First time competing and just rocked her division!)
Xavier Sylvia Jackson - 1st in Forms
(Had instructors coming up to me telling me he was awesome; I told them to tell the Xavier that, which they did; couldn't be a prouder "papa").
Osu.
Jasmine Albino - 1st in Fighting, 2nd in Forms
(She fought in a boys division since there were no girls; and competed in intermediate kata division since she missed her novice division)
Ivan Garcia - 4th Forms, 3rd Fighting
(Didn't have a great day; proud of his effort)
Daniel Torres, Jr. ("Lion King") - 5th Fighting, 3rd Forms
(I think his scores in forms were a little low but he did place; proud of him)
Cole Fluker - 1st in Fighting
(Didn't do well in Forms, lacked intensity; told him to make the "Face" and get it back in fighting; he sure did!)
Geanette Vega - 1st Forms, 2nd Fighting
(Fought in a boys division since there were no girls; schooled the first boy; had trouble with the 2nd but fought well, proud of her effort).
Jordy - 2nd Forms
(First time competing and did great!)
Lisbeth Lopes - 1st in Forms
(First time competing and just rocked her division!)
Xavier Sylvia Jackson - 1st in Forms
(Had instructors coming up to me telling me he was awesome; I told them to tell the Xavier that, which they did; couldn't be a prouder "papa").
Osu.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Am I A Victim?
Many of us go through life feeling as if we are a victim or "the world is out to get me". Well, the world doesn't care one way or the other, and really doesn't owe us anything.
People are out to get what they (think they) want or need. And some will do whatever they can to get it. If they feel you are in their way, they will either work with (or use) you to get what they want, or, simply step over you to get it. The reality is, we all use each other at one point or another in our lives. What we need to be aware of us is if that "usage" is malicious, parasitic, or destructive? If it's a good symbiotic relationship, and there is a give and take, then it is usually a good relationship (usually). If it's the former, then you should get out of it. Even if it's family.
My brother was convicted and served time for a henious crime. I didn't realize it until after I was hanging out with him again. Not being sure that he had been fully rehabilitated, I told him I couldn't have him around me. They may sound mean, but if you knew the crime, you wouldn't blame me. And no, I am not going to divulge personal information. So, the point here is, he was a negative influence and I didn't want it around so I cut him off.
I digress.
Things happen to people every day. We have a choice as to how we wish to handle the victimization. Live like a victim, or survive and learn from it? I personally had a very difficult childhood. My preteen to early teen years were filled with instances of sexual and physical abuse. Just thinking about it now hurts but I don't let it affect me (too much). People would think, why would you share this personal information? Because although I was shamed, I am not ashamed by it. Although it is a very personal hurt, it's not a hurt I carry on my back every day of my life. I use it to teach other kids they don't have to be victims. They can survive, just like I did. Kids sometimes don't know how not to be victims. We as adults/teachers/mentors need to teach them not to be. To not accept the lies and hurt someone brings to them because of another's selfish needs and then TELL someone that can help them to make the hurt stop.
But what about sitations that we can't control? Or what if we are struggling with things that have happened to us in the past that we are still struggling with. They could be as recent as yesterday or years ago. How do we deal with them? Well, get over it. I know, kind of in your face isn't it? Can we change what happened to us? No. Can we learn from it? Yes. Can we go on to be productive and live better lives? Yes. What doesn't kill us (usually) makes us stronger. Get help, talk to people that really love you, then start to heal. Scars will always be there. But we don't have to allow those scars to hurt us into not being able to function.
"But it hurt sensei!" Well...
From Steve DeMasco's "The Shaolin Way": [...] Pain is pain, pressure is pressure, and it hits us in many different forms. When it does, you have only two choices about how to handle it. One, you can fold, or two, you can become what I call the "mental warrior", which takes intense focus and discipline. Being a mental warrior means pulling out of depression and anger by getting focused as you remember who you are and taking more practical steps toward the next leg of your life [...]"
Sidenote: Not everyone can recover from a "hard stance approach" (i.e.-get over it). Some of us require kid gloves to get us over the hump of recovery and healing. But there comes a point where you have to tell someone: Dude(tte), stop already! Get over it!" The point is, we are victimized but we are NOT victims.
Again from Mr. DaMasco: "Here's the deal: there are no victims in the world. When problems arise-let's say at work-you have two choices. You can stay where you are, get educated, and decided to do our job to the best of your bility and learn everyting you need to know; or you can quit, and find a new job or live in poverty."
Choices. We choose to stay in a funk about our current situation or do something about it. Steve continues: "When we are not happy with our own performance, or when we feel like we're owed something we're not getting, we can often fall into a pattern of feeling like victims insted of survivors."
Stop living in the past. Focus on the now. Take care of today's 'chores' to secure the future. Even for me this is hard. The last couple of years have been especially difficult because of choices I have made and things I have allowed others to affect me with. I have hard choices ahead of me. I must think about the best course of action and then do it. I used to tell people all the time: "no regrets. The choices we make today are based on the information we have on hand. Know all you can, then decide and move forward". Talking with people you trust with an idea or choice that's in front of you helps you decide, but ultimately, you have to choose. And not regret the choice later. Even if it hurts other people. If we are not happy, how can we make others happy?
Choose to not be a victim. Remember, the world owes us nothing. Oh, and get over it.
So, yeah sensei, get over it already.
Osu.
People are out to get what they (think they) want or need. And some will do whatever they can to get it. If they feel you are in their way, they will either work with (or use) you to get what they want, or, simply step over you to get it. The reality is, we all use each other at one point or another in our lives. What we need to be aware of us is if that "usage" is malicious, parasitic, or destructive? If it's a good symbiotic relationship, and there is a give and take, then it is usually a good relationship (usually). If it's the former, then you should get out of it. Even if it's family.
My brother was convicted and served time for a henious crime. I didn't realize it until after I was hanging out with him again. Not being sure that he had been fully rehabilitated, I told him I couldn't have him around me. They may sound mean, but if you knew the crime, you wouldn't blame me. And no, I am not going to divulge personal information. So, the point here is, he was a negative influence and I didn't want it around so I cut him off.
I digress.
Things happen to people every day. We have a choice as to how we wish to handle the victimization. Live like a victim, or survive and learn from it? I personally had a very difficult childhood. My preteen to early teen years were filled with instances of sexual and physical abuse. Just thinking about it now hurts but I don't let it affect me (too much). People would think, why would you share this personal information? Because although I was shamed, I am not ashamed by it. Although it is a very personal hurt, it's not a hurt I carry on my back every day of my life. I use it to teach other kids they don't have to be victims. They can survive, just like I did. Kids sometimes don't know how not to be victims. We as adults/teachers/mentors need to teach them not to be. To not accept the lies and hurt someone brings to them because of another's selfish needs and then TELL someone that can help them to make the hurt stop.
But what about sitations that we can't control? Or what if we are struggling with things that have happened to us in the past that we are still struggling with. They could be as recent as yesterday or years ago. How do we deal with them? Well, get over it. I know, kind of in your face isn't it? Can we change what happened to us? No. Can we learn from it? Yes. Can we go on to be productive and live better lives? Yes. What doesn't kill us (usually) makes us stronger. Get help, talk to people that really love you, then start to heal. Scars will always be there. But we don't have to allow those scars to hurt us into not being able to function.
"But it hurt sensei!" Well...
From Steve DeMasco's "The Shaolin Way": [...] Pain is pain, pressure is pressure, and it hits us in many different forms. When it does, you have only two choices about how to handle it. One, you can fold, or two, you can become what I call the "mental warrior", which takes intense focus and discipline. Being a mental warrior means pulling out of depression and anger by getting focused as you remember who you are and taking more practical steps toward the next leg of your life [...]"
Sidenote: Not everyone can recover from a "hard stance approach" (i.e.-get over it). Some of us require kid gloves to get us over the hump of recovery and healing. But there comes a point where you have to tell someone: Dude(tte), stop already! Get over it!" The point is, we are victimized but we are NOT victims.
Again from Mr. DaMasco: "Here's the deal: there are no victims in the world. When problems arise-let's say at work-you have two choices. You can stay where you are, get educated, and decided to do our job to the best of your bility and learn everyting you need to know; or you can quit, and find a new job or live in poverty."
Choices. We choose to stay in a funk about our current situation or do something about it. Steve continues: "When we are not happy with our own performance, or when we feel like we're owed something we're not getting, we can often fall into a pattern of feeling like victims insted of survivors."
Stop living in the past. Focus on the now. Take care of today's 'chores' to secure the future. Even for me this is hard. The last couple of years have been especially difficult because of choices I have made and things I have allowed others to affect me with. I have hard choices ahead of me. I must think about the best course of action and then do it. I used to tell people all the time: "no regrets. The choices we make today are based on the information we have on hand. Know all you can, then decide and move forward". Talking with people you trust with an idea or choice that's in front of you helps you decide, but ultimately, you have to choose. And not regret the choice later. Even if it hurts other people. If we are not happy, how can we make others happy?
Choose to not be a victim. Remember, the world owes us nothing. Oh, and get over it.
So, yeah sensei, get over it already.
Osu.
New School Year
I want to welcome the new (and old) Urban Community Students that have signed up for the Urban Karate classes.
As you can see there have been some changes to the program. Please read through the letter I provided carefully and be familiar with those changes.
Students should remember that their advancement through the curriculum is individual. You are not in a race with other students. You will advance according to your own personal ability, your effort and will to achieve. I will help you get to the higher levels. It is up to you to do your best to practice and study the folder you have been provided.
Parents & Students are always welcome to call me with any questions, comments or concerns they may have.
Osu.
As you can see there have been some changes to the program. Please read through the letter I provided carefully and be familiar with those changes.
Students should remember that their advancement through the curriculum is individual. You are not in a race with other students. You will advance according to your own personal ability, your effort and will to achieve. I will help you get to the higher levels. It is up to you to do your best to practice and study the folder you have been provided.
Parents & Students are always welcome to call me with any questions, comments or concerns they may have.
Osu.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Women's Self-Defense
FREE INTERACTIVE SELF DEFENSE SEMINAR FOR WOMEN AGES 14 AND OVER CONTACT: MR. SAM NIEVES DIRECTLY AT 216-375-9644 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
TRAINING LOCATION: MICHAEL ZONE RECREATION CENTER ON WEST 65TH AND LORAIN AVENUE (6301 LORAIN AVENUE, CLEVELAND, OH).
DATE: SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2009 FROM 10:00 AM-2:00PM
*WEAR COMPORTABLE CLOTHING AND ATHLECTIC SHOES
MINORS WILL REQUIRE A SIGNED PARENTAL CONSENT FORM
INSTRUCTORS-
Ray Anderson, Sigung, Ohio Kajukembo
http://www.ohiokajukenbo.com/
Peter Whitt, 3N Martial Arts
http://3nsociety.com/
Leaston Chase, Soke Dai, Oshirokan Karate-Jutsu, Goshin Budo Bujutsu
E. Samuel Nieves, Renshi, Oshirokan Karate-Jutsu, Goshin Budo Bujutsu
Osu.
TRAINING LOCATION: MICHAEL ZONE RECREATION CENTER ON WEST 65TH AND LORAIN AVENUE (6301 LORAIN AVENUE, CLEVELAND, OH).
DATE: SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2009 FROM 10:00 AM-2:00PM
*WEAR COMPORTABLE CLOTHING AND ATHLECTIC SHOES
MINORS WILL REQUIRE A SIGNED PARENTAL CONSENT FORM
INSTRUCTORS-
Ray Anderson, Sigung, Ohio Kajukembo
http://www.ohiokajukenbo.com/
Peter Whitt, 3N Martial Arts
http://3nsociety.com/
Leaston Chase, Soke Dai, Oshirokan Karate-Jutsu, Goshin Budo Bujutsu
E. Samuel Nieves, Renshi, Oshirokan Karate-Jutsu, Goshin Budo Bujutsu
Osu.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Self-Defense
I (re)introduced to Monday's class many of the techniques we will be learning in the next few months. Many of the techniques you already know, but they will now have a designation so that when the instructor calls out: "show me One Step 4A" the attacker will know which attack is appropriate for the technique and the defender will perform the necessary defense and counterattack.
Self-defense and one-step sparring is not a true test or the best training mechanism for fighting to defend oneself. The method in which we practice them are for learning purposes only. We want the students to know the technique and then understand it. By going full blast throughout the technique the student will not be able to learn the technique properly. Going slow through the technique to build muscle and mental memory allows learning to occur and allows students to apply the techniques for the appropriate situation. Over time, more resistance is applied so that the student can learn how to apply the proper leverage, torque, movement, etc. for the technique to work. As you go up in rank, the attackers will speed up, be stronger in their effort to penetrate your defense. In this manner defenders will become stronger and better technicians.
Understand when I say "create the threat" does not mean to incapacitate our partner. It means to create a situation by which the defender MUST react or chance being hurt or pushed around. Overtime, "creating the threat" takes on a new meaning as we learn how to take our techniques and create a "natural flow" in our fighting so that we can learn to react and counter the attackers movements and attacks.
Also understand that self-defense techniques are not "fixed". What I mean is that one should not think that the only time one will use Wrist Grab Self-Defense 1 is when the person grabs the right wrist. This technique can be applied on a push or as someone goes to grab you. You should strive to not just learn the technique but (as I said above), understand them and apply them to situations where they will work.
Osu.
Self-defense and one-step sparring is not a true test or the best training mechanism for fighting to defend oneself. The method in which we practice them are for learning purposes only. We want the students to know the technique and then understand it. By going full blast throughout the technique the student will not be able to learn the technique properly. Going slow through the technique to build muscle and mental memory allows learning to occur and allows students to apply the techniques for the appropriate situation. Over time, more resistance is applied so that the student can learn how to apply the proper leverage, torque, movement, etc. for the technique to work. As you go up in rank, the attackers will speed up, be stronger in their effort to penetrate your defense. In this manner defenders will become stronger and better technicians.
Understand when I say "create the threat" does not mean to incapacitate our partner. It means to create a situation by which the defender MUST react or chance being hurt or pushed around. Overtime, "creating the threat" takes on a new meaning as we learn how to take our techniques and create a "natural flow" in our fighting so that we can learn to react and counter the attackers movements and attacks.
Also understand that self-defense techniques are not "fixed". What I mean is that one should not think that the only time one will use Wrist Grab Self-Defense 1 is when the person grabs the right wrist. This technique can be applied on a push or as someone goes to grab you. You should strive to not just learn the technique but (as I said above), understand them and apply them to situations where they will work.
Osu.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Change Over
As you already know, Master Chase is stepping back from the day to day instructional duties at the Michael J. Zone Karate program. Although I will miss Master Chase’s direct instruction, I look forward to the opportunity to teach classes full time as well as help our Oshirokan Karate-Jutsu Goshin Budo Bujutsu clubs grow and expand. My goal is to make the instruction interesting as well as entertaining. Everyone should know that I am firm but I strive to be fair in my dealings with everyone. No one should ever be afraid to talk to me about any issue with the classes and are more than welcome to contact me to discuss any issues.
During our meeting we will be going over some changes
Summary:
1) Price list (reduction in prices for testing fees).
The testing fees have been reduced so that they are not as burdensome. There are ways in which students can reduce the cost of the fees (i.e.-via referrals and fund raising).
2) Tournament on November 1st – Master Chase and I would like it if every student competes. Note we do NOT expect every student to participate in sparring, but would like to see each student participate in kata. The tournament organizer has agreed to discount tournament fees up to $10 per person. Each student will be required to speak to Sensei Nieves directly regarding their personal situation so that the necessary forms are completed and the appropriate discounts are given. There might be ‘scholarships’ available to those students that qualify. Each case will be handled on a one on one basis.
3) Curriculum Refinement
Master Chase and I have been discussing over the last 2 years the streamlining of the Oriental Martial Arts curriculum. Master Chase’s teaching style involved the teaching of specific principles allowing the student to expand and evolve these techniques on his/her own. This has not worked as well as we would’ve liked with the bulk of our students. A set of fixed self-defense techniques will be taught to the students. This will give each student a true foundation in their self-defense while still allowing the student to expand on those techniques and apply to their own unique situations. All students will be required to bring their folders to classes and be prepared to write in their folders these techniques.
Attached you will find a new kata listing students will learn in their training at the two clubs. Katas were removed that were redundant and were not conducive to training and advancement. We feel these katas are more exciting and provide a stronger base from which to build upon for our teaching method.
4) Discounts
Each student will be given business cards which contains a free two week trial period. Please pass these out to anyone that is interested in karate training. Make sure to put the referring student’s name on the back of the card. If a new student registers with the program that was referred by a current student, the current student will receive one month’s worth of credit. In other words, for every student that is referred to our program that registers (pays their registration fee) we will credit/waive one month from the current student’s dues. If a student wishes to credit their testing fees instead of one month’s worth of dues, they are able to do so. That student must let the instructor know beforehand so it can be noted in their file. Note the new student MUST have registered and completed their paperwork before the referral will be credited to the current student’s account.
5) Dues.
We ask that all students pay their dues by the 15th of every month to ease the burden of book keeping. If a student can not pay their dues on time, please contact the head instructor at your earliest opportunity.
6) Student Progress
Periodically (ideally once a month or every other month), I will be passing out progress reports to each student so that they can know where they are in their trainings. I will be evaluating students constantly (“EVERY DAY IS A TEST!”) to assess their readiness for advancement. Note that major tests occur twice a year in June and December with progress and stripe promotions occurring between those tests. My goal is to be more consistent with the stripe promotions and inform students when they are ready for their next belt test as well as what they need to brush up on so they can move forward.
7) Intermediate / Advanced classes
The Saturday classes have not had the adult attendance we had hoped for. Also, we noticed that the intermediate and advanced students were not getting the attention they deserved for their own advancement. Starting September 13th the Saturday classes will be for intermediate and advanced students only (green belt and above). All students are welcome to participate in classes at both Zone Recreation Center (W. 65th & Lorain) and the HUMADAOP Youth Center (3115 Scranton Road in the old St. Michael’s Gruss Hall). All students will be expected to participate in at least 2 classes with the green belt and above students being asked to participate in 3 classes (2 during the week and the Saturday class). We understand that families have schedules to maintain and we will not be unreasonable with their circumstances. We would ask that they discuss with the head instructor to make sure the student receives the appropriate instruction for their level. Please call the instructor and let him know if that student will not be attending class that day. Sometimes the instructor will have specific teaching for a student and would like to know if those plans need to be put aside for that day.
8) Sparring
We have not had the regular sparring sessions required to apply the techniques we learn in class. We plan on having sparring conducted on Wednesdays and Saturdays at Michael J. Zone. We will have quick sparring sessions at the end of class Wednesdays with more detailed sparring instruction in the last hour of Saturday’s class. Acquiring one’s own sparring gear is recommended but not required. We have sets of sparring gear that we will have available for student’s use. Note that we will assist students in acquiring their own sparring gear if they wish to have it but the cost is prohibitive for them. We do recommend, however, that any student that is deemed eligible (ready) to spar have their own mouth and groin protector. Those students that are ready to spar will be notified. No student will be made to spar that is NOT mentally or technically ready to do so. Safety is # 1 with me and I will not allow a student to be in a situation I do not believe they are ready to handle.
9) Fundraising
As everyone knows, we are a non-profit whose main focus is to provide martial arts instruction at a very low cost to our students. We will be asking students and their families to assist in the fund raising activities to help continue to provide uniforms and equipment to future students (“paying it forward”). Note that NOONE will be REQUIRED to assist in fund raising activities but will ask that you do what you can to help grow the program.
10) Purchasing of Equipment
We ask that students purchase their equipment through the program. We strive to keep our prices low and pass those savings along to the students. The equipment we have chosen is approved by your head instructor and meets his standards. Note that we require a minimum $50 order or we will be charged an additional $10. We will attempt to gather a larger order to avoid this cost. Prices on the price list do NOT include shipping charges. Usually shipping charges are an additional $5 for the item. If the charge is higher, we will let the purchaser know before an item is purchased.
1. Mouth Piece $ 3.00
2. Athletic Supporter – Male $10.00
3. Athletic Supporter – Female $ 25.00
4. Karate Uniform and Patch (Adult / Child) $ 35.00
NO BLACK UNIFORMS ALLOWED UNDER BLACK BELT
5. Oshirokan Patch $ 5.00
6. Foam Dipped Protector Gear (Sparring) Set (Head, hand, and foot; mouth piece included).*
$ 50.00
*Optional but recommended.
Above prices do not include shipping. Shipping is usually $5 unless otherwise indicated by the insructor.
FEES FOR TESTING
Green Belt $ 30.00
Brown Belt $ 45.00
Black Belt 1st Degree $100.00
Black Belt 2nd Degree $150.00
Black Belt 3rd Degree $200.00
Black Belt 4th Degree $250.00
Remember that these fees are mandated by the organization and pay for the fees necessary to certify the rank with Oshirokan.
Osu.
During our meeting we will be going over some changes
Summary:
1) Price list (reduction in prices for testing fees).
The testing fees have been reduced so that they are not as burdensome. There are ways in which students can reduce the cost of the fees (i.e.-via referrals and fund raising).
2) Tournament on November 1st – Master Chase and I would like it if every student competes. Note we do NOT expect every student to participate in sparring, but would like to see each student participate in kata. The tournament organizer has agreed to discount tournament fees up to $10 per person. Each student will be required to speak to Sensei Nieves directly regarding their personal situation so that the necessary forms are completed and the appropriate discounts are given. There might be ‘scholarships’ available to those students that qualify. Each case will be handled on a one on one basis.
3) Curriculum Refinement
Master Chase and I have been discussing over the last 2 years the streamlining of the Oriental Martial Arts curriculum. Master Chase’s teaching style involved the teaching of specific principles allowing the student to expand and evolve these techniques on his/her own. This has not worked as well as we would’ve liked with the bulk of our students. A set of fixed self-defense techniques will be taught to the students. This will give each student a true foundation in their self-defense while still allowing the student to expand on those techniques and apply to their own unique situations. All students will be required to bring their folders to classes and be prepared to write in their folders these techniques.
Attached you will find a new kata listing students will learn in their training at the two clubs. Katas were removed that were redundant and were not conducive to training and advancement. We feel these katas are more exciting and provide a stronger base from which to build upon for our teaching method.
4) Discounts
Each student will be given business cards which contains a free two week trial period. Please pass these out to anyone that is interested in karate training. Make sure to put the referring student’s name on the back of the card. If a new student registers with the program that was referred by a current student, the current student will receive one month’s worth of credit. In other words, for every student that is referred to our program that registers (pays their registration fee) we will credit/waive one month from the current student’s dues. If a student wishes to credit their testing fees instead of one month’s worth of dues, they are able to do so. That student must let the instructor know beforehand so it can be noted in their file. Note the new student MUST have registered and completed their paperwork before the referral will be credited to the current student’s account.
5) Dues.
We ask that all students pay their dues by the 15th of every month to ease the burden of book keeping. If a student can not pay their dues on time, please contact the head instructor at your earliest opportunity.
6) Student Progress
Periodically (ideally once a month or every other month), I will be passing out progress reports to each student so that they can know where they are in their trainings. I will be evaluating students constantly (“EVERY DAY IS A TEST!”) to assess their readiness for advancement. Note that major tests occur twice a year in June and December with progress and stripe promotions occurring between those tests. My goal is to be more consistent with the stripe promotions and inform students when they are ready for their next belt test as well as what they need to brush up on so they can move forward.
7) Intermediate / Advanced classes
The Saturday classes have not had the adult attendance we had hoped for. Also, we noticed that the intermediate and advanced students were not getting the attention they deserved for their own advancement. Starting September 13th the Saturday classes will be for intermediate and advanced students only (green belt and above). All students are welcome to participate in classes at both Zone Recreation Center (W. 65th & Lorain) and the HUMADAOP Youth Center (3115 Scranton Road in the old St. Michael’s Gruss Hall). All students will be expected to participate in at least 2 classes with the green belt and above students being asked to participate in 3 classes (2 during the week and the Saturday class). We understand that families have schedules to maintain and we will not be unreasonable with their circumstances. We would ask that they discuss with the head instructor to make sure the student receives the appropriate instruction for their level. Please call the instructor and let him know if that student will not be attending class that day. Sometimes the instructor will have specific teaching for a student and would like to know if those plans need to be put aside for that day.
8) Sparring
We have not had the regular sparring sessions required to apply the techniques we learn in class. We plan on having sparring conducted on Wednesdays and Saturdays at Michael J. Zone. We will have quick sparring sessions at the end of class Wednesdays with more detailed sparring instruction in the last hour of Saturday’s class. Acquiring one’s own sparring gear is recommended but not required. We have sets of sparring gear that we will have available for student’s use. Note that we will assist students in acquiring their own sparring gear if they wish to have it but the cost is prohibitive for them. We do recommend, however, that any student that is deemed eligible (ready) to spar have their own mouth and groin protector. Those students that are ready to spar will be notified. No student will be made to spar that is NOT mentally or technically ready to do so. Safety is # 1 with me and I will not allow a student to be in a situation I do not believe they are ready to handle.
9) Fundraising
As everyone knows, we are a non-profit whose main focus is to provide martial arts instruction at a very low cost to our students. We will be asking students and their families to assist in the fund raising activities to help continue to provide uniforms and equipment to future students (“paying it forward”). Note that NOONE will be REQUIRED to assist in fund raising activities but will ask that you do what you can to help grow the program.
10) Purchasing of Equipment
We ask that students purchase their equipment through the program. We strive to keep our prices low and pass those savings along to the students. The equipment we have chosen is approved by your head instructor and meets his standards. Note that we require a minimum $50 order or we will be charged an additional $10. We will attempt to gather a larger order to avoid this cost. Prices on the price list do NOT include shipping charges. Usually shipping charges are an additional $5 for the item. If the charge is higher, we will let the purchaser know before an item is purchased.
1. Mouth Piece $ 3.00
2. Athletic Supporter – Male $10.00
3. Athletic Supporter – Female $ 25.00
4. Karate Uniform and Patch (Adult / Child) $ 35.00
NO BLACK UNIFORMS ALLOWED UNDER BLACK BELT
5. Oshirokan Patch $ 5.00
6. Foam Dipped Protector Gear (Sparring) Set (Head, hand, and foot; mouth piece included).*
$ 50.00
*Optional but recommended.
Above prices do not include shipping. Shipping is usually $5 unless otherwise indicated by the insructor.
FEES FOR TESTING
Green Belt $ 30.00
Brown Belt $ 45.00
Black Belt 1st Degree $100.00
Black Belt 2nd Degree $150.00
Black Belt 3rd Degree $200.00
Black Belt 4th Degree $250.00
Remember that these fees are mandated by the organization and pay for the fees necessary to certify the rank with Oshirokan.
Osu.
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