Metamora Martial Arts Newswire Archives

Thursday, June 28, 2007

June is almost over, so I'll be updating the Archives before we go to Florida.

Speaking of Florida, if you are competing and want some extra training, check the official US Open thread on the forums for updates.

I've added some pictures of the Old Settlers parade/demo on the Gallery. I'm pumped that we have over 750 pictures and well nearly 17,000 picture views! I've made a US Open gallery in case some of you want to upload pictures while in Florida. I also know some of you are holding pictures back, so PLEASE upload them ASAP if you wish!

EVERYBODY: Please check the forums for an announcement on the 2007 highlight video!

That's it for now. I think I'm forgetting something, so check back later tonight.

Tuesday, June 26, 2007

More has come to light on the passing of Chris Benoit and his family, and as I stated on the forums, I still stand by his in-ring career as a means of inspiration. Unfortunately, though, far more will remember his name as "that wrestler who killed his family and then himself."

The July schedule has been updated. Please take notice of cancelled classes due to the US Open, and for high schoolers, Undoo Renshuu and the Kuk Sool Won training seminar.

That's it for tonight's late update. I'm going to read a chapter from The Way of Kata and watch an episode of Scrubs before going to bed.

Monday, June 25, 2007

First of all, I wanted to remember Chris Benoit and his family, who were found dead tonight at their Atlanta home. Chris Benoit was a former World champion for World Wrestling Entertainment. You might wonder why I bring that up here. Well, it so happens to be that do words that explain Chris Benoit are passion and respect; both are important in the martial arts. I've witnessed Benoit wrestle on half a dozen occasions, and each time the crowd saw him wrestle, we understood his respect for professional wrestling by responding with a standing ovation showing our respect to him. If you're looking for a role model, I'd suggest admiring his drive and determination.

EDIT: Even though I'm a fan of his in-ring ability and will argue that all day long, I do not condone the actions of Chris Benoit that later came to light. It's a shame, but also a wake-up call.

Secondly, thank you to those who came out to the parade and demo on a rather crappy Saturday morning.

This week's class looks regular - 7-8:30 on Tues/Wed, followed by 6:30-8:30 kobudo at my house. Grade school schedules are MGS outside on Tues from 6-7, and RGS at the same time on Wed.

Thursday, June 21, 2007

First of all, a reminder to be in the MTHS parking lot at 9:15 AM this Saturday if you plan on participating in the parade/demo. Check the forums for discussion on that.

Adults who attend MGS: I've posted a topic in the Grade School forum on (tentative) new lesson plans.

I've updated the Wansu verbal interpretation. I've had too many people tell me the low block to hook punch was not in the interpretation when it is listed in the basic movements. I have a few new yellow belts and one or two with a stripe that are learning the interpretation, so I wanted to make sure everybody had the correct version.

The US Open is two weeks away - are you practicing? If you're competing, make sure to hit ALL of next week's classes. Get advice from every person you can on whatever it is you're competing in! Don't forget to practice at home, as well.

Interesting forum topics...

Old Settler's
Official US Open Discussion
Karate Camp 2007 - Discuss likes, dislikes, etc.
MGS Adults - new lesson plans
Ken Shamrock returns, upcoming UFC events, UFC vs. Pride, and more!

Wednesday, June 20, 2007 (Part Deux)

A video of Karate Camp 2007 has been added to the YouTube site. My mom asked me if I was going to make DVDs and I told her no. So if the demand is high, I will offer DVDs for a small price, otherwise I'll wait and release it on another DVD. I'd love to release a best of 2007 (more or less) DVD early next year with a lot of these clips/movies on it.

Wednesday, June 20, 2007

The upgrade went through - some file didn't upload that was supposed to. *shrug*

I wanted to say real quick that if I met you these last few days at Bradley and you're checking out the site for the first time, welcome! Even better, if you're a martial artist, join the forums and discuss whatever you want.

The smell of fuel, cigarettes, and excellent food is in the air, which can mean only one thing: the much-anticipated return of Old Settler's Days! I plan on being around up there all four days, but most importantly, I'm leading the charge for the parade this year! We'll meet no later than 9:15 in the high school parking lot, where we exit when the parade starts at 10. Bring trucks, bring your own candy to toss (none will be provided), make signs and posters and whatever else. After the parade, we will do a DEMO in the square as people arrive. I will also be leading the demo, so if you had ideas for something you wanted to do, think of them! I also have a forum discussion up, which I would highly recommend: here.

Saturday, June 16, 2007

I've done some small updating. I believe the upgrade went through yesterday, but it's still listed at 2.2.2 at the bottom. I had the same problem last time, so I'll give it a few days because...

I'll be spending the next several nights at Bradley for orientation. Any website problems/concerns will have to wait until Tuesday afternoon.

Friday, June 15, 2007

As a brief tech update, I've upgraded the forums to IPB 2.3 from 2.2.2. Invision put out a brand new updated this morning.

I was going to upload all the video from my camera to my computer today but the battery is dead. I want to make a Karate Camp 2007 highlight video to put on YouTube. As I was filming last night I was thinking of some cool things to do so I'll try it out. I will make every attempt to get it up before we leave for Florida.

There are now well over 700 pictures at the photo gallery, with over 15,000 views! That's incredible. I hope before the end of the summer we can reach 1,000 pictures. I saw a lot of pictures being taken last night so I hope parents will share.

Speaking of last night, what a way to end Karate Camp 2007! Congratulations to everybody who participated and thank you, thank you, thank you to the parents for their support. This could not have happened without you.

For those of you high school age and above, our Undoo Renshu will take place on Saturday, July 14, from 10-4. We will cover everything in our system, plus a bonus form. In the past, we've learned an XMA form, a Shotokan form, and in 2004 a tension form and even held a tournament.

Volunteers are needed Monday for the Hult Health Education seminar where 8 karate classes are taught. If you can make it there, please do.

Informational meetings regarding Florida will be held the following two Tuesdays after class.

Next week's schedule looks as follows...

Monday - Hult Health Education Center @ 9

Tuesday - MGS trains OUTSIDE @ 6; MTHS in wrestling room @ 7, open mat/US Open meeting @ 8:30

Wednesday - RGS trains @ 6; MTHS in wrestling room @ 7

Thursday - Kobudo at my house @ 6:30 (see forum topic for directions) with karate to follow at MTHS.

Tuesday, June 12, 2007

MAJOR NEWS: Our first open tournament has been officially announced! Mark your calendars now for Saturday, April 5, 2008. Click here to discuss.

Also, I've updated profile pictures on the high school roster. If you have a picture of yourself you would like to submit for the website, PLEASE e-mail it to me or upload it to MySpace or something. It's a hassle for me to find the time to take a picture of everybody; I usually forget to bring a camera anyway. If you would like to have a picture and there's no other way to get one other than me taking it, that's fine. A reminder, too, to submit a profile for yourself. Check the current section for examples.

How about karate camp? Three more intense nights left. Share your thoughts on Karate Camp 2007 here. The thread is old but (in this situation, anyway) it shouldn't stop us from discussing. What do you like about it? Is there anything specifically you want to do? These forums are a vast resource of knowledge, with its potential becoming even greater in the future. Use the forums to connect with your fellow karate-ka!!!

Parents - I've created a Karate Camp photo album at the Gallery. Feel free to upload pictures!

Monday, June 11, 2007

Hopefully everybody is re-energized from the weekend because Karate Camp starts TONIGHT! Kids - prepare for a heck of a week ahead in training, and assistants - study your materials so you're not just going through the motions. You can't phone in being a mentor.

I've updated the Events page (I thought I'd updated that long ago) and the Tournaments page. I've seen the gallery and I know Thomas isn't the only one competed, but he's the only one I have an official place on. So E-MAIL ME with results because I'll likely forget if you tell me.

Speaking of letting me know, I need to know if you were promoted on the stripe test last week. I don't have an official list yet, so make sure to drop a note saying if you were promoted.

I checked the Relay for Life webpage and saw that we raised $2400..awesome! We didn't quite make the goal (unless that doesn't include offline donations), but there's always next year and we still tried.

Saturday, June 9, 2007

Sorry for not putting the archive up and giving a June update before I left for TN. The rest of the site should have been up to date. They are up now, though.

Good luck to those competing at the Soo Kim tournament in Peoria. I had thought about going but I think I've decided I want to relax tomorrow after driving all day today. I've set up a photo album for anybody taking pictures of the event.

Karate camp is THIS COMING WEEK, June 10-14! I don't believe it's too late to sign up, but you better check with Mr. Chianakas.

Relay For Life pictures are up, thanks to Mrs. Deters. I like our shaven crew!

Hot topics on the forums...
Congrats to Relayers!
Black Belt Magazines are in (with Mr. C's article!)
Discuss what you learned at kobudo class

Can you believe it's only three weeks until we head down to the US Open in Orlando? I can't wait!