Metamora Martial Arts - June 2008 Archives

Sunday, June 29, 2008 10:20 PM

Does anybody know any local musicians? It didn't take me long to realize that mixing different beats in GarageBand doesn't sound all that great. Of the multimedia aspects I dabble with, music isn't one of my strong suits. I'm looking for original music donated from local musicians for the new Yellow Belt Requirements DVD I plan on releasing later this summer. Check the topic below. Currently I already have an offer from one band for stuff they've already done or brand new, original music for this production. PLEASE contact anybody you can to see if we can make this work. Ideally I'm looking for songs that don't have any vocals, or non-sung parts that are good for instructional DVDs.

Saturday, June 28, 2008 4:57 PM

Check out some of these topics...

Judo matches from Thursday night
Adults: let's do some judo for the rest of the summer
Yellow Belt Requirements DVD coming later this summer/fall

Thursday, June 26, 2008 11:43 PM

It is a late-night edition of the Newswire! First of all, it's been an intense week. Tuesday kicked off big with Undoo Resnhu, where we learned an exclusive black belt kata called Shudo-so. I did not know until tonight it is in the Pinnacle. For those who don't have a copy of the book, it is in the MTHS library so remember that when school starts back up again. In the final portion, Mr. C handed out stripes to those who had stayed the entire time. Adair Rodriguez was named to have worked the hardest, with honorable mentions to Maggie Fandel and Mr. David Weiss. Not to say Undoo was not difficult this year, but I think last year's was definitely the hardest one yet and definitely the one that most represented a black belt test. Due to studying and injuries, I wasn't able to show up till 5 and missed out on what looked like the hardest part. But a few people did get sick and that hasn't happened before, to my knowledge.

While you you guys had last night off, the black belts went to Mr. Hawkey's and opened up with Shudo-so before working a ton of different applications of Wansu. For those of you who thought you escaped Wansu once moving to green, think again. Honestly it was similar to starting all over again in a sense. I can say that I've been comfortable teaching Wansu interpretation after doing it a number of times, but last night's training opened a whole new arena of new opportunities. From the sounds of it, we will continue this type of training throughout the summer. Next week I will be doing some filming at Mr. Hawkey's for a few reasons that I'll discuss later.

And tonight was a very fun class - judo! For some of you, this was your first big introduction. I love doing judo and it would probably be the only other martial art I would consider devoting my time to. I'm toying with an idea to do several minutes of grappling with my adult class every time we meet since we don't get to use mats at the grade schools.

As far as forum involvement goes, I have written about an update to the Shop andMr. C has posted an update on the canoe trip. We talked last night and will definitely be shooting footage for the new yellow belt requirement DVD to be released in conjunction with the new batch of martial artists from the area.

Reminder: Next week we have no class because Mr. C will be out of town. Black belts are still invited to Mr. Hawkey's, but it sounds like it will be a small group. The week afer that, we will have a cookout on July 8 for grade school families.

Saturday, June 21, 2008 4:43 PM

Well my voice is about shot from TNA last night and this morning...I'm surprised I was able to survive the demo in the park. We ended up having an AWESOME turnout for the parade and demo, getting about 15 karateka out in front of a crowd of roughly 50! I saw a lot of you shooting pictures and video, so please upload your pictures to the Gallery and ask me about getting your video online if you want! I'll try to find some time to upload the pictures my mom took. If this is your first visit to the website, welcome and we hope you enjoy yourself!

Friday, June 20, 2008 5:43 PM

One final push for everybody who can to attend the Old Settlers parade and demo tomorrow. We will be doing a hybrid between a class and a demo. Meet at 9:15 in the parking lot, and NO LATER than 9:30. If you're late, I'd suggest setting your alarms a bit early. Mr. C can't come, so I'm leading our group in the parade once again tomorrow. If you need to contact me tonight, the best way is by text since I'll be seeing Total Nonstop Action LIVE in Bloomington, tonight - if you call, I doubt I'll hear/feel it!

Also, don't forget Undoo Renshu on Tuesday. If you're like me, the 24th is coming way too quickly. So remember it is on Tuesday starting at 4.

A complete schedule/itinerary of both events is on the forums.

Two more notes. First, Elizabeth has lost her gi pants. Let her know if you find them. And, Century is apparently no longer a part of the company who was sending us commission for buying through the site. Therefore, Century links have been removed (or will be when I get home) and I want to encourage everybody to purchase their karate merch through Karate Depot!

Tuesday, June 17, 2008 3:44 PM

Head on over the forums for new information on Undoo Renshu, which is coming up a week from today! The topic link I posted below has new information in it.

Also, check the Schedule & Events section for some new stuff there. Information has been updated on that page.

I upgrade the Arcade last night, too. It's got a new look to it so check it out.

Friday, June 13, 2008 5:35 PM

It's been a fun week back at karate this week. We have a good amount of grade schoolers present, and then it doesn't stop when the advanced class takes over afterwards. It's also nice seeing some of the faces we have had in the grade schools for a few years finally be a part of the high school program. Kobudo has been pretty sweet, too, with a lot of us jumping in and trying out the sai. In Master's class, Justin, Mr. C, Thomas, and I went to Mr. Hawkey's home in Sparland and covered lethality, talking about how we need to respond with how our attacker is trying to communicate.

It's urgent that if you're here next Saturday, please come with me and do the Old Settlers parade, followed by a demo in the park. Check out all the info here and make a reply, please!

If you're coming with us to Missouri in August, make sure you hand in the deposit and sign your waiver (if you need to). All the info is in the topic.

Remember to bring a full gi, or at least pants and an MMA t-shirt with you on Tuesday. Last night Mr. Chianakas told us he's writing an article for a martial arts business magazine, and I snapped a bunch of pictures last night and intend to do the same on Tuesday.

Speaking of magazines, tell your story for Black Belt Magazine! Mr. Chianakas has written out details in the thread.

And finally, get ready for Undoo Renshu 2008! I believe the order for t-shirts is being made soon (if not already) so make sure to let Mr. C know and to bring your money that night to get a shirt. In fact, the shirts are CUTOFFS this year, which made me ultra pumped!

Monday, June 9, 2008 7:57 PM

Read Mr. C's latest Black Belt Magazine column... Patience, Grasshopper. You're Not a Master - Yet [2.5 MB]

Sunday, June 8, 2008 4:05 PM

The Metamora Martial Arts teams raised over $2000 for Relay for Life! I wasn't able to stay the entire night but had a lot of fun while I was there. Thanks to Alex Pompa who shot footage with my camera during the demo! Please make sure to upload your pictures since we already have over 30 up thanks to Mrs. Deters.

Speaking of footage, I've wrapped up the second semester 07-08 highlight video, complete with footage from almost every activity we've done since January. There is a teaser video for it on YouTube. Also while checking footage from that time period, I decided to upload our basketball halftime demo, which was shot by Amanda Wenzel. Remember the 2007 holiday party DVD is still available by making a $10 donation to me. I'll be bringing them to class this week.

Updated posts for summer schedules were made to both high school and grade school schedules. High schoolers and above - MAKE SURE your kobudo equipment is in your bags. If it is seen being used anywhere outside of the direct supervision of Mr. C or Mr. Hawkey, the kobudo program will likely not continue.

Thursday, June 5, 2008 7:43 PM

We are less than a day away from Relay For Life, which starts at noon tomorrow. Check the forums for all the information you need.

Nothing else really is new because we haven't had karate for the last two weeks. Remember that grade school class starts up again Tuesday night at MTHS at 6, followed by high school/grads for the rest of the time.

Sunday, June 1, 2008

May archives up are and the June 2008 schedule has been modified (it's taken a few hits since it was originally made). Folks, Relay for Life is right around the corner (Friday), so make sure to hit your last donation efforts and turn your money in. I've got the links below that I posted a few days ago...

Relay for Life is this Friday!
Holiday Party DVD donations being accepted
Grade school announcements 5/27
Grade school summer cookout?
High school announcements 5/27
High school kobudo classes
Undoo Renshu 2008
Old Settlers parade June 21
Let your voice be heard in Black Belt Mag!