Metamora Martial Arts Awards

Below is a list of titles, awards, and accomplishments for members of the program, stemming from the tournament or from the past year.

Deshi - Apprentice, Disciple, "Younger Brother"

A "Deshi" (pronounced DAY-shee) is the transition from an assistant instructor to a full sensei. They are a person who is truly qualified to carry "the way" of our Shuri-ryu by displaying their dedication and willingness to pass on their knowledge. Read more!

November 25, 2006 - Adam Ulbricht
March 31, 2008 - Amanda Dixon

Joshu - Assistant Instructor

A "Joshu" (pronounced JO-shu) is the first step for an instructor. Literally translated to "assistant instructor", a Joshu is a black belt instructor of Metamora Martial Arts. In order to become a Joshu a student must have successfully completed the black belt test (minimum first degree) and show a true passion to continue teaching and helping other students.

December 2004 - Adam Ulbricht
January 2005 - Jason Szewczyk
August 2005 - Amanda Dixon (Pictures)
August 2005 - Jessica Duffy
July 2006 - Thomas Deters
August 2006 - Neil Kirchoefer
September 2, 2006 - Aaron Ruder
October 22, 2006 - Adam Bockler (Pictures)
December 27, 2006 - Justin Knobeloch (Pictures)

Sempai - Senior Under-Black Student

The sempai (pronounced SEM-pie) is the senior student under black belt, and should be addressed as such. A student holds this award until becoming a black belt, when they should be addressed as joshu.

December 18, 2003 - Adam Ulbricht
December 18, 2004 - Jason Szewczyk
August 2005 - Neil Kirchoefer
September 2, 2006 - Adam Bockler
October 22, 2006 - Justin Knobeloch
December 27, 2006 - Daisy Breitbarth

Bushi-Do Award - The Way of the Warrior

Several students are usually up for this award, which is given for outstanding dedication to the program. Something is special about the individuals who earn this award.

2002 - Adam Ulbricht
2003 - Jason Szewczyk
2004 - Amanda Dixon
2005 - Aaron Ruder
2006 - Adam Bockler
2007 - Thomas Deters

Grand Champion - Sparring

The Grand Champion wins his or her division and through a single-elimination tournament goes through the winners of every other division.

2002 - Adam Ulbricht
2003 - Megun Siefken
2004 - Jason Szewczyk
2005 - Daisy Breitbarth
2006 - Mark Craig (High School) and Jim Craig (Grade School)

Best Competitor - Forms

The best forms competitor simply displays the best form at our tournament.

2002 - Derek McAllister, Joe Maubach, and Julia Hovey
2003 - Jason Szewczyk, Jessica Duffy, and Joe Maubach
2004 - Adam Ulbricht and Thomas Deters
2005 - Thomas Deters and Ted Gove
2006 - Daisy Breitbarth

Best Competitor - Overall

The Best Overall Competitor is one who competes in a variety of events and places well in them.

2003 - Matt Katch
2004 - Jason Szewczyk
2005 - Daisy Breitbarth
2006 - Daisy Breithbarth (High School) and Jim Craig (Grade School)

Most Improved Student

The most improved student shows a signifcant increase in dedication and performance during the past year.

2002 - Amanda Dixon
2003 - Aaron Ruder
2004 - Daisy Breitbarth & Thomas Deters
2005 - Adam Bockler
2006 - Mark Craig (High School) and Alex Schertz (Grade School)
2007 - Tiffany Robertson

Most Improved Beginner Student

This white belt has come the farthest in improving themself since they began.

2005 - Tony Herr
2006 - Andy "Beans" Seidel
2007 - Bianca Kamm

Most Dedicated Beginner Student

This white belt receives the award for how much dedication and passion early on in their martial arts career.

2006 - Clay Blum & Roger Crow
2007 - Trinidad Marin & Adair Rodriguez

Best Assistant Instructor

These students are voted by their peers as the best assistant instructor. They are under black belt.

2004 - Amanda Dixon
2005 - Adam Bockler
2006 - Daisy Breitbarth
2007 - Clay Blum

Best Black Belt Instructor

2005 was the first time this award could be given, with four black belts to choose from. Like the previous award, this is also voted upon by the students.

2005 - Amanda Dixon
2006 - Adam Ulbricht
2007 - Adam Bockler

Dragon

This student shows the most spirit and enthusiasm in the program.

2005 - Adam Ulbricht
2006 - Thomas Deters
2007 - Tony Herr

Snake

This is the student who fits in anywhere. This person helps teach and learn with all students. He or she is always happy, has no enemies, and really clicks with everyone in the program.

2005 - Amanda Dixon
2006 - Tony Herr
2007 - Amanda Dixon (dan) and Meaghan Gove (kyu)

Crane

This martial artist is the strongest. The Crane is humble, but when forced to attack, does so swiftly and aggressively.

2005 - David Bess
2006 - Adam Bockler
2007 - Adam Ulbricht (dan) and Brandon Sassaman (kyu)

Leopard

This student makes the most balance of life. He or she manages to make the most balance out of the activities they are involved with and with life in general.

2005 - Ted Gove
2006 - Justin Knobeloch
2007 - Thomas Deters (dan) and Maggie Fandel (kyu)

Tiger

The Tiger has the strength of Fire. Fire is like a bomb; it explodes on an opponent without hesitation. It is also intimidating, putting fear into the opponent. Nobody should mess with the Tiger because it is the person you would want defending you on the street.

2005 - Daisy Breitbarth
2006 - Daisy Breitbarth
2007 - Adam Bockler (dan) and Mark Craig (kyu)

"Black Belt" Parents

This award was given to parents who devoted an exceptional amount of time to the program. We thank them for their contributions for demos, tournaments, and everything else they do to keep the program running smoothly.

2004 - Jim & Denise Deters, Tena Ulbricht, Marjorie Dixon, Janet Duffy, and Jacki Groth

2006 - Jim & Denise Deters, Jim & Kathy Herr, Dawn Bryning, Michelle Hayden, Kourtney Walker, Christy Smith, Tracy Arnold, Corina Smith, Ellen Breitbarth, Missy Eglin, Holly Lynn, Angela Odum, Sheryl Robertson, Nancy Martin, Lynn Craig, Theresa Kells, Bob & Brenda Schertz, John & Peggy Bockler, Kirsten Love, Karen Bell, and Susan Robertson

Best XMA Music

This award was given to the person with the best mix CD to listen to while doing XMA.

2004 - Jason Szewczyk