JULY 2011
Staying consistent during the summer months.
If there is interest for July and August we will have a morning class for children from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM on Tuesdays and then our continuing adult class from 11:00 AM to Noon.
Please see Kyoshi or Renshi Hughes to let us know if you are interested. Evening and Saturday classes will continue normally for the summer vacation months.
If you are planning a vacation, please remember to let us know prior to leaving and you may make up the missed classes before or after your mental health time. Send us a post card so we can share in your experience.
Training sessions are scheduled for July 8th & 9th at the Hughes’. This overnight training experience is only open to students being tested for Sho Dan and all current black belts. We will be setting up tents, etc. at 7 P.M. (unless otherwise instructed).
The Saturday sessions are open to ALL students and ALL students are encouraged to attend. THERE WILL BE NO SATURDAY CLASS JULY 9TH AT THE DOJO. Adults should arrive by 9 A.M. and children should arrive by 11:00 A.M. Organized classes and experiences will be conducted to help students learn different qualities about their karate training in fields, wooded areas, the Pequest River and much more. We will provide Friday snacks, Saturday breakfast, lunch, drinks, snacks, break nutrition and drinks and hot dogs and hamburgers for dinner. All cups, utensils, plates will be provided.
The demonstrations at the end and promotions should be a must see event this year starting at 3:30 P.M., which will be followed by dinner.
PLEASE PUT A TAG WITH YOUR NAME ON YOUR BOWL IF YOU WANT IT RETURNED AFTER THE COVER DISH DINNER.
Parents are welcome to come and watch any portion of the day. Lawn chairs are recommended for the family gathering at the end of the session
Please sign up with Kyoshi or Mrs. Hughes to bring a cover dish for the dinner. Please put a nametag on dishes you want returned so we may get them back to you quickly or take them before you leave.
The permission slip and fees must be returned by June 30th so we may plan the meals etc. for the two days.
Any food restrictions or allergies, please let us know.
What do you make? – Matt Dorsey
Sometimes, as martial arts school owners, we lose sight of the importance of what we do. I hope this short story helps put things in perspective for you.
A martial arts school owner and his wife were invited to a dinner party at a friend’s house. There were a few other couples attending. The husband of one of the other couples was the owner of a large manufacturing company that made parts for industrial equipment.
As the party progressed and the drinks flowed, the owner of the manufacturing company got more and more full of himself and started bragging about his company and his success. He talked about how many employees he had and how he had a vacation home and a boat. At one point, he looked over at the martial arts school owner and stated loudly, “I make over $250,000 per year. What do YOU make?”
The room became uncomfortably quiet. The school owner calmly replied, ” I make hundreds of people realize their potential in life. I make children who are shy and withdrawn more confident and outgoing. I make children who have attention and discipline issues more focused and enjoy better self-esteem. I make adults get in better shape and enjoy the confidence of knowing how to protect themselves. I make a huge positive difference in the lives of many individuals, our community and the world. That’s what I make!”
The owner of the manufacturing company slowly slinked away to another area of the party.
Success comes in many forms. As martial Arts instructors, we have the opportunity to make great changes in our students’ lives and make a substantial living at the same time. What could be better than that!
Mr. Dorsey is a sensei in Rochester, NY, whom I have known for many years. He conducts a quality program and relates some interesting ideas in his brief article. In today’s society many martial arts facilities are run to make a profit and support the instructor and his or her family. I do not believe that anyone wants to have a facility and not be able to generate the revenues needed to pay the bills. However, within the past decade or so, more schools are being opened and run with the intent of making money. The key words of motivating people, helping people to grow physically, mentally and emotionally and so forth are used, which are the corner stones of any martial art. Traditional dojos strive to emphasize the development of the individual through use of basic elements, kata (forms), kumite (sparring), kobudo (weapons) and elements involved in developing each area. Promotions are awarded in keeping with the philosophy of the sensei. Most recently the growing trend is MMA fighting because of the TV programs. No way is either right or wrong, just as no one style is better than other. Each sensei and student must understand his or her desire and what he or she wants to gain from the practice of an art – then choose the right school.
As a former high school teacher, athletic trainer, director of the Hackettstown sports programs, a current senior adjunct professor, and Isshin-ryu instructor, I have thought many times about what is the best way to have a dojo and teach Isshin-ryu Karate. Traditional Isshin-ryu Karate is taught in stages. Every student first learns basics (Kihon), and then the next step is to learn each of the eight hand forms (Kata). The next step learned at the same time is the application of each move (Bunkai), self-defense and sparring (Kumite). At junior purple belt or adult brown belt weapons training is started (Kobudo). My wife and I teach because of the love of the Isshin-ryu Karate, because of the positive influence we may have to help our students, children and adults, understand that there are no limitations to their abilities, and because each students is capable of attaining any level he or she wants to work toward.
A student must approach the study of the art with an open mind knowing the training will become a part of everything he or she does. The emotional, mental and physical developments will enhance school and work endeavors. Time dedicated to training in and out of the dojo will help to develop discipline and confidence, which will also enhance daily life. No two people learn the same way. Some skills will be learned easily and others will take a great deal of time, while frustration is conquered. As each plateau is overcome the student grows internally, intrinsically, knowing that life like karate is challenging at times. With each victory emotional growth and development helps to make future challenges manageable. As is evident, life and karate are tied together in many ways, helping the individual in countless ways.
