Eureka College student Tony Herr says one of his favorite memories of Metamora Martial Arts is playing ninja ball. He also cites that being the under-black belt sparring champion for two years in a row at our once-annual tournament was memorable for him.

His favorite sparring partner? None other than Mark Craig. “My favorite grappling partner was Sassy (Brandon Sassaman),” Tony said. “He was always a challenge.”

Though having been removed from the program for several years, Tony still thinks back to some advice Mr. Chianakas said that he picked up from another wise sage.

“The piece of advice I still think about is Mr. C. telling me, ‘Do or do not. There is no try,” he said. “I would never be assertive and always avoid straight answers.”

If you’re a Metamora Martial Arts alumni, leave a comment or contact Adam in order to be featured on our website.

Our next stripe test will take place in the weeks before Spring Break, which is the first week of April.

I will review blue belts and below on Thursday, March 22. Purple belts and above should be at that class to practice along with the group or to review material in their own groups. The following Thursday, March 29, I will review purple belts and above.

I want to break this down because the amount of material expected for purple belts and above is considerably more than blue belts and below.

Attendance requirements for promotion

• White and yellow belts are expected to attend every basic class.
• Green belts, blue belts and purple belts must attend every basic class, plus one advanced class with Mr. Hawkey per month.
• Brown belts and above must attend every basic class, plus two advanced classes with Mr. Hawkey per month.
• If you are on the PE waiver, you must be attending each conditioning class.

If there is an issue with these requirements, please email me at adam[at]metamoramartialarts.com.

Physical requirements for promotion

• White belts – Tai Kyoku Kumi, Ippons #1-2, Taezu #1
• Yellow belts – Wansu, Tai Kyoku Kumi, Ippons #1-4, Taezus #1-2
• Green belts – Anaku, Wansu, Tai Kyoku Kumi, Ippons #1-6, Taezus #1-4
• Blue belts – Naihanchi Sho, Anaku, Wansu, Tai Kyoku Kumi, Ippons #1-8, Taezus #1-6
• Purple belts – Empi Sho, Sanchin (2nd and 3rd stripe only), Naihanchi Sho, Anaku, Wansu, Tai Kyoku Kumi, Ippons #1-10, Taezus #1-8, Kihons (#1-3 for 1st stripe, #1-6 for 2nd stripe, #1-10 for 3rd stripe)
• Brown belts – Bassai Dai, Empi Sho, Sanchin, Naihanchi Sho, Anaku, Wansu, Tai Kyoku Kumi, Ippons #1-12, Taezus #1-10
• Red belts – Go Pei Sho, Bassai Dai, Empi Sho, Sanchin, Naihanchi Sho, Anaku, Wansu, Tai Kyoku Kumi, Ippons #1-15, Taezus #1-10, Kihons #1-10
• Red/black belts – Dan Enn Sho, Go Pei Sho, Bassai Dai, Empi Sho, Sanchin, Naihanchi Sho, Anaku, Wansu, Tai Kyoku Kumi, Ippons #1-15, Taezus #1-10, Kihons #1-10

As a note, students who are blue belts and below with zero stripes should be working wazas (ippons and taezus) from kiba dachi. If you have two stripes, you should be working in two directions. If you have three stripes, you should be working in four directions.

Students who are purple belts and higher with zero stripes should be working wazas (ippons, taezus, kihons) to two directions. If you have two stripes, four directions. Three stripes, eight directions. This is a change. It has been only brown belts and higher working 8-direction wazas, but I want to start that process earlier if we’re going to test this way.

The first respondent was Mr. Larry Stephens. Mr. Stephens was with our program for several years. I’m not exactly certain of the dates, but I want to say he was with us from roughly 2004-2008 – sir, please correct me if I’m mistaken. A sparring expert with a background in tae kwon do and the Filipino arts, Mr. Stephens a tremendous asset to our program. He taught many sparring classes alongside Mr. Brian Beaver, and also was the chief instructor at Riverview Grade School for several years.

“Ten years, huh? Wow,” Mr. Stephens replied.

“Huge congrats for the program and most of all for and toward Joe (Mister C) who brought this to life. Though my time with MMA was short, the memories will last a lifetime.  More importantly, so will the lessons I myself learned, such as…

• The time Mister C made the anouncement to myself and a few others that Sunnyland was going to be closed and Metamora Martial Arts was to become a not-for-profit venture for the sake of the Art and the many students coming through the Metamora School System. At the time, his announcement struck a raw nerve in my heavily-capitalized frontal cortex. However, I went along with it in the hope of learning new styles and becoming part of another martial arts community in this country…and came out of that program with some very powerful lessons that I carry to this day.
• We instructors have a responsibility to give back to future generations all (and more) that we can, all the time.
• Give back to those who need it, not necessarily those who can afford it.
• Change lives for the better.
• Never stop seeking out knowledge and personal growth.
• Strive to find harmony in mind, body and spirit.

I mentioned Mr. Beaver earlier, another pivotal figure in Metamora Martial Arts history. Mr. Beaver, another TKD expert, exposed many students to an art other than karate for the first time. In 2004, he began offering tae kwon do classes at the Sunnyland dojo and would continue to do so until we parted ways in 2005. He has since opened his own dojo in Bradford, Kyumson Martial Arts Academy. Mr. Beaver hosted a tournament a group of us attended in the summer of 2010.

Mr. Stephens, too, is thankful for Mr. Beaver’s contributions to our program.

“Master Brian Beaver was placed in my path and opened so many doors for me personally. Besides the gift of shattering concrete, Master Beaver helped me take the steps I needed to take spiritually, and continues to walk with me to this day, though we are separated by over 600 miles. That man is my closest friend and I am honored and very fortunate to have met him. Kyumson Martial Arts of Pittsburgh owes much to thank Master Beaver.”

I asked Mr. Stephens about his martial arts school in Pittsburgh. I never would have dreamed the response I received.

“Most of our teens come from the Juvenile probate system in Butler county of PA, meaning that most are … troubled. Drugs, abusive parents, homeless, the list of ills seems endless at times. We work through those issues by keeping fast to the Arts and holding these kids accountable.

 

One young lady, who was known as a ‘garbage pail’ because she took anything and everything she could lay her hands on to get stoned, was in her fourth week working with us, and had been clean for that long. Before one Saturday morning class, I arrived early and saw her smoking outside. We talked a bit and I didn’t say much about the smoking. She then went through 90 minutes of hard-core kicking drills and step-running that left her in a puking, sweaty state of disrepair and despair. I collected her to walk her back to the juvenile center. She wouldn’t look at me and her answers to my (often annoying) questions were monosyllabic. I had a pretty fair idea of what was going on in her head, so I threw out this gem: ‘Did you know I actually smoked cat litter once?’

 

She looked at me with eyes wide. ‘No way.’ And then I told her about it, a brief interlude into my sordid past, which she connected with right away. That was two years ago and she is now a bright-eyed beautiful lady working her way through community college and holding a red belt. I often think that my words on that day were divinely inspired — no way I could have come up with that by myself. It’s part and parcel to what I said about giving back.  We have to live it, work with it, commiserate, be compassionate, most of all be humble and care.

 

That’s the kind of stuff we do here, Adam, and the roots for this…ministry… evolved from what Mister C began and what Master Beaver inspired. We change lives, by the grace of God. And if that’s not cool enough, I’m absolutely positive that we’re not the only ones inspired by what Mister C began.”

Finally, Mr. Stephens reflected back on those he helped during his time with Metamora Martial Arts.

“And then there are all of you students who have moved on to seek out their life’s calling. What you have given back to me personally is incalculable, and I pray that we have given you at least a smattering of values to carry with you throughout your lives.  I’ll remember the names and students long after I’m done with my martial arts career: Amanda, Daisy, Jessica, Jason, Adam 1-eye and Adam Bocklermania, Joe M., Matt Katch, just to name a few.

Blessings to all of you and blessings to Metamora Martial Arts. Keep the faith and keep the fire.”

Metamora Martial Arts is 10 years old this month! I’m happy to say I’ve been a part of the program for more than eight of those years. In that time, I’ve been with us as we welcomed a blue Power Ranger, performed kata in the Atlantic Ocean at Cocoa Beach, opened three satellite programs, presented seminars and demonstrations for hundreds of people in the Peoria area, and trained dozens and dozens of students.

Thank you to everyone who has bowed with us over the past 10 years. Here’s to 10 more!

For more milestones, check out February’s “This Month in History” post.

10th anniversary party

To celebrate our 10^th anniversary party, we’re throwing a potluck dinner on Saturday, February 25, from 5-8 p.m. in the study hall room at MTHS. Current students, their parents, as well as MMA alumni are welcome to attend. Please bring a dish.

Wish us a happy anniversary!

In late January, I reached out to more than two dozen Metamora Martial Arts alumni. I’ll be posting their responses on our blog as I receive them.

If you would like to wish Metamora Martial Arts a happy birthday, please email me at adam[at]metamoramartialarts[dot]com for how you can get involved.

Upcoming competitions

We’re going to competing in a few tournaments this spring, and I’d love to take a big group with us to any of the following events. The Supreme Way Challenge, hosted by Kosho Kai Karate, is Saturday, March 10, in Pekin. On Saturday, March 17, Auvenshine’s School of Taekwondo hosts their 13^th annual tournament in Springfield. Entry for one event is $40 for each tournament, plus another $5 for each additional event.

In May, I’d like to attend a tournament hosted by Morrow’s Academy of Martial Arts. I’m unsure of a date, but Morrow’s tournament is another reasonably priced event located in Moline. When I receive more information, I’ll post it on our website.

We’ve done well at both tournaments before. I’ve found that our students enjoy connecting with students of other arts.

Competitions are by no means a requirement for promotion, but exposure to other martial arts help provide a better understanding of the art we study.

Instructors meeting

Basic and advanced class will be canceled on Thursday, Feb. 16. The instructors are working on updating our curriculum and policies. We’ll be taking that day to meet and start setting some standards.

Metamora Martial Arts instructors have been notified via email of the time and location of this meeting. Please check your email. If you did not receive one, please contact Adam.

Quote of the month

There is no single point that marks the completion of karate training; there is always a higher level. For this reason practitioners should continue training throughout their life. –Gichin Funakoshi, “The Twenty Guiding Principles of Karate“

Funakoshi is referred to as the “father of modern karate.” He is credited as having introduced Okinawan karate to Japan and he founded Shotokan karate.

I thought his words were fitting for our anniversary. Sure, we’ve been doing this 10 years, but we’re still working to achieve more goals. I’m confident in my abilities, but I recognize where I need work. We all might think Mr. Hawkey has all the answers – and he does have a lot – but I’ve seen him hesitate and really think through movements and applications before. My tai chi chuan instructor, who’s been in the martial arts 40+ years, will still tell you areas where he believes he needs improvement.

The point is, the martial arts is a lifetime pursuit. We’ve only just scratched the surface.

-Adam Bockler

Mr. and Mrs. Bill and Patty Auvenshine host their 13th Annual Martial Arts Tournament at Lincoln Land Community College in Springfield, Ill., on Saturday, March 17, 2012.

Events include Forms, Sparring and Grappling. Grand champions will be awarded in junior and adult black belt forms divisions. Please note the the Sparring event is Olympic-style, meaning there will be two rounds of continuous sparring with 30 seconds of rest in between the rounds.

The cost is $40 for one event, plus $5 for each additional event. Spectators ages 12+ must pay $3, 6-11 $2, and ages 5 and under get in free.

Unlike many tournaments, this event includes electronic scoring and matted rings.

For a complete breakdown of rules, see the Auvenshine’s tournament package.

Metamora Martial Arts has competed in the Auvenshine’s tournament several times – first in 2007, then again in 2010 (Jake Potter and I both took 2nd place in our Forms divisions) and 2011.

Registration begins at 9 a.m. and the tournament begins at 11.

As you’ll see, the tournament organizers require the following safety equipment: Foam headgear, hand pads, foot pads, mouth guard and groin cup for male competitors.

The tournament is hosted by Frank and Patricia Fink of Kosho Kai Karate in Pekin. For more information, I’ll include the tournament flyer, registration form and rules summary.

The Finks can be contacted via email or at 309-353-8639.

The last time Metamora Martial Arts competed in the Supreme Way Challenge was 2007.

For one, visualizing helps us see what we’re doing. When we’re performing a kata, we’re not just throwing our arms and legs wildly into the air. In our minds, our intent should be to picture attackers in our mind who intend to hurt us. It is our responsibility to make sure that does not happen. We shouldn’t just memorize a series of movements.

Secondly, visualizing helps us see where we are going. This is how we make it through the form. Think to yourself if you’ve ever been doing a form, had a brainfart, and forgot where you were in the movements. There’s a good chance you thought to yourself, “This isn’t the right place for me to be in. I know where I need to be for my next movement, and this isn’t going to help me get there.”

In some respects, we should be exhausted after performing a kata because, in our minds, we have just eliminated several attackers that wanted to cause us harm. We’ve fought a handful of attackers in a matter of 45 seconds.

I was inspired to write this post today after an article I read at YMAA. Yang’s Martial Arts Association has been around since the 1980s, and YMAA is a leading publisher in the martial arts industry. The article caught my eye because it focused on tai chi chuan, an art I’ve practiced now for a year and a half. But even though karate and tai chi chuan come from different traditions, the methods of visualization the two use are very similar:

“Even when you can do the form very well, it may still be dead. To make it come alive you must develop a sense of enemy. When practicing the solo sequence, you must imagine there is an enemy in front of you, and you must clearly feel his movements and his interaction with you. Your ability to visualize realistically will be greatly aided if you practice the techniques with a partner. There are times when you will not use visualizations, but every time you do the sequence your movement must be flavored with this knowledge of how you interact with an opponent. The more you practice with this imaginary enemy before you, the more realistic and useful your practice will be. If you practice with a very vivid sense of enemy, you will learn to apply your qi and jin (power) naturally, and your whole spirit will melt into the sequence. This is not unlike performing music. If one musician just plays the music and the other plays it with his whole heart and mind, the two performances are as different as night and day. In one case the music is dead, while in the other it is alive and touches us.” –Dr. Yang as quoted by David Silver, Yang Tai Chi for Beginners, Jan. 30, 2012

This is the first in a series of new monthly newsletters to update students, families and friends of the program what we’re up to. This month’s newsletter will be longer than most due to the amount of material that I feel needs to be addressed as we start another year (our tenth!). While you’ll only receive one newsletter each month, you’ll receive periodic emails relating to policies (see below), events and more.

This month’s edition serves as a guide as to who we are and where we’re headed in 2012. In the future, I’ll try to write more columns or opinion pieces as opposed to housekeeping items.

Who we are

Since we’ve only sent out less than a handful of emails between the end of 2010 and now, I wanted to reintroduce Metamora Martial Arts.

We are an after-school karate program that is free for high school students and available at a minimal cost for all other students. In addition to Metamora High School, our grade school locations are in Germantown (GHMS) and Spring Bay (Riverview). Because we are not a full-time business, you’ll never have to deal with the hassle of contracts. We just want to provide a fun environment in which students can learn self-defense moves safely.

Joe Chianakas founded the program in 2002. Mr. C is a former English teacher who now teaches communication classes full-time at Illinois Central College.

I’m Adam Bockler, a second-degree black belt. I’ve been involved with the program since 2003, teaching the 3:30-4:30 class on Thursdays for the past semester. I’ll be the one writing these newsletters and I’m available for any and all questions or answers at the email address with which I’m sending this message. Please don’t hesitate to email. It is the best way to get in contact with me.

As you may have noticed, we’ve undergone some structural changes this semester, though we have regrouped and each instructor has added responsibilities with the hope that we’ll all be able to maximize our efforts for the program. Mr. Chianakas will be discussing these plans with his instructors soon as we move forward.

If you or your child is not active in the program anymore and you don’t wish to receive these emails, there is a link near the end of this email giving you the option to opt out.

Our class schedule can be viewed on our website: http://metamoramartialarts.com/blog/classes

Review of policies

As of now, Mr. Chianakas and the rest of the instructors are still finalizing policies for students earning a PE waiver, how promotions will be handled, and what we’ll do about student absences. Hard copies will be sent home with students. It’s likely we’ll send out a newsletter and announce it online.

Program goals

The most important thing students can do is review what they’ve learned in class at home. We make mention that students can achieve their black belt by the time they’re seniors, but that only comes with lots of practice outside of class. We can teach the material, but it is up to the student to keep reviewing to make sure the information is still remembered. Please make sure you or your student is putting in a good amount of training at home.

Our goal as a martial arts program is to attend more tournaments this year. I know of at least two this spring that are great – one in Springfield and one in Moline. Tournaments run anywhere from about $40 to $70, after all fees (and gas) are paid for. Please start saving now! We’ll get you and your student ready for these. Tournaments are lots of fun and a great way to see what other martial artists are doing. As you head for black belt, it’s important to know what else is out there. I will be doing research and posting any information I receive on our Facebook page and our website.

We’re also going to do more social gatherings. If you have an idea, please let us know. Many of you may watch the UFC, so we could try to head to a restaurant that’s airing a pay-per-view event. I’m not sure of any martial arts-related movies coming out in 2012, but I’m sure there are several. Please keep your eyes peeled and let us know what you’d like to do.

Finally, in May, I’d like to do two things – group pictures and an awards ceremony/potluck. More details will come on dates and such, but I want to make sure these happen. They’ll probably be on Thursdays toward the end of May.

Advanced belt stripe review Jan. 12

On Thursday, Jan. 12, Mr. Chianakas will be testing purple, brown and red belts at MTHS. Before we went on break, I had tested blue and under and promised you all that Mr. C would make a class to test you. This is your chance. Please be ready. If you feel you are missing something, please make sure you are at all classes prior to make sure you can talk with an instructor about what you need. You’ll be reviewing until then.

Help Metamora Martial Arts turn 10!

Our 10-year anniversary is this February. As such, I’m looking for all former and inactive members of the program to reach out to me by replying to this message with a valid email address.

More details will be announced in the coming weeks.

Like us and follow us

Like Metamora Martial Arts on Facebook – http://facebook.com/metamoramartialarts

Follow us on Twitter @metamorama.

Find us on YouTube – http://youtube.com/metamoramartialarts

We have different content on all of our social networks. Please make sure to check us out!

Quote of the month

“Sometimes, you just can’t hold back the river.” -Paulo Coelho

To celebrate winter break, I delved into The Alchemist, a book Mr. C bought for his martial artists several years ago. I found it a great read at this stage in my life, having just graduated and with a full-time job ahead of me. Not only was this quote inspiring to me personally, but I really think it’s fitting as Metamora Martial Arts heads into 2012.

Extreme Martial Arts (XMA) is officially launched as part of the Metamora Martial Arts curriculum.

2005

January 25 – Our satellite program at Metamora Grade School is launched for the first time. The program would last until May 2009.

January 28 – Metamora Martial Arts performed its first MTHS varsity basketball halftime demonstration.

2006

January 31 – Metamora Martial Arts performed MTHS basketball halftime performances for both the sophomore and varsity teams.

2007

January 12 – Like the two years prior, martial artists performed at halftime of an MTHS varsity basketball game.

January 27 – Metamora Martial Arts attended the Auvenshines’ open tournament in Auburn, Illinois.

8th Annual Auvenshine’s Taekwondo Martial Arts Tournament
Auburn Jr. High School – Auburn, IL

Stephen Arnold
1st place Forms
2nd place Weapons

Brock Blessman
1st place Forms
3rd place Sparring
4th place Weapons

Clay Blum
1st place Forms
2nd place Grappling
3rd place Sparring
Clay was forced to forfeit the match due to injury.

Adam Bockler
Competed, but did not place, in Forms

Daisy Breitbarth
1st place Forms
1st place Grappling
1st place Sparring
1st place Weapons

Joe Chianakas
1st place Forms
Adult Forms Grand Champion

Jim Craig
2nd place Forms
1st place Weapons

Mark Craig
1st place Forms
1st place Sparring
Jim and Mark competed in the same Forms division.

Carly Crabtree
1st place Forms
1st place Sparring

Roger Crow
1st place Forms
1st place Sparring

Jake Folger
4th place Forms
Jake also competed in Grappling.

Meaghan Gove
4th place Forms
3rd place Sparring

Tyler Prunty
1st place Forms
3rd place Weapons

Cliff Rummel
1st place Grappling
2nd place Sparring

Brandon Sassaman
2nd place Forms
2nd place Grappling
2nd place Sparring

Alex Schertz
1st place Forms
1st place Weapons
Alex was also in Tyler and Brock’s Weapons division.

Courtney Yeast
1st place Forms
Courtney and Meaghan were in the same Forms division.

Metamora Martial Arts put on its first-ever holiday tournament.

Grand Champion (Sparring) – Adam Ulbricht
Best Competitor (Forms) Derek McAllister, Joe Maubach, and Julia Hovey

2003

Metamora Martial Arts hosts its 2nd Annual Holiday Tournament. The tournament was an inner-school event.

Grand Champion (Sparring) – Megan Siefken
Best Competitor (Forms) – Jason Szewczyk, Jessica Duffy, and Joe Maubach
Best Competitor (Overall) – Matt Katch

Extreme Kumi-Taku Martial Arts opens in Sunnyland. The school hosted various events, including Undoo Renshu, XMA founder Mike Chat, and a host of classes in addition to after-school classes at MTHS.

Mr. Chianakas introduces Xtreme Martial Arts (XMA) for the first time over winter break.

2004

Dec. 4 – The 3rd Annual Metamora Martial Arts Holiday Tournament takes place.

Grand Champion (Sparring) – Jason Szewczyk
Best Competitor (Forms) – Adam Ulbricht and Thomas Deters
Best Competitor (Overall) – Jason Szewczyk

At our holiday party, Adam Ulbricht is officially promoted to first-degree black belt.

2005

2005 Metamora Martial Arts

Dec. 10 – For the first time ever, all programs were in one building at the 4th Annual Metamora Martial Arts Holiday Tournament. Still not an open tournament, we had many more divisions with the inclusion of the grade school students and adults.

Grand Champion (Sparring) – Daisy Breitbarth
Best Competitor (Forms) – Thomas Deters and Ted Gove
Best Competitor (Overall) – Daisy Breitbarth

At our holiday party, Mr. Chianakas and Mr. Hawkey announced several award winners.

Bushi-do – Aaron Ruder
Most Improved Student and Best Assistant Instructor – Adam Bockler

Also, for the first time in 2005, Metamora Martial Arts introduced new categories.

Best Black Belt Instructor – Amanda Dixon
Most Improved Beginner Student – Tony Herr

Dragon, for the student who showed the most spirit and enthusiasm – Adam Ulbricht
Snake, for the student who fit anywhere and clicked with everyone – Amanda Dixon
Crane, for the student who was strong but humble – David Bess
Leopard, for the student who made the most balance out of their life – Ted Gove
Tiger, for the student who had the strength of fire – Daisy Breitbarth

2006

The holiday tournament results were…

Grand Champion (Sparring) – Mark Craig (high school) and Jim Craig (grade school)
Best Competitor (Forms) – Daisy Breitbarth
Best Competitor (Overall) – Daisy Breithbarth (high school) and Jim Craig (grade school)

Dec. 17 – Metamora Martial Arts performs a pre-game demo at a Peoria Rivermen game. Adam Bockler drops the puck with former WWE Diva Torrie Wilson.

Metamora Martial Arts at the Peoria Rivermen game, Dec. 2006

Dec. 27 – Justin Knobeloch is officially promoted to black belt after having tested earlier that month. As a result of his new promotion, Daisy Breitbarth was presented with the sempai title, the senior student under black belt.

The following awards were given at our holiday party…

Best Black Belt Instructor – Adam Ulbricht (who also was promoted to second-degree black belt)
Best Assistant Instructor – Daisy Breitbarth
Bushi-do – Adam Bockler
Most Improved Student – Mark Craig (high school) and Alex Schertz (grade school)
Most Dedicated Beginner Student – Clay Blum and Roger Crow
Most Improved Beginner Student – Andy Seidel

Dragon – Thomas Deters
Snake – Tony Herr
Crane – Adam Bockler
Leopard – Justin Knobeloch
Tiger – Daisy Breitbarth

Finally in December 2006, MetamoraMartialArts.com went live for the first time.

2007

Dec. 20 – For our annual holiday party, the black belts performed a skit for friends and family in which Mr. C lost his karate spirit.

Also announced were the following awards…

Best Black Belt Instructor – Adam Bockler
Best Assistant Instructor – Clay Blum
Bushi-do – Thomas Deters
Most Improved Student – Tiffany Robertson
Most Dedicated Beginner Students – Trinidad Marin and Adair Rodriguez
Most Improved Beginner Student – Bianca Kamm

Dragon – Tony Herr
Snake – Amanda Dixon (dan) and Meaghan Gove (kyu)
Crane – Adam Ulbricht (dan) and Brandon Sassaman (kyu)
Leopard – Thomas Deters (dan) and Maggie Fandel (kyu)
Tiger – Adam Bockler (dan) and Mark Craig (kyu)

We also introduced a new award, the Choki Motobu Award. Motobu, who we trace in our Shuri-ryu lineage, was said to have a very physical and dominating personality. As a new award for students who did conditioning classes with us, we named Clay Blum the 2007 Choki Motobu Award winner.

2008

Thomas Deters was officially promoted to a deshi, or a second-degree black belt. Tony Herr was also awarded the sempai title at our 2008 holiday party. Other awards included…

Best Black Belt Instructor – Adam Ulbricht
Best Assistant Instructor – Andy Seidel
Bushi-do – Justin Knobeloch
Most Improved Student – Adair Rodriguez (MTHS), Jake Pfister (MGS), Rachel Arnold (RGS), Bridget Bryning (Germantown)
Most Dedicated Beginner Student – Melanie Davis

Dragon – Adair Rodriguez
Snake – Chris Schirer
Crane – Tony Herr
Leopard – Caitlan Rohman
Tiger – Thomas Deters

Choki Motobu Award – Adair Rodriguez

Also new this year was the Warai Warrior Award, given to the person who could make is laugh. The only person to ever receive this award was Tiffany Robertson.

2009

Dec. 17 – Our holiday party was held at the Grand Village Buffet in East Peoria. No awards were given out.

2010

Dec. 10 – Like 2009, our holiday party was held at Grand Village Buffet in East Peoria.