PE Waiver Update and a Stripe Test Change
I wanted to address something you had heard about this week.
Yes, it is true: this is the final semester that Metamora Martial Arts karate-ka will receive a PE waiver. I fully realize this is an unpopular decision with some students, but I have discussed this with the rest of the instructor team and we are in agreement. We have several reasons for discontinuing the PE waiver.
Most importantly, physical fitness is a key component to martial arts. Some instructors and arts would disagree, saying that a correctly timed technique in exactly the right spot at exactly the right time will guarantee a solid self-defense. I’m not denying that. However, running in and of itself can be self-defense by being able to sprint away from a would-be attacker. Put simply: if you are not there, you cannot get hit. Why waste time attempting a move or series of moves when there is no guarantee they’ll work? I love doing forms and applications, but if I’m able to, I’m going to run. And to run, I need to be fit and strong. Currently, students are only working out three days a week at most. PE works every day of the school week.
As I told the students last night, I would never expect them to do something I can’t do. I tested for my black belt during a semester I was in PE. I was pretty sore the following week, but I was still there. It’s possible.
Another reason is scheduling. I’m new at my job, and my managers are kind enough to let me leave early one day a week to teach on Thursdays. I will not be asking them to leave two days early to lead conditioning classes, especially with PE as a viable option. We currently have no firm commitments from our other black belts or adult coaches.
Our class offerings aren’t what they were several years ago when the PE waiver was implemented. We had several more hours of class and conditioning a week that we don’t have today. This means our program is evolving and we have to find ways to adapt to that change.
And finally, I want students coming to their martial arts class excited learning martial arts, not because they don’t have to go to PE.
Lastly, I wanted to mention that the stripe test for March 29 for purple belts and above has been canceled. I am attending a seminar for work that day and will be unable to attend class. Please note: Mr. Hawkey, unless I hear otherwise, will be holding his 4:30 class. Advanced ranks are welcome to test on March 22 with the rest of the students. Please email me at adam[at]metamoramartialarts.com if this will be an issue with you, or if we need to make other arrangements. Make note of what will be expected of you to earn your next stripe.
Any questions, comments, concerns? Please leave a comment here on the blog so that others may see if their question has been answered.
Morrow’s Academy of Martial Arts: 38th Annual Karate & Kung Fun Tournament and Black Belt Championships
Morrow’s Academy of Martial Arts in Moline presents the 38th Annual Karate & Kung Fun Tournament and Black Belt Championships on Saturday, April 14, 2012.
Events include Forms, Sparring and Weapons, as well as a horse riding stance competition for both kids and adults. A black belt championship match will determine the winner of the 4-foot trophy.
A $30 entry fee gets you into all events. Spectators are asked to pay $4.
Registration begins at 9 a.m. and the tournament begins at 10.
Requirement equipment includes dip foam boots and gloves, a mouth guard and a cup.
For more information, call John Morrow at 309-764-1929.
Location:
1321 5th Ave.
Moline, IL 61265
March 2012 Metamora Martial Arts Newsletter
It’s March already – Can you believe it?
A special thanks to everyone who came out Saturday, Feb. 25, for our 10th Anniversary Celebration. We had terrific food and a great time bowling.
I also wanted to make a note to say that I’m thrilled to be the new director of Metamora Martial Arts. I have many plans going forward. But for now, I’ll keep hush.
Please sign and return contact sheets!
Our martial artists brought home a three-page sheet several weeks ago detailing the expectations we have if they want to be on the PE waiver or if they want to be promoted. Please make sure you read that, sign, and return the sheet. The sheet also has your contact information on it so you can be on our email list in case of last-minute changes or emergencies.
Special seminar with Steve & Kim Aldus – April 28, 2012
Metamora Martial Arts presents a special seminar with Mr. and Mrs. Steve & Kim Aldus on Saturday, April 28, at 1:30 in the MTHS wrestling room. Due to some of the maneuvers we’ll be learning, this seminar is open only to high school students and adults.
One thing I really wanted to do was start exposing our students to different arts. Mr. and Mrs. Aldus will be using the Chinese martial arts to help us better understand our Okinawan martial arts.
On its face, the Chinese and Okinawan martial arts may look very different. However, having studied under these knowledgeable and insightful instructors for the past 18 months, we shouldn’t be thinking about martial arts in terms of difference. Instead, what do karate and tai chi chuan have in common? As it turns out, lots!
They’ll be taking moves from our forms and showing us how we can think about them. That way, students either already know the forms, or will learn them on their way to black belt.
Stripe tests March 22 and 29
The next Metamora Martial Arts stripe tests will take place before spring break. Blue belts and under will be testing on March 22, and purple belts and above will test on March 29.
If students would like to test for their next stripe this month, they’ll need to read the requirements posted at that link. Any questions? Contact me at adam[at]metamoramartialarts[dot]com.
Upcoming competitions
Spring competitions start in less than a week! This Saturday, March 10, Kosho Kai Karate hosts the Supreme Way Challenge in Pekin. On Saturday, March 17, Auvenshine’s School of Taekwondo hosts their 13th annual tournament in Springfield. Entry for one event is $40 for each tournament, plus another $5 for each additional event.
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.
Quote of the month
“Nothing will work unless you do.” –Maya Angelou
Deshi Adam Bockler
3/5/12
Metamora Martial Arts Seminar with Steve and Kim Aldus
I am thrilled to say that Steve and Kim Aldus will be leading a seminar for Metamora Martial Arts students on Saturday, April 28.
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We made this announcement Saturday night at our 10th anniversary celebration. The seminar will take place in Black Partridge Park at 1:30 that afternoon and will cost $15. Participants should pay the day of the event.
Mr. and Mrs. Aldus will be giving us instruction that will benefit our karate training in several ways.
For one, it’s always great to be exposed to different arts. I think karate is great, but my passion really began when I was first exposed to tae kwon do, and now tai chi chuan. For me, these other arts have made my primary art stronger because I’ve been able to take what I’ve learned from them and bring them back into karate. Plus, there are always multiple ways to accomplish a goal.
Secondly, the information Mr. and Mrs. Aldus will show us will have relevance to us. They’ll take moves out of our katas and adapt them for the Chinese martial arts. As you’ll see, the Chinese martial arts and the Okinawan martial arts have many common bonds.
Ahead of announcing this special seminar, I had many conversations with Mr. Hawkey and Mr. Aldus. One thing we wanted to make sure was that students didn’t attend this seminar and forget everything they had learned within a few months since we don’t regularly practice tai chi chuan. By showing extensions of our karate forms, Mr. and Mrs. Aldus will help us strengthen the moves we already know and practice on a regular basis.
Due to some of the techniques we’ll be performing in this seminar, we’ve agreed to limit participants to ages 14 and up. That means high school students and adults are welcome. Grade school students may attend by invitation only.
I have been training with Mr. and Mrs. Aldus since August 2010 and it’s been a great experience. Not only are they incredibly knowledgeable and capable, but they’re both fun to work with. They create a great environment to learn in.
Mr. Steve Aldus has more than 40 years of martial arts experience. He is recognized as the only known student in the United States continuing the teachings of Master Li Chi Lan in the arts of old yang style tai chi ch’uan and hsing-i ch’uan. Mr. Aldus possesses an 8th dan in tae kwon do, a 2nd dan in karate (Matsumura Seito Shorin-Ryu Koeppel-Ha), a 2nd dan in ju-jitsu, and has trained in numerous other arts. He’s a multiple-time USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame inductee, he’s won championships for the past four decades, and he’s performed seminars and demonstrations all over the United States. To learn more about Mr. Aldus, read:
Mrs. Kim Aldus is a 6th dan in tae kwon do, a 2nd dan in karate (Matsumura Seito Shorin-Ryu Koeppel-Ha), a 3rd dan in ju jitsu, and has a master-level teaching certificate in both tai chi ch’uan and hsing-i ch’uan.
Tony Herr’s favorite advice: “Do or do not. There is no try”
Sometimes, it’s the little things that our martial artists pick up on and take away from their time with the program.
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.
Next Metamora Martial Arts stripe test will happen before Spring Break
To those who practice at Metamora Township High School,
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. See the change I’ve now posted on this stripe test.
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.
Keeping the faith and the fire: Larry Stephens reflects on his time with Metamora Martial Arts
In an email sent out last month, I asked Metamora Martial Arts alumni to respond to several questions I had. The idea was to build a social media gathering point for our 10-year anniversary.
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.”
February 2012 Newsletter – Metamora Martial Arts Turns 10!
It’s official
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 10th 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 13th 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
Auvenshine’s Taekwondo 13th Annual Martial Arts Tournament – March 17, 2012
Get ready for another tournament, everyone!
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.