The Dojo of Karate

So today we had our first belt test.  It was actually really exciting too!  There were 13 total that tested for the Gold Belt, and everyone did AWESOME!

Before the test, I prepped them a bit so that they would feel comfortable.  I wanted them to succeed, obviously, so I just told them it’s like any other class we take during the week… but with grades.

I also let them know that this is the first step to becoming a Black Belt, and that I would love to see EVERY single one of them test for their Black Belt at The Dojo of Karate.  Since they were basically my first students who enrolled, I really want to see these guys stick around for the long haul - 3 years.  I think they can all do it, but it’s going to take a lot of dedication. (more…)

So a few weeks ago, I decided to send an email to all of the elementary schools, or actually some of them, in my area.  Adam and I found all of the P.E. teachers contact name and email addresses in Adams 12 School District.  You gotta love The Google.  I then put together an email that went over the structure of an After School Karate Program and how it can benefit the P.E. Department.

This is a pretty popular way for Martial Arts Schools to get new students because it’s a win-win situation for both parties… if the school does it right.  Basically the P.E. Dept. is the only department with the loosest budget for school supplies.  I’ve heard some teachers only get about $200-300 for the ENTIRE year!  (more…)

So 1 1/2 weeks ago, on Thursday October 9th, I hosted our first Buddy Day.  Now for those of you that don’t remember reading in my newsletter, A Cup of DoJoe, it’s basically a day that every student is allowed to bring one or two of their friends to Karate class!

It was a huge hit!  I had about 25 people.  Not everyone brought a friend, but some people brought two guests.  It was somewhat choatic, but at the same time kinda organized.

I had a couple of my friends, Adam and Mike, help assist me during the class.  They basically would walk around and correct kids to make sure they were doing their techniques with the right hand, or help out during games. (more…)

What does sportsmanship mean to you?  Displaying a great attitude to the sport you compete in, whether you win or lose?  TheFreeDictionary.com defines sportsmanship as: conduct and attitude considered as befitting participants in sports, especially fair play, courtesy, striving spirit, and grace in losing.  It looks like we both have similar definitions about Sportsmanship.

The reason why I am brining this up is because of what took place in the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing during the Tae Kwon Do Bronze medal match.  Angel Matos, one of Cuba’s athletes displayed an act that is quite disappointing to the spirit of martial arts, but more importantly - the spirit of the Olympics. (more…)

It’s been awhile since I last posted on my blog, and I’m sorry if you have been checking back for new content… but now that things are finally starting to smooth out, you can expect to see read about the progress I have been making.

Where do I start…  As many of you know, The Dojo of Karate opened on August 11th 2008, and had about 6 students present for the first day of class.  The week of my Grand Opening Day, my dad flew out early to help get the school ready for my Open House.  I can not express how much his work, contribution and support meant to me.  The fact that he took some time off of his busy schedule for this special day speaks volume.  (more…)