Our students forming a pyramid of power. Teamwork! Click picture to enlarge.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
UPCOMING EVENTS
UPCOMING EVENTS
8/30 3:00- 4:00 Ice Cream Day for White Belts (+ Adv. White Belts) and Black Belts only! This is an opportunity for our newest students and our Black Belts to get to know each other. Come join us at Fantasy Delight in Aurora.
9/13 Leadership Seminar – 4:00 to 5:30 –
Point Sparring – All Students May Attend.
9/20 Kata Seminar – 4:00 to 5:30 –
This is for students 13 years of age and older.
9/27 Cleveland Metro Parks Zoo – 1:30 to 5:30 –
All Students and their family and friends are invited to join us for this fun event!
CIT and 4-7 Intermediate Class is Closed so we can go to the zoo!
Our next Graduation is scheduled for Saturday, October 4th, 2008 at 11:30am at Harmon Middle School in Aurora. Mark your calendars!
The Academy will be closed on Monday, September 1, 2008 in observance of Labor Day. Have a fun and safe holiday with your family and friends.
The next graduation is scheduled for Saturday, October 4, 2008 at 11:30 AM at Harmon Middle School in Aurora. Make sure to tell friends and family early so they can set the date aside.
8/30 3:00- 4:00 Ice Cream Day for White Belts (+ Adv. White Belts) and Black Belts only! This is an opportunity for our newest students and our Black Belts to get to know each other. Come join us at Fantasy Delight in Aurora.
9/13 Leadership Seminar – 4:00 to 5:30 –
Point Sparring – All Students May Attend.
9/20 Kata Seminar – 4:00 to 5:30 –
This is for students 13 years of age and older.
9/27 Cleveland Metro Parks Zoo – 1:30 to 5:30 –
All Students and their family and friends are invited to join us for this fun event!
CIT and 4-7 Intermediate Class is Closed so we can go to the zoo!
Our next Graduation is scheduled for Saturday, October 4th, 2008 at 11:30am at Harmon Middle School in Aurora. Mark your calendars!
The Academy will be closed on Monday, September 1, 2008 in observance of Labor Day. Have a fun and safe holiday with your family and friends.
The next graduation is scheduled for Saturday, October 4, 2008 at 11:30 AM at Harmon Middle School in Aurora. Make sure to tell friends and family early so they can set the date aside.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Pictures from Sparring for Weekend Summer Camp and Classes
These are some of the students from class and camp this weekend. These pics were taken after sparring and capturing belts from the other students. Click the picture to enlarge.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
PREPARATION!
PREPARATION!
"No surprises for the ninja," is a well known motto in Martial Arts. Knowing that preparation is the most efficient means for dealing with danger, we train to develop a sense of seeing into the future. We want to by ready for anything that could happen! As a student of Martial Arts, your challenge is to train or prepare, for any imaginable type of danger, not just in self-defense, but in all types of life situations. The earlier you sense danger, the more likely you will emerge the winner!1. what are some areas in which PREPARATION is especially important?
2. how do we know HOW to prepare for different situations?
3. how do we know WHEN to prepare?
4. how can we improve our preparation skills IMMEDIATELY?
Grreat Sparring Matches today!
Way to go to Mrs. Carrasco, Mr. Boyer, Brandon Howard, Alex Pigat, Hannah Boyer, Peter Lebas, Mr. Matt, and Mr. Paul Nugent who all won multiple belts during our point sparring matches today! You are Awesome.
Sincerely,
Scott Shoen
P.S. Hope you are all playing karate at home and with friends.
Sincerely,
Scott Shoen
P.S. Hope you are all playing karate at home and with friends.
Congratulations to Chad Vermillion as our newest Black Belt Leader.
Chad you are making so much progress and really showed excellent focus in your first class as a black belt leader. Keep up the great work and you will be a black belt in no time.
Sincerely,
Scott Shoen
P.S. See you all at 3:00 this Saturday for Summer Camp at the school.
Sincerely,
Scott Shoen
P.S. See you all at 3:00 this Saturday for Summer Camp at the school.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Wiston Swarts has asked to be in Black Belt Club.
Sir, your parents and I will be evaluating you behavior and progress to see if you can join Black Belt Leadership Club. I bet you will be able to do it. Keep up the good work to impress your family.
Tune in this Thursday to see our Student on TV.
Andrew Kondik will be performing in march band on FSN Fox Sports Network at 7:00 pm this Thursday. We all love it when one of our students especially a black belt is on TV. We will be cheering for you and our local team too.
Sensei Shoen
P.S. Do you have a special talent outside karate? Just let us know and we may feature it at our Graduation. We want to see those leadership skills paying off outside the academy future Black Belts.
Sensei Shoen
P.S. Do you have a special talent outside karate? Just let us know and we may feature it at our Graduation. We want to see those leadership skills paying off outside the academy future Black Belts.
Amon Clark is our Newest Black Belt Leadership Member!
Congratulations Amon on making the commitment to becoming an awesome Black Belt Leader. Mrs. Barna, our current Black Belt Leaders, and I all know you can do it! Hope to see you later today at your first intermediate class. You're going to do great!
Sincerely,
Scott Shoen
Sincerely,
Scott Shoen
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Belts of Many Colors!
Today in our Intermediate 8-12 year old class Matthew Vince won our point sparring tournament but there was a twist.
I remember hear from my Sensei the story of any old spear master in China who would always take the belts of his defeated opponents and wear them. While the opponents would lose a belt they would learn a lesson in spear fighting so both gained something from the encounter. After a while he had a reputation for being an excellent fighter and it was hard to miss with all the belts around his waist.
I like this story because it shows that we can gain something from every challenge we face in life win or lose.
So today Matthew got to wear the belts of each student he vanquished in sparring, while the other students got a lesson in how effective his viscous reverse punch could be in battle. Pretty cool, Sir. We will likely do the same in all the classes next week. See you all there.
Your Sensei,
Scott Shoen
P.S. Brandon Howard earned his brown belt and second chevron today. Way to go, Sir!
I remember hear from my Sensei the story of any old spear master in China who would always take the belts of his defeated opponents and wear them. While the opponents would lose a belt they would learn a lesson in spear fighting so both gained something from the encounter. After a while he had a reputation for being an excellent fighter and it was hard to miss with all the belts around his waist.
I like this story because it shows that we can gain something from every challenge we face in life win or lose.
So today Matthew got to wear the belts of each student he vanquished in sparring, while the other students got a lesson in how effective his viscous reverse punch could be in battle. Pretty cool, Sir. We will likely do the same in all the classes next week. See you all there.
Your Sensei,
Scott Shoen
P.S. Brandon Howard earned his brown belt and second chevron today. Way to go, Sir!
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Last Day of outside Classes for this month!
We had some great classes outside with Samuel, Miriam, Brandon, and Connor really standing out with their great effort! Mr. McCoy also had his first Black Belt Leadership Class.
Anabella Strano also shared that she had a nightmare and saw monsters and witches but she was not scared because she knew they were only paper tigers. Wow! Way to use the lesson of the week. I hope we can all be so brave confronting our own paper tigers.
See You All Next Week,
Scott Shoen
Anabella Strano also shared that she had a nightmare and saw monsters and witches but she was not scared because she knew they were only paper tigers. Wow! Way to use the lesson of the week. I hope we can all be so brave confronting our own paper tigers.
See You All Next Week,
Scott Shoen
Way to go Cameron Schnell you made it in the Newspaper!
Cameron showed up in our local newspaper as student of the week or month. Nice work, Sir! In the article three things really stood out for me.
1. Job or chores: I clean my room, make my bed, get the mail, and take our the garbage.
2. What would you change about yourself and why? Nothing. (Nice answer, Sir. Very cool)
3. Who, other than your parents, do you look up to most and why? Scott Shoen, my karate Sensei, because he is a leader. (Thank you, Sir and so are you!)
What an awesome job you are doing being a Black Belt Leader outside the academy. Keep it up.
Your Sensei,
Scott Shoen
1. Job or chores: I clean my room, make my bed, get the mail, and take our the garbage.
2. What would you change about yourself and why? Nothing. (Nice answer, Sir. Very cool)
3. Who, other than your parents, do you look up to most and why? Scott Shoen, my karate Sensei, because he is a leader. (Thank you, Sir and so are you!)
What an awesome job you are doing being a Black Belt Leader outside the academy. Keep it up.
Your Sensei,
Scott Shoen
Star Wars Movie Rocks, Read All About It!
Wow! I just got back from the Star Wars movie with Lexi, Alexis, Connor (and his friend), Sam Iammarino (and his friend Connor), Samuel, Miriam, Brandon, and Matthew Vince. Boy did we have fun. I even brought my wood sword (bokken) to show everyone. Thank to all students who brought a guest.
It was great to see the sword battles and some very cool karate moves. Samurai culture is the basis for all the Star Wars movies and much of it was seen in this movie as well. I really liked how Sky Walker takes an Apprentice and I am think of letting our Black Belts choose a padawan (Apprentice) to train in our karate ways!
Matthew Vince got to stay a little longer outside so we were able to practice Ippon one and Ippon two. Two cool drills which he did very well. Nice work, Sir!
It was great to see the sword battles and some very cool karate moves. Samurai culture is the basis for all the Star Wars movies and much of it was seen in this movie as well. I really liked how Sky Walker takes an Apprentice and I am think of letting our Black Belts choose a padawan (Apprentice) to train in our karate ways!
Matthew Vince got to stay a little longer outside so we were able to practice Ippon one and Ippon two. Two cool drills which he did very well. Nice work, Sir!
Congratulations to our two new Black Belt Leadership Program members: Sam McCoy, Bryan Westfall.
Congratulations to our two new Black Belt Leadership Program members: Sam McCoy, Bryan Westfall. You have started a journey towards being a Black Belt Leader and with the support of your family and you will be awesome Black Belts very soon. Master Keller also sends his best wishes as you begin this amazing journey.
Your Sensei,
Scott Shoen
Your Sensei,
Scott Shoen
Thursday, August 14, 2008
More excitment outside with great classes.
We had a new student, Benjamin Andexler take his first class today and he did wonderful well. Welcome to group classes, Sir!
Mariah Goad and Brandon Patton both have decided they want to be Black Belt Leaders. Way to go!
Both our 8-12 and Black Belt Classes did some very tough kata training. We don't get tough doing easy stuff. Nice job!
Mr. Kowalski is going back to college for his Junior year. You can do it Black Belt Leader.
I want to thank Mrs. Barna for all she has been doing to help our students this week. You are awesome and we all thank you for you help.
Your Sensei,
Scott Shoen
P.S. Star Wars this Saturday! I can't wait. I am even thinking of bring my sword to the movie.
Mariah Goad and Brandon Patton both have decided they want to be Black Belt Leaders. Way to go!
Both our 8-12 and Black Belt Classes did some very tough kata training. We don't get tough doing easy stuff. Nice job!
Mr. Kowalski is going back to college for his Junior year. You can do it Black Belt Leader.
I want to thank Mrs. Barna for all she has been doing to help our students this week. You are awesome and we all thank you for you help.
Your Sensei,
Scott Shoen
P.S. Star Wars this Saturday! I can't wait. I am even thinking of bring my sword to the movie.
Welcome Dallas Brockman to our Academy.
Dallas Brockman just enrolled as our newest student. He did a great job earning his white belt. He even broke a board. Nice work, Sir!
Your Sensei,
Scott Shoen
P.S. Remember only two days left until our Saturday Star Wars Party at 1:45 we will meet at the academy. See everyone there.
Your Sensei,
Scott Shoen
P.S. Remember only two days left until our Saturday Star Wars Party at 1:45 we will meet at the academy. See everyone there.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
More special outside classes today.
In our 4-7 to class Winstin was very focus and put in a great class along with his close friend Amon. You guys are awesome future Black Belt Leaders. I was impressed with all your pole vaulting skills with the bo! Awesome.
Sean Thomas looked very strong and is taking it to the next level in our 8-12 class and is an excellent Black Belt Leadership Club member. Nice work Sir! All our students in that class also did some really hardcore kata training. Lets see that precise kata work students. Remember to work on building you team and friends as you head back to school.
Our adult class was really amazing today. We did some pressure point work that was very well received even by our new students. As usually Mr. Reminder and Konturas looked very sharp. We even saw to correct kata in that class. Master Chris Clark would always say perfect practice makes perfect performance.
To all students take note that Mr. Fear will be assisting at our camp next weekend.
Your Sensei,
Scott Shoen
P.S. See you all at the star wars party this weekend!
Sean Thomas looked very strong and is taking it to the next level in our 8-12 class and is an excellent Black Belt Leadership Club member. Nice work Sir! All our students in that class also did some really hardcore kata training. Lets see that precise kata work students. Remember to work on building you team and friends as you head back to school.
Our adult class was really amazing today. We did some pressure point work that was very well received even by our new students. As usually Mr. Reminder and Konturas looked very sharp. We even saw to correct kata in that class. Master Chris Clark would always say perfect practice makes perfect performance.
To all students take note that Mr. Fear will be assisting at our camp next weekend.
Your Sensei,
Scott Shoen
P.S. See you all at the star wars party this weekend!
Just got off the phone with Master Keller.
Master Keller says, "Hi and great work to all our students!" I just got off the phone with Master Keller and I told him about how wonderfully all our students are doing especially our new Black Belt Leaders and Black Belt Leadership Club Members. Sam McCoy who is in our Certified Instructor Program also impressed Master Keller with his excellent teaching and demo skills. I am so proud of you students and I look forward to our fun classes outside this week.
Your Sensei,
Scott Shoen
Your Sensei,
Scott Shoen
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Good work 8-12 year old Class!
Awesome basics on the rocks today! We got six honks. You're in the lead now. Good job with the shadow drill and remember the Sai master story. Miguel Benedict also did a flying side kick over 10 students (one of which was Mrs. Pigat!) to set a new school record! Way to go.
Awesome Class Little Dragons!
We just had our biggest little dragons class ever! I really think it was a best class ever too. Everyone was so focused and respectful. You all rock! Owen did especially well along with Bryn and Matthew. Keep up the awesome job students!
Your Sensei,
Scott Shoen
P.S. Our little dragons program is for 2 1/2 to 5 year olds for our parents who might have little ones and are interested. Call 330-562-1124 for more information.
Your Sensei,
Scott Shoen
P.S. Our little dragons program is for 2 1/2 to 5 year olds for our parents who might have little ones and are interested. Call 330-562-1124 for more information.
Dealing with FEAR!
This week in class we will be talking about dealing with fear.
Dealing with FEAR!
There are 2 types of fear...and a serious Martial Artist must study them! The first type of fear is the REAL fear of threatening situations…situations that can really harm you. This fear is important, and must be paid attention to! The 2nd type of fear is different; it is the feeling that paralyzes you...even when no real danger is present. Martial Artists must always study these 2 types of fear...learning to pay attention to the fear that is caused by real danger - and learning how to conquer the fear that keeps you from taking action when no danger is present!
1. what are some situations that indicate REAL danger?
2. what are some situations that indicate FALSE danger?
3. what can we do when confronted with non-threatening fear?
Bonus Question: What is the false danger called in Chine and Japan?
Dealing with FEAR!
There are 2 types of fear...and a serious Martial Artist must study them! The first type of fear is the REAL fear of threatening situations…situations that can really harm you. This fear is important, and must be paid attention to! The 2nd type of fear is different; it is the feeling that paralyzes you...even when no real danger is present. Martial Artists must always study these 2 types of fear...learning to pay attention to the fear that is caused by real danger - and learning how to conquer the fear that keeps you from taking action when no danger is present!
1. what are some situations that indicate REAL danger?
2. what are some situations that indicate FALSE danger?
3. what can we do when confronted with non-threatening fear?
Bonus Question: What is the false danger called in Chine and Japan?
Tips on how to throw an awesome front kick!
1. Make sure to chamber, kick, chamber. Keep your chamber up high.
2. Just like when you punch you should rub your kicking leg against the standing leg to make sure the kick goes straight.
3. Place all your weight on the standing leg.
4. Turn your standing leg to the corner or 45 degree angle.
5. Tuck your hip.
6. Turn your belt.
7. Sink pressure into the standing leg.
8. Make sure there is an almost straight line from your hip to the target.
9. A snap kick is faster and less powerful much like a jab. Use the ball of the foot to kick when snap kicking usually.
10. A thrust kick is more powerful and slightly slower. May times this kick uses the heel of the front foot.
11. Make sure your kick goes down as fast as it comes up.
12. Kick from your center or the knot in your belt.
13. Test your kick by moving your center forward with your foot on a bag or wall to see if you can feel the pressure transfer through your leg into the target.
14. Always have a weapon (ball, heel, instep,) and a target (groin, under the nose, solar plexus, just above the knee, corner of the ribs) in mind when you kick.
15. Work single, double, triple, shuffle, skip, flying, spinning, rebounding, and even combinations of the above to perfect your kick.
16. Try different footwork to make your kicks more effective. Use the power from you steps to fire your kicks.
17. Try your kicks in many different combinations.
18. When you get your knee up try to swing or snaping your leg like a pendulum.
19. Relax.
20. Breath out as you kick.
21. Front kick is a straight line kick that comes in like a poke with a bo or staff.
22. The Chinese version of this kick has the leg straighter and coming up like a football kick. This kick is useful to kick low or to the groin.
23. Work on making your kick natural and relaxed so that it is difficult for your partner to see it coming. Don't force the kick.
24. Practice kicking bags, pads, paper, leaves on trees, tennis balls, soccor balls, pretty much anything you can as long as you don't break anything or upset your parents, younger students.
25. Use the front foot kick to stop someone who is moving forward and the back foot kick to chase someone who is moving backwords.
Sincerely,
Scott Shoen
P.S. Make sure to have fun, make kicking into a fun game, and feel free to share this tips with your friends or family. Remember karate is good for you!
2. Just like when you punch you should rub your kicking leg against the standing leg to make sure the kick goes straight.
3. Place all your weight on the standing leg.
4. Turn your standing leg to the corner or 45 degree angle.
5. Tuck your hip.
6. Turn your belt.
7. Sink pressure into the standing leg.
8. Make sure there is an almost straight line from your hip to the target.
9. A snap kick is faster and less powerful much like a jab. Use the ball of the foot to kick when snap kicking usually.
10. A thrust kick is more powerful and slightly slower. May times this kick uses the heel of the front foot.
11. Make sure your kick goes down as fast as it comes up.
12. Kick from your center or the knot in your belt.
13. Test your kick by moving your center forward with your foot on a bag or wall to see if you can feel the pressure transfer through your leg into the target.
14. Always have a weapon (ball, heel, instep,) and a target (groin, under the nose, solar plexus, just above the knee, corner of the ribs) in mind when you kick.
15. Work single, double, triple, shuffle, skip, flying, spinning, rebounding, and even combinations of the above to perfect your kick.
16. Try different footwork to make your kicks more effective. Use the power from you steps to fire your kicks.
17. Try your kicks in many different combinations.
18. When you get your knee up try to swing or snaping your leg like a pendulum.
19. Relax.
20. Breath out as you kick.
21. Front kick is a straight line kick that comes in like a poke with a bo or staff.
22. The Chinese version of this kick has the leg straighter and coming up like a football kick. This kick is useful to kick low or to the groin.
23. Work on making your kick natural and relaxed so that it is difficult for your partner to see it coming. Don't force the kick.
24. Practice kicking bags, pads, paper, leaves on trees, tennis balls, soccor balls, pretty much anything you can as long as you don't break anything or upset your parents, younger students.
25. Use the front foot kick to stop someone who is moving forward and the back foot kick to chase someone who is moving backwords.
Sincerely,
Scott Shoen
P.S. Make sure to have fun, make kicking into a fun game, and feel free to share this tips with your friends or family. Remember karate is good for you!
Great Classes Outside Yesterday! Nice work Students.
Great Classes Outside Yesterday! Nice work Students.
Excellent classes yesterday. I was very impressed with everyone's hardwork outside. Standing on the karate rock was very challenging. Our adult class did espically well by completing all their basics while standing on the rock. Solid!
I also want to note how well Mr. Paul Nugent did yesterday as he is adjusting to the challenges of black belt class. We know you can do it, Sir!
Mr. & Mrs. Csonka just joined with their black belt daughter Ms. Emily Csonka and they are really becoming standouts in the adult class. Nice work.
I am planning on all our classes being outside this week. It should be a blast and you are welcome to wear shoes or bring suntan lotion if you need it.
Sincerely,
Scott Shoen
Excellent classes yesterday. I was very impressed with everyone's hardwork outside. Standing on the karate rock was very challenging. Our adult class did espically well by completing all their basics while standing on the rock. Solid!
I also want to note how well Mr. Paul Nugent did yesterday as he is adjusting to the challenges of black belt class. We know you can do it, Sir!
Mr. & Mrs. Csonka just joined with their black belt daughter Ms. Emily Csonka and they are really becoming standouts in the adult class. Nice work.
I am planning on all our classes being outside this week. It should be a blast and you are welcome to wear shoes or bring suntan lotion if you need it.
Sincerely,
Scott Shoen
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)