Dear Students, Teachers, Parents and Friends,

The Colorado State Games are this weekend with opening ceremonies
beginning at 7:30 on Friday evening. Admission to the opening
ceremonies is $5 but we have a limited amount of free tickets if you
talk to your instructor. Competitors will be able to pick up their
packets and T-shirts at this event and competitors should be dressed
in their karate uniform and Team warm up top if possible. There will
be a march in of the athletes at the opening as they light the
torch. The actual competition will be held at Coronado High School
on Saturday and all volunteers and officials should be there at 8:30
and competition will begin promptly at 9:00. If you haven't
registered to compete yet, please do so right away. You can register
on line at:
http://www.thesportscorp.org/rmsg/sports/martial_arts.htm

Jamaica Anyone? The World Congress of Martial Artists is hosting the
World Cup in Jamaica in January of 2004 and we have been asked to
send a team. Sensei Bryan is the defending championship having won
black belt division in Jamaica in 1999. This event will be held the
first week in January and the costs will be around $1500 for a 7 day
all-inclusive trip – includes airfare, meals, drinks and social
events. For information about the tournament go to:
http://www.teamusamartialarts.com/ilevents.htm. And for information
on the resort and travel information go to:
http://www.polglobetravel.com/world_congress.htm. To get a
registration packet please see your Sensei.

Next belt test is August 9th at the North location. We will also be
having a black belt pretest that morning as well. If you are
planning on testing for black belt this fall you should plan on
being there for the pretest around 9:30 to get warmed up.

Lesson of the Week

Ketsudan- Decision and Determination

The Japanese word "Ketsudan" translates as "Fix-Decision", or in
other words to become fixed on a decision. In my opinion, this
concept is what separates the classical martial artist from their
civilian counterparts. All successful people understand that success
does not come right away, but through determination and constant
effort anything is possible. This is extremely important in the
martial arts where we plan on life and death situations, where
giving up is just not an option. A warrior learns to use every
resource available in his or her defense and to never give up. This
indomitable spirit of never quitting is called Tamashii and is the
hallmark of the black belt attitude.

Success begins with knowing what it is one truly wants then by
listing all the necessary items needed to be accomplished in order
to achieve this goal. Knowing that we will encounter opposition
along the way, we have strategic plans and tactics developed to
overcome any resistance we may encounter along the path. Respecting
opposition we become determined to be a good opponent and to never
underestimate our opponent. A true warrior loves a good performance
and constantly sharpens his skills in order to become excellent at
overcoming opposition no matter what the source.

In the dojo we strive to improve our skills so that we can be a good
opponent for our sempai and kohai. By each student striving to
improve their skills to the best of their abilities, the entire
organization grows. We look for classmates that will push us,
insuring that we constantly are growing and improving in our skills.
Along with our teachers, we decide what we need to work on to impact
our growth the most and attack that weakness with determination and
passion.

This tactic not only works in the dojo, but in all our activities in
our life. By identifying what obstacles are standing in our way and
developing clearly defined tactics to overcome these obstacles we
are insured victory as long as we stay on target. The use of martial
arts tactics along with the stick-to-it-ness of determination is the
key to black belt excellence.

Respectfully,
Terry Bryan