Belt Test
Congratulations to all those that recently moved up in rank. We hope
everyone's goal is to make karate a life long activity because of
all
the positive benefits it brings. We have found that by breaking the
quest of becoming a black belt down to smaller goals and tasks, we
have significantly improved our retention level of students making it
to the black belt level. Most senior people will agree that when you
reach black belt is when your training really begins. Be proud of
every step along the way; victory will be much sweeter.

Word of the week – Bunkai.
Bunkai is the application of your technique you learn in a kata. The
fact that we have had the opportunity to train with some of the top
Masters in the world, gives our school a unique understanding of the
practical application of the forms. Many of the senior students train
at this academy for this very reason. It is one thing to be able to
teach a student how to punch and kick, but teaching when not to and
why is equally important. While we do not teach all the bunkai to the
kids, you can be assured that they are learning the mental and
physical aspects of the martial arts.

Private Lessons
On numerous occasions over the last few weeks I have been asked about
the ability of learning things not normally covered in our group
classes. Our group classes are designed to take the average student
to the rank of black belt and beyond in traditional karate. Many of
our black belts however, have years of experience in other areas as
well, including traditional weapons, competition sport karate,
Chinese martial arts, Filipino stick fighting, Jujitsu and more.
Private lesson are available for $25 each or $20 if you buy them a
page at a time. You can pick your instructor and the time, as long as
group class is not going on. So if you are interested in learning
something outside the curriculum, or simply want to progress at a
faster rate, talk to your Sensei about private lessons.

Dance
The Colorado Springs Dance Club has its dances here on Saturday
night. It normally starts with a lesson from 7 – 8 followed by an
open dance till 11. If you have ever wanted to learn to dance, now
you can at your own dojo. We are also forming dance lessons for teens
on Friday night. We know that the self-confidence achieved through
the martial arts has a tremendous positive effect for everyone.
Having other social skills we feel is equally important. Sensei Bryan
has agreed to teach dance lessons to our teens and their guests for
$5 a child or $7 per couple. The next dance is June 16th at 7 p.m.
For more information talk to Sensei Bryan.

Until next week.

Kyoshi