Hello Karate Family and Friends,

This year is zooming past! It is great to see all who have begun to return to class. We enjoyed an awesome seminar with Mr. Ed Downey, and we hope to see him again soon. A very special Congratulations to Mr. Bob Mitchell on his promotion to 10th Degree!

We are still holding adult classes on Mondays from 6-7 pm–all belt ranks are welcome. This has been a great learning time for us all and we will keep this going. We hope to have more guest instructors during this year and will keep you posted.

What is a karate instructor? Though many engage in martial arts for sport, recreation and exercise, instructors primarily train students in the use of particular combat techniques. Instruction provides students with valuable self-defense techniques as they understand the history, philosophy, and safety skills of their martial art. Teachers train students in combat techniques–mostly for recreation or for self-defense. They develop individual training programs to coach, observe, assess and offer feedback on their students’ progress in a safe and healthy training environment; all while developing and practicing their own skills. 

Karate instructors teach karate to students in groups or individually. They demonstrate techniques and help students perfect their own techniques. Instructors guide students’ progress and prepare them to advance in rank. In addition to testing students throughout the year, instructors will hold ceremonies to award students their new belts. If students enter a competition, the teacher will help prepare them for that. An instructor may travel to competitions with their students to coach and support. Instructors also help organize seminars or demonstrations.

In conclusion, we teach Martial Arts classes for students ages four and up. This includes teaching various forms (sets of moves) as well as sparring, self-defense and leadership principles. We also instill life values such as courtesy, respect and discipline so that while they are improving their physical fitness, we are helping to transform who they are in their day-to-day lives. At all times we are observing students and helping them to improve through individual coaching during classes. This feedback is crucial to their development.

As a full-time head instructor, I manage the school which means I formulate curriculum and individual lesson plans. I also email announcements and newsletters that are relative to student success, and I help families understand the various aspects of our programs. In case you were not aware, all our instructors are volunteers who have achieved at least a Black Belt in our art.

Thank you for taking the time to read.

Ken Kellogg

Greetings Friends!

Why martial arts? As we continue to hold this question–especially when choosing from many activities–be aware of these sports that rank highest in injuries: basketball, football, soccer, baseball, gymnastics/cheer/dance, softball, wrestling, volleyball, hockey https://info.newportortho.com/sports-medicine/orangecounty

Compare this with The 10 most dangerous youth sports in America | PropertyCasualty360

So which sports are good for children? 

1. swimming 2. martial arts 3. basketball 4. gymnastics/dance 5. bicycling 6. tennis 7. archery 8. skating

With martial arts high on the above list, below are additional reasons I believe it is beneficial for everyone.1.Teaches self-defense. Building reflexes to stand up to a threat is important for children. 2.Builds confidence. While defensive encounters require skill, having the confidence to stand up to trouble is invaluable, especially for vulnerable young ones. 3.Hones leadership skills. Karate classes implement a ranking system where higher belts signify improved skill. 4. Develops character. In order for kids to advance to the next ranks, they must prove their skills. Strengthening their competence takes perseverance. 5.Encourages self-discipline. In martial arts, constant repetition of various moves is performed in order to achieve perfection in skill.6. Promotes healthy bodyand weight. Regular physical activity of any form helps children develop and maintain a healthy body weight. 7.Offers multiple choices. Martial arts comes in many forms, each with their own appeal.

Young people in martial arts benefit in an environment that can serve as an outlet for both their physical energy and mental worries. 

We recognize that not all kids learn and think the same way. Hence, we focus on individual growth rather than team competition. Many kids struggle with the pressure of competing with their peers. But in martial arts the focus is self-improvement.

We work toward specific goals. Kids who learn and think differently feel like they never win at anything. However, in martial arts they can work at their own pace. Each time a new skill level is reached, they are rewarded with a different colored belt. This can boost self-esteem and keep them motivated.

Routines are broken down. A technique or form can have dozens of different movements, but youngsters learn gradually, repeating and adding steps as they go. They learn to anticipate which step comes next and eventually put it all together into fluid movements.

We emphasize self-control and concentration. Attention is central to martial arts. Students must stay focused to learn the movements. When a child’s focus drifts, instructors ask them to take a “horse stance” which helps them to reset.

We improve coordination. Martial arts movements can help kids get a better feel for their bodies. This can benefit those with motor skills deficits and help them understand the power of mind over body.

We provide structure. Martial arts instructors have clear rules and constantly reinforce them. They highlight good behavior in and out of class.

We are a safe way for kids to burn that extra energy. It’s a myth that martial arts encourages violent behavior. In fact, we say fighting is a last resort. At the same time, kicking and punching lets kids work out frustration or anger while practicing self-control.

Karate is an accepting environment. Respect is a core value in martial arts. Kids have to show it for their instructors and peers. Negativity is not tolerated and students are encouraged to support each other.

Karate kids are cool. Kids who learn and think differently feel awkward or out of the loop. But kids think martial arts is cool. It’s hard not to feel special when wearing karate gear and breaking boards.

Karate is an ideal practice for people of all ages. It teaches life skills and provides a sense of well-being and accomplishment. Studying karate will be the first move to a successful, productive future for you and your child.

We offer this unique training experience and a very reasonable cost and your investment in your child’s martial arts is well spent. With the holiday shopping season here, will you consider purchasing karate classes for your family?

Finally, please save December 11th, 1:00 to celebrate Christmas at our annual karate studio party. More details in next month’s newsletter.

Thank you for reading.

Ken Kellogg

As our studio is slowly getting back toward normal from this crazy year we’ve had, we are excited to announce some upcoming events. On June 24^th Mr. Bob White will be here at around 6:00PM to honor our studio by promoting Mr. Kellogg to the rank of 7^th degree. Hopefully you can attend. We would love to see you all here for this occasion.

We will have our annual fundraiser this year, our fireworks stand in Santa Ana, on the corner of Euclid and 5^th. This is our biggest fundraiser of the year and we would love to have your support. We are still looking for volunteers to work the stand. We are open on July 1^st through July 4^th. We are open from 10am until 10pm on those days. If you are interested in donating either time or money please feel free to contact Mr. Kellogg at  wycl55@sbcglobal.net or on his cell at (714) 863-1955. 

We have changed our Staff meetings.  They will no longer be on the first Wednesday of the month, but to a weekly meeting on Saturdays at 10:00AM, where we meet for 1 hour “ON THE MAT”. This is for adults and kids green belt and above. This is a great way to keep sharp, learn what’s up at the studio and work with other advanced belts. We will be reviewing techniques, forms, history, terminology and more.

Summer is here so now is the time to get back to Karate. Lets get going.