11 students competed in our in-house tournament last Saturday and they all did GREAT! Kudos to everyone who participated including judges.
Competition is always a great learning experience, win or lose. Sometimes you actually learn more by losing. It's nice to win of course, but if you win and think you're the best you don't know what you're practicing. NO ONE is perfect in our style of martial arts. That's why there is no grand master! :-)
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Our next event will be the AAKF Spring Seminar April 17-19! Early bird registration deadline is March 31. We printed out some registration forms for you to fill out. For our students only, we can charge the fee on your credit card or bank account if you wish, just let us know.
This 3-day seminar will probably be scheduled like this:
Friday - Kata (1 basic and 1 advanced)
Saturday - Kumite
Sunday - Conclusion
We haven't received many registrations yet, but I'm hoping to have a big turnout. We expect all of YOU to be there as well. Spread the words!
Wednesday, March 11, 2015
Saturday, January 31, 2015
Thursday, January 1, 2015
Happy New Year - 2015
My new year resolution: To write on this blog at least every couple of months. There, I said it!
It will be a big year for our dojo. There are a few events lined up:
-Winter training
January 12-16: Rokah Karate at 6AM
January 17 (Saturday): VMAC at 10:30AM
-National Seminar
April 3-5: VMAC
-Western Regional Championship
April?
-National Championship
June ? at Washington DC
-Legacy Camp
July? at San Diego
-Pan American Championship
November? in Brazil
-Dojo Tournament
?
And couple of our students may test for their black belt. Very exciting!
Happy New Year, and hope to see many of you more often at the dojo this coming year!
It will be a big year for our dojo. There are a few events lined up:
-Winter training
January 12-16: Rokah Karate at 6AM
January 17 (Saturday): VMAC at 10:30AM
-National Seminar
April 3-5: VMAC
-Western Regional Championship
April?
-National Championship
June ? at Washington DC
-Legacy Camp
July? at San Diego
-Pan American Championship
November? in Brazil
-Dojo Tournament
?
And couple of our students may test for their black belt. Very exciting!
Happy New Year, and hope to see many of you more often at the dojo this coming year!
Friday, January 3, 2014
January 3, 2014
Happy New Year Everyone! We completed yet another successful year running a dojo. I just want to thank all the dojo members for training hard and supporting this nice little place. It has actually grown to be not too "little" - we have about 90 students combining all the programs. We set the goal to reach 100 students by the end of year and we didn't quite make it, but we have been steadily growing and that we do not have to increase the monthly fees this year, which is a big achievement in my opinion.
We had a few events since the last blog entry:
October 31: Halloween costume training
November 9: Nishiyama Memorial
December 15: Kyu Test
December 18: Manny's first teaching!
December 28: VMAC Annual Oosoji
And the 2014 Winter Training is coming up next week. It's every morning (6-7AM) from Monday through Friday at Sensei Avi Rokah's TKA dojo in Beverly Hills area, plus Saturday morning at 10:30 we have the closing training at out own VMAC! Believe me, it's a great training and definitely worth waking up early. Who is going? I am!
Also, check out an upcoming Summer Training Camp information here: http://www.legacykarate.info/
Ugh, this blog page is not letting me do the photo layout easily... FYI, many photos can be viewed on our dojo Facebook page (www.facebook.com/pages/Valley-Martial-Arts-Center/152796298146068) or on our dojo website photo album (valleymac.com/VTK/vtk_album/index.html).
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And last but not least, I just want to say something about my previous blog entry. At that time I was still working for ITKF office part time so it was probably not the best to talk about ITKF's internal problem on a public blog. However, I just want to clarify that 1) I wrote that article based on my subjective observation about the issues happening, 2) It was no way reflecting ITKF's official opinions, and 3) I did not mean to support either side. Without saying I thought it was clear that that article was my private opinion for my private dojo students, but a person from another country became upset reading it, claiming that I caused significant damage worldwide (though the page was accessed only a handful of times based on the stats and I had to wonder how much "damage" this has actually caused... Oh well.). In any case, I apologize if I misled anyone with that article. I am no longer working for ITKF, so I hope it's not going to cause any more troubles...
Saturday, October 26, 2013
October 26, 2013
"Post a blog entry" has been on my to-do list for quite sometime but I have been simply unable to get to it for the past 4 months. Most of my students probably don't even follow this blog, but I'll do my best to periodically post some information here, I promise!
First, let me talk about some events that happened since the last blog update:
July 21: VMAC 2-year anniversary party
Thanks all for showing up. I hope you enjoyed the demonstrations by all different disciplines that we offer.
August 18: Kyu Test
Passing or failing, I hope you all learned something that motivates you to keep training.
October 4-6: AAKF National Seminar
Me, Eiko, Jon M, Manny, Joe, Shamane, Jon D and Mike participated. It was a fun seminar, and I hope we can provide you with more of this type of opportunities.
October 5: Dan test
Jon Menefee is our new black belt! I'm very proud of you, Jon.
October 20: TMAC Tournament in San Diego
Joe and Manny represented us and competed hard! Now they have some "revenges" to do in the next tournament...?
And some future events in the next couple of months:
October 31: Halloween costume training
Once a year opportunity to train in any clothing other than a gi. Don't miss it!
November 9: Nishiyama Memorial
We will have a special training on Saturday morning, inviting people from other dojos and possibly be taught by a guest instructor. Free of charge. Then we will go visit Sensei Nishiyama's grave.
December 15: Kyu Test
Are you getting ready?? Remember, your test gets harder and harder as you go up. You need to increasingly put more effort, or else...
January 6-11: Winter Special Training
Early morning training (6-7am) for 5 days in West LA. It sounds awful but it really is... Just kidding, the hardest part is to wake up and drive at dawn. I guarantee that you will feel so refreshed every morning after the training, and this is the best way to start the year off right!
And usually by this time of the year I'm getting ready to compete in an international tournament, either Pan American or World. However this year, I'm not competing mainly because of some political issues that our national federation (AAKF) and the international federation (ITKF) are going through. Many of you received a communication from the AAKF, so it's time to explain what is going on and where we stand.
Our dojo belongs to a national organization called AAKF (American Amateur Karate Federation). This is where your membership fee of $30 goes, and where your Kyu certificates have been issued from. AAKF is a US representative of ITKF (International Traditional Karate Federation) and that's where I compete internationally and you will get your Dan certificate from (upon passing/registering). Both of these federations were founded by my teacher, Sensei Nishiyama, and naturally our dojo has been a member in good standing since our beginning.
Upon Sensei Nishiyama's departure a newly formed Board of Directors took leadership of ITKF and another of AAKF separately. Unfortunately the leaders of these 2 federations do not get along, and apparently there were many more in the world who don't like how ITKF is now operating. Polish federation, the biggest and the most successful traditional karate federation in the world, took an initiative to leave ITKF and many other countries/national federations followed (including AAKF), resulting in ITKF's split in the "current ITKF" and the "New Era ITKF".
In a meantime there were American members who were unhappy with how AAKF was operating, and these people don't like the fact that AAKF is leaving the current ITKF and joining the new era ITKF. So they decided to split away from the "current AAKF" and to create "new AAKF". So now there are 2 international federations and 2 national federations to choose from:
Current AAKF + New ITKF
New AAKF + Current ITKF
New AAKF, which I heard will soon be established, will have a different name (hopefully making it less confusing...). New ITKF, however, is trying to keep the name "ITKF" and this matter will likely end up in the court. Anyway, the more choices the better? Not in this case. AAKF and ITKF have been "small but strong-minded organizations" in my opinion. We can't compete in number of members with other major karate organizations. Sensei Nishiyama used to value "quality over quantity", but making a small organization even smaller will only weaken it even in terms of quality. Now either side has less instructors or less athletes, which means less chances to learn from quality instructors or to compete among a large pool of talented athletes in the world...
I have friends/acquaintances that I trust in all 4 organizations, but I also have a few people that I don't trust in every organization, too. So it is personally very difficult to choose which side I will take. I know certain "politics" are necessary when we are involved in any organizations, but I prefer to stay out of karate politics because karate for me is about self-improvement and friendship, NOT about power games or hating people.
It is sad that people are fighting over small things or their personal agendas, and in the end we as members/students suffer the most. We, as your karate dojo, will try to choose the best option for our future growth. At this point we are still a member of the current AAKF which is now officially affiliated with New Era ITKF, but upon careful consideration our affiliation may or may not change in the future.
First, let me talk about some events that happened since the last blog update:
July 21: VMAC 2-year anniversary party
Thanks all for showing up. I hope you enjoyed the demonstrations by all different disciplines that we offer.
August 18: Kyu Test
Passing or failing, I hope you all learned something that motivates you to keep training.
October 4-6: AAKF National Seminar
Me, Eiko, Jon M, Manny, Joe, Shamane, Jon D and Mike participated. It was a fun seminar, and I hope we can provide you with more of this type of opportunities.
October 5: Dan test
Jon Menefee is our new black belt! I'm very proud of you, Jon.
October 20: TMAC Tournament in San Diego
Joe and Manny represented us and competed hard! Now they have some "revenges" to do in the next tournament...?
And some future events in the next couple of months:
October 31: Halloween costume training
Once a year opportunity to train in any clothing other than a gi. Don't miss it!
November 9: Nishiyama Memorial
We will have a special training on Saturday morning, inviting people from other dojos and possibly be taught by a guest instructor. Free of charge. Then we will go visit Sensei Nishiyama's grave.
December 15: Kyu Test
Are you getting ready?? Remember, your test gets harder and harder as you go up. You need to increasingly put more effort, or else...
January 6-11: Winter Special Training
Early morning training (6-7am) for 5 days in West LA. It sounds awful but it really is... Just kidding, the hardest part is to wake up and drive at dawn. I guarantee that you will feel so refreshed every morning after the training, and this is the best way to start the year off right!
And usually by this time of the year I'm getting ready to compete in an international tournament, either Pan American or World. However this year, I'm not competing mainly because of some political issues that our national federation (AAKF) and the international federation (ITKF) are going through. Many of you received a communication from the AAKF, so it's time to explain what is going on and where we stand.
Our dojo belongs to a national organization called AAKF (American Amateur Karate Federation). This is where your membership fee of $30 goes, and where your Kyu certificates have been issued from. AAKF is a US representative of ITKF (International Traditional Karate Federation) and that's where I compete internationally and you will get your Dan certificate from (upon passing/registering). Both of these federations were founded by my teacher, Sensei Nishiyama, and naturally our dojo has been a member in good standing since our beginning.
Upon Sensei Nishiyama's departure a newly formed Board of Directors took leadership of ITKF and another of AAKF separately. Unfortunately the leaders of these 2 federations do not get along, and apparently there were many more in the world who don't like how ITKF is now operating. Polish federation, the biggest and the most successful traditional karate federation in the world, took an initiative to leave ITKF and many other countries/national federations followed (including AAKF), resulting in ITKF's split in the "current ITKF" and the "New Era ITKF".
In a meantime there were American members who were unhappy with how AAKF was operating, and these people don't like the fact that AAKF is leaving the current ITKF and joining the new era ITKF. So they decided to split away from the "current AAKF" and to create "new AAKF". So now there are 2 international federations and 2 national federations to choose from:
Current AAKF + New ITKF
New AAKF + Current ITKF
New AAKF, which I heard will soon be established, will have a different name (hopefully making it less confusing...). New ITKF, however, is trying to keep the name "ITKF" and this matter will likely end up in the court. Anyway, the more choices the better? Not in this case. AAKF and ITKF have been "small but strong-minded organizations" in my opinion. We can't compete in number of members with other major karate organizations. Sensei Nishiyama used to value "quality over quantity", but making a small organization even smaller will only weaken it even in terms of quality. Now either side has less instructors or less athletes, which means less chances to learn from quality instructors or to compete among a large pool of talented athletes in the world...
I have friends/acquaintances that I trust in all 4 organizations, but I also have a few people that I don't trust in every organization, too. So it is personally very difficult to choose which side I will take. I know certain "politics" are necessary when we are involved in any organizations, but I prefer to stay out of karate politics because karate for me is about self-improvement and friendship, NOT about power games or hating people.
It is sad that people are fighting over small things or their personal agendas, and in the end we as members/students suffer the most. We, as your karate dojo, will try to choose the best option for our future growth. At this point we are still a member of the current AAKF which is now officially affiliated with New Era ITKF, but upon careful consideration our affiliation may or may not change in the future.
Sunday, June 30, 2013
June 30, 2013
Somehow I managed to write two blog entries in one month! Big deal...
I and Eiko had a good time at the AAKF National Championship held in St. Louis, MO. Eiko took 2 bronze medals (Kogo and Kumite) and I took 2 gold medals (Kata and Fukugo). It was a great venue and well organized tournament. And a great after-party, of course! If my dojo people are like my immediate family, those karate people I see at the national or international events are like my relatives and high school friends back home. I'm blessed to have known so many cool guys & gals who share the same passion.
Our dojo is going to celebrate 2-year anniversary soon! The party will be on July 21st. There will be a training, various demonstrations, food, drinks and more (whatever you can imagine)! We're very excited about this milestone and the growth of our dojo in the last 2 years. Guess how many members we have now? Hoping to reach a hundred before the new year!
Karate class attendance has not been very good. Jiu-jitsu classes are beating us on a regular basis... Did you know that the next test is less than 2 months away: it's August 21st. I know a few of you told me that you were going to test, but are you, really?? You know that the regular training never lies...
I and Eiko had a good time at the AAKF National Championship held in St. Louis, MO. Eiko took 2 bronze medals (Kogo and Kumite) and I took 2 gold medals (Kata and Fukugo). It was a great venue and well organized tournament. And a great after-party, of course! If my dojo people are like my immediate family, those karate people I see at the national or international events are like my relatives and high school friends back home. I'm blessed to have known so many cool guys & gals who share the same passion.
Our dojo is going to celebrate 2-year anniversary soon! The party will be on July 21st. There will be a training, various demonstrations, food, drinks and more (whatever you can imagine)! We're very excited about this milestone and the growth of our dojo in the last 2 years. Guess how many members we have now? Hoping to reach a hundred before the new year!
Karate class attendance has not been very good. Jiu-jitsu classes are beating us on a regular basis... Did you know that the next test is less than 2 months away: it's August 21st. I know a few of you told me that you were going to test, but are you, really?? You know that the regular training never lies...
Saturday, June 1, 2013
- June 1, 2013
Long time no blogging!
It's not that there was nothing to write. I simply didn't have time or didn't feel like writing, or both. We had the regional championship and Kyu exam in April. In May a lot of our students took a break/went easy and the attendance was pretty bad. Now it's a new month and time to get ready for the next short term goal, be it a Kyu test, a Dan test or a tournament!
On July 21st the dojo will be hosting a 2-year anniversary party! We will ask a few of you to do some type of demonstrations (most likely Kata). Be prepared. Like the last year and the year before, we will probably do a training, followed by some demos, followed by lots of foods and drinks. Your help/contribution will be highly appreciated. Can you believe that it's been already 2 years? Actually, I feel that it has been a lot longer, since I've spent a lot of time at this dojo in the last 2 years. A lot. Make it every-single-day...
And in August (the 18th or the 25th, not decided yet) we will have the next Kyu exam. We recently had a few people joined, so this will be their first test. Very exciting!
It may not be of your concern, but I and Eiko will be competing at the AAKF Nationals in 3 weeks. Wish us luck! Depending on how we place, we may get to go to Argentina for the Pan American championship in November...
In October or November, our region will be hosting a 2-day national seminar somewhere in LA, OC or SD area. There will be some high-rank instructors gathered from across the country, and it will be a cool event.
OK, I listed all the known future events for the next few months, just in case I take another long break from blogging...! :-)
In case you're new to the dojo or to this blog, I have a list of recommended youtube videos to learn your Kata posted on this blog's past entries. Search by the tag "Kata". I'll try to make sure that those links are still active.
See you at the dojo!
It's not that there was nothing to write. I simply didn't have time or didn't feel like writing, or both. We had the regional championship and Kyu exam in April. In May a lot of our students took a break/went easy and the attendance was pretty bad. Now it's a new month and time to get ready for the next short term goal, be it a Kyu test, a Dan test or a tournament!
On July 21st the dojo will be hosting a 2-year anniversary party! We will ask a few of you to do some type of demonstrations (most likely Kata). Be prepared. Like the last year and the year before, we will probably do a training, followed by some demos, followed by lots of foods and drinks. Your help/contribution will be highly appreciated. Can you believe that it's been already 2 years? Actually, I feel that it has been a lot longer, since I've spent a lot of time at this dojo in the last 2 years. A lot. Make it every-single-day...
And in August (the 18th or the 25th, not decided yet) we will have the next Kyu exam. We recently had a few people joined, so this will be their first test. Very exciting!
It may not be of your concern, but I and Eiko will be competing at the AAKF Nationals in 3 weeks. Wish us luck! Depending on how we place, we may get to go to Argentina for the Pan American championship in November...
In October or November, our region will be hosting a 2-day national seminar somewhere in LA, OC or SD area. There will be some high-rank instructors gathered from across the country, and it will be a cool event.
OK, I listed all the known future events for the next few months, just in case I take another long break from blogging...! :-)
In case you're new to the dojo or to this blog, I have a list of recommended youtube videos to learn your Kata posted on this blog's past entries. Search by the tag "Kata". I'll try to make sure that those links are still active.
See you at the dojo!
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