We will have regular classes Friday and Saturday.

This past Saturday was the first camp exam, and it was definitely a test on responsibility and intensity!! We were tested by Master Jason, Master Terry, Mr. Peters and of course the entire exam was overseen by Grandmaster Hafner himself.

The test covered EVERYTHING that we have been shown in the past 4 weeks:

boxing footwork and techniques several jujitsu positions/locks/escapes

2 takedowns

3 knife defenses

5 blocks in a combination partner drill

5 one steps

3 escrima (stick) combinations

and after all of that, performing kata with intensity! When we got to the kata section, if we were not intense enough in our presentation, we were asked to start again.

Whew! The test took the better part of an hour, and it really hit home how important it is to "train as if it were real." Every punch needs to be the best you can throw, every block the strongest possible and every kiai like you can yell the roof down! (We yelled so loud, I was hoarse at belt presentations later that afternoon!)

I am happy to report that we ALL passed our first exam, and as a result, my campmates and I are now the proud recipients of special "camp belts" to be worn in camp class, signifying our first step towards our promotions.

I am looking forward to the next set of challenges…including training for the next exam (adversity in kata and combat intensity), running 3 miles before Labor Day to test my endurance, working on my book project on the history of our school and of course, planning my skydive! I will keep you posted!

Sensei is always hard at work promoting the karate school in all kinds of ways. Here is the latest commercial that is being broadcast across the internet. Take a look and leave your comments. Click Play to start the video.

Brown and Black Belts must have their homework completed and turned in no later than Monday at 8:15pm in order to be eligible to test.

I was pretty nervous at first to be in a different school and under different instructors, but I am so glad that I am participating in camp.  Master Jason and Master Terry are great instructors, and my fellow campers have great smiles, hearts and spirit.

I am learning a lot, not only Martial Arts techniques (which are fun, too!), but I am learning more about myself, especially how to use courage and Black Belt effort in new situations.

 
The first camp exam is in two weeks, so I am busy practicing and studying now! Knife Defenses, take downs, boxing, jujitsu, blocking, kata, escrima stick drills…and this is only week 3!!!

You can get a copy of my report by clicking here.

Speed is only 1 of the 3 components of Intensity.

Power and Focus are the other two. Without all three components in place, students lose intensity in their techniques. Power means throwing the techniques as hard as you can. Make sure you have the proper focus our your Power is going to be out of control and dangerous. Proper focus means knowing where your hands start and end on each technique. Where do your hands set for a low block, a punch, a palm heel, etc.

In order to maximize your Intensity, make it a point to practice it ALL of the time. Students who believe that they can "pull it out when needed" are mistaken. If you do not practice with Intensity, you will not just start doing when needed.

Having Intensity in your karate shows during kata when everyone looks and says, "WOW! That was awesome!" and they are not able to put words to what it was they liked.

Your Goal is to Always Practice with Intensity!

Hope Community Church is a camp for neighbor kids who need some positive role models in their life. Sempai said the best part was seeing the kids show great respect at the end of the seminar by bowing and saying, "Yes Ma'am" by the end of the session.

Great job Sempai!