DojoUpdate.com

Karate Graduation May 2012

Michael Kristof — Fri, 11 May 2012 17:53:29 +0000

Karate Graduation Ceremonies at David Deaton Karate Studio, Mt Juliet, TN on May 11, 2012.

Demo team showing off their moves.

Little Dragons Graduation Class

Children’s Graduation Class

Teens & Adults Graduation Class

Photos: Coty Coghill

Karate Graduation April 2012

Michael Kristof — Sat, 14 Apr 2012 16:48:56 +0000

Karate Graduation Ceremonies at David Deaton Karate Studio, Mt Juliet, TN on April 13, 2012.

Little Dragons Graduation Class

Children’s Graduation Class

Children (Gold Belt through Green Candidate)

Advanced Children, Juniors, Teens & Adults

Advanced Children (Green Belt & Up), All Juniors, and Teens & Adults

Photos: Coty Coghill

Karate Challenge 2012

Michael Kristof — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 01:01:15 +0000

The annual David Deaton Karate Studios karate challenge is upon us!

This is our first all school function of the year. The students are competing for individual trophies as well as the coveted school trophy (for the school winning the most 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places in Forms, Fighting, and Weapons). The Challenge is scheduled for Saturday, April 21st at Christ Presbyterian Academy in Nashville.

The purpose of our intramural events (The Challenge and The Karate Olympics) is three fold:

To help educate the student body on how to handle stress and pressure in a competition format
To help raise funds for Project Sparrow which helps with tuition for financially challenged families
To raise funds for CPA

Detailed information on the who, what, when, and where is listed below and, of course, you can always stop by the front desk or email us with any questions.

Karate Challenge 2012

Saturday, April 21, 2012
Christ Presbyterian Academy
2323 Old Hickory Blvd. Nashville TN, 37215 (Get directions below)

Registration Fee

By April 18: $40 (BBC $36). 2nd family member $36. 3rd family member $32.
After April 18: $43 (BBC $40).
At the door (day of event) $43 (No Discounts)

Each competition registration fee includes 2 spectator tickets. Additional spectator tickets are $3.00 each. Children 3 and under are free.

Cash or Check Only (No Charge and Debit Cards).

Schedule of Events

Times Stated Below Are For All Ages.

No shoes are allowed on the gym floor. Competitors and officials only in competition area!! Spectators must stay on the bleachers.

Time	Belt Level	Event
8:00	Black Belts & BB Cand. Adults (18 & Up)	Show Up
8:30	Black Belts & BB Cand. Adults (18 & Up)	Begin Competition (Including Bo Kata)
9:30	Black Belts & BB Cand. Jrs (7–11) & Teens (12–17)	Show Up
10:00	Black Belts & BB Cand. Jrs (7–11) & Teens (12–17)	Begin Competition (Including Bo Kata)
11:30	White/Gold/Orange	Show Up
12:00	White/Gold/Orange	Begin Competition
12:30	Purple/Blue/Green Cand.	Show Up
1:00	Purple/Blue/Green Cand.	Begin Competition
2:00	Brown Cand./Brown/Green	Show Up
2:30	Brown Cand./Brown/Green	Begin Competition (Including Bo Kata)

Karate Tournament Divisions

Children’s Divisions

Ages (Under Black Belt)
5 and Under (Little Dragons), 6–7, 8–9, 10–11, 12–13, 14–15, and 16–17

Each age group will have a separate division for White, Gold, Orange, Blue, Purple, Green, Brown, and Black Belt. There will also be a separate Girl’s Fighting division for ages; 12–13, 14–15, and 16–17.

Ages (Black Belts):
8–9, 10–11, 12–13, 14–15, and 16–17

Adult Divisions

Men (18–34):
White, Gold, Orange, Blue, Purple, Green, Brown, and Black Belts.

Women (18–34):
White, Gold, Orange, Blue, Purple, Green, Brown, and Black Belts.

Executives (35–45 Men):
White, Gold, Orange, Blue, Purple, Green, Brown, and Black Belts.

Executives (Over 45 Men):
White & Gold | Orange, Blue & Purple | Green & Brown | Black Belts.

Executives (Over 45 Women):
Same divisions as Executive Men Over 45.

Note: Adjustments will be made if there is not at least 3 competitors per division.

Directions to Tournament

For alternate directions, please use the below map.

From Hendersonville:

Take Vietnam Vetrans Parkway to I-65 South towards Huntsville.
Merge onto Old Hickory Bllvd. (via exit 74B toward Brentwood)
Continue on Old Hickory Blvd. until 2323 Old Hickory Blvd.
School is on the left.

From Mount Juliet area:

Take I-40 West toward Nashville.
Keep left to take I-24 West (via exit 53 toward Memphis)
Merge onto I-65 South (via exit 5 toward Huntsville)
Merge onto Old Hickory Blvd. (via exit 74B toward Brentwood)
Continue on Old Hickory Blvd. until 2323 Old Hickory Blvd.
School is on the left.

View Larger Map

Black Belt Review

Michael Kristof — Sat, 10 Mar 2012 20:02:04 +0000

On March 10, 2012, a black belt review was held at David Deaton Karate Studio, Mount Juliet, TN.

Special congratulations to Sensei David Everett for his promotion to NanaDan (7th degree black belt).

Photos: Coty Coghill

Karate Graduation March 2012

Michael Kristof — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 19:24:48 +0000

Karate Graduation Ceremonies at David Deaton Karate Studio, Mt Juliet, TN on March 9, 2012.

The above video is shows the karate demonstration given by some of the black belt instructors and students during the graduation.

Little Dragons Graduation Class

Little Dragons Karate Graduation Class March 9, 2012

Children’s Graduation Class

White Belt through Green Belt

Children’s Karate Graduation Class March 9, 2012

Advanced Children, Juniors, Teens & Adults

Advanced Children (Brown Candidate and Up), All Juniors, and Teens & Adults

Advanced Children, Juniors, Teens, Adults Karate Graduation Class March 9, 2012

Photos and video: Coty Coghill. Video editing: Michael Kristof

Karate Graduation February 2012

Michael Kristof — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 20:08:39 +0000

Karate Graduation Ceremonies at David Deaton Karate Studio, Mt Juliet, TN on February 10, 2012

Little Dragons Graduation Class

Little Dragons Karate Graduation Class February 10, 2012

Children, Juniors, Teens & Adults

Childrens, Teens, Juniors and Adults Karate Graduation Class February 10, 2012

Photos by: Coty Coghill and Michael Kristof

Inside Looking Outside at Me Looking In

Michael Kristof — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 18:05:32 +0000

Karate and especially Wado is easy. What I mean by that is that at the most basic level, karate is a very personal, individual and self-satisfying (or frustrating) study. The curious title of this particular writing is a reference to the way I see people in training (remember The Three Faces of Eve — oh come on, I know some of you have to).

First, I now watch a class as a Black Belt with a considerable amount of time put into improving my technique, my physical fitness, and my physical and mental stamina. My training suffered from a lack of any kind of natural ability, very little coordination, no rhythm and a deficit in the flexibility department. However, I did have a strong desire to emulate the examples that I had before me, and I had some very fine examples in the seniors above me. I also practiced constantly. When I couldn’t practice physically, I was practicing in my head; I would think through kata, I would envision Tyler Sensei performing the moves of kata and combinations. I listened to every word he said (he might argue that point because I know what he saw me do wasn’t always the picture he was trying to draw with his explanations) and memorized his anecdotes and comparisons, to the point of hearing them, in my head, about a word ahead of him actually saying them in class. I could see relevancy in the strangest of examples and relate karate to the most un-karate like activities you can imagine (if you were in my classes, remember the puzzled feeling as I gave many of my explanations). But, I made it and I progressed. I bore you with all of this drivel to let you know that if I can do it, you can do it, your child can do it, anyone can do it.

Second, I watch the class as an instructor. From the summer of ’82, until May 31, 2005, I taught in one capacity or another, almost non-stop. In that time, I have taught literally thousands of students of all types. I have taught very impressive people with all kinds of talent, some recognized their potential and still study, some of those, sharing their gifts and teaching today. Some recognized that talent, professing to be students for life, working hard for a time, maybe even years before disappearing without warning. These people probably benefited and may still put the things they worked and learned to use in their life, and may for life. Then some of those just lose focus, life gets in the way, and they move on to whatever is next. Some of the talented didn’t pick up the complete package, they left the heart behind, they just can’t put enough of themselves, into them, to reap the rewards, some are just lazy. On the other end of the spectrum you have the less than gifted student. They come in the same varieties as the naturally talented; it’s just not as pretty. They have to work harder, sometimes that is to their benefit, they are not used to the easy road, they are willing to work harder and appreciate the accomplishments that come with that work. As an instructor, I don’t care what kind of ability you have; I want to teach someone that is giving it their all, someone that is taking advantage of the gains that come from the hard, hot, sweaty parts of training, and rejoicing in the personal triumphs and joy of accomplishment. Being a martial artist is very gratifying, teaching martial arts is even more gratifying. Being a Black Belt is a small mile marker on the martial arts road, but it is one that almost everyone can identify with in one way or the other, so it is used as a goal and a reference point. The easy way to study karate, and to aim for and receive the Black Belt, is to work hard. Too many people don’t get serious enough until they are in the home-stretch run for the Black Belt, and then you can get overwhelmed trying to get up to speed. I can sum up my frustrations and philosophy on teaching and preparing students for the Black Belt with a line I used to use with those that were giving it far less than their all, “I can’t want this for you more than you want it for yourself,” it just don’t work like that. An individual’s success in karate should be measured from where they are in relation to where they started, with a strong emphasis on potential.

Third, I watch the class as Pop-Pop, and this is the difficult one. I am very close to my grand-daughter, and want nothing but the best for her. I know her well, I know her potential, and I know her strengths, her weaknesses and her faults. She’s fast, loves to run, is competitive, and much more care-free than her Pop-Pop. She is stubborn, and much more care-free than her Pop-Pop. She loves karate, she also loves soccer, and playing, for which she doesn’t have near enough time. She is smart, she does what she needs to do to get good grades but, she doesn’t get wrapped up in consuming knowledge. She is a pretty well rounded little girl and, it is hard for Pop-Pop to find the right balance that will keep her motivated, progressing, and a successful karateka, in order to allow her to apply the benefits of what she is learning, to other aspects of her life. It’s tough for me to remember that she is not me, and success in karate for her, may not be the same as success in karate for me (by definition yes, in scale no). My hope for her far surpasses my own realizations. Of course she doesn’t know what is best for her yet, at this point in her life, she’s just having fun. No matter what, less than her best is unacceptable, but what it takes to bring out her best is the tricky unknown factor. I know that her instructors know what they are doing and I trust them to motivate her and give her the instruction that she needs, but I also find myself supplementing. I get so passionate with my desire for her to do well, that I have to keep myself in check, for fear of making her think that she is unable to meet my expectations, on the dojo floor. This is extremely exciting for me, and I’m so proud I can’t stand it. I see for the first time what you parents are going through. Good luck in cultivating your own little karatekas, and if you see me, keep an eye on me and, you may on occasion offer me some blood pressure medication, if handy.

David Everett

Black Belt Graduation November 2011

Michael Kristof — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 05:16:34 +0000

Black Belt Graduation Ceremonies.
David Deaton Karate Studio, Mount Juliet Dojo. November 9, 2011

ShoDan Promotions

Austin Goodrich
Matthew Ramos
Robert Ramsey
Austin Reeves
Zach Riement
Aidan Thompson

Black Belt Graduation Photos

Photography by Ms. Tamera De Laby sempai and Ms. Jackie Tuttle

Black Belt Graduation June 2011

Michael Kristof — Sat, 04 Jun 2011 19:19:54 +0000

Black Belt Graduation Ceremonies.
Beech High School. June 4, 2011

ShoDan Promotions

Michelle Goode
Tom Hollinger
Nick Mackey
Donnie Paris
Ryan Springer
Leon Stewart
Jordan Treutel

Black Belt Graduation Photos

Black Belt Graduation October 2010

Michael Kristof — Sat, 02 Oct 2010 22:51:46 +0000

David Deaton Karate Studios Black Belt Graduation Class.
Beech High School. October 2, 2010

ShoDan Promotions (Mount Juliet Dojo)

Cash Clow
Coty Coghill
Olivia Gaston
Kyle Kuhlman

Karate Graduation Photos

Photography by Laurie Morris.

Black Belt Graduation June 2010

Michael Kristof — Sat, 05 Jun 2010 20:55:35 +0000

David Deaton Karate Studios Black Belt Graduation.
Beech High School. June 5, 2010

ShoDan Promotions (Mount Juliet Dojo)

Brian Anderson
Jay Brown
Ken Brown
Conner Charlton
John Curtis
Lyndsey Fields
Jordan Fraley
Ben Friddell
Nick Friddell
Korie Hawthorne
Jonathan Lopez
James Mitchel Lopez
Catherine Ruslavage
Conner Smith
Joe Sydlo
Jackie Tuttle
Travis Tuttle

Karate Graduation Photos

Black Belt Graduation October 2009

Michael Kristof — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 14:40:15 +0000

Black Belt Graduation Ceremonies.
Franklin Road Academy. October 10, 2009

ShoDan Promotions (Mount Juliet Dojo)

Michael Bottei
Julia Friddell
Andrew Henderson
Daniel Kuhn
Ethan Pinkston
McClain Richardson
James Von Dollen

Karate Graduation Photos

Photography by Jackie Tuttle.

Black Belt Graduation June 2009

Michael Kristof — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 19:49:15 +0000

Black Belt Graduation Ceremonies.
Franklin Road Academy. June 6, 2009

ShoDan Promotions (Mount Juliet Dojo)

Angie Barham
Jim Barham
Tanner Buchanon
Sammy Caldwell
Rena Conley
Cristen Friddell
Jacob Harris
Chris Knowles
Julie Lopez
Cade Ramsey
Katie Ramsey
Carson Richardso

Karate Graduation Photos

Special thanks to Ms. Carla Blevins sensei for photos of the Black Belt test.

Black Belt Graduation September 2008

Michael Kristof — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 21:33:52 +0000

Black Belt Graduation Ceremonies.
Franklin Road Academy. September 27, 2008

NiDan Promotions

Scott Sewell

ShoDan Promotions

Lacy Baltz
Logan Dheming
Bob Edwards
Brett Frashier
Max Friddell
Steve Gillette
Bill Kormoski
Danny Mullins
Abhi Ray

Karate Graduation Photos

Black Belt Graduation May 2008

Michael Kristof — Sat, 31 May 2008 21:58:59 +0000

Black Belt Graduation Ceremonies.
Franklin Road Academy. May 31, 2008

SanDan Promotions

Brad Butler

NiDan Promotions

Christian Collins
James Fields
Josh Rial
Josh Roberts
Tyler Scott
Samantha Webster

ShoDan Promotions

Christian Collins
Tamara De Laby
Tori Gossett
Wesley Hurless
Joseph Lopez
Lucy Lopez
Maria Lopez
Caleb Tate
Daniel Turner
Dallas Yatsinko

Karate Graduation Photos

Many thanks to Jackie Tuttle for providing the graduation photographs.

Board Breaking Class March 2008

Michael Kristof — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 21:45:06 +0000

Photos from the board breaking class held on March 29, 2008 at the Mount Juliet, David Deaton Karate Studio.

Black Belt Graduation October 2007

Michael Kristof — Sun, 28 Oct 2007 04:05:58 +0000

Black Belt Graduation Ceremonies.
Franklin Road Academy. October 27, 2007

ShoDan Promotions

Jared Barham
Marc Chiaramonte
Ryan Dailey
Jeff Edwards
Lucas Green
Joe Griffith
Calvin Lehman
Cade Sharpe
Austin Smith
Mikenzy Stowers

Karate Graduation Photos

Black Belt Graduation June 2007

Michael Kristof — Sun, 03 Jun 2007 03:07:34 +0000

Black Belt Graduation Ceremonies.
Pope John Paul II High School. June 2, 2007

GoDan Promotions

Ken Markanich

NiDan Promotions

Matthew Gillette
Chloe Schrader

ShoDan Promotions

Alex Chiaramonte
Sarah Conley
Caleb Conley
Roberto DelAngel
Jessica De Laby
Noah Gaston
Andrew Harper
Casey Hawthorne
Maegan Smith
Alex Staggs

Black Belt Graduation October 2006

Michael Kristof — Sun, 29 Oct 2006 03:32:25 +0000

Black Belt Graduation Ceremonies.
Pope John Paul II High School. October 28, 2006

YonDan Promotions

Theresa Gould
James Gould

SanDan Promotions

Javier Lozano, Jr.

NiDan Promotions

David Agee
Roger Conley
Evan Durnberger
Carla Blevins
Brad Butler

ShoDan Promotions

Lane Dickeson
Justin Farris
Michael Gillette
Maryann Kormoski
Malcolm Manson
Hampton Mays
Cory McMullen
Tommy Metke
Tony Metke
Brandon O’Rear
Jim O’Rear
Harrison Pauley
Scott Sewell

Karate Graduation Photos

Black Belt Graduation April 2006

Michael Kristof — Sun, 09 Apr 2006 03:44:30 +0000

Black Belt Graduation Ceremonies. April 8, 2006

YonDan Promotions

Don Morris

SanDan Promotions

Dusty Tate

NiDan Promotions

Cassandra Christensen
Danny Dodge
Butch Quinn

ShoDan Promotions

James Beaudoin
Edward Camacho
Carol Christensen
Chris Cooper
Evan Davenport
Jack Davenport
Derrick Ford
Lauren Gibson
Wesley Gibson
Melissa Hollinger
Ali King
Zack Leary
Dina Manalac
Matt Morrissey
Michael Morrissey
Tim Randolph
Laura Rexroad
Joshua Roberts
Chris Schara
Tyler Scott
Samantha Webster