Thanks for a Wonderful Regional Practice

Thanks to everyone who participated in our Regional Practice today. Our next one is on Saturday, February 14 and I hope you will be able to attend then.

This practice was special – a number of our nidans lead practice. As I watched, I smiled as the dedication of our instructors was obvious in their presentations.

I am not sure how many appreciate that all of our instructors are volunteers. It has been a hallmark of our Rochester dojo that no instructors receive pay. This has always allowed us to keep our dues relatively low. So, our instructors are a very special group of people who have chosen to give their time to an art that they are dedicated to.

Another reason that nidans are special is that their rank reflects another choice – to have devoted themselves to continued growth and learning beyond receiving their black belt. It was readily evident in today’s teaching that all of our nidans give careful thought simultaneously to the art they are studying and how to share that art with students.

So, next time you are in class, be sure to acknowledge your instructor. – whether shodan, nidan, sandan, or higher – they are special people and we are lucky to have them all serving in our dojo.

Congratuations!

Mark Panek and John Christensen both completed their tests for 4th kyu last night. A wonderful group of students gathered to cheer and uke.

Congratulations Mark and John!

Thanks to everyone who attended.

Regional Practice on Saturday

Saturday marks our first regional practice of the New Year. Please come and join in. Practice begins shortly after 10 am. I was over at RIT last night and there is a dedicated group of students there who hope to find rides and show up on Saturday. Please join them and others from the region as our nidans lead us in practice. It is Nidan Mania day.

Remember your presence makes this a success!

Class Notes

Wow, 19 people on a Monday night! Doesn't get much better than that. Thanks to all for a great kick off to our Test prep regimen.

Also, we learned after class that this week is Alex's birthday, so let's make sure she has nice full classes this week for her Birthday Throw.

Photos from Jan 6 class

A few photos that Chris Steerman took during the January 6 class. Can you guess who is upside down?

Testing is this week!

Please make time in your schedules to attend Thursday's 7 pm class. We will be testing both John Christensen and Mark Panek for 4th kyu.

Winter Camp Test Prep Starts Monday!

Please join us for 6 weeks of test prep beginning Monday, January 19 at 7:00 pm.

All students are welcome to participate in test prep; however focus will be on the students testing at Winter Camp.

Test prep is not mandatory but it’s a good challenge whether you are testing or not and most importantly it does take a village/dojo to raise a brown/black belt.

Come uke, run a video camera or stop watch or simply cheer from the sidelines.

Week 1 – Set the baseline for technique and fitness – Class will be co-taught by Marcella and Brian and will run from 7:00 pm-9:00 pm. Wanted: Volunteer to run video camera.

Week 2-Week 5 – 7:00 pm and 8:00 pm classes will focus on various aspects of testing: goal setting, techniques-quality v. quantity, presence, signature throws, etc.

Week 6 – Re-visit the baseline for technique and fitness – Class will be co-taught by Marcella and Brian and will run from 7:00 pm-9:00 pm. Wanted: Volunteer to run video camera.

Additionally there will be test prep on several Thursdays between now and Winter Camp as well as a short workshop on goal setting, watch the blog for specific dates and times.

Questions, see Marcella or Brian.