A.K.K.S. February 2006 Newsletter

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UPCOMING EVENTS

2/11 – Mark Baier Sparring Seminar @ AKKS
2/18 – CKA Opener @ Denver Merchandise Mart
2/24 – 2/25 – Salt City International Tournament
3/9 – Professor John Sepulveda Kenpo Seminar @ AKKS

JANUARY BELT PROMOTIONS

Pictured left to right: Brittany Chaffin (Purple), Jenaree Davidson, Jennie Rife, Amber Chaffin (Purple), Mr. Coppock, Becky Ottaway (Orange), Rory Dean (Blue), Larissa Lonergan (Blue), Anna Jennings (Yellow), Connor Dean (Brown), Blaine Miller (2 nd Brown)

FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS

Could everyone make sure that birthdays are listed on respective attendance card. Thanks!

2006 CKA AWARDS BANQUET

If you did not attend this year’s banquet, you missed a great time. Not only did the AKKS CKA State Champions get recognized, but all AKKS members who finished in the top 10 were recognized for their outstanding performance in 2005. In addition, the Merchandise Mart not only provided an excellent venue to recognize last year’s winners, but it was a great place to see excellent martial arts demonstrations put on by the various schools. Jerico Catura, an international sport karate champion, provided many fireworks with his high flying creative form. Mike Brown’s school provided an excellent grappling demonstration. And Lastly, Mr. Coppock rocked the house with his demonstration of four Kenpo self defense techniques. Mr. Coppock first demonstrated Twisted Rod, Circling Fans, Circling the Storm, and Entwined Lance at half speed for the crowd to see the actual strikes and movements of the techniques. Next, he then went full speed on Joe Freund, Greg Fitzsimmons, Mike Bartholomei, and Ed Van Aelstyn respectively to show the speed and power of Kenpo. As one of his ukes, rest assured he hit every one of his targets perfectly. Make sure you come to next year’s banquet to join in all the fun!

SALT CITY INTERNATIONALS

Nine AKKS members will take their show on the road and compete at this year’s Salt City Internationals. Mr. Coppock along with Mike Bartholomei, Andie Scherbinske, Ed Van Aelstyn, Alicia Chaffin, Joe Freund, Larissa Lonergan, Donna Krmpotich and her son Jason will all compete in Salt Lake City, Utah over the February 24 th weekend. Wish them all luck as they venture outside of Colorado to put their skills to the test.

TRAINING WITH YOUR TEENAGER

Martial arts’ training provides an ongoing platform of understanding between my teenage son and me. Our training together allows us to spend lots of time together exchanging thoughts and ideas. There is no TV, no video games, or other distractions; we participate in a shared experience.

There are many activities in our teenager’s lives that encourage parental involvement (like high school sports and academics) and I believe that it is important that parents take the opportunity to be involved in these activities. But, how many of those opportunities allow us to participate directly “with” our teenagers rather than as the coach, supervisor or just an observer? The martial arts’ is one of the few activities that allow parents and teenagers to physically participate together.

As most kids enter their teen years they tend to grow “away” from their parents. Fortunately, the relationship between my son and me has only strengthened. Although, I would not say that is because we “do karate” together; I do think it plays a major role. I believe that our training provides us with the quality time that we need to remain involved in each others lives.

Communication is often the biggest issues between a parent and their teenager. I often hear adults say “Ask my teenager, they know everything”. Although as parents we have the advantage of our years of experience, I think we should be open to what our children have to say and actually listen. I have many times benefited from advice that my black belt teenager has had to offer.

Our martial art experience has given us both a better understanding of each other and ourselves. It has provided common ground where we have grown and continue to grow together. We learn from each other and we share. We are a team. He is confident in his abilities and knows that I trust him in all situations. We know that we can count on each other to do the right thing.

Our martial arts’ training together is so much more that learning to fight. It has forged between us a strong, intense bond that will last forever. Martial arts’ training is one of the most enjoyable parts of my life; the best part of it is experiencing it with my teenage son.

CLERK KARATE KICKS WOULD-BE THIEF

Dec. 19 - KGO - A thief got more than he bargained for when he tried to rob a convenience store in Modesto. Edward Petrossi, Quick Stop manager: "I said, 'Hey, you want my money? Come get it!' Right there I chased him. He was shocked." Edward Petrossi is 5'4" tall and weighs 130 pounds, but he wasn't going to let anyone rob his store. Petrossi has a black belt in six martial arts. He easily foiled the robbery attempt and then he went one step further. Edward Petrossi, Quick Stop manager: "Let me take a picture from this man. I take my cell phone. Thanks to technology. I zoomed in, really nice, and got it." The photo of the license plate helped lead police to the suspect in Fresno on Wednesday. Twenty-four-year-old Corey Allen Funk is suspected in four other robberies in Modesto. He's now being held on $250,000 bond thanks to some fast footwork by Edward Petrossi.

Have a great February!