On August 15, 2008, I conducted a large black belt grading for several of my long-time students. Rick Robson and Kurtis Cote were promoted to 1st Degree Black Belt (Junior Instructor), and Brent Fowler, John McDonald, Evan Wiley, Jesse Toth, Craig Cote, and Janel Cote were promoted to 2nd Degree Black Belt (Assistant Instructor). Rick Robson and Kurtis Cote became my 19th and 20th black belts I have promoted since opening my Kenpo Karate school in 1995. The test was 2 ½ hours in duration and consisted of forms, sets, self-defense techniques, and continuous sparring. Myself, and two of my other 2nd Degree black belts, Matt Trejo and Scott Southwell, sat on the testing panel.
Each of the candidates made very unique contributions to the testing. Brent Fowler and Evan Wiley’s self-defense techniques and sparring matches still have people talking. Rick Robson and Janel Cote’s improvement and tenacity in only one year’s time was evident. Rick Robson is truly a force to reckon with in sparring. Janel and her brother Craig performed a virtually flawless Coordination Set 2, not to mention Janel’s amazing Long Form 2. Craig Cote also demonstrated how deadly Kenpo Karate kicks can be during fighting. Kurtis Cote’s power almost made the whole building shake, and his sparring ability was noted many times by others. John McDonald helped set the standard for how Kenpo forms and sets should look with his impressive basics, fluidity, balance, speed, and power. John’s techniques were also close to flawless. Jesse Toth’s determination and focus during the test was just unbelievable. Particularly noteworthy were Jesse’s strong sets, forms, and sparring fights.
For more information about our school, please visit:
www.jamieseabrook.com
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Memory Lane
While I don’t recall the dates of most of my black belt tests throughout the years, I do remember the date of my 1st degree black belt test in Kenpo Karate. It was on this day, August 11th, of 1990 (18 years ago). The test consisted of forms, techniques, sparring, and weaponry. I tested with three other candidates, one of which owns his own school in London, Ontario as well.
The test was between 2-3 hours long, and I am fortunate to have the test on videotape. I was 15 at the time, almost 16. I was pretty happy with my performance that day, as I had trained very hard for it.
I remember going home that night feeling like a "million bucks". I went for a walk that night by myself throughout the subdivision where I grew up in London Canada feeling like my journey was just beginning, as I knew that Kenpo would be with me for life.
Having spent what will be 24 years in Kenpo Karate come this January 2009, the journey just gets better. I have been blessed with such dedicated and loyal students, many of whom have been with me for years. I have also had the privilege of being my daughter’s instructor (Morgan) for more than 2 ½ years. Most recently, Madison (my youngest daughter) has joined in on the action. While I will never force my daughters into remaining in Kenpo, I do hope that they may develop the passion that I have for Kenpo Karate, so that one day they too will be able to look back on the day when they obtained their black belt.
The test was between 2-3 hours long, and I am fortunate to have the test on videotape. I was 15 at the time, almost 16. I was pretty happy with my performance that day, as I had trained very hard for it.
I remember going home that night feeling like a "million bucks". I went for a walk that night by myself throughout the subdivision where I grew up in London Canada feeling like my journey was just beginning, as I knew that Kenpo would be with me for life.
Having spent what will be 24 years in Kenpo Karate come this January 2009, the journey just gets better. I have been blessed with such dedicated and loyal students, many of whom have been with me for years. I have also had the privilege of being my daughter’s instructor (Morgan) for more than 2 ½ years. Most recently, Madison (my youngest daughter) has joined in on the action. While I will never force my daughters into remaining in Kenpo, I do hope that they may develop the passion that I have for Kenpo Karate, so that one day they too will be able to look back on the day when they obtained their black belt.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Silvio Scarcella Tournament Results
Silvio Scarcella Tournament Results
I have another outstanding report to give regarding Silvio Scarcella. On July 26th, Silvio competed at the NBL Empire Open in Syracuse, New York and won the Kempo/Kenpo Division. Silvio then went on to the Grand Finals and won the Grands performing Long Form 6. I taught Silvio Long Form 6 two years ago and he has been competing with the Form ever since. What a great representation of American Kenpo!
Overall, Silvio ended up taking 4 first place trophies, 2 second place trophies, and 1 third place trophy.
Way to go Silvio!
I have another outstanding report to give regarding Silvio Scarcella. On July 26th, Silvio competed at the NBL Empire Open in Syracuse, New York and won the Kempo/Kenpo Division. Silvio then went on to the Grand Finals and won the Grands performing Long Form 6. I taught Silvio Long Form 6 two years ago and he has been competing with the Form ever since. What a great representation of American Kenpo!
Overall, Silvio ended up taking 4 first place trophies, 2 second place trophies, and 1 third place trophy.
Way to go Silvio!
Monday, July 28, 2008
Training Solo Outdoors is a Blessing
Today I was on a mission. I was set to go through, perhaps the for the first time in my Kenpo life, the entire Kenpo Karate system from White through 5th Degree Black Belt, full-out, in one long training session. I gave it my all. It was 27 Celsius (about 80 Farenheight) so the weather was picture perfect.
I didn’t get through everything, as I need to conserve some energy for my Kenpo Karate classes I will be teaching tonight. As it turned out, I got through the following:
Blocking Set 1 & 2, Kicking Set 1 & 2, Finger Set 1 & 2, Coordination Set 1 & 2, Stance Set 1 & 2, Striking Set 1 & 2, Short Form 1, Short Form 2, Short Form 3, Long Form 1, Long Form 2, the 10 Yellow Belt techniques, the 24 Orange Belt techniques including the extensions, the 24 Purple Belt techniques including the extensions, and the 24 Blue Belt techniques including the extensions.
I was really determined to do it all in one day. But now, before the clock strikes midnight, I still have the following remaining: Long Forms 3-8, the Two Man Set, the 24 Green techniques including the extensions, the 24 3rd Brown techniques and the 24 2nd Brown techniques. In all honesty, I doubt I will be able to get through it all. Nonetheless, it was a great workout, and I feel awesome.
In my opinion, there is nothing like training solo in the outdoors. It gives you a chance to escape from the pressures and stress of everyday life, and to channel your energy and direction towards exercising with a purpose. Being able to do all of this is such a privilege that I do not want to take for granted. I am so blessed to be able to walk, breath, see, and train as I do. All of my God-given talent in Kenpo I give back to the Glory of the one true God, manifested in Three Persons of the Divine Trinity, God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.
Thank you Father for this tremendous blessing and ministry in my life. Without You, I can do nothing. But with You, all things are possible, because I can do all things through Christ Who gives me strength. Thank you for your precious Holy Spirit who ministers to me day and night, even when I am not listening. Amen.
I didn’t get through everything, as I need to conserve some energy for my Kenpo Karate classes I will be teaching tonight. As it turned out, I got through the following:
Blocking Set 1 & 2, Kicking Set 1 & 2, Finger Set 1 & 2, Coordination Set 1 & 2, Stance Set 1 & 2, Striking Set 1 & 2, Short Form 1, Short Form 2, Short Form 3, Long Form 1, Long Form 2, the 10 Yellow Belt techniques, the 24 Orange Belt techniques including the extensions, the 24 Purple Belt techniques including the extensions, and the 24 Blue Belt techniques including the extensions.
I was really determined to do it all in one day. But now, before the clock strikes midnight, I still have the following remaining: Long Forms 3-8, the Two Man Set, the 24 Green techniques including the extensions, the 24 3rd Brown techniques and the 24 2nd Brown techniques. In all honesty, I doubt I will be able to get through it all. Nonetheless, it was a great workout, and I feel awesome.
In my opinion, there is nothing like training solo in the outdoors. It gives you a chance to escape from the pressures and stress of everyday life, and to channel your energy and direction towards exercising with a purpose. Being able to do all of this is such a privilege that I do not want to take for granted. I am so blessed to be able to walk, breath, see, and train as I do. All of my God-given talent in Kenpo I give back to the Glory of the one true God, manifested in Three Persons of the Divine Trinity, God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.
Thank you Father for this tremendous blessing and ministry in my life. Without You, I can do nothing. But with You, all things are possible, because I can do all things through Christ Who gives me strength. Thank you for your precious Holy Spirit who ministers to me day and night, even when I am not listening. Amen.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Jamie Seabrook Club Defence Seminar
Jamie Seabrook Club Defence Seminar
Scott Southwell's Kenpo Karate School will be having Jamie Seabrook conduct a seminar on Sept 5th 2008 from 6:30-8:30pm at Riverside United Church in London Ont.
Topic: "The How's and Why's of Club Defence"
Seminar cost is only $20, please bring your own club.
For more information or to pre-register call Scott Southwell at 519-641-4872 or email scottsouthwell6@hotmail.com
Scott Southwell's Kenpo Karate School will be having Jamie Seabrook conduct a seminar on Sept 5th 2008 from 6:30-8:30pm at Riverside United Church in London Ont.
Topic: "The How's and Why's of Club Defence"
Seminar cost is only $20, please bring your own club.
For more information or to pre-register call Scott Southwell at 519-641-4872 or email scottsouthwell6@hotmail.com
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Royce Gracie Seminar - London, Ontario
Hi Friends,
A long time friend of mine, Simon Sherbourne, will be bringing the legend, Royce Gracie, to London, Ontario for a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Seminar on September 27th from 1-4pm at Fanshawe College. Royce Gracie was the tournament winner of UFC 1, UFC 2, and UFC 4. This will be a no uniform (ghi) event, so please wear your shorts and t-shirt only. I will be attending the seminar, as will several of my students from Jamie Seabrook’s Kenpo Karate.
The Fight Network will be at the seminar as well to take some video clips for news purposes, and will be conducting an interview with Royce Gracie for their program called "One on One" which features top fighters from around the world.
Pre-registration for this awesome event is $125 (money order only) by August 30th, or $150 at the door. Please note, however, that there are limited spots available for participants so do register early!
For more information, please go to:
http://www.wkkjf.com/seminars.htm
A long time friend of mine, Simon Sherbourne, will be bringing the legend, Royce Gracie, to London, Ontario for a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Seminar on September 27th from 1-4pm at Fanshawe College. Royce Gracie was the tournament winner of UFC 1, UFC 2, and UFC 4. This will be a no uniform (ghi) event, so please wear your shorts and t-shirt only. I will be attending the seminar, as will several of my students from Jamie Seabrook’s Kenpo Karate.
The Fight Network will be at the seminar as well to take some video clips for news purposes, and will be conducting an interview with Royce Gracie for their program called "One on One" which features top fighters from around the world.
Pre-registration for this awesome event is $125 (money order only) by August 30th, or $150 at the door. Please note, however, that there are limited spots available for participants so do register early!
For more information, please go to:
http://www.wkkjf.com/seminars.htm
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Logging Your Training Routine
On several occasions, you may have read or heard about the importance that I give to logging your training routine. Doing so will not only motivate you to train frequently, but will also ensure that you are balancing out your training material with respect to the forms, sets, and self-defense techniques that you know. I also recommend that you keep track of how many days per month you are devoting to sparring, and perhaps how many of those days were against opponents that bring out the best in you.
Recently one of my Yellow Belts, Alan Russette, created a "training tracker" in Excel format. This spreadsheet provides a day to day and month to month log of all of the Kenpo Karate material required for promotion from White belt through Black belt. Each time you practice a given form, set, and/or technique you simply record the number of times that you did it, and on what day. The excel spreadsheet will then give you a total for the month, as well as an average.
If you would like to have a copy of the Excel spreadsheet, you can email him at:
kb260@yahoo.com
Recently one of my Yellow Belts, Alan Russette, created a "training tracker" in Excel format. This spreadsheet provides a day to day and month to month log of all of the Kenpo Karate material required for promotion from White belt through Black belt. Each time you practice a given form, set, and/or technique you simply record the number of times that you did it, and on what day. The excel spreadsheet will then give you a total for the month, as well as an average.
If you would like to have a copy of the Excel spreadsheet, you can email him at:
kb260@yahoo.com
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