Vernon Valley Karate

On Sunday, February 10th 2008, twelve students from the Vernon Valley Karate Academy put their skills, strength and determination on the line as they tested for Black Belt rank.

Each student demonstrated proficiency in all of the necessary aspects of this martial art. This included performing kata, prearranged forms that demonstrate karate technique, kumite, sparring against other black belt level students, and application of their skills in self-defense situations.

Sensei Shull, owner and head instructor at the Vernon school commented, “All of my candidates rose to the occasion and made me so very proud. After years of preparation and commitment, these students found that they have what it takes to achieve the coveted rank of Black Belt. I praise their commitment, devotion, spirit, and strength.”

Promoted to the rank of Shodan (1^st degree black belt) were: Erin McCann, Jennifer Budz, Marissa Arahill, Tracey Caballero, and Nicholas Fontana. Promoted to Nidan (2^nd degree black belt) were Ashley Duvelsdorf, Nicholas Pugliese, Gary Snee and Steve Marchioni. Promoted to the rank of Sandan (3^rd degree black belt) were Robert Levy and Ed Dohrmann, and promoted to the rank of Yondan (4^th degree black belt) was Richard Dowling.

Caption for photo:

Pictured (l to r)

Back row:

Nicholas Fontana, Steve Marchioni, Nicholas Pugliese, Ed Dohrmann, Sensei Tom Shull, Robert Levy, Gary Snee, and Richard Dowling

Front row:

Jennifer Budz, Marissa Arahill, Tracey Caballero, Ashley Duvelsdorf, and Erin McCann

Karate… It’s For You!

A number of parents have expressed interest in beginning a karate program. It is easy to contemplate getting involved, yet it is very difficult to take that first step. Therefore, we are arranging an introductory class for all interested adults on Saturday, March 10th, from 1:00 until 2:00 . We will provide a supervised movie and snacks for your children in our upstairs lounge as you get together on the dojo floor to explore some basic karate techniques. The atmosphere will be informal and friendly; the purpose, to allow you to experience karate and answer any questions that you may have regarding our program and how it can benefit you and your family. Our motto “The Family that Kicks Together… Sticks Together” is very fitting and attested to by the large number of family groups that have been training together here at Vernon Valley Karate for many years.

Space is, of course, limited. Anyone who has ever considered trying out our program should sign up in the office as soon as possible. It is perfectly acceptable to invite any friends you wish to participate in the program with you.

There is no cost for this session and all who wish to continue will be invited to attend classes throughout the rest of March at no cost. Classes are currently scheduled both mornings, evenings and Sundays to specifically meet the needs of beginning students. If you find you can not make this Saturday class you are still invited to enter into any of our scheduled classes.

Come and discover what karate can offer you. Meet the people who have entered into our program and found that it perfectly met their individual needs. Karate is an activity that shares both the benefit of developing an individual’s competence while sharing the support and camaraderie that only karate can provide.

Something that seems to have disappeared these days is commitment. Most children begin programs in just about everything and then quit after a short time. Whether it’s dancing school, Little League, Scouts, sticking to chore or homework schedules, many children don’t follow through on sticking to the activity long enough to reap the benefits. This should not be difficult to understand, just look at the divorce rate! Commitment doesn’t have the value that it once did in today’s society.

Anyone who has stayed long enough in a Karate program to earn a Black Belt should realize that the achievement, though monumental, is just the beginning of what should be a lifetime of learning and development. It is a shame to see people give up on what is truly a lifetime journey.

Some of us have made the commitment to Karate as a lifestyle. We share in all of the wonders that such dedication provide; skill development, understanding, self-enlightenment, and especially the opportunity to share in this experience with others. Iha Sensei once said, “You have your friends and you have your karate friends… your karate friends are special!”

Attaining a black belt in karate requires a substantial sacrifice. Such an achievement is similar to qualifying for an Olympic Team, earning an Eagle Scout award, or performing a music recital at a prestigious venue. Ask an Olympic gymnast about the dedication and countless hours of preparation necessary to perform at that level. Investigate the commitment and sense of responsibility that drives the few who attain the level of Eagle Scout. Can you for one second believe that someone who has not practiced, skipped lessons, and harbored a lackadaisical attitude toward music would have the competence to perform a recital before a large critical audience? Of course not! Lofty goals are not easily attained. Substantial commitment of time, practice and effort is required. Such goals must be paid for in sweat, perseverance, and sacrifice. Failure to pay the price results in failure to achieve the goal. This is common sense; this is a fact of life!

Recently a parent approached me and inquired when their young teen would be testing for black belt rank. I tried to explain how better than average attendance in class was required and how constant at home practice was critical. I pointed out that such a test would require that the student know all of the necessary material and be able to demonstrate this with other, mostly adult, highly motivated candidates. After all, a black belt in karate is an adult achievement. Participation in adult classes with adult partners is required. I pointed out that some teens have the drive and fortitude to accomplish this and therefore are permitted to test. I also pointed out that passing such a test, even after devotion to practice and much class work, is certainly not a given. It is a test… a student must be able to pass it! Having a student take a test as challenging as this would be highly unfair if competence is in question. I explained that just about any student who devotes the enormous energy and commitment necessary is capable of such an achievement. Some students may take longer than others. I began as an adult and it took me years to qualify for my black belt. I began to explain that time is unimportant, it is the learning and the journey that is essential if the reward is to have value. It was at this time that I was interrupted, “My child is getting tired of karate, it is more and more difficult to get up and out to class. Lessons are boring and there is little or no practicing at home.” I just stared at the parent. It was difficult choosing my words without the use of sarcasm. They had just answered their own question. When would their teen test for black belt? Never with that attitude! What in the world do they think the coveted black belt is worth? It is an insult to those of us who have dedicated the time and effort and paid the price for our achievement to even for one second assume that someone disaffected with the program, someone with spotty attendance in our classes, and someone who through lack of practice has failed to even try to develop competence should anticipate receiving this hard earned honor.

I have had parents say that it is too difficult for the teens to commit time and show the dedication needed. There are so many other activities, too much school work, it’s difficult to get them to the dojo regularly, there are siblings that must be taken into consideration, they’re looking into after school jobs, soccer, football, band, swimming, a social life. Yes… these are all stumbling blocks, but they are not excuses! There are NO excuses.

The parent lamented that they had paid for lessons over the years and now it looked as if a black belt was unattainable. First, payment of tuition is for lessons, a guaranteed black belt was never in the arrangement. Can you imagine a piano teacher promising that a student will play Mozart at Carnegie Hall at the completion of a series of lessons? If there was effort put forth during the training, much of value was gained by the student and money was well spent. In addition, with an attitude adjustment, consistent attendance in class, and hours of practice at home the black belt is still something that can be realized!