Summer Camp 2008

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 11:47:32 -0600

This year’s summer camp was held in a lake side cabin at Red Feather Lake, Colorado. The weather was great, the surroundings beautiful and (if I do say so myself) the food was delicious. There were participants from Seiken Kyokushin, Contact Kicks and Satory dojo. Everyone showed true Kyokushin spirit by not only giving their all during training sessions, but also promoting camaraderie with students from other dojos. I am extremely proud of my dojo for showing up en-mass and putting up with cramped sleeping conditions. I’d also like to thank Mici and Senpai Marta for helping out with cooking and cleaning and Sensei Steve for assisting with training. Finally, I’d like to also give praise to Nevin and Filip, the two lowest ranking students at camp this year, for working harder then the majority of the upper belts during our training sessions. I’m already looking forward to next year’s camp!
PHOTOS

OSU!

Weekend Updates

Wed, 9 Apr 2008 10:27:08 -0600

This past weekend, Jordan, Girish and I traveled to Washington State for the 7th Annual Kyokushin Challenge and dan grading. Due to some unfortunate circumstances, Girish was unable to compete in the tournament but was able to successfully make shodan.

The tournament had a decent turnout, drawing about 65 to 70 fighters. Jordan fought in the lightweight division, winning his first fight via ippon in less than 1.5 minutes. The second fight versus a Japanese black belt was very difficult for both fighters, but Jordan was able to secure a win via decision following the first overtime extension. Both Jordan and his opponent showed excellent Kyokushin spirit, but Jordan’s cardio and technique prevailed in the end. In the championship round, Jordan fought a Brazilian Kyokushin black belt who claimed 20 years of experience. Jordan was clearly the superior fighter, but the Brazilian used less then honorable tactics to secure a win by forcing Jordan’s disqualification. Everyone at the tournament complemented Jordan’s fighting skill and wished him luck in his future Kyokushin endeavors.

After the tournament we attended the after party at the local Moose Lodge. We had a great time catching up and getting to know new and old members of our NW Kyokushin community.

The dan grading took place the day after the tournament at the local middle school. Kancho Matsushima used this opportunity to go over the Japanese black belt testing methods and get everyone on the same page as to Kata, Kihons and Kumite. Girish was the only person testing for shodan, the others testing for godan and yondan. Girish was the youngest person testing and it showed during the test. His strength and cardio were a testament to the hard training he had undergone in preparation for the tournament. Following an hour of ‘power testing’ and 3.5 hours of Kata and Kihon, Girish successfully fought 40 one minute rounds. While he was only required to fight 12 fights, he was doing so well that Shihan Adams and Kancho decided to have him continue to the end. Great job to Senpai Girish!

Pictures of the tournament are here, and pictures of the dan grading are here.

Stay tuned for video from both events.

Luis Makes Ni-Kyu

Sun, 20 Jan 2008 18:02:01 -0700

After showing up for what he thought was a regular Sunday class, Luis learned that he was testing for brown belt! The test went smooth, with Luis completing each part of the test with enthusiasm and strong Kyokushin spirit. While brown belt test is certainly not easy, it is even more difficult when you are the only ones testing. Luis fought 8 full contact fights against fresh fighters with only 30 seconds of rest between rounds.

Click here for pictures of the test.

Congratulations Luis!

OSU!

Seattle Kyokushin Visit

Fri, 4 Jan 2008 13:39:45 -0700

Last Saturday I had the pleasure of visiting Seattle Kyokushin and participating in their kumite class. We warmed up with some combinations and pad work, and then went straight into the kumite. We fought 30+ 2 minute rounds before the end of class! It was hard, but everyone was feeling the effects of the holiday so they were motivated to kick some ass. Thanks to Sensei Hill and all the Senpai and kohai that showed up!

Holiday and New Year Schedule

Sun, 16 Dec 2007 17:32:01 -0700

Seiken Kyokushin Holiday Schedule and the New Year

There will be NO class on December 23rd and 26th.

Sensei Steve and the Contact Kicks Dojo will be celebrating the coming new year on December 29th with a class and gathering at their dojo in Denver. Please email him if you would like to attend: steve_fogarasi@yahoo.com

Following the holiday break, Girish will be running class on December 30th and January 2nd.

Starting on January 6th, the new schedule will begin:
We will have regular Kyokushin classes on Sunday (3:00 - 4:30PM) and Tuesday (8:15 - 9:45PM) and a kickboxing/conditioning class on Thursday (8:15 - 9:30PM). Since you are losing 2 classes in December, tuition for January will remain at $50 and students can attend all three classes during that month.

Starting in February, here is the new tuition breakdown (includes gym fee):
3 classes per week: $60/month
2 classes per week: $50/month

Please note that the conditioning class is not a substitute for Kyokushin training. The conditioning class is meant to get you into shape, improve technique and learn some kickboxing skills. New students with no experience are not encouraged to come to this class until they have learned Kyokushin basics.

osu!