Mar 2009
Another Anniversary Celebration
30/Mar/09
The big 33rd anniversary event is over and I’m getting emails from a lot of folks saying how much they enjoyed it. I am grateful that everyone had a good time and even more encouraged at how our “family” (as several emailers called it) came together to celebrate the martial arts and what they mean to our lives. The smiles on faces of students who received awards and promotions last Saturday is one of the things that makes teaching worthwhile.
I know that no instructor gave out awards just to fulfill some requirement. They all thought long and hard about whom they wanted to honor and, as some said at the banquet, they wished they could publicly reward all their students.
And speaking of the banquet, we should all express appreciation for grandmaster Roy Kurban who came to speak against his doctor’s wishes. He tore the ACL in his knee and had surgery only a few days before. I’ve had the same operation and know from experience that the first few weeks are rough. So thank you again, judge Kurban. We should have given you an indomitable spirit award.
I was especially pleased at the showing of our out-of-town members and I am talking about not only their physical skills but also their attitudes. So thanks, Jon Alster, Ben Couch, Stu Fischbeck, Larry Miller, Jeff Shumaker and Mike Vilberbeck. Perhaps our other non-Texas members can come next year.
I mentioned this at the banquet but I hope all you AKaTo members realize that we, unlike some organizations, do not accept just anyone (although I could probably make money that way). When someone calls or emails me and asks about membership I tell them to come to Dallas and train with us. Few do. But the folks you met last weekend were some that did. Oh, and we don’t promote anyone unless they have been to Dallas multiple times and have been members for at least two years or more.
And speaking of promotions, we have that first degree exam coming up in less than two weeks now. I just couldn’t fit it all in last weekend. But it gives Rick Davis an opportunity to travel back to Dallas from Georgia, where he has been training with George Murdaugh, an old student of mine. And don’t forget that the Kobudo classes start up again the next Saturday after that (April 11). It’s a two year or more curriculum but don’t let the commitement scare you away. Mr. Proctor and I won’t ostracize you if you cannot complete the program. I realize life gets in the way sometimes. Still, you ought to try it out. You’ll have to have your own bo (six foot staff) to begin with (and it had better be the top-quality white oak). Let me know now if you want more information.
I know that no instructor gave out awards just to fulfill some requirement. They all thought long and hard about whom they wanted to honor and, as some said at the banquet, they wished they could publicly reward all their students.
And speaking of the banquet, we should all express appreciation for grandmaster Roy Kurban who came to speak against his doctor’s wishes. He tore the ACL in his knee and had surgery only a few days before. I’ve had the same operation and know from experience that the first few weeks are rough. So thank you again, judge Kurban. We should have given you an indomitable spirit award.
I was especially pleased at the showing of our out-of-town members and I am talking about not only their physical skills but also their attitudes. So thanks, Jon Alster, Ben Couch, Stu Fischbeck, Larry Miller, Jeff Shumaker and Mike Vilberbeck. Perhaps our other non-Texas members can come next year.
I mentioned this at the banquet but I hope all you AKaTo members realize that we, unlike some organizations, do not accept just anyone (although I could probably make money that way). When someone calls or emails me and asks about membership I tell them to come to Dallas and train with us. Few do. But the folks you met last weekend were some that did. Oh, and we don’t promote anyone unless they have been to Dallas multiple times and have been members for at least two years or more.
And speaking of promotions, we have that first degree exam coming up in less than two weeks now. I just couldn’t fit it all in last weekend. But it gives Rick Davis an opportunity to travel back to Dallas from Georgia, where he has been training with George Murdaugh, an old student of mine. And don’t forget that the Kobudo classes start up again the next Saturday after that (April 11). It’s a two year or more curriculum but don’t let the commitement scare you away. Mr. Proctor and I won’t ostracize you if you cannot complete the program. I realize life gets in the way sometimes. Still, you ought to try it out. You’ll have to have your own bo (six foot staff) to begin with (and it had better be the top-quality white oak). Let me know now if you want more information.