New Iberia Karate Institute

2011-12-03T22:49:00.002-06:00

Here are the results from the 12/03/2011 kyu test as conducted and graded by Sensei Mikami. The first group, the white belts through the orange belts, did excellent as the results will show. However, those are easier tests and require far less mental concentration and physical focus (see the definition of Zanshin below). The second group, the green belts and above, was much weaker for their rank and did not exhibit the spirit, concentration and physical technique necessary for higher belts. You will see the results are a lot lower.

Frankly, the brown belts did not do a good job at all. Sensei Mikami's comments to me were that none of the brown belts even looked like brown belts. Honestly, how do you expect to get black belts if you can't get your standards up to brown belts? You can only get better by one method, harder more concentrated training.

I know most of you guys are young, but we have had young black belts before. If any of you want to achieve a black belt, you have a lot of work to do. All the horseplay, cutting up and goofing off is catching up with you all and your lack of a a serious concentrated effort and strong foundation will continue to be a problem. I would suggest that you all go to more classes and especially more basic classes so that you can relearn that which you should have already learned.

ZANSHIN is the "returning" or "remaining" mind. It is the state of total awareness in Karate. To achieve this mental state you must focus your concentration and energy into your opponent or imagined opponent. This relaxed state of alertness allows one to be completely prepared and quickly react. Please develop this important martial arts attribute and take your training more seriously. Without it, your Karate will not improve at advanced levels.

Please double click on the grades below to see a larger image and for the "good news / bad news." Keep training harder!

2011-08-07T18:28:00.003-05:00

Here are the test results from this weekend. Everyone did very well. If you want to see the results clearer, please click on the image once or twice. Thank you for your hard work and effort. Also, special congratulations to our two newest black belts, Thomas Dean and Kyle Jeffreys. Keep training hard guys.

2011-06-29T16:20:00.000-05:00

Here is the newsletter for July. Click on the image twice to enlarge it. Please remember that the Acadiana camp in Lafayette is coming up soon and you should pre-register for the event. Have a happy fourth of July everyone. The dojo will be closed on Monday, July 4, 2011.

2011-06-07T14:23:00.000-05:00

The June newsletter. Please click on the image twice to enlarge.

2011-04-28T16:17:00.001-05:00

Here is the May 2011 newsletter. Please click on the image twice to enlarge it.

2011-04-16T19:30:00.002-05:00

Thank you for your hard work and training leading up to this test. Here are the results of your Kyu exam. Please click on the image below (twice) to enlarge the image. Everyone is making progress. Please concentrate hard on your training and show your spirit in class. To improve your grades you must improve your training regiment. Congratulations everyone. Sensei Scott

2010-12-04T15:21:00.003-06:00

Here are the results from the Kyu exam today. Everyone did very well and the test went very smoothly. To see a bigger image of the results, please click on the image below twice. Everyone please check your schedules to see if Monday 12-20-2010 is a good day for you for the annual Christmas Party at the dojo.

2010-11-03T16:43:00.001-05:00

Here is the November newsletter. Please click on the image to enlarge it.

2010-10-12T15:39:00.000-05:00

Here is the newsletter for October. Click on the image to enlarge it.

2010-09-02T14:22:00.001-05:00

Here is the newsletter for September. Congratulations to Thomas Sapienza for getting his black belt and to all the kyu testing students on a job well done. If you click on the image it will enlarge.

2010-08-15T13:59:00.002-05:00

Congratulations everyone who participated in the Kyu exam. Everyone made good progress and while we did not have as many perfect scores, the overall scores were more solid. I am very proud of the effort you put into this test and I think it paid off for everyone. If you want to see a bigger image of the results below, please click on the results and they will get larger on your screen. A couple of students who registered were out of town and could not test with the group, please talk to to me about scheduling a private test. I will see you all next week with your new belts, certificates and membership cards. Well done! Sensei Scott.

2010-06-30T15:07:00.002-05:00

Here is the July newsletter and calendar. Please double click on the image to enlarge it.

2010-05-24T08:43:00.002-05:00

Here is the newsletter for June. Sorry for the typo's, but I didn't proof read it very well before I saved it. The first week in June will not have classes on Thursday or Saturday because of the National Camp in New Orleans and the presumed lack of black belts here in New Iberia to teach. I hope everyone's school year ended well and that you all have a great summer! To see a larger image of the newsletter, please click it with your mouse.

2010-05-15T08:51:00.003-05:00

Here is the May Newsletter. Congratulations to Nick Bellingham on being student of the month and to everyone who tested on their good results. Now is the time to refer a friend for the summer session. Please click on the newsletter for a larger image.

2010-04-17T21:46:00.002-05:00

Congratulations everyone who participated in the Kyu exam. Everyone made good progress and over one third of the participants received perfect scores. I am very proud of the effort you put into this test and I think it paid off for everyone. If you want to see a bigger image of the results below, please click on the results and they will get larger on your screen. I will see you all next week with your new belts, certificates and membership cards. Well done! Sensei Scott.

2010-03-29T06:35:00.001-05:00

CONGRATULATIONS STEVE!

2010-03-01T11:25:00.001-06:00

Here is the March newsletter. Please click the newsletter below for a larger image. Sensei Scott

2010-02-01T11:25:00.002-06:00

Here is the February newsletter. Please click on it for a larger image. Thanks, Sensei Scott.

2009-12-20T14:30:00.002-06:00

2009-12-06T13:03:00.004-06:00

KYU TEST RESULTS, 12-05-09. Sensei Mikami thought everyone was on track, but wanted to see more improvements in basic techniques by the more advanced belts. He also thought that on counter attacks there was too much time between the block and the counter attack. We will work on both things in the upcoming months, but continue training hard. Above are the results. Click on the image to see a larger version of it.

Kyu Test Results

2009-08-09T22:53:00.003-05:00

Here are the results of your Kyu test. Everyone did very well and achieved their next rank, which is very rare. 25% of the students received perfect scores and many others almost did. If you need to see a bigger image of the above image, just left click on it. I will have your certificates and belts next week. OSU, SENSEI SCOTT

KYU TEST RESULTS!

2009-03-28T23:46:00.004-05:00

Overall we had very good results on the kyu test. We had thirteen perfect scores, which is very good. Sensei Mikami commented that the standards of the students had improved from the last test. That is not to say that everyone did better, but overall the results were improved. If you are not satisfied with your scores, than take it upon yourself to improve your time and focus in your training. If you click on the image of the test results, it will get bigger and easier to read. Thanks for the effort. I will see you next week.

MARCH UPDATES

2009-02-27T17:24:00.006-06:00

Here is a copy of the March Newsletter. We have lots of events planned for this month including the Greenville Camp, the Gasshuku, two pre tests, one kyu test and preparation for All South. Lets all put forth a full effort this month. The Student of the Month is Jake Hebert, and you can read more about him in the newsletter. Also, start getting ready because the All South Karate Championships will be held at UNO on April 4, 2009. The JKA American Federation Camp 2009 will be held May 28 through May 31 at Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana and brings together Mikami Sensei, Osaka Sensei and Taniyama Sensei as featured instructors. Keep training hard for these important events.

It takes a lot of effort to maintain the mind of an enthusiastic beginner when you train martial arts. Seeing the ocean for the first time, hearing a new song, or discovering a new food can all be adventures. We often approach a brand-new activity, like Karate, without excessive pre-judgment, thus allowing ourselves a fuller experience. The strategy behind Beginner’s Mind Philosophy, known in Japanese as SHOSHIN, is to bring that sense of eager anticipation to all of life’s experiences, whether they are new or well known. Beginner’s Mind stresses the importance of keeping one’s original attitude towards the experiences associated with training or life in general. In order to maintain real enthusiasm, even during the most mundane or exhausting trainings, it is important to be fully present and in the moment.

Beginner’s Mind may not be an easy philosophy to grasp or to practice right away, but it is the key to maintaining your interest in the martial arts. There’s an old saying "When you’ve mastered being in the moment, all experiences are new ones", so even if you’ve trained for twenty years, with a beginner’s mind, every class feels like the first. Remember the enthusiasm of the beginner's mind and reflect on what brought you to the martial arts originally. Was is for exercise, for mental conditioning, for self control, for self defense, or just for self improvement? Karate changes very little and then only incrementally, but our perceptions of Karate may change more dramatically. The key to unlocking the beginner's mind lies within each of you and unlocking your own Shoshin will lead to longevity and mastery of Karate.

February Update.

2009-02-22T12:10:00.011-06:00

Click here for our January Newsletter and the February Newsletter. Our Student of the Month for January was Candis Durand and for February was Cody Sedlitsky.

I have changed the look of the site and have added an interactive calendar at the bottom of this page that I hope helps keep us on schedule. Please let me know if it is operating properly in your browser and if you like the new look.

2008-12-21T20:13:00.003-06:00

Here is the Holiday Schedule from today through the end of the year. We do not have class on Wednesday, December 24, Thursday December 25, Saturday December 27, Wednesday December 31 and Thursday January 1. We do have class on Monday December 22, Tuesday December 23, Monday December 29, Tuesday December 30 and Saturday January 3rd. Thanks to everyone for making the Christmas party special. To see a larger image of the announcement above, click on the image.

Our Student of the Year for 2008 is Steve Bellingham. He is a Shodan who trains with his two sons at NIKI. He is very active in participating in events beyond the walls of the dojo. It is through challenging himself and keeping motivated that he and his family are so successful in Karate. Congratulations Steve on a job well done and a title well earned. Keep training hard everyone!

2008-12-10T11:56:00.000-06:00

2008-11-22T16:50:00.005-06:00

KYU TEST RESULTS. We did not do as well as a group on this test as the last. I think that everyone needs to concentrate more and focus more power towards the correct targets. I will work on exercises that emphasize these skills. If you didn't do as well as you expect of yourself, then re-double your efforts at each training. If you don't train with great intensity at the dojo it is very hard to perform well on these tests. Here are the results (double click on the image to see a bigger version):

2008-11-05T09:50:00.007-06:00

STUDENTS OF THE MONTH. The student of the months for September was Nicholas Bellingham, for October was Jake Hebert and for November was Sammy Crochet. All three are brown belts and all three participated and did very well at the Youth Tournament last weekend in Ponchatoula. I will post a complete recap of that event soon. Congratulations to all three students for their recognition and thanks for the great work ethic each student has shown.

2008-10-14T09:42:00.003-05:00

UPDATE. The JKAAF did very well at the competition, winning the women's individual kumite and kata events (Ray) and the men's kumite (Devin) and Kata (Lane) events. Ray was named the outstanding female competitor and Lane was named the outstanding male competitor. Our region won men's team kata and kumite and women's team kata amd kumite. It was pretty much a clean sweep of the tournament. Our Acadiana competitor who competed on Sunday did excellent. Lane Nevils won the silver medal in men's sparring, the gold medal in men's kata, and two gold other medals for team kata and kumite (as well as the overall best male competitor award). Holly Damico won a gold medal for women's team sparring. Soon Yeoh won two gold medals for men's team kata and kumite. Candis Durand won two gold medals for women's team kata and kumite.

The U.S. team trials were then held between tournament winners and Mr. Mori's competitor's from the SKDI. Having not competed in the tournament, the SKDI competitors were definitely in an advantageous position in the team trial competition. In addition to that, they were very strong at Karate. From the JKAAF organization, Candis, Ray, and Rachel competed on the women's side. Devin, Tony Nakamura, Lane, Dimitri and Soon competed on the men's side. Everyone did kata and fought very well and with great spirit. In the end, from our organization, Ray, Devin, Tony and Lane were named to the United States team that will be competing in Tokyo in 2009 for the world championships. Congratulations to everyone on a very successful tournament.

2008-10-11T23:13:00.002-05:00

NATIONALS UPDATE. Just a quick note to let everyone know how NIKI is doing at the nationals. First, Tampa is really very nice and everyone is having a good time. Our region and our dojo is very well represented. Sempai's Chad and Chase Norris competed in Kumite and Kata and both fought very well in very large divisions. Sempai Candis Durand took third place in women's Kumite in a very tough division and is now scheduled to participate in the team trials for a place on the U.S. team going to Japan's Shotocup in 2009. She will also participate in women's team kata and women's team sparring in the finals tomorrow (further updates will be given then).
Cody Sedlitsky took second (silver medal) in Advanced Youth Kata. Jon Decuir took third (bronze) place in men's collegiate kumite competing for LSU. Sensei Scott has been refereeing and acting as a tournament official throughout the day.
From our neighboring club, Holly is still competing in the women's team kumite event. Lane Nevils is in the top two men's Kumite finalist (the finals will be tomorrow) and he will be facing Devin Fadaol from New Orleans. Lane is also in the finals for men's Kata, men's team kata, and men's team kumite. Basically, Lane won everything. Soon also made the top four in men's kata and is still competing in men's team kata and kumite tomorrow. Overall, the Southern region (or the JKAAF as we are now called) has mopped up in the many divisions entered and our Acadiana area has done very well for the region.
I am very proud of the effort of all our students and and of our great organization. I will put another update on the Internet tomorrow to let everyone know about the final events and the U. S. team selection process. OSSU,

SENSEI SCOTT

2008-09-12T14:15:00.002-05:00

Hurricane IKE. No class Saturday morning, 09-13-08 due to high winds and evacuations associated with the Hurricane. Stay safe. Classes are scheduled to resume as normal, Monday, September 15, 2008. The Youth Tournament has been postponed from Saturday September 27 to Saturday November 1, 2008. Everyone try to make it to class next week. OSU, Sensei Scott

2008-09-04T14:41:00.013-05:00

Hurricane Gustav Update. Today, Thursday, Sept. 4th we will reopen for Karate at the dojo. We had some minor damage to the glass framing and a little water incursion, but everything else seems to be fine. Here are some pictures of the dojo before and after the storm. Special thanks to Bobby Vincent, David Jeffreys and Steve Bellingham for the assist in boarding up and boarding down the dojo. I hope to see everyone at the dojo tonight.

SPECIAL NOTE AS OF FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2008. Please note that there will be no Karate classes on Saturday September 6, 2008 due to continuing clean up efforts. We had quite a small but spirited group last night (Thurday). Classes resume as normal on Monday, September 8, 2008. Thanks for all the kind notes and comments.

OSU, Sensei Scott

2008-08-15T09:17:00.012-05:00

DAN RESULTS / 2008 CAMP. Last weekend, NIKI co-hosted our annual Lafayette Training Camp and we made a very strong showing at a very vigorous camp. Candis Durand and Chad Norris were among the participants and each had an outstanding camp. Both Candis and Chad tested for and were promoted to Nidan (2nd Dan). They also both participated in the team trials for the All South National teams and Candis made both the women's Kumite and Kata team and Chad was named an alternate for the men's Kumite team. Congratulations to both. Here are some shots of them in action at the team trials. More photos can be found by clicking here. Thanks to Brayon's mom, Shantell, for taking many of these pictures. Candis and Chad will participate individually as well at the JKA nationals in Tampa on October 11, 2008 along with NIKI’s other youth competitors Cody Sedlitsky and Chase Norris. This tournament serves as a team trial for the national team selection for the Funakoshi Cup held every three years in Tokyo (September, 2009). Lane Nevils (men’s Kumite / kata teams), Soon Yeoh (men’s Kumite / kata teams), and Holly Damico (women’s kumite team) from the Lafayette Karate Club (LKC) will also be participating in the tournament. I wish all the best of luck to our local competitors. Let’s all strive to challenge them in the next couple months so that they will give their strongest performances.

2008-08-10T19:00:00.003-05:00

TEST RESULTS. I thought everyone did well and showed great spirit on the test. Please see your results below and the belts and certificates will be awarded next class.

2008-08-08T13:59:00.008-05:00

Summer 2008. I am sorry that I have been unable to post more this summer. We had as our June Student of the Month Thierry Dardant. Our July Student of the Month was Kyle Jeffreys and our August Student of the month is his dad, David Jeffreys. Congratulations to all on a job well done. It is hard to train consistently during the summer and I appreciate everyone's efforts.

Our summer camp begins today, Friday August 8, 2008 at Heymann Park Gym, 1500 S. Orange Street, Lafayette, LA. You can find more details on it here.

Our kyu test is Sunday, August 10 at 11:15 a.m. at Heymann Park Gym, 1500 S. Orange Street, Lafayette, LA. I will try to promptly post the results of the exam on the web site for you and at the dojo.

2008-05-05T22:01:00.008-05:00

ALL SOUTH SUMMER CAMP 2008. The 36th annual All South Karate Camp in Hammond Louisiana will be held Friday May 30, 2008 through Sunday June 1, 2008. You can find the camp brochure at this link. Special guest instructor will be Taniyama Takuya of the JKA Headquarters in Tokyo. Please make arrangement to attend this very important camp.

STUDENT OF THE MONTH. Reed Bellingham is student of the Month for May. He is our newest Shodan and is a great leader for a young man. Reed, and his whole family (father Steve and brother Nick) actively participate in all the All South events, including camps, clinics, and tournaments -- and it shows. As with any art, Karate is such that the more you put into it the more you will get out of it and Reed is a great example of this maxim. Congratulations Reed on your many Karate accomplishments.

2008-04-19T20:30:00.004-05:00

KYU BELT TEST RESULTS. Please see the image below for the results of the Kyu belt exam. I thought that everyone did very well. Some of you will be very pleased with the results and some of you may be a little disappointed, but greater effort in your training at the dojo will yield better results on the test. In other words, it is up to you to make the grades better by harder and more concentrated training during your everyday class. If you are having trouble making out the image I am e mailing a pdf of the document to our mailing list and I am posting the results on the door of the dojo as usual for Sunday.

Don’t get a big head if you did very well and don’t get too upset if you didn’t do as well as you would have liked, moderation and the ability to endeavor is the key to success in Karate. Thanks for all the hard work and the efforts you put into the class and lets all work even harder for the improvement of our dojo and ourselves.

2008-04-09T15:46:00.003-05:00

ALL SOUTH 2008. Special congratulations to all the participants of the 2008 Tournament from NIKI. We had 11 competitors and 3 ring officials and judges. Participants were Aaron Jeffreys, Jake Hebert, Kyle Jeffreys (3rd Kumite), Nicholas Bellingham (3rd Kumite), Reed Bellingham (3rd Kata), Candis Durand (3rd Kumite), Brandon Kongphongmany (2nd Kumite), David Jeffreys (2nd Kumite), Thomas Dean (2nd Kata, 2nd Kumite), Chase Norris (1st Kumite) and Cody Sedlitsky (2nd Kata, 1st Kumite). Officiating were Steve Bellingham, Candis Durand, Chad Norris and Sensei Scott Decuir. Here is a photograph of the team just before the tournament began.

I was very proud of all the participants because, whether they won or not, they competed with great dignity, character and poise. They all exhibited a strict adherence to the proper rules of conduct and they all participated with good sportsmanship. I was always taught that it doesn't matter if you win or lose, only how you play the game. Well, our team played the game with great class which reflected well upon their Sensei. Thanks to all. Osu, Sensei Scott.

2008-04-02T16:35:00.007-05:00

APRIL STUDENT OF THE MONTH -- Haley Hebert. The April 2008 Student of the month is a black belt at NIKI and was a runner up for student of the year 2007. She is a very hard working student, both at the dojo and in her studies. She is currently working on her college applications and getting ready for her Senior Year in high school. Congratulations to Haley on all your karate and academic success.

KYU TEST -- Our Kyu test will be Saturday, April 19, 2008. There will be more information in the newsletter regarding the dates, the pre tests, the costs and the clinic. If you need any more information, please contact Sensei Scott.

GASSHUKU 2008 -- Was a big success and we had a great time Saturday, but Sunday was rather rainy. Please take a look at the collage at the dojo for more visual images of the event.

2008-03-03T08:56:00.005-06:00

NEW SHODANS! Coy Watson, Reed Bellingham and Steve Bellingham all tested for their black belts (Shodan) this weekend in Greenville, Mississippi. All three participated in the weekend training, passed the test and received their Shodan Applications (which are submitted directly to Japan). They all had strong technique and good spirit and were rewarded for their efforts. At the next advanced class, (Tuesday 3/4 @ 7:15 p.m.) we will have the "official" belting ceremony and a couple of other surprises.

The common rate of passage of a Shodan exam is around 50%. To have all three candidates from NIKI pass together was a great accomplishment for the school and I appreciate the efforts of these guys and everyone who trains with us and pushes us on to greater goals. With three new black belts we matures significantly and immediately as a club and we can best use this momentum to build the group and club from within. As new black belts, Steve, Coy and Reed are accepting greater responsibility for the promotion and promulgation of our Karate in our club and in our region. Each now has their role or roles to fill, whether it be by example, as Sempai, as teacher, as judge, as student, as athlete or as artist. CONGRATULATIONS, GREAT JOB and BEST OF LUCK with your journey!

The STUDENT OF THE MONTH for March is Steve Bellingham. Steve is one of our newest black belts (see above). He tested in Greenville, MS this pass weekend and did an outstanding job. Way to go Steve! He and his sons, Reed and Nicholas, participate in many of the karate events thoughout the year. They are very enthusiastic and dedicated karateka. Congratulations, Steve, on your karate accomplishments and good luck on your future karate achievements. As a recipient of the March award, he is now eligible for the Student of the Year Award given every December. Keep up the hard work and keep the school spirit high.

2008 ALL SOUTH Karate TOURNAMENT. The 44th annual All South Karate Tournament will be held in New Orleans at the University of New Orleans Health & Physical Education Center on April 5th. Students should begin training especially hard for competition. Sensei Scott has kata videos for purchase. The videos follow the Best Karate Series. This is just another tool available for you to perfect your strength and technique. Students are encouraged to participate in the tournaments given throughout the year. It’s a fun way to test your skills against other karate clubs. If you’re not comfortable with participating in the tournament, you may attend as a spectator to get an idea of what a tournament is like and support the karate club. Also, if any adults are interested in running a table at the tournament, please see Sensei Scott for more information.

REMINDER. The GASSUKU 2008 is scheduled for MARCH 29th and 30th. Get your gear ready and check with Sensei Scott for registration forms.

2008-02-02T13:00:00.001-06:00

JANUARY STUDENT OF THE MONTH -- CANDIS DURAND.

The student of the month for January was Candis Durand. Candis is one of our most dedicated black belts. She participates in numerous karate events throughout the year including this past National Tournament in Phoenix, AZ. Candis is very enthusiastic about karate. She is training very hard with her focus on testing for Nidan in 2008. She has an outgoing personality which has made her many friends throughout the Southern Region. She is a leader in the dojo and helps to keep the school spirit high.

FEBRUARY STUDENT OF THE MONTH -- CODY SEDLITSKY.
The student of the month for February is Cody Sedlitsky. Cody is our youngest black belts. He participates in many karate events throughout the year. His positive attitude, attention to detail and great focus will take him far in karate. Cody is an excellence role model for other young students. Congratulations, Cody, on your karate accomplishments and good luck on your future karate achievements. As recipients of these awards, both are now eligible for the Student of the Year Award given every December. Keep up the hard work and keep the school spirit high.

2008 Greenville KARATE camp
The annual Greenville Karate Camp is scheduled for February 28th, March 1st and 2nd. Students are encouraged to participate in the camps given throughout the year. It’s a way to get extra karate training. Also, it’s a lot of fun meeting new people and spending time with old friends. Keep an eye out for the brochures near the office. We usually stay at the Best Western Regency Inn (662-334-6900). Make sure you mention the karate camp when reserving for special room rates.

2007-12-29T13:04:00.000-06:00

STUDENT OF THE YEAR -- END OF THE YEAR TRAINING. Congratulations to BOBBY VINCENT, NIKI's newest black belt, on being named the 2007 Student of the Year at the New Iberia Karate Institute. Bobby is a dedicated black belt who has trained very hard to become proficient at Karate and who continues to set a good example for the rest of the dojo. Saturday, December 29, 2007 was the end of the year training. Here is a picture of the group with Bobby after the class. The spirit was very good and the training was consistent. This constitutes a perfect finish to the year and a perfect beginning for 2008. Train Hard everyone and lets all set our goals high for this year. OSU, Sensei Scott.

2007-12-19T14:11:00.000-06:00

HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON FROM NIKI! Wishing you and your family the happiest of the season, here is our holiday training Schedule:

No Karate on Monday 12/24; No Karate on Tuesday 12/25; No Karate on Wednesday 12/26;

No Karate on Monday 12/31; No Karate on Tuesday 1/1

All other classes will resume as normally scheduled. Watch our blog postings to see who was named NIKI student of the year.

Thank you for a very productive and successful 2007. Lets plan on 2008 being equally as successful.

OSU,

Sensei Scott

2007-11-30T09:50:00.000-06:00

BUDDY DAY AT NIKI. December 1st is “bring your buddy to karate” day. The group session will be from 10am to 11am with a question and answer period following. Students will wear their gis, but the buddies just wear loose clothing. This is an opportunity for you to bring your friends to karate and actually have them participate in a class at no charge. This could help them decide if karate is something they might be interested in and good at. So start thinking about which of your buddies you plan on inviting.

KYU TEST. The kyu belt test for the students of NIKI will be held at our dojo on Saturday, December 15th. There will be a couple of pre-tests for all students on Wednesday, December 12th, 10:00 a.m. and also Friday, December 14th at 6.00 p.m. There is no cost for the pre-test. Registration for the test begins Tuesday, December 11th. Everyone must register by Friday, December 14th. Register early because there will be limited space for participation in the clinic. More Information is available in the newsletter at the dojo.

END OF THE YEAR TRAINING (Black Belts Only) The End of the Year Training is on Saturday, December 8th in New Orleans at the LKA. The training, which is black belts only, will be from 12 noon to 1:30 pm. The cost to participate is $20.00. The ASKF meeting follows at 2:00 pm. The ASKF End of the Year Party begins that evening at the dojo at 7:00 pm. There is
an instructor training class on Sunday, December 9th at 10:00 am.

CHRISTMAS PARTY. The NIKI/LKC Christmas party will be held at the LKC at a date and time to be determined in the next couple of weeks. We will let you know when it is decided. Everyone is asked to bring a dish of your favorite holiday treat for everyone to share.

2007-11-20T08:23:00.000-06:00

CONGRATULATIONS TO BOBBY VINCENT, NIKI's NEWEST

SHODAN!

HOLIDAY SCHEDULE. Reminder, there will be no karate Wednesday 11/21 and Thursday 11/22. Classes resume Saturday 11/24 at 10:00 am. HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE.

November News

2007-11-17T13:11:00.000-06:00

STUDENT OF THE MONTH. The student of the month for November is Bobby Vincent. Bobby is a 1st kuy. He is very energetic and radiates incredible spirit throughout the dojo. Bobby has decided to test for Shodan this month at LKA in New Orleans. For the past few months, he’s been training hard in preparation. He recently attended the Pre-Dan Clinic in New Orleans, which will only benefit his goal of becoming a Shodan. Congratulations, Bobby, on your karate accomplishments and good luck on your future karate achievements. As a recipient of the November award, he is now eligible for the Student of the Year Award given every December. Keep up the hard work and keep the school spirit high.

Mobile KARATE camp. The annual Mobile Karate Training Camp has been offered by the University of South Alabama for the past 32 plus years. It is designed for any style of karate. It is scheduled for November 2nd-4th. Also, the ASKF Collegiate Tournament is scheduled for Saturday, November 3rd. The tournament features kata and kumite competitions and is open to all full-time college students. Look for the camp brochures at the office.

A NEW BEGINNERS GROUP STARTS IN DECEMBER so if you know of anyone that would like to start training please let them know. ALSO there is a HALF PRICE REGISTRATION SPECIAL FOR NOVEMBER!

Upcoming Events

11/2-4 Mobile Camp Mobile, AL
11/9-11 JKAWF Am National Champ Phoenix, AZ
11/18 Dan Exam LKA Dojo
12/8 End of the Year Training LKA Dojo
**Black Belts Only
12/7 Kyu Belt Pre-Test NIKI Dojo

12/14 Kyu Belt Pre-Test NIKI Dojo

2007-10-17T11:17:00.000-05:00

OCTOBER NEWSLETTER--

STUDENT OF THE MONTH. The student of the month for September is Brayon Fremin. Brayon just recently tested for 4th kyu and did an outstanding job. He takes his karate seriously. He trained at the Lafayette Karate Club a few nights a week in preparation for his test. Brayon is an amazing student. He is very respectful and has a“can do” attitude. Brayon leads through example. He has determination and commitment in training. Congratulations, Brayon, on your karate accomplishments and good luck on your future karate achievements. As a recipient of the October award, he is now eligible for the Student of the Year Award given every December. Keep up the hard work and keep the school spirit high.

MONTHLY TUITION. Your monthly tuition is now due for October. As a reminder, tuition for one student is $50.00 per month, and for two it is $85.00. Tuition is to be paid between the 1st and the 10th of themonth.

MOBILE. The annual Mobile Karate Training Camp has been offered by the University of South Alabama for the past 32 plus years. It is designed for any style of karate. It is scheduled for November 2nd-4th. Also, the ASKF Collegiate Tournament is scheduled for Saturday, November 3rd. The tournament features kata and kumite competitions and is open to all full-time college students.Look for the camp brochures at the office.

THANKS to everyone for making the 2007 Acadiana Karate Camp such a special event again this year. Special thanks to Rose Shuff (LKC), Mike Junot(LKC), and to everyone who brought something or someone to the party. We seem to have just the right blend of food and people to keep everyone entertained.

CONGRATULATIONS TO HALEY HEBERT --- SHODAN!!!! ALSO CONGRATULATIONS TO REED BELLINGHAM FOR SCORING A 6 MONTH RETEST FOR SHODAN! CONGRATULATIONS TO MOHAMMAD AND HOLLY FROM THE LKC FOR EARNING SHODAN AND NIDAN RESPECTFULLY!

BE PATIENT WITH YOUR KARATE TRAINING. Practice at home, repeatedly, particularly kata, and you will begin to see rapid progress in you technique. As Master Anko Itosu (Master Funakoshi’s instructor) said in 1908, “Karate cannot be quickly learned. Like a slow moving bull, it eventually travels a thousand miles. If one trains diligently everyday, then in three or four years, one will come to understand karate. Those who train in this fashion will discover karate.” I hope you all come to discover your own personal karate and that you enjoy and gain insight along the way. OSU, Sensi Scott

EVENTS
09/29 ASKF Youth Tournament Ponchatoula, LA
10/6-7 Hokubei Shihankai Champ New York, NY
10/21 Pre-Dan Clinic LKA Dojo**Noon – Brown Belts**1:30pm – Yudansha
11/2-4 Mobile Camp Mobile, AL
11/9-11 JKAWF Am National Champ Phoenix, AZ
11/18 Dan Exam LKA Dojo
12/8 End of the Year Training LKA Dojo**Black Belts Only
12/7 Kyu Belt Pre-Test NIKI Dojo
12/14 Kyu Belt Pre-Test NIKI Dojo
12/15 NIKI/LKC Kyu Test NIKI Dojo

2007-10-17T11:01:00.000-05:00

ABOUT OUR STYLE
Mr. Decuir teaches Shotokan karate - a Japanese style that is characterized by strong focus (a concentrated moment of energy) made possible by full hip motions and a total body commitment to the technique. This is formal training, based upon traditional teaching methods, that gradually build up ones physical condition and mental concentration.

Gichin Funakoshi is widely known as the father of modern Karate, which literally means empty hand. Karate is a system of unarmed self-defense using a variety of blocks, kicks, punches, and strikes. There are many karate styles, each placing different emphasis on certain aspects of training.

The founder of Shotokan was Gichin Funakoshi, who taught karate to many individuals before his death in 1957. One of his students was M. Nakayama, a 10th dan and former chief instructor of the JKA in Japan. Mr. Nakayama died in 1987. It was under Master Nakayama that Mr. Mikami received his training and it is under Mr. Mikami that Mr. Decuir received and still receives his training. Thus, there is a direct and unbroken line of instructors who have nurtured and maintained the integrity of the traditional teachings.

Shotokan karate is different from many other martial arts. Instead of thrusting the beginner immediately into actual sparring and contact situations - where injuries may easily happen and where little real learning can occur - Shotokan begins by teaching basic principles and movements. All other techniques are built upon this solid foundation. With an understanding of how power and speed are generated, progress will be made toward strong, effective technique.
RANK
Rank (belt) tests are given about every three months by certified JKA examiners. Successful completion of the test qualifies you to
increase one step in rank. Individuals are ranked by numerically descending kyu grades. The progression of rank and the color of the belt associated with the rank is:

9th kyu – White
6th kyu - Green
3rd kyu - Brown
8th kyu - Yellow
5th kyu – Purple
2nd kyu - Brown
7th kyu - Orange
4th kyu - Purple
1st kyu - Brown
Black Belt, or Dan ranks, are assigned in numerically ascending grades, for example:
Shodan – 1st degree
Nidan - 2nd degree
Sandan - 3rd degree
And so forth.
All black belt ranks are recognized internationally and are registered at JKA headquarters in Tokyo, Japan. Rank test include three main components: performance of a Kata, wherein you execute a prearranged series of defensive and offensive moves; Kihon, where you show your proficiency in basic techniques; and Kumite (sparring), in which you demonstrate your offensive and defensive skills in a controlled sparring environment.
AFFILIATIONS & CERTIFICATIONS
NIKI is certified and registered with the Louisiana Karate Assoc. (LKA), and the Japan Karate Assoc. (JKA). We enjoy affiliations with the largest and oldest karate organizations in existence in this state, country and world. So a student of our school not only retains his rank in perpetuity, but also is recognized by that rank throughout the entire world.

While many independent martial arts’ schools may claim international roots, only a school certified by such organizations can be relied upon to teach authentic karate that is governed by uniform standards. As such, all the students of our school are tested quarterly by multiple certified examiners of the Japan Karate Association - World Federation (JKA-WF) to insure that the standards of our karate are consistently high. No other school in this area provides that.
WHY TRADITIONAL KARATE?
As members of the ASKF and the JKA, you gain access to many benefits of membership. Primarily, of course, you get continual guidance from highly-skilled and certified instructors, experienced evaluation for Dan and Kyu rank promotions, the right to participate in local and international JKA and ASKF karate tournaments, and dozens of other practical advantages.

Karate is not an easy art. But it is an art. And like any art the more you put into it, the more it will repay you. Karate enriches you physically, mentally and spiritually—developing your body, your
mind and your character. Why? Because the JKA is The Keeper of Karate’s Highest Tradition. Our karate is the strongest and most traditional karate there is. We see it not as a sport, but as a whole way of life. And that is always our emphasis: the whole. The goal is to help you develop every aspect of who you are.

But the best reason to join is for karate itself. Authentic traditional karate has tremendous benefits for body, mind and spirit. Physically, karate is good for the heart, strengthens bones, builds muscle, creates resilience, develops hand-eye coordination, and makes the body less susceptible to sickness and injury. Mentally, karate helps develop patience, discipline, perseverance, understanding and open-mindedness, as well as concentration and focus. Spiritually, karate builds confidence, develops self-control and increases calmness and peace.

A typical karate practice session usually begins with a comprehensive warm-up, followed by the various training exercises. The exercises are divided into three main categories: kihon (basic techniques), in which you learn the basic blocks, punches, kicks, stances, etc. of karate; kata (forms), in which you practice and physically remember the various kihon learned; and kumite (sparring), where your kihon and kata techniques are matched against a real opponent. As your skill level increases, so will the difficulty and degree of the exercises. Of course, there will also be times when you are taught theory, dojo etiquette and the more philosophical aspects of karate.

Once you join the club, only four things will be expected of you. You are expected to be committed to your karate training, and to attend classes on a regular basis. You are expected to give your karate training your maximum effort, and to work hard during practice. You are expected to demonstrate the respect, humility and courtesy upon which karate’s long-standing tradition is founded. And of course, you are expected to pay your dues and other fees.

There are affiliated dojo’s (karate schools) throughout the world. The JKA has branches in well over 100 countries, The ISKF has branches in all 50 states, and the ASKF has branches in all southern states from Texas to Tennessee, so there’s bound to be an affiliated dojo nearby. Please feel free to call (364-5000) and talk to the instructor, ask questions, etc. If you prefer to go in person, you can observe how a typical class is run. You can make any such arrangements directly with the instructor once you’ve received the dojo information from our representatives.