2nd Annual – The Dojo of Karate Championships

February 1st, 2011

Inner School Karate Tournament Rules

Please remember we are enforcing The Dojo of Karate Etiquette’s to all participants and spectators. If you have any questions, please refer to your copy handed out last week during classes.

The goal of this tournament is to teach our kids the importance of Sportsmanship, Determination, Integrity, Respect, and the Competitive Spirit of Sport Karate.

With that said, we want to lead by example so Karate students behave the way a true martial artist should behave – with integrity.

Competition Times

The tournament will take place on Saturday, February 5th at The Dojo of Karate.

Please arrive about 15 minutes before your start times.

Competitors that are in the Lil’ Ninjas – Beginners and Advanced programs and competitors in the Children Beginners program (White and Gold belts) will participate from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM.

Competitors that are in the Children Intermediate program and Children Advanced program (Orange to Brown belts) will participate from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

All competitors will compete in their Forms and Weapons division first, followed by the Sparring or Bunny Ears divisions.

Volunteers

To make this tournament operate smoothly, we will need approximately 12-16 volunteers to help judge competitors, keep score, and run times in the Forms, Weapons, and Sparring divisions.

Even if you do not know what to look for in a competitor’s performance or how to keep score, we will teach you.  It’s very simple to follow and understand.

Volunteer training will take place on Friday, February 4th at 6:00 PM.  So, if you put yourself down to volunteer, please be here no later then 6:00 PM.

We will teach you how to judge a Forms or Weapons performance and how to call points in sparring matches.

Note: If you attend your child’s Karate classes on a regular basis, then you will understand on how to be a judge.

Forms & Weapons Competition

Competitors will perform a Kata that has been taught to them in class, in front of a panel of 3 judges. Each judge will then give a score based on the competitors’ performance. The score will be added up, and the competitors with the three highest accumulated score will receive one of the following places: 1st place, 2nd place, or 3rd place. All other competitors that do not receive a placing will get a Finalist Medal.

Sparring Competition

We are operating our sparring competition like a “Spar-A-Thon”, meaning students will spar for approximately 2 hours, accumulating points throughout every match. They will have a chance to fight between 8 and 12 matches throughout the day… maybe even more.

Matches run for 1 continuous minute, while competitors score as many points as possible during each match. Points will be tallied on their index card where they will accumulate points throughout the Spar-A-Thon.

At the end of the tournament, competitors will turn in their index card to be rewarded a medal for achieving certain milestones.

To earn a medal competitors must reach the following point totals.

Gold Medal – 35 points
Silver Medal – 25 points
Bronze Medal – 15 points
Finalist Medal – 14 points or less

NOTE: The person that scores the most points in the tournament will win the Grand Champion Trophy.

This sparring competition format teaches each competitor the importance of setting goals and working towards achieving them. It will also help develop their confidence and determination.

Bunny Ears Competition

Students that are in the Lil’ Ninjas Beginners program or Children Beginners program will compete in a Bunny Ears competition.

The format is nearly the same as sparring. For each time a competitor pulls another competitors bunny ear (belt loop) they achieve a point.

Matches go on for 1 continuous minute, while points are tallied up during their entire competition. At the end of the tournament, competitors will turn in their index card and receive a medal for the amount of points scored in their competition.

Below are the following points a competitor must score to achieve a medal:

Gold Medal – 30 points
Silver Medal – 20 points
Bronze Medal – 10 points
Finalist Medal – 9 points or less

We are looking forward to all students competing in the 2nd Annual – The Dojo of Karate Championships.

Best of luck to all competitors.

Tags: belts, bronze medal, , bunny ears, championships, , competitors, finalist medal, first place, forms, gold medal, inner school, , , kata, , rules, second place, silver medal, spar-a-thon, , , , third place, , tournament, volunteers, weapons, , world champion
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Do You Know The Difference Between Fighting and Self Defense?

January 27th, 2011

Martial Arts And The Fundamentals Of Self-Defense

Studies show that a struggling economy yields a higher incident rate of violent crime and general lawlessness. That means you may be more likely to find yourself in a potentially dangerous or violent circumstance.  A lot of martial arts students believe their training will give them an edge during such confrontations. In truth, it does. But not in the way many students believe.

The Mental Game Of Self-Defense

Suppose an attacker is coming toward you. Your instinct is to protect yourself. If you have studied karate or similar styles, you might be tempted to respond physically. Doing so can result in injury or worse, in the event that you overreact and cause excessive harm to your attacker. This is the reason it is critical that you are mentally prepared to respond appropriately to a confrontation.

Mindset plays a key role in safety during a potentially dangerous situation. Too often your emotions can get in the way.  This can cause the manner in which you process your circumstances to represent the largest potential threat to your safety.

Understanding The Danger Of Emotions

Anger and fear do more to escalate a confrontation than any other response. Emotions are the antithesis of logic.  It’s worth noting that few crimes of aggression (i.e. robbery, vandalism, etc.) are done with the goal of fighting. When someone robs you, they seldom want to fight. Martial arts students, prompted by fear or pride, will often react physically to an aggressive crime, which escalates the threat. It prompts a violent response from the robber or would-be attacker.

The Difference Between Fighting And Self-Defense

People fight for many reasons, though most of them can be categorized according to two primary triggers: to attain something or protect something. This can extend to private property, self-esteem, pride, or a sense of honor. These things have nothing to do with protecting yourself from physical harm.

Self-defense represents any action you take in order to protect your person. Many martial arts schools unwittingly encourage their students to use the style they are learning to “protect themselves” from criminals. There is a fine line between defending yourself from physical harm and fighting.

A Constructive Response To A Threat Of Violence

Shed your fear and anger. A threat of violence does not actually represent violence. Reacting to the threat because you are fearful or angry can lead to injury.  Don’t challenge the attacker unless it is likely that you are going to be harmed. If they are demanding your wallet, give it to them. If they want your car, provide the keys. Regardless of how accomplished you are in martial arts,  it is a rare situation that justifies using your martial arts as self-defense.
Lastly, provide your attacker with an exit strategy. If they feel cornered with no way out, they will react violently.

There is a time and place for using martial arts as a tool for self-defense. However, the key to remaining safe in potentially violent circumstances is to recognize that such occasions are rare.

The Dojo of Karate is a traditional martial arts school that focus on character development for your kids.  They are trained to only use their new learned skill of Karate as a form of self-defense ONLY.

Students learn how to avoid conflicts, when to make proper decisions, what to do during a confrontation, etc.

To enroll your child in our Introductory Karate Program, call us today at: 303.920.4500 or visit us at: www.BroomfieldKarate.com.

Tags: , , , emotions, , Japanese Karate, , , , , , , , violence, ,
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Promoting Your Child’s Physical Health and Self Esteem

January 25th, 2011


Experts debate about the appropriate age for children to get involved with martial arts classes. Some argue that a minimum age of 16 should be observed; others contend that 5 years of age is not only sufficient, but beneficial. In truth, the younger they are, the more easily kids can adapt themselves to the training.

As a parent, you’ll find that their interest often begins at an early age. Their exposure to television shows which showcase feats of martial arts prowess will spark their imagination. However, left on its own, that interest may subside and disappear.  At The Dojo of Karate, we can explore and build upon your child’s interest while maintaining their enthusiasm.

Encourage Fitness And Exercise

In order for a young person to be open to learning karate they must first have an active lifestyle. If they spend hours in front of the television each day, their sedentary lifestyle will siphon their motivation to get involved.  Often, children need their parents to spur them to action. Remember, young people emulate their parents. If you encourage them to be active by example, you’ll find it much easier to get them involved in martial arts classes.

Visit The Dojo of Karate

Once your child has become excited about enrolling in martial arts classes, let them observe one of our classes, or bring them in for a free introductory visit.  Watching others practice various styles is important to building their interest, but getting them actively involved builds commitment. It gives children a chance to determine whether they truly want to learn martial arts. It also gives them the opportunity to interact with the instructor. The first session is integral to their embracing the classes.

Getting your kids involved in martial arts classes supports their physical health and self-esteem. A long-term commitment to the classes can provide several residual benefits. The instruction will have a positive influence on the way your kids interact with their peers, treat authority, and strive for personal excellence.

If you would like your child to train at a safe and exciting martial arts school that is family oriented, than contact The Dojo of Karate & Fitness at 303.920.4500 or email at [email protected].

They are located in the Safeway Shopping Center on 128th Ave and Zuni St. in Westminster / Broomfield.

Tags: , child, , , , , Northglenn, Physical Health, Self Esteem, , ,
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Are You Looking For The Right Karate Dojo For Your Child?

January 20th, 2011

Finding The Right Martial Arts Classes For Your Child

Your child just marched into the kitchen and announced his or their desire to become a master of the martial arts. Assuming this is more than a momentary wish given flight by a television program, it’s time to start looking for a suitable dojo. The task is not simple. There are many schools and each is unique in the level of instruction they offer, their approach with children, and the type of atmosphere they cultivate. Unfortunately, most parents become aware of problems after they enroll their children into classes.

Know Your Martial Arts Styles

The most popular styles taught in martial arts classes are karate, kung fu, aikido, taekwondo, hapkido, and judo. Karate focuses on striking and blocking, with little to no grappling. Kung fu includes strikes, kicks, blocks, and throws. The emphasis is on style, fluidity, and timing. Aikido shifts the focus from strikes to blocks and throws. The style emphasizes using opponents’ power and momentum against them.

What Occurs During Training?

The only way to know whether the martial arts classes at a specific studio are suitable for your son or daughter is to observe them. Most instructors won’t mind, especially if they know you’re interested in enrolling your child.

Take note regarding whether time is spent warming up and doing exercises, such as stretches, crunches, and sit-ups. Also, are weapons used? Are children forced to spar with one another? How is the safety of the students ensured? You should also note the class size and whether it spans a wide range of ages. Older students should not be training with young children. Most importantly, are the other kids in the martial arts classes having fun? If they appear stressed or anxious, that may suggest a problem with the training regimen.

If you would like your child to train at a safe and exciting martial arts school that is family oriented, than contact The Dojo of Karate & Fitness at 303.920.4500 or email at [email protected].

They are located in the Safeway Shopping Center on 128th Ave and Zuni St. in Westminster / Broomfield.

Tags: , , child, , , , kung fu, , Northglenn, , ,
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Are You Interested in Enrolling Your Child in Karate?

January 18th, 2011

The Dojo of Karate offers an Array of Benefits for Children.

Owner and Chief Instructor Javier Lozano Jr. plays an important role in helping young people develop focus, confidence, and self-discipline. Kids learn to concentrate on the tasks they pursue; they discover the value of setting goals and setting their minds to accomplishing them; and they learn to have respect for their peers and adults.

The decision to enroll your kids into martial arts classes should be made methodically. As a parent, you should investigate the various styles (i.e. karate, judo, etc.) to identify the one that best matches your child’s personality. Part of this process includes reviewing your goals and those of your son or daughter.

Choosing A Style That Fits Your Child’s Personality

Every child has a unique temperament and personality. Some are rambunctious while others are naturally calm and easygoing. Some are aggressive while others are even-tempered.  There are dozens of Martial Arts styles and each offers distinctive features that dovetail with certain personality traits.  Children who are enrolled into martial arts classes that fit their personalities are more likely to enjoy the experience.

What Is Your (And Your Child’s) Objective?

Parents enroll their children into martial arts classes for a variety of reasons. Ideally, the motivation springs from a desire to give their kids an opportunity to develop lifelong skills.   If your child has difficulty controlling their emotions, the structured setting of classes offered at The Dojo of Karate can teach this skill. If your child suffers from ADHD, then martial arts offers an ideal environment to help them hone their focus and improve their attention span. If your kids have trouble persevering toward a defined goal, karate can encourage self-discipline.

If you would like your child to train at a safe and exciting martial arts school that is family oriented, than contact The Dojo of Karate & Fitness at 303.920.4500 or email at [email protected].

They are located in the Safeway Shopping Center on 128th Ave and Zuni St. in Westminster / Broomfield.

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