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.

Tags: , , , emotions, , Japanese Karate, , , , , , , , violence, ,
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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.

Tags: , child, , , , , , , , Northglenn, Self-Discipline, , ,
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The Dojo of Karate Joins Guseikai

October 26th, 2010

October 26th, 2010 – Westminster, CO — Recently, The Dojo of Karate & Fitness, a Westminster, CO based traditional Japanese Karate school was informed they will become a member of the US based Wado Guseikai USA.

Wado Guseikai USA is widely considered as one of the best US based Wado organizations that is directly affiliated with the JKF-Wado Kai (Japanese Karate-do Federation Wado Kai), the governing body for Wado Kai Karate.

Chief Instructor, Sensei Bob Nash is a 7th Dan Black Belt through the JKF-Wado Kai and operates the Wado Guseikai USA branch out of Seattle, Washington.  He is respectfully recognized throughout the United States, Europe and Australia as one of the top Wado Kai practitioners and teachers.

Sensei Nash currently trains under Dr. Hideho Takagi Sensei, 8th Dan Black Belt JKF-Wado Kai, who opened the first Guseikai dojo in Tokyo, Japan.

What Does This Mean?

The Dojo of Karate is the only Wado Kai Karate school associated with Wado Guseikai USA in the Denver Metro Area.  The only other school in Colorado apart of this organization is in Conifer, CO called Conifer Japanese Karate-Do with Sensei David Sasaki.

By joining Wado Guseikai USA, The Dojo of Karate will be apart of an international organization that is widely recognized as a top tier dojo throughout the United States.

The best way to look at this is… Wado Guseikai is to Ivy League Graduate School, while your local martial arts school is to Junior College in your state.  The standards are much higher, and the quality of instruction is much better.

This is not to undermine other martial art schools in the area, it simply means that obtaining a Black Belt at The Dojo of Karate will be much more challenging, yet once you achieve it, you know you are considered one of the best.

Benefits of Being a Member at The Dojo Of Karate

Students that become a member of The Dojo of Karate are essentially a member of Wado Guseikai USA.  With that said, Sensei Bob Nash will make periodic visits to host a Wado Kai Karate Seminar in Colorado in order to help improve students and elaborate a wealth of information and knowledge about Wado Karate.

In addition, students will have an opportunity to train in Tokyo, Japan with Takagi Sensei, at his dojo.  As mentioned before, Takagi Sensei is widely recognized as the best Wado Karate-ka in the world.

Lastly, any student that qualifies to test for their Shodan, 1st Degree Black Belt, if they pass, they will be recognized in Japan through the JKF-Wado Kai.  Their certificate will be signed by the current president of the JKF-Wado Kai and carry an official stamp that is recorded on the certificate and in a “book of Black Belts” to certify one’s Dan rank.

The Dojo of Karate Chief Instructor

Chief Instructor, Javier Lozano, Jr. owns and operates The Dojo of Karate & Fitness.  He is currently a 3rd Degree Black Belt through the U.S. Eastern Wado-Ryu Karate-Do Federation.  However, the JKF-Wado Kai does not recognize his current rank, therefore, he needed to train and retest for Shodan, 1st Degree Black Belt.

This is a humbling act for anyone, especially since Javier has 20 years of martial arts experience, as well as numerous accomplishments, including being a professional athlete in Sport Karate to winning a NASKA World Championship in fighting, to name a few.

Javier took the Shodan exam in Nashville, Tennessee on October 24th, 2010 and passed.

“This was probably one of the most difficult examinations I have ever taken in my martial arts career, due to the high demands that are required in becoming a Black Belt through Wado Guseikai USA.  I still have skills to improve, but this is simply a stepping stone to becoming better in Wado Kai Karate and allowing my students to grow and improve their skills too.  I plan on testing for my Nidan (2nd Degree Black Belt) in May, 2011 back in Nashville, Tennessee.”

The pass rate for Dan examinations in Wado Guseikai USA is 50% — meaning only half of all participants past the test.  This time around, though, there was a 100% pass rate for the 1st time.  That was an amazing accomplishment by a group of 8 testers.

Are You Interested In Training In Wado Kai Karate?

Call The Dojo of Karate immediately and setup an appointment with Mr. Lozano so he can teach you some basic martial arts techniques.  You don’t necessarily need to have the immediate goal of becoming a Black Belt right now.  All you need is the willingness to learn traditional Wado Karate.  Everything else comes with time.  There is no obligation to tryout his program, and it gives an introduction to Karate.

Call 303.920.4500 today or contact him at: [email protected].

Tags: , , , , exam, guseikai, Japanese Karate, , JKF wado kai, , karate lessons, NASKA, takagi, U.S. Eastern Wado-Ryu Karate Do Federation, , , , Westminser
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