I can't promise daily updates but the information you read here will definitely be current and recent. It will appear "most recent post" first and then "older posts" after. The list below will grow as I add more information and the links will take you directly to the information I have written on that topic. I hope you'll find this useful. I'd love to hear any comments on the site (good or bad but preferrably good!) TOPICS Monday 4th January, 2010 Happy New Year. Sadly we are leaving the old Roseville dojo and moving into new premises in West Lindfield. Although we won't be right next to the railway station the new hall is more modern and the outside climbing gym is a big bonus for the brother's and sister's of the students. More information on the move soon.
Tuesday 13th October, 2009 I know it is almost time to go back to class because of the phone calls I have received about available spots in the various classes I run. The most amazing thing is today I got three calls from Melbourne! Shame I don't teach there - I'd have a class already! I will have to do a bit of research and locate some good karate schools in Melbourne so I have somewhere to send these enquirers. Eventually I will be inviting schools to affiliate themselves with Karate For Kids so the many "out of state" and "out of country" emails and phone calls I get can be re-directed to schools with similar teaching principles. Email me if you know of any schools that fit this description so I can contact them. If I had a bigger place where I could store stuff I'd be selling karate pants etc for kids. But, as I don't (my garage houses all my gardening tools), I thought I'd put a link to a martial arts supplier who also does on-line sales. He's a great guy so make sure you tell him you found him by the link here.... http://www.shogunmartialarts.com.au/
More from Saturday 10th October 2009
I've been adding stuff onto the site and decided to post the link to our Youtube video here too. I was so happy when I found it and I hope you'll get a buzz out of seeing the kids in action. My youtube name is The Karate Teacher (original, no?) and I hope to keep adding videos in the future. To access the video just click here: Post a comment (preferrably favourable!) on the youtube page so I can boast to my friends who think I am way past doing all this social media hooey.
Saturday 10th October 2009
Classes have ended for the term and I have already started planning the classes for next term. Being an Instructor is a tough job! Some of the parents asked if I could write down a few of my games so they could use them during the school holidays. One of my favourite games (and one I have used at kid's parties) is called SOCK WRESTLING. It can get a bit rough so make sure you play this game outside on the grass or in a cleared room where there is no chance of knocking over an antique vase. 1. Give each child a sock to wear (no shoes and only wear the one sock) 2. Allocate partners (in the first round try to make the kids evenly matched) 3. The first couple kneel, facing each other. On GO they begin to wrestle, trying to pull the sock off their partner's foot. 4. Good idea is to have a time limit. If no winner at the end of the time then allow a further 20 seconds. If still no winner then the round is a tie. 5. Once everyone has had a go then move onto the next level which is a "winner/loser pool" 6. By using this system everyone gets at least 2 chances and there will be an ultimate winner Note: I bought a pair of fancy socks and gave them to the winner. It was quite a hit and an inexpensive way of remembering the day. Here's two of the kids playing Sock Wrestling One of the things my students struggle with is tying their belt. Doesn't seem to matter how old they are tying the belt is a real hassle. Here's a few instructions that hopefully will assist you with this complex task. The information has been taken out of my Membership Book for Kids which I wrote many years ago for new students. I hope you find this information helpful. Thursday 8th October 2009
Isn't this just about the best bow you've every seen? This is my friend Anthony. I put on a "Karate Show" with my students and he kindly offered to demonstrate one of the kata. I couldn't resist putting this photo in here. We lost touch but I remember how kind he was to me and how much he made me laugh. | 
