We look back on many fond memories of 2008...In February, Sifu began training at the PIT with Kumu John Hackleman. The PIT has added so much to Kaju AZ. Our CrossPIT classes are fun and challenging...and we keep coming back for more! Look for Sifu to visit the PIT more in 2009 and bring back even more exciting material.
We also had the pleasure of training during the year with so many masters including Professor and Sigung Lim, Olohe Solomon Kaihewalu, KSDI Masters, Dai Shihan Ted Tabura - we have learned much and are grateful for each experience.
We had four successful testing events in 2008. We are excited and looking forward to our first Black Belt Testing on March 21, 2009. MMA Black Belt Candidate Linda George is training hard and preparing for this unique event.
Sifu and the Corder family were able to visit Kajukenbo Founder, Sijo Adriano Emperado in Maui in July. What an honor to spend an afternoon with him!
Throughout the year we had the opportunity to share Kajukenbo at many self-defense clinics and seminars, as well as several demos. It is always a honor to participate and hopefully inspire others to join the martial arts.
Our dojo grew in August to 3,200 square feet and it's hard to remember the smaller dojo we were training in just a few months ago. More space has allowed Sifu, Sihing and our assistant instructors to provide more material and creative training for all of us!
Sifu, Mr. Nic and the Lim Kenpo Ohana participated in Black Belt Testing in the fall. What awesome events! The Black Belt Testing is January 24, 2009 and this will surely be a highlight for 2009!
We were blessed to add new instructors and classes to our school! Welcome to Mr. Marc Hernandez and Ms. Candace Hisatake as Black Belt Instructors, Coach Paul Nava for Jiu-Jitsu, Coach Jonathan Hedden for boxing and sparring and Coach Kyle Miller for our Strength Training Classes. It has been great to add more to our curriculum and learn from these great teachers.
We hosted Grandmaster Gary Forbach, Professor Joe Stubbs and Professor Mark Vorbau in October for a Self-Defense Seminar. It was an honor to train with them and we hope to host more events with Grandmaster in 2009.
Kaju AZ showed the generous spirit of Ohana with our MS events and Diapers for Djibouti. Following the inspiration of our student, Katie Crowder, we pulled together and raised over $6,000 for Multiple Sclerosis! We also had a campaign to help the orphans in Africa through the loyal servicemen and women stationed there. We contributed 756 diapers and 24 cans of formula!
Throughout the year some of our students participated in their first tournament ever. All participants had a great time and many came away with trophies and good memories. It was also great to see every student working past their comfort zones - getting stronger and perfecting techniques all the while becoming better human beings.
We love our Ohana! We treasure each experience and association with our wonderful instructors and students. Thank you for all your support, love and generosity and for capturing the true meaning of Ohana. We feel inspired and ready to make 2009 even better!
Sifu Kelly and Simou Jen
1 comment:
Wow! We have had so many awesome experiences at the dojo in 2008. All of these events were memorable but I treasure most the training and instruction we receive every day. It is amazing to me the amount of effort Sifu and Simou put into making each day fun and challenging. I can't wait to see what 2009 will bring. This is truly an outstanding dojo.
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