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Black Belt Testing
Duncan’s Martial Arts Academy hosted the recent testing for Black Belt Ranks in Syracuse, New York on December 1, 2007.
Students from DMAA , Swan’s Martial Arts, Dragon Phoenix Martial Arts and Syracuse Academy of Self Defense demonstrated their skills, and mental toughness to the Testing Board. The following students receive the rank of
Shodan:
| Adrian Gardner | Nick Reyes |
| Adrian Healy | Peter O’Brien |
| Hanna Piper | Rick Poy |
| Marissa Scott | Alyssa Matthews |
Promoted to the rank of Nidan:
| Muhammet Erdal |
Promoted to the rank of Sandan:
| Ed Peck | Ron Broughton |
| Leslie Matthews | Robert Fritz |
Canada Martial Arts Seminar
Shihan Mike Bissonett and New World Martial Arts hosted a martial arts seminar in Cornwall, Ontario on November 25, 2007. There were many instructors in attendance from throughout Canada and the United States. SiGung Duncan with the assistance of Sibak Peck conducted three empty hand seminars and one bo seminar for the groups.
Kenpo/Kempo Unity Seminar in Massachusetts
The Kenpo/Kempo Unity Seminar was held in Westford, MA and sponsored by the Go Shinjutsu Kai/Chinese Kempo Kai organization.
Grandmaster Thomas Barro-Mitose represented his fathers art of Kosho Ryu Kenpo, Master Bill Chun Jr. representing the Chow/Chun Sr. style of Go Shinjutsu Kai/Chinese Kempo Kai, and Embassador Sensei Ed Parker Jr., representing the American Kenpo system were the honored guests for this very rare event. Kenpo/Kempo stylists from all over came together to learn from the sons of the very Masters that founded these systems. It was truly and exciting event to have such legends available not only for instruction but also for questions.
Those in attendance took away something very special. These three men have not come together in the same place until this event.
Special thanks to Grandmaster Barro-Mitose, Master Chun Jr., and Ambassador Sensei Parker, Jr. for taking the opportunity to conduct this event and make themselves available to the students and instructors. I'm sure we all hope this will not be the only time this event happens.
Master Dwire's New Dojo
Master Jesse Dwire of Dragon Phoenix Martial Arts Academy recently moved his dojo to his main Head Quarters at 9 Action Road (Rte 27) in Chelmsford, Ma. We are all excited about this state of the art dojo and we wish Master Dwire and his students continued success at their new location. Master Dwire also has another school in Natick Ma, under the direction of Chief Instructor Paul Castagno, 4th degree.
Inclement Weather
The winter months are here and with it comes snow, bad driving conditions, and schools closed because of the weather. If the Syracuse City School District is closed the dojo will be closed for kids classes. Our utmost goal is to keep kids safe in the dojo and in the community. When the dojo closes there will be annoucement on the news station and on the phone at the dojo. Adult classes will be held.
Tribute to Sensei Keith Rupert
Sometimes in the martial arts you meet a person who has a major impact on you and your organization. Keith Rupert was that person. Keith trained with me for many years despite having numerous medical problems, diabetes, vision and kidney problems. Keith never complained nor ever made any excuses, or wanted to be treated in any different way. He was a hard worker and led by example. He came in every week to help with the kids program and often ran the adult class, and everyone knew when Sensei Rupert was teaching it would be a very hard class. I attended his funeral and Sensei was dressed in his favorite teaching uniform.
He lived a full but short life filled with the love from his family and the many people he helped bring the love to the martial arts. He exhibited courage in his life everyday and never looked back. He had a heart of gold, the spirit of the tiger and a strength of character that one rarely sees today. I have grown as a person by knowing Sensei Rupert and his spirit continues to live in my students and the dojo. He was a great husband and martial artists.
Syracuse DARE Tournament
The Syracuse Police Department sponsored the Dare Clinic again for its second year. It was a huge success and we are proud that many of our students from Duncan’s Martial Arts and Syracuse Academy of Self Defense attended. The kids did a great job in kata and in sparring. We thank all those instructors who attended and also competed. The Dare Tournament helps raise money for drug education in the Syracuse School District. The tournament was well organized and it provided an opportunity for many students to compete for the first time in a safe and supportive atmosphere. A special thanks goes to Sensei’s Danielle, Peck and Broughton who represented their school.
Grandmaster Van Letten
Tearney’s Karate sponsored a seminar with Grandmaster Frank Van Lenten, 10 dan in Okinawan Goju- Ryu. Grandmaster Van Lenten demonsrated the art of the Chinese Sticky hands ( Chi Sao) along with Tai-Sabaki ( body movements). The seminar was open to students from different dojo’s and different styles of karate. Nick Reyes and Peter O’Brien attended from Duncan’s Martial Arts and represented the school showing their professionalism, skillls and love for the martial arts. We were delighted to attend this special event and send our thanks to Grandmaster Tearney and his organization for sponsoring the event.
Testing for Students
DMAA will hold testing for kids beginners and advanced on April 19th, 2007 from 4:30pm until 6:00pm. At this time the belt ceremony and certificates will be given out. Parents please come about 10 minutes before the end of the test. Parents can take pictures during the presentation of belts and diplomas. Testing for students depends upon their ability to perform the given techniques which have been taught, and are not based upon time factors. Each student is evaluated by SiGung Duncan to determine if they are ready. This method tends to ensure that students will be successful when they test for their rank.