At the Danielson martial arts school we offer many classes to our students. We have plenty of black belts in the school at all times, so you or your child is able to get one on one teaching if needed. We also have many events this coming year for the students to enjoy.
Our class schedule is regular classes are held on Mondays and Thursdays. Children from six to eleven are from 6:15pm to 7:15pm and then twelve and up are 7:30pm to 9pm. Those classes are based on teaching the children or students what karate is all about. With a little bit of forms, sparring, techniques and self- defense. Self defense is takes a very important role in karate. This is why we dedicate a Tuesday night class from seven to eight to teach the students more and more self defense. This class is also optional where it does not cost more money to take it.
There is also a karate gymnastics class on Saturdays from one thirty to three that is open to the public. This is where the students can go and learn more than just karate in regular classes. Also on Saturdays there is such thing as demo team that is open to all ranks to join in the beginning of the year.
But of course we do have a Friday night class dedicated to learning weapons from six to seven. The only thing is with that you must be a purple belt to join and within the next two Fridays of a grading that is usually held on a Wednesday every two months.
This brings me to my next point about ranking. Every new student begins as a white belt and slowly moves up in rank. The pace all depends on how fast of a learner you are. The ranks consist of:
White Belt, orange, blue, purple, green, red, apprentice-black, and black belt. Each belt does consist of different gups and once you reach apprentice-black it has a minimum of one year and other requirements which are learned when you receive it.
Basically what I am trying to say is that karate is a lot of especially at Danielson Martial Arts because it’s like one big family. So if you want to join come on down or go to our website
http://www.danielsonmartialarts.com/
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Monday, April 7, 2008
My Chief Instuctor
Mr. Laperle began his martial arts career in June 1986 at the Danielson Martial Arts Academy. He received his Black Belt in April 1990. In February 1992 he was promoted to 2nd Dan and he earned his 3rd Dan in November 1994. In March 1998 at the age of 22, Mr. Laperle became the youngest martial artist in the Cheezic Tang Soo Do’s 40 year history to earn a 4th Dan Master Belt. Later that same year, Mr. Laperle organized the first of a now annual event in order to raise money for the St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, the Kick-a-Thon Fundraiser. This fundraiser has raised over $12,000 for the hospital to date. In September 2002 at the age of 26, Mr. Laperle once again made Federation history by becoming the youngest 5th Dan Master Belt in Cheezic Tang Soo Do. Mr. Laperle has been a member of the USA Karate team and has competed from New England to the former Soviet Union, Bermuda and Australia, where he won first place in men’s open full contact sparring. In our federation he has been ranked #1 in his sparring division for the years 1991-2004, and 2006. He has also earned himself Grand Championship status several times in weapons and forms competition. He has done martial arts seminars at several schools, participated in karate demonstrations in Poland and China, as well as run a children’s self defense course through the Thompson Recreational program. He has been a regular instructor at our federations Karate Camp. Mr. Laperle has owned the Danielson Martial Arts Academy since May, 1994. In November 2004, Mr. Laperle was awarded with the prestigious Starfish Award, usually reserved for schoolteachers. As of October 2007, Mr. Laperle has promoted 55 martial artists to black belt level, and has promoted 2 students to the Master Belt level.In January 2008, Mr. Laperle was inducted into the Action Martial Arts Magazine Hall of Fame. Mr. Laperle received the Outstanding Achievements in the Martial Arts award.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Nunchucks
Nunchucks!!!!
Nunchaku are a martial arts weapon for self defense and martial arts training whether for competitions or attack prevention.
The nunchaku was originally a short flail used to thresh rice (separate the grain from the husk) in Russia and consisted of two unequal lengths of hardwood connected by a cord made of horse hair. Its development as a weapon grew out of the moratorium on edged weaponry under the shoguns due to their restrictive policy of weapons control. Warlords ruled in the ancient orient and after they banned the use of such weapons as the gun, sword, and spear, the public turned to Karate and Kobu-Do for protection. The use of Nunchaku also grew. The art of stick fighting with Nunchakus, has lasted through centuries and is today practiced by people throughout the world. No longer used as a weapon substitute due to a lack of weapons, Nunchakus have stood the test of time due to their effectiveness, lightweightness and affordability! The modern nunchaku has been modified for its use as a weapon and would make a relatively ineffective rice flail. A nunchaku is two sections of wood (or metal in modern incarnations) connected by a cord or chain. The designs and styles of Nunchaku are just as long and colorful as their history! The modern Nunchaku have octagonal (hakkakukei) or round (maru-gata) wooden handles of equal length connected by a length of rope or chain. The traditional nunchaku is made from a strong, flexible hardwood such as oak, loquat or pasania. Originally, the wood would be submerged in mud for several years, where lack of oxygen and optimal acidity prevent rotting. The end result is a hardened wood. Matayoshi Kobudo instruction includes nunchaku with one handle half the length of the other, both handles half the normal size, three-sectioned and four-sectioned. The han-kei nunchaku, with the circumference of the handles halved, is designed for easier carrying and concealment, as both handles fit together smoothly. The rope is made from horsehair, and was traditionally claimed to be able to block a sword. A vine (kanda) can also be used as a longer connector, in order to bind an opponent's head and hands together in an "Okinawan Handcuff." Finally, the wood is very finely sanded and rubbed with an oil or stain for preservation. Today, such nunchaku are often varnished or painted for display purposes. This practice tends to reduce the grip and make the weapon harder to handle, and so is not advised in a combat weapon. Various sizes, materials and colors can be found. Most Nunchakus are made of metal, plastic or wood and are attached by a chain or a rope. Surprisingly, as small and lightweight as this weapon is, it is a powerful one. Chinese nunchaku tend to be rounded, whereas Japanese are octagonal. The ideal length of each piece should be the length of the users forearm; the bone between elbow and wrist. Traditionally both ends are of equal length (although asymmetrical nunchakus exist). The ideal length for the connecting rope/chain can be calibrated for each individual by letting the rope hang over the wrist, with the sticks hanging comfortably pointing straight to the ground, but without giving more rope than is necessary for it to do so. Weight balance is extremely important, cheaper or gimmicky nunchakus (such as glow-in-the-dark ones, or rocket-powered) are often not properly balanced, which prevent the artist from doing the more advanced and flashier 'low-grip' moves, such as overhand twirls. The weight should be balanced towards the outer edges of the sticks for maximum ease and control of the swing arcs. The Nunchaku can be wielded with tremendous velocity in striking and are also valuable in parrying attacks from other weapons. The original Okinawan techniques involve holding the weapon in a variety of preparatory postures. Once an opponent has moved their weapon or body into close range, the nunchaku is used to strike vital spots, and apply joint locks, chokes and other control techniques. Practitioners of the flashier styles contend that the motion of the nunchaku is often found distracting by opponents, who may have trouble keeping up with the nunchaku's rapid motion. In addition, the reach of the nunchaku is often underestimated, even by those experienced with its use. When used in combat, the nunchaku provide the obvious advantage of an increase in the reach of one's strike. Although somewhat difficult to control, the rope or chain joint of the nunchaku adds the benefit of striking from unexpected angles. It is generally considered by martial artists to be a limited weapon: complex and difficult to wield, it lacks either the range of the bo (quarterstaff) or the edged advantage of a sword or sai, and is prone to inflicting self-injury on the user. Used as self-defense weapons, and also for training and learning, Nunchakus were first bought to the attention of the western world when they were popularized by the immortal Bruce Lee. After Lee helped to propel this simple weapon into the spotlight, it went on to become a weapon of choice by many people, especially martial artists. They were believed to have personalities emanating from the actual sticks themselves. Oriental tradition says that after you have practiced long enough and hard enough, the Nunchakus you use will take on some of your spirit and character. Your nunchucks, it is believed, are becoming a part of you. But this is not an overnight process! It takes countless hours of practice and perfection to reach this point. Training with Nunchaku (Nunchuks) should be only done with a qualified instructor as they are a dangerous weapon and caution is advised.
Nunchaku are a martial arts weapon for self defense and martial arts training whether for competitions or attack prevention.
The nunchaku was originally a short flail used to thresh rice (separate the grain from the husk) in Russia and consisted of two unequal lengths of hardwood connected by a cord made of horse hair. Its development as a weapon grew out of the moratorium on edged weaponry under the shoguns due to their restrictive policy of weapons control. Warlords ruled in the ancient orient and after they banned the use of such weapons as the gun, sword, and spear, the public turned to Karate and Kobu-Do for protection. The use of Nunchaku also grew. The art of stick fighting with Nunchakus, has lasted through centuries and is today practiced by people throughout the world. No longer used as a weapon substitute due to a lack of weapons, Nunchakus have stood the test of time due to their effectiveness, lightweightness and affordability! The modern nunchaku has been modified for its use as a weapon and would make a relatively ineffective rice flail. A nunchaku is two sections of wood (or metal in modern incarnations) connected by a cord or chain. The designs and styles of Nunchaku are just as long and colorful as their history! The modern Nunchaku have octagonal (hakkakukei) or round (maru-gata) wooden handles of equal length connected by a length of rope or chain. The traditional nunchaku is made from a strong, flexible hardwood such as oak, loquat or pasania. Originally, the wood would be submerged in mud for several years, where lack of oxygen and optimal acidity prevent rotting. The end result is a hardened wood. Matayoshi Kobudo instruction includes nunchaku with one handle half the length of the other, both handles half the normal size, three-sectioned and four-sectioned. The han-kei nunchaku, with the circumference of the handles halved, is designed for easier carrying and concealment, as both handles fit together smoothly. The rope is made from horsehair, and was traditionally claimed to be able to block a sword. A vine (kanda) can also be used as a longer connector, in order to bind an opponent's head and hands together in an "Okinawan Handcuff." Finally, the wood is very finely sanded and rubbed with an oil or stain for preservation. Today, such nunchaku are often varnished or painted for display purposes. This practice tends to reduce the grip and make the weapon harder to handle, and so is not advised in a combat weapon. Various sizes, materials and colors can be found. Most Nunchakus are made of metal, plastic or wood and are attached by a chain or a rope. Surprisingly, as small and lightweight as this weapon is, it is a powerful one. Chinese nunchaku tend to be rounded, whereas Japanese are octagonal. The ideal length of each piece should be the length of the users forearm; the bone between elbow and wrist. Traditionally both ends are of equal length (although asymmetrical nunchakus exist). The ideal length for the connecting rope/chain can be calibrated for each individual by letting the rope hang over the wrist, with the sticks hanging comfortably pointing straight to the ground, but without giving more rope than is necessary for it to do so. Weight balance is extremely important, cheaper or gimmicky nunchakus (such as glow-in-the-dark ones, or rocket-powered) are often not properly balanced, which prevent the artist from doing the more advanced and flashier 'low-grip' moves, such as overhand twirls. The weight should be balanced towards the outer edges of the sticks for maximum ease and control of the swing arcs. The Nunchaku can be wielded with tremendous velocity in striking and are also valuable in parrying attacks from other weapons. The original Okinawan techniques involve holding the weapon in a variety of preparatory postures. Once an opponent has moved their weapon or body into close range, the nunchaku is used to strike vital spots, and apply joint locks, chokes and other control techniques. Practitioners of the flashier styles contend that the motion of the nunchaku is often found distracting by opponents, who may have trouble keeping up with the nunchaku's rapid motion. In addition, the reach of the nunchaku is often underestimated, even by those experienced with its use. When used in combat, the nunchaku provide the obvious advantage of an increase in the reach of one's strike. Although somewhat difficult to control, the rope or chain joint of the nunchaku adds the benefit of striking from unexpected angles. It is generally considered by martial artists to be a limited weapon: complex and difficult to wield, it lacks either the range of the bo (quarterstaff) or the edged advantage of a sword or sai, and is prone to inflicting self-injury on the user. Used as self-defense weapons, and also for training and learning, Nunchakus were first bought to the attention of the western world when they were popularized by the immortal Bruce Lee. After Lee helped to propel this simple weapon into the spotlight, it went on to become a weapon of choice by many people, especially martial artists. They were believed to have personalities emanating from the actual sticks themselves. Oriental tradition says that after you have practiced long enough and hard enough, the Nunchakus you use will take on some of your spirit and character. Your nunchucks, it is believed, are becoming a part of you. But this is not an overnight process! It takes countless hours of practice and perfection to reach this point. Training with Nunchaku (Nunchuks) should be only done with a qualified instructor as they are a dangerous weapon and caution is advised.
The Bo Staff!!
The bo, or staff, is probably one of the first weapons that mankind used to defend himself. The history of the bo dates back millennia, and is thought to be used first in China. It could easily be found, was easy to handle, and could be used for multiple purposes. The bo staff itself is believed to have been developed from the tenbin, a pole balanced on the shoulders, used to carry buckets hanging from each end with water or grain. The bo is a well known weapon used in many styles of martial arts practiced around the world. It is one of the five weapons included into a style by the early Okinawan founders of karate. In feudal Japan, it was part of the bugei - early Japanese martial arts. Nobles and peasants used it in a similar way. Although the bo varies in size and length, all staffs are long pieces of well polished wood, best described as a pole. Thickness of the bo varies depending on the particular martial art one trains in. Though, it must be made so that the fighter can comfortably make a tight fist around it in order to block and counter an attack. The length of the bo also depends on the style of the martial art, however the most common length is a few inches taller than the practitioner. Its length makes it an excellent weapon against swordsmen, allowing the user to strike from a safe distance. In a fight, the bo staff acts as an extension of one's limbs. All techniques are executed as one would without the weapon in your hands. An accurate jab to an enemy's vulnerable areas could easily disable them without requiring too much effort from the person using the staff. The bo is also able to block and parry an opponent who may be fighting with the same weapon. Other tricks that one can use this weapon for include sweeping the legs out from underneath an opponent, breaking the knees, and sweeping dust into the opponent's eyes. It is easy to find a good staff in a time of need. A good stick can be found almost anywhere at nearly all times. Now part of budo (martial way), the bo is often used in kata training and competition. Physical conditioning with the staff improves one’s balance, coordination, and upper body strength, among other benefits.
The Korean Flag
The Korean flag is made up of all different signs, each meaning something different. The white background of the Korean flag means peace. Then the Yin-Yang means something different then the background. Yin means dark and cold, while Yang means bright and hot. An example of that would be the sun, Yang, and the moon, Yin. Now the symbol on the top left of the flag, the one with the three lines, means heaven. The next symbol right below the one that mean heaven, three lines with the middle line is split in half, means fire. Now the symbol on the top right hand corner, three lines with the two outer lines are broken in half, means water. The final symbol, three lines and all split in half, means Earth. Which each important sign of the Korean flag means a lot of Koreas people.
Korea first felt the need for a national flag as it was preparing to conclude the Korean-American Treaty of Commerce, which was concluded and signed on May 22 and June 6, 1882, respectively. This was during the 19th year of the reign of King Gojong of the Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910). Korea adopted a blue and red yin-yang on a white field, a favorite Korean design since ancient times. Thus, the taegeuk design flag became the temporary national flag. Later Korea added eight trigrams combinations of three unbroken and broken bars - around the taegeuk circle and thereby creating the taegeukgi, which served as the national colors for a while. King Gojong appointed Bak Yeoung-hyo as his ambassador to Japan in September 1882. While aboard ship heading for Japan, Bak drew a national flag with a taegeuk circle but included only four trigrams instead of eight, and started using the flag on the 25th of that month. On October 3, Bak reported this change to King Gojong who formally proclaimed the Taegeukgi as the national flag on March 6, 1883. For some unknown reason, however, he did not have formal instructions published at that time on how to make the flag. In fact, it wasn't till June 29, 1942, that the provisional Korean government in exile enacted a law on the uniform method of making the national flag. The law was promulgated but as the government was in exile, it was not widely known to Koreans at home still under Japanese colonial rule. Following the founding of the Republic of Korea on August 15, 1948, the government felt that it should codify the method of making the national flag. This prompted the government to form a special commission in January 1949 that issued the provision on the national flag on October 15 of that year. Since then, the Republic of Korea has been using the Taegeukgi as the national flag.
Korea first felt the need for a national flag as it was preparing to conclude the Korean-American Treaty of Commerce, which was concluded and signed on May 22 and June 6, 1882, respectively. This was during the 19th year of the reign of King Gojong of the Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910). Korea adopted a blue and red yin-yang on a white field, a favorite Korean design since ancient times. Thus, the taegeuk design flag became the temporary national flag. Later Korea added eight trigrams combinations of three unbroken and broken bars - around the taegeuk circle and thereby creating the taegeukgi, which served as the national colors for a while. King Gojong appointed Bak Yeoung-hyo as his ambassador to Japan in September 1882. While aboard ship heading for Japan, Bak drew a national flag with a taegeuk circle but included only four trigrams instead of eight, and started using the flag on the 25th of that month. On October 3, Bak reported this change to King Gojong who formally proclaimed the Taegeukgi as the national flag on March 6, 1883. For some unknown reason, however, he did not have formal instructions published at that time on how to make the flag. In fact, it wasn't till June 29, 1942, that the provisional Korean government in exile enacted a law on the uniform method of making the national flag. The law was promulgated but as the government was in exile, it was not widely known to Koreans at home still under Japanese colonial rule. Following the founding of the Republic of Korea on August 15, 1948, the government felt that it should codify the method of making the national flag. This prompted the government to form a special commission in January 1949 that issued the provision on the national flag on October 15 of that year. Since then, the Republic of Korea has been using the Taegeukgi as the national flag.
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