It is hard to believe that we are already in February and spring is not far away.  In this edition of the newsletter, we are introducing the self defense technique of the month.  You can read more about our featured self defense technique later in the newsletter.  We also want to take this opportunity to encourage students interested in helping with the Newsletter or Web page to talk to either David Huffstutler or Craig Stoll.  We can always use a little help with anything from proof-reading the newsletter to contributing an article. 

Beginning in February, the cost for belt tests will be increased for our Taekwondo students.  The increase is the result of increases in rent and other related facility costs.  The new rates are available on our test web site at http://home.cinci.rr.com/stollhome/Events/Testing.htm.

Finally, please submit the names of any students that made 2nd quarter honor roll for the March Newsletter to Craig Stoll.  Please indicate in the message whether the student had straight A's.

Version 2.0 of the supplemental CDROM is complete.  After more than a year of development and over 1,000 hours, the CDROMs are ready for distribution.  The CDROMs are offered in four varieties: beginners, intermediate, advanced, and master.  The CDROMs are designed to allow students to hone techniques outside of the classroom and to supplement the techniques taught in class. Some examples of new material includes grappling self defense techniques, new one steps, grappling techniques, etc.  There are also multiple views of many of the forms for students preparing for their next belt test to use as reference.

In order to keep students from trying to advance beyond their training level, students may only purchase CDROMs that are appropriate to their current training level.  Students that purchase this CDROM and are using Windows XP with Service Pack 2 will need to change their browser settings to enable the movie content to work properly on their computer.  A description of the change needed is provided on the CDROM under troubleshooting or you can click here to read about the change required.

If a student discovers a problem on the CDROM, the problem can be reported by clicking this link.  If possible the problem will be fixed, the student reporting the problem will receive a new CDROM with the correction.  No plans exist to release a version 3.0 of the CDROM.  However, some effort is underway to develop a supplemental CDROM for students working with Nunchakus.

As a reminder to all the sparring students, no sparring classes are held on the night of Junior Belt Testing.  Parents should expect the Junior Belt Test will be approximately 1 - 1.5 hours long.

Our candy fund raiser is continuing through February.  As of the end of January, the three top sellers were:

 - Michael Fugate

 - Brenda Fields

 - Clinton Rouse

The students at Hamilton-Fairfield Taekwondo will sell candy with the proceeds used to offset the cost for our tournament and participation of our students in the tournament.  Awards for the top selling students will be made.  Last year, the proceeds allowed us to reduce the cost for students to participate in the tournament by 50%! 

With this edition of the Newsletter, we are beginning a new program of introducing two self defense techniques each month that will be taught during the 1 hour long training classes.  During the month of February, we will work on the Escape from the Mount.  When you are on your back on the ground and your opponent is sitting on your chest, the position is referred to as the mount.  From this position, an attacker can deliver powerful attacks.  We will review two escapes from this position.  Students that have attended classes for more than six months should be familiar with the two escapes.  As a grappling student, I can tell you that this is a technique that you want to be able to easily perform.  We will also be working on escapes from lapel or shirt grabs using striking, wrist manipulations, or both to force your assailant to release their grip. 

Links to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Kyokushin Karate

Adult training in grappling based on Jiu-jitsu is offered on Saturday mornings 11:45 am to 12:30 pm.  This month the sparring rounds for the more experienced grapplers is being extended from 1.5 minutes to 2 minutes.  This longer grappling time will require more careful energy conservation by the grapplers to be able to last the entire round.  As the year progresses, the grappling time will continue to be lengthened.  In addition to the lengthened grappling times, Robert Gerhardt will be teaching the following techniques in class:

Ankle Lock from the Guard (Level 2)

Take Down from the Guard (Level 2)

Arm Throw (Level 2)

Links to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Martial Arts Hunter