Hello Lee,
In this free monthly newsletter, you will receive news updates and information that will be of interest to you on the subject of American Kenpo Karate. Technical difficulties abounded, which is why this is a March/April Newsletter.
March/April 2010
This month – online learning update, Brain in the News, tuition assistance program for military families, forms practice!
Online learning site progress
As of this writing almost 300 video clips have been uploaded. Here’s what we’ve gotten done.In the Kenpo 101 section – Forty-two self-defense techniques with three clips each. General Rules and principles for the level. About 130 videos. Some of the basics.
In Kenpo 201 – Most of the original 32 Parker purple belt curriculum with three clips each, general rules and principles for the level. About 50 videos. More basics.
In Kenpo 301 – Solo technique videos of 32 of the original Green techniques. Three clips each of the two man defenses. About 40 videos.
In Kenpo 401 – About 20 extensions with three clips each. More solo extension technique videos. About 70 videos. Two Man Set, solo and with explanations.
In Drills/Sets/Freestyle – Star Block, Finger Set, several drills, B1a thru B5 freestyle technique series, Coordination Set, Elbow Set, Bujin Kenpo sets called front hand/back hand/front foot/back foot.
In Instructing for Instructors – Command and Discovery teaching methods, laws of learning, using common language, how people learn.
We’re shooting regularly and there is lots more to come. Just getting this much of the system on tape has taken almost a year. Response to preview video I have shown at some of my seminars has been great. The subscription for one block of your choice will cost $30/month and will be billed monthly on your credit card. Preview subscriptions will be available. Add-on blocks will be available at $10 each. We’re likely going to open it up with some blocks still under construction and add material regularly. I recommend starting with Kenpo 101, even if you’re experienced and add to that. Your subscription will cost about as much as going to a seminar and will be available to you anytime, anywhere.
"The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing." – Walt Disney
An interesting resource
Brain in the News is published by the Dana Foundation. Each issue contains reprints of significant articles pertaining to developments, discoveries and even correcting misleading information about brains. You may want to see it because 1) you practice a contact sport and 2) you have a brain. For example, an article in the last issue was about how football quarterbacks process information. The velocity of the game prevents thinking and they have to take in much information, often without being able to see the field, and decide how and where to throw the ball. One immediately sees the connection to martial arts. We often have to do something without thinking. Instructors often tell students that if they think they’ll get hit. Too true. You can see what they have at www.dana.org and get a free subscription in either print or by e-mail.
Members Only update
An article on conducting exams has been posted, which has already gotten some good comments, and another article is added to The Kenpo Instructor’s Handbook.
A subscription is $29/year and you can subscribe on my website.
Annual fundraiser for Special Operations Warrior Foundation (SOWF)
This month we are joining again with the Special Forces Motorcycle Club, Inc to raise money for their annual benefit for the above-mentioned SOWF scholarship. It will be held here in Ft. Myers, FL on Saturday, April 10th. Among other programs, SOWF provides scholarships to about 900 children of fallen Spec Ops serving our country. If you want to help please send a check made out to the Special Operations Warrior Foundation. Mail it to Lee Wedlake’s Karate, 12451 Metro Pkwy, #104, Ft. Myers, FL 33966. I will include your check with the rest of our contributions. It is tax-deductible and their IRS Tax Exempt number is 52-1183585. Their website is www.specialops.org. Thanks
Tip of the Month
While re-reading Volume 5 of Infinite Insights into Kenpo I was reminded of how I enjoyed working my forms and self-defense in street clothes and in different environments. I am a fan of running the forms in a variety of different ways, not just faster or slower or with lower stances and more power. I vary the hand formations, alter the footwork and the like. I recently did a class in Germany where I had the group do a form like Long 2 or higher entirely in a horse stance. Conversely, you can run just the footwork and keep your hands on your hips. These exercises work your brain and give you a new perspective. It will also make you appreciate what some of us, who don’t have all their limbs functioning, have to deal with.
Tuition Assistance
I was teaching at Frank Shekosky’s school in Middletown, CT and met Sean Crehan from Franklin, MA. Sean told me about a program for children of National Guard and Reserve troops that gives grants to those families to keep kids in activities while the troops are deployed. Sean says some of his students have gotten their lessons at his school paid for. It’s worth looking into. Find them at www.ourmilitarykids.org. Our military members write a blank check with their lives, payable to the US Government. They can use any help available.
Seminars
April 17-18, 2010 Plymouth, England
Apr 30-May 1 – Chicago, IL
May 15 Leesport, PA
June 1 – Broomall, PA
June 5 – Canton (Atlanta), GA
See the seminar page on my website for details. www.leewedlake.com
"Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever." Ghandi
Functional Anatomy Dr. Rowe will be back soon with more functional anatomy.
Favor
My friend, Amy Long, asked me to put a little blurb in here about a writing contest that she’s a part of. Some of you may have already heard about it from Facebook. She would appreciate it if you would vote for her in this contest. Follow the link, register your email and cast your vote for her. The first round is largely by popular vote and she could really use your help. Thanks in advance.
http://www.NextTopAuthor.com/?aid=432
See you next month!