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News & Articles The Bullet--2008 January Newsletter JANUARY NEWSLETTER THE Bullet Official Newsletter of the Order of Combat for over 30 years
Members of the Order, Happy New Year from Grandmaster Lewis and all the Black Belts!
This year I encourage you all to get out and participate in as many Karate events, and Community Events that you can. Many localities have parades and other public events that you and your class mates can get into.
Most communities welcome even a small Karate demonstration. Arrange it with the person responsible for your local event. Stores that are having special sales or charity events like to see Black Belts and students come and demonstrate for their customers and attract attention to their stores. A business may sponsor uniforms or equipment in exchange for performing.
It is always rewarding to get out and show your skills. With a little planning, and some practice before appearing, the whole group can look good. Pick your performers for their strong points, and mix up the different skills you can demonstrate. Have some breaking, some forms, some weapons forms, and self defense and fighting demonstrations are especially popular.
SAFETY – Instructors, be sure you closely monitor the breaking and self defense preparation to eliminate injuries to the participants and the onlookers. Plan your angles and direction of breaks to be sure your breaks do not result in debris flying into the audience or the building. Have safety personnel standing by to prevent fighters or self defense demonstrators from stepping off of the curb or into the spectators. In some cases, it may be necessary to wear shoes while performing, if the area has rough terrain or debris that might hurt the feet.
Americans really appreciate seeing youngsters (and oldsters) participating in Karate and martial arts. Be sure to show your patriotism by including US Flag salutes, or the Pledge of Alliance in the performance – something the Order demands at any event. If you think the crowd won’t like patriotism, it’s not our crowd! Don’t support their activity.
Masters and Instructors – a note from Master Ray Thomann, check out the people, cause, or business before supporting it. Your standing in the community and the reputation of the Order come before financial considerations. (Word from a master instructor and police trainer)
TRY THIS – Pick an empty handed form from the Order Six, or from the Japanese or Korean forms, and perform it with weapons. You will be surprised at the result. Could it be that these forms, especially the January Promotions Master Raymond Thomann – Meritorious promotion to 7th Degree Master Of Light, and Associate Director, in charge of the Korean Martial Arts Division of the Order of Combat-USA, Inc. Master Samuel Albright – Meritorious promotion to 4th Degree Master of Martial Arts, and Member – Board of Directors. A Combat Martial Artist, Master Albright is in the USMC. January Activities In
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