Tag: physical fitness

OCTOBER 2021 KYU PROMOTIONAL & GRADUATION!

Posted on | by USBKA

OCTOBER 2021 KYU PROMOTIONAL & GRADUATION!

Congratulations candidates on your successful advancement!!

Our first Kyu Graduation Ceremony (since COVID) will be held on Friday, October 29, 2021, at 6 pm!!  GRADUATES MAY INVITE TWO GUESTS to attend the ceremony.  Space is extremely limited.

IF YOU DO NOT PLAN TO ATTEND, PLEASE RSVP YOUR REGRETS TO BUDOKAIOFFICE@GMAIL.COM

Students unable to attend Graduation will receive their belts in class the following week.

This event is at Chrome Food & Spirits in the rear of the building/banquet entrance.  405 Hudson River Road, Waterford, NY. 

Unfortunately due to renewed COVID restrictions at public schools were are unable to host this event at Waterford-Halfmoon School as originally planned.  Thank you for your understanding.

Students, please wear your uniform!! We are excited for you to demonstrate your skills and Budokai spirit for your family and friends before receiving your new belt from Hanshi Jarem!

See you there!!

____________________________________________

Russ Jarem

Hanshi Russ Jarem, 8th-degree black belt

Susan Warzek

Kyoshi Susan Warzek, 7th-degree black belt

USBKA-CP.com & US BUDOKAI KARATE of Clifton Park have been repeatedly selected as the communities’ #1 Martial Arts School!

Established in 1980 by Master Instructor, Hanshi Russ Jarem an 8th degree Black Belt, US Budokai Karate and for pre-school children ages, 4-6 and elementary age kids ages 7 and up are designed to develop the skills needed for a successful in school and later in life.

US Budokai Karate Adult Karate training is a complete adult fitness and conditioning program for adults who want to lose weight, get (and stay in shape), or learn self-defense in a supportive environment.  A place to develop mind, body, and spirit.

Instructors can answer questions or be contacted 24 hours or the day, 7 days a week at RenshiSue@usbka-cp.com or call directly at 518-383-0484. You can also visit our website at USBKA-CP.com

The US Budokai Karate is centrally located in the Capital District Area in Saratoga County, New York at 215 Guideboard Road, Clifton Park, NY  12065.

 

Black Belt Exam

Fall Black Belt Exam Complete!

Posted on | by USBKA

Fall Black Belt Exam

Saturday, September 18th marked the second of this year’s black belt examinations (held yearly in March and September).  Hanshi Jarem evaluated eight candidates for JR Shodan and Shodan rank as well as four candidates for Nidan.

We are proud to congratulate all candidates for their success and for a tremendous performance during the promotional examination!!  You showed determination, perseverance, respect, and the skills necessary to be honored with a US Budokai Black Belt rank!

New Black Belts
Congratulations New Black Belts

The road to first-degree black belt (Shodan) takes about 5 years from a JR-level white belt.  Many of the candidates in last week’s testing joined as Tiny Tigers and can attest to an even longer commitment towards reaching the goal of black belt. Part of the testing for first-degree black belt is to write an essay about “How Karate Has Changed My Life” and to present a 2-minute oral presentation.  These self-reflection essays inevitably speak to the success of our program.  Young students impart his/her ability to be more focused, attain better grades, and understand the need to persevere in all life’s endeavors.  Students are also more discerning in their friendships and cooperate more with parents and siblings at home.  Most touching was one candidate acknowledging how karate has helped him handle his autism spectrum disorder; and, these are just a few of the benefits to walking the road to black belt with US Budokai Karate’s proven programs!

What discerns a JR-level black belt (with a white stripe) from an adult black belt is age.  Students must be thirteen (13) years old to wear an adult black belt rank.

Students also must be at a minimum of 13 years old to test for Nidan (second-degree black belt).  We are extremely proud of the work put in by the four new Nidans who all started as JR or Tiny Tiger members (8 – 10 years ago)!! Nidan candidates were asked to read some well know martial arts books and report/reflect upon their readings.  The books included:

Karate-Do My Way of Life by Gichin Funakoshi, The Karate Dojo by Peter Urban, Zen in the Martial Arts by Joe Hyams, and Be Like Water by Joseph Cardillo.  All of these books are highly recommended reading for all martial artists!

Candidates reported not only on the content of the books but also how they were impressed by the same.  Across the board, students deepened their understanding of the philosophies and history underlying karate and matured in their approach to life and training in the arts.  As one continues to progress, it becomes clear that karate is a way of life, a path to help one keep true to themselves, their morals, and ideals.  It far exceeds punching and kicking!!

Check out our Facebook page for photos from the promotional here: Black Belt Promotional September 18 2021 and give us a “like” while you’re visiting!! OSU!

______________________________________________________

Russ Jarem

Hanshi Russ Jarem, 8th-degree black belt

Susan Warzek

Kyoshi Susan Warzek, 7th-degree black belt

USBKA-CP.com & US BUDOKAI KARATE of Clifton Park have been repeatedly selected as the communities’ #1 Martial Arts School!

Established in 1980 by Master Instructor, Hanshi Russ Jarem an 8th degree Black Belt, US Budokai Karate and for pre-school children ages, 4-6 and elementary age kids ages 7 and up are designed to develop the skills needed for a successful in school and later in life.

US Budokai Karate Adult Karate training is a complete adult fitness and conditioning program for adults who want to lose weight, get (and stay in shape), or learn self-defense in a supportive environment.  A place to develop mind, body, and spirit.

Instructors can answer questions or be contacted 24 hours or the day, 7 days a week at RenshiSue@usbka-cp.com or call directly at 518-383-0484. You can also visit our website at USBKA-CP.com

The US Budokai Karate is centrally located in the Capital District Area in Saratoga County, New York at 215 Guideboard Road, Clifton Park, NY  12065.

 

April Promotional Results

ANNOUNCING NEW RANKS!

Posted on | by USBKA

The results of the April 14, 2021, promotional have been announced!  Nearly 70 candidates successfully tested and were advanced following promotional examinations Wednesday evening.  Students were put through kihon (basic techniques), katas, self-defense, and sparring requirements.

Promotional is the perfect opportunity to rise to the occasion!  Of note was our Junior White/White Kyu group who performed fantastically.  For some, it was their very first promotional!  Great start new White Kyu’s and Blue’s!

As students move through the ranks, requirements become more difficult.  Green belt students begin to acquire points for their black belt testing.  Katas and self-defenses become more complex.  Using US Budokai resources like the Student Handbook and YouTube, helps students keep up on their requirements of learned material.

Our YouTube Channel:

US Budokai Karate Association YouTube Channel

Congratulations All!

OSU!

Russ Jarem

Hanshi Russ Jarem, 8th degree black belt

Susan Warzek

Kyoshi Susan Warzek, 7th degree black belt

USBKA-CP.com & US BUDOKAI KARATE of Clifton Park have been repeatedly selected as the communities’ #1 Martial Arts School!

Established in 1980 by Master Instructor, Hanshi Russ Jarem an 8th degree Black Belt, US Budokai Karate and for pre-school children ages 4-6 and elementary age kids ages 7 and up are designed to develop the skills needed for a successful in school and later in life.

US Budokai Karate Adult Karate training is a complete adult fitness and conditioning program for adults who want to lose weight, get (and stay in shape) or learn self-defense in a supportive environment.  A place to develop mind, body and spirit.

Instructors can answer questions or be contacted 24 hours or the day, 7 days a week at RenshiSue@usbka-cp.com or call directly at 518-383-0484. You can also visit our website at USBKA-CP.com

The US Budokai Karate is centrally located in the Capital District Area in Saratoga County, New York at 215 Guideboard Road, Clifton Park, NY  12065.

 

Black Belt Test Weekend

CONGRATULATIONS NEW BLACK BELTS!

Posted on | by USBKA

The weekend of March 20-21, 2021 marked not only the welcome of spring but an accomplishment few attain but all admire a black belt.

Join us in congratulating TEN new shodans, first-degree black belts to US Budokai Karate!

SHODAN
Don Fawthrop, Ivan Stebletsov, Trent Bruce, Aidan Smith, Kayla Smith, Veronica Smith, Lily Heffernan, Marissa Guetti, Katerina Tsakaloyannis, and Jack Baker!

Of note in the shodan, group is The Smith Family – Congratulations on three family members making rank at the same time!!

Even fewer students move on to higher dan (level) rank so we are extremely proud of the FIVE new Nidans, second-degree black belts!

NIDAN
Haley Miller, Chris Guetti, Jordan Whelchel, Randy Mysliwiec, Taylor Lanier

Students must be at least 14 years old to test for Nidan so it is no small feat for a student who starts as a Tiny Tiger (4-6 years old) to continue to Nidan.  We are extremely proud to acknowledge the commitment of Haley Miller, Jordan Whelchel, and Taylor Lanier – all Tiny Tiger alumni!! Way to go!

YONDAN
Sensei Walter McKay

Sensei Walter McKay
Congratulations Sensei Walter McKay

It is a rare student who stays until making the rank of 4th-degree black belt and earns the title Sensei.   Join me in congratulating Sensei Walter McKay on this phenomenal accomplishment.  Sensei began training at US Budokai in 2006 and exemplifies the extraordinary (15YR!) dedication to this landmark achievement.  Of note, Sensei Walter joins his wife, Sensei Nicole McKay as a US Budokai yondan (Mr. and Mrs. Sensei!!). 

Hanshi Jarem put the students through kihon (karate basics), katas, and pre-arranged self-defenses.  No black belt exam would be complete without fighting!  These candidates had to fight their way through many rounds of bag work; tougher by some standards for sure but at least those bags weren’t hitting back!! The determination, conditioning, and spirit of these candidates were some of the best we’ve ever seen. All of these candidates stayed strong and committed to their training throughout COVID quarantine, training virtually, solo, and in the dojo.  By far they are each stronger inside and out having made this journey with US Budokai Karate.  CONGRATULATIONS FROM ALL OF US TO ALL OF YOU! OSU!

CLICK THE LINK BELOW –

SPRING 2021 BLACK BELT TESTING HIGHLIGHTS

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ENJOY!!

____________________________________________________

Russ Jarem

Hanshi Russ Jarem, 8th degree black belt

Susan Warzek

Kyoshi Susan Warzek, 7th degree black belt

USBKA-CP.com & US BUDOKAI KARATE of Clifton Park have been repeatedly selected as the communities’ #1 Martial Arts School!

Established in 1980 by Master Instructor, Hanshi Russ Jarem an 8th degree Black Belt, US Budokai Karate and for pre-school children ages 4-6 and elementary age kids ages 7 and up are designed to develop the skills needed for a successful in school and later in life.

US Budokai Karate Adult Karate training is a complete adult fitness and conditioning program for adults who want to lose weight, get (and stay in shape) or learn self-defense in a supportive environment.  A place to develop mind, body and spirit.

Instructors can answer questions or be contacted 24 hours or the day, 7 days a week at RenshiSue@usbka-cp.com or call directly at 518-383-0484. You can also visit our website at USBKA-CP.com

The US Budokai Karate is centrally located in the Capital District Area in Saratoga County, New York at 215 Guideboard Road, Clifton Park, NY  12065.