March 2022 News Letter

March :

It’s hard to believe that we’re already here in March. We’ve had tremendous growth these last two months. This is due to everyone’s efforts in building our school towards being the best. Parents and students, thank you for having faith in what we do here at JI-BEH Martial Arts.

Expanding - We now stand at 40 students between our four programs. For the most part our floor space is adequate for a majority or needs. However in the near future we will be expanding to use part of our lobby space. No doubt as we grow, we will have growing pains. We expect ourselves and students to make mistakes, it’s how we learn.

To address this, we’ve been diligent on educating all students when a teachable moment arises. This also includes having our student body understanding proper safety and etiquette protocols.

Conduct - Being a black belt doesn’t start when you test for the belt. You can do it when you’re a little dragon or a white belt. It really starts when you decide to do your best. Often the squeaky wheel gets the grease. However we don’t believe that is the best approach in our team environment.

We’ve shared this change with all the students. We are highlighting the attributes that we want to see out of our team members and future leaders. Attentiveness, respect, self control to name a few. Students that demonstrate these traits consistently will be recognized. Focusing on these positive behaviors we believe will help to pull everyone forward.

Helpers - Several students from our kids class have shown up early in the past month to help out in our dragons class. Thank you! We appreciate you sharing your time to help assist.

Those that volunteer, will come with the mindset to assist. Our little dragons are ages 4 -7, and can be easily distracted. Demonstrating best behaviors and techniques go a long way towards helping out. Belts and uniforms will be on properly before joining us on the mats.

Doorway - The doorway to our gym floor needs to be clear, and free from obstructions. This includes students that show up early waiting for the current class to finish. Students that do show up early and are not helping, are asked to wait patiently in the lobby away from the doorway. Once all of the students from the previous class have been dismissed, the following class of students can bow onto the mats.

Question / Share Box - Too often we have students raising their hands to share or ask a question. We understand their excitement, and want to have them express themselves. However, all students doing this during class at times is disruptive to our learning environment. For students that have questions or want to share something with Mr. Kafka, we have a suggestion box where they can drop a note in. After we dismiss the class, students are welcome to approach Mr. Kafka share or ask any questions at that time.

Dragon Testing - is this week 3/7 - 3/10. We do this during our regular scheduled classes. Students that have just recently joined us will not be eligible for new rank just yet. However, we will be giving every Dragon a toy to help highlight the day.

Mach Tournament - We have our Region 9 Championships March 25-26 in Connecticut. This will be our first in person tournament since 2020. We look forward to seeing all of our Tang Soo Do brothers and sisters once again. We wish everyone the best that will be competing.

Masters Clinic - We will be closed starting March 29th Tuesday, and back for classes on April 5th Tuesday. Mr. Kafka was invited to this years Master’s Clinic in Alabama. This training session is to enhance and evaluate his performance to be recognized as a Master, 4th Dan. This is a 2 year process. Through out the year instructors are required to attend training clinics, tournaments, and other sanctioned WTSDA events. These mostly occur on Fridays and on weekends, separate from our schools schedule.

Gup Testing - Testing for our gups is tentative for mid May. We host these on Saturday mornings. A minimum class time for testing is 24 classes. All students are encouraged to continue regular attendance. Apply your skills and knowledge to the best of your ability.

Thank You!: As always we wouldn’t be here without your support. Thank you for being part of the JI-BEH Family, Tang Soo!