We just got back from the IEMAT(Spokane/Inland Empire Martial Arts Tournament). It was split into two days with Self-Defense and Showmanship on the first night then the 2nd Day was the rest. Well we got there when the event started on the first night, not realizing that we were going to have to wait over 3hrs till the self-defense portion of the event was over for Jordan to perform in the “Musical/Showmanship” event. But once Jordan got the word to get on the floor he was ready.
Kyler was the first to go the 2nd day. He competed in the 7yo Advanced age group. This was his first Forms competition. He did well and got 2nd Place. Great Job Kyler!!!
Jordan competed in the 10yo advanced age group shortly after Kyler. He placed 1st in his age group and got to compete for Grand Champion within his age bracket 8-10. This is is performance at the Grand Championship that night.
Jordan and Kyler sang for our church this last weekend. It was “Kids Church in the BIG Church” and the kids put on the program for an early church and the regular service. Jordan was just going to sing a solo and 2 days before his performance, Kyler just happened to join in on the chorus when we were practicing and when asked if he wanted to join in with big brother, he didn’t seem to mind. Jordan also played the piano for prelude and postlude with his cousin, Kristen. They received many nice comments from church members after church.
Jordan, Kyler and Dad all competed in the Yakima Tournament. Mom went and supported us along with Jackie and Aaron. We had a good weekend and there was great competition.
Kyler compted in his first sparring match. He did really good but competed against the 2nd place winner.
Jordan Competed in Open Hand Kata and Placed 3rd out of nearly 20 kids in his division (age 9-11 advanced under 3 yrs). Also competing in the “All ages - Brown/Black Belt Entertainment Division”, Jordan did very well but did not place against the Teams and other individuals.
Dad competed in Kata, nearly getting a 4th place, but losing to better competitor in a tie-breaking rematch. The rematch had to be a “different” kata than the first, and I was not prepared for a second kata.
Dad also competed in sparring, winning his first match, but didn’t quite make it passed the second match.
Kyler and Dad, went for the opening day at “Ski Bluewood” on Dec, 8 2007. It was a good day of skiing (for an opening day) but only half or so runs were open. They had about 20 inches of snow, not nearly enough for tree skiing or the more difficult black diamond runs, but Dad and now Kyler are die hard skiiers so it was still fun.
Look for us on the Mountain and say hi if your skiing Bluewood too. Here are a few pics from that trip.
Jordan and Kyler enjoy summer Gymnasitcs and the M & M in Walla Walla
Both of the brothers had lots of fun learning more about gymnastics. They learned about the importance of stretching before vigorous exercise.
We really liked the program for the boys at the M & M Gymnastics center, but we also feel that karate at Premier Martial Arts helped the boys with balance and flexibility prior to the gymnastics. Maybe we can get some more martial art kids to make a special class for those more interested in the XMA entertainment karate style.
Also thanks to “Don’t call me teacher,” Miss Bethany, for making it fun for the Karate Brothers.
Dad has been spending lots of time with Jordan, helping him with his forms. It is hard for a “Dad” to act as a “Coach” sometimes without pushing too hard and keeping it fun. It is also at times difficult for a child to try as hard or listen to little critiques from a parent whom they hear similar corrective measures most days for other non-karate related aspects of life.
Jordan is working hard and is getting better with his forms every day. His “karate” chops, kicks and punches are stronger and technically more accurate. With regular karate classes 2 or 3 times a week for an hour, additional pointers from “Sir“, practicing at home 30min - 1hr each night this week before a tournament, practicing Piano and other childhood activities, Jordan is very busy.
Additional help for developing “fun” forms for Jordan was from DVD’s and internet videos from Mike Chat and Roland Osborne. Jordan really, really, really, really, really, wants to be on Mike Chat’s XMA Team Revolution.
Its Jordan’s desire to do well at the tournaments, willingness to practice and his love to “perform” is what makes it really fun for me to assist him in obtaining his goals.
March 10, 2007 we went to Clarkston, WA for the Snake River Classic Tournament. This tournament was sponsored by Martial Arts America. We would like to thank Frank Arnett for the great tournament. I had the great experience of meeting nearly the whole Arnett family. I was really surprised when this grandmother commented on how Jordan reminded her of her son at that age, she then said my son is “Frank Arnett”.
Here are a few pictures of Jordan at the Tournament: Before the age 9-11 advanced Kata
Open Hand Kata - Jordan placed 3rd.
Entertainment Division: Jordan Placed 4th.
While there we visited Grandpa Bruce and Grandma Jan. The Karate Brothers were setting a Black Belt example and helped do some spring yard cleaning with Grandpa and Grandma. We had a great visit, thanks for a place to stay and joining us watching Jordan at the tournament.
