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.
Wow, it has been pretty busy, not sure how but life just seems that way any more.
We made a trip to North Dakota to see Grandma and Grandpa Krause, hopefully get some pics up soon. But for the most part we have been at home, at work or helping our kids school get ready for the next year. It really is coming up fast.
Well, the Karate Brothers have been spending much of their time at the PMA Summer Camp. The brothers, Jordan and Kyler look forward to it every day. This isn’t just a karate camp, they have many other activities for the kids that involve trips to parks, museums, the library, and local businesses.
Well, we made it back from the Karate Tournament in Spokane, sponsored by Elite Martial Arts. It was their first tournament, but it went pretty well. My only comment would be that it was a long wait to get some of the trophies. The wait was because they didn’t give trophies after each event, they completed all the divisions (kata, weapons and sparring) for each age group and then presented the trophies. Since Jordan didn’t spar, we had to wait. But over-all it probably did speed up the process of the events.
Again, I am proud of Jordan and how well he was able to perform. 1st in Under Black Belt in Musical Forms. 3rd in his Age group 8-9, Advanced. He did tackle a weapons form this time but he did not place. (he was a bit disappointed though) Below are his three forms combined, he really did improve since the Yakima tournament. He has been training very hard.
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.
Jordan and others from his karate school (PMA) went up to Yakima for the 2007 Karate Championship. Jordan and the others did very well, as this was a more “traditional” style of tournament with most of the participants of the Shudokan Karate Style from the Yakima School of Karate or related school around the area.
Kyler supported his karate brother and cheered for Jordan but he decided not to participate in the tournament. Jordan was a little nervous, but he talked to a couple other boys that sat next to him as they waited their turn to perform in their age division 9-11 intermediate (one to two years karate training). As Jordan just turned 9 and was competing again 10 and 11 year olds, we decided not to push Jordan into the advanced group in the same age division.
Jordan placed “1st” in his division but it was very close with another girl that did very well, but he must have impressed the judges just a little bit more. Here is Jordan’s “Open Hands” form.
Jordan also performed in the “Entertainment Division” and Place “4th” among other Brown and Black belts of all ages. Entertainment is for a more non-traditional sport karate and allows the form/kata to be performed with music. Here is Jordan’s “Crazy Frog: Karate Form”. Find your favorite ringtones including: crazy frog Ringtones at yixe.com
Dad was in charge of a day of snow skiing with both brothers and to help keep then entertained we decided to have a little fun and make a skiing video to the song “Axel-F” by Crazy Frog. This song is currently one of Jordan’s and Kyler’s favorite songs. They get a kick out of all the “bing bing’s” and “bong’s”.
We hope you enjoy the video almost as much as the boys had skiing all day “binging” and “bonging” while they skied.
