In spring, our attention often turns to outdoor sports, other activities and end-of-year school commitments.  And though spring still seems to be nowhere in sight here in Calgary, the baseball and soccer calendars are filling up.  While it is tempting to direct all of our efforts toward the new activities in our schedules, it is important to keep some focus on karate to maintain and enhance all that you have learned this year.  As I have mentioned before, for every class, have a plan – and your plan can be as simple as telling yourself that the next 90 minutes are dedicated to improving one thing – your stance, breathing, tanden etc. Working on one thing relieves the pressure we put on ourselves when we think we have to work on everything.  For that one thing, for that one class, we can only try to be better than we were the day before. 

For those dojo members testing in June, the same idea applies – you have worked hard all year – do not become overwhelmed by the idea that you have to work on everything before the test.  Focus on one thing at a time and one class at a time. 

"Don't let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do." John Wooden

"The pain of discipline is far less than the pain of regret."  Sarah Bombell (Swimmer)

Enjoy your training!

Shihan Gary Sabean – Head Instructor

Announcements:

• Karate Alberta is hosting a Spring Training Camp and Athlete Assessment this weekend (May 10 and 11) at Ecole de la Rose Sauvage here in Calgary.  The camp is for athletes interested in trying out for the Karate Alberta provincial team – please speak to me if you need more information or go to the Karate Alberta website.
• Remember – no classes on Friday, May 16 – enjoy the Victoria Day long weekend!
• Congratulations to our dojo members Mariah Blunt and Joseph Workman – they both put in a very good showing at the US Open in Las Vegas on Easter weekend – Sempai Mariah earned two bronze medals in kumite!
• Soke Sensei is scheduled to visit Edmonton from May 5 to 9.  If any members are in Edmonton during that period and would like to attend a session, contact me and I will provide location and schedule information.  And please pencil into your calendars August 7 to 10 as Soke Sensei will be back in Alberta for our Canmore training camp. More details, including schedules and costs to follow.
• Karate Alberta is holding an officials training session on May 18 for all those interested in becoming certified karate referees.  To qualify for the training, you must be at least a brown belt and 14 years of age. In addition, it is expected that all prospective Karate Alberta team members begin the training and achieve a “Judge C” level in both kata and kumite.  To attend the session you must complete some pre-work – please go to Karate Alberta - Officials Training for more information or speak to me.     
• Karate Alberta will hold its next tournament on May 31 in Red Deer – speak to me for more information.
• The next grading will take place on June 14, with colored belt grading beginning at 9 am. For more information about grading, please see me.
• Finally - we wish a speedy recovery to Sempai Mariah Blunt as in the hospital recuperating from abdominal surgery.