A big thank you to all the students who generously contributed to Kyosanim's birthday gift. On behalf of the students, Grandmaster Choi presented her with a gift card after the December evening test. Happy belated from all of here at WMAC, Kyosanim!

Apologies for the lack of posts on our blog. These are some busy times, the transition into fall and winter and this writer was hit hard along with everyone else! I'll try to catch up as much as I can with the bigger events of the last 3 months.  Sensei Andy visited this summer from Indonesia and it was great for everyone to experience the joyful spirit of our former judo master. It was a jam packed seminar with all the students experiencing an invaluable seminar as well as having a fantastic time. Look for my Facebook pics from the event in the upcoming weeks.

Eda doing ropestick form; defending against the choke by Howard. (pics courtesy of Eda)

There must be a word for a seven month pregnant busy doctor who organizes a demo as well as participates in it to spread the word to the community about martial arts. Oh yes, that word would be "warrior". The following red belts also participated in the Chinatown Health Fair: Clara, Howard, Maurisha, Michael O, Michael P, Nicole B, Rosa, Teresa, Washington. Let's give them a big hand for promoting the school and acknowledge Eda who proves that toughness doesn't have to come in big packages.

Craig with his wife Mary and daughter Amaya after his blue belt test in July.

Many of us know WMAC student Craig as the hardworking, always smiling, VERY BIG and TALL fellow at our Brooklyn location. How many of you know that he's a former pro football player who's also a pastor at Park Slope's Living Hope Church? If you didn't catch his full page spread in the Sunday Daily News last month, click here to read all about it. You'll hear all about how the martial arts and the WMAC has impacted his life! Very inspirational indeed!

Top: Brad (getting ready for one of his signature high kicks at the Union Square demo). Bottom: Longtime training partners John and Michelle post class in Brooklyn.

A decade seems like a long time but just ask Senior Instructor Brad and black belts John and Michelle how quickly it's flown by at the World Martial Arts Center. Brad brought with him a wealth of experience with previous training in Shaolin Kenpo, Tae Kwon Do and Kuk Sool. John and Michelle have also shined in their 10 years here, becoming excellent instructors in the process. We acknowledge this trio for their dedication to WMAC, Sabumnim and to martial arts in general. MUDO!

Union Square May 8, 2011, WMAC Team MUDO!

The Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Festival held its annual festival in May and once again, invited WMAC to participate. Many thanks to Black belt Dorcas for organizing the almost 30 members of the group. Senior Instructors Brad, Betty and Jonathan were joined by 2nd dan Robert; BB Christy, Kim, Mindy, Ralph, Richard; Junior BB Ashley, Frankie, Georgia; Bodans Ben, Chris, Eniola, Jonathan, Melissa, Nell, Pace, Pavan, Richard, Thomas; Red belts Fabienne, Mary,Tayeshia; lower belts Ameer and Deion. Thank you also to the students/supporters who handed out our flyers to the enthusiastic crowd. Our youngsters were the stars of the show from performing 2 man staff and shinai to a great skit involving what you do when you're bullied. For all the pics check out Facebook.

Sabumnim at the waterfall, Warrior Weekend, May 2011. Photo by Senior Instructor Jonathan

And just like that, summer 2011 is here. The days of 40 degree weather seem but a distant memory as the temperature rises into the 90's. Make sure you check out the great pictures of Warrior Weekend 2011 on Facebook by Senior instructor Jonathan, photographic duo Black Belts Christy/Kimberly and Sunbae Mary. There's also a excellent essay of the entire weekend by Bodan Gwen on the WMAC newsletter. If you're not getting your updates, make sure the school has your right email. This month's newsletter is jam packed as usual with info including Sabumnim's thoughts on the place of "Courtesy" in our practice; a meditation video, a review of basic defense 6-10, info about our upcoming GIANT sale on DVD's/weapons/etc and the dates of the next Black Belt pre-tests, adults and children. For those of you joined at the hip to your phone, text wmacinfo to 64842 to receive school information.