Dear friends in the Martial Arts,
 
Here’s all the latest from the SMAA…
   

SMAA membership and certification
May 1, 2010 will mark several important events:
 
1.      The second anniversary of the founding of our great association
2.      The completion of Kyoju Dairi and Yudansha Taigu terms (unless otherwise specified)
3.      The appointment of newly selected Kyoju Dairi and Yudansha Taigu
4.      The revision of available SMAA memberships and certifications
5.      The introduction of new SMAA certification programs
 
More on all of the above as May draws nearer. For now, I’d like each and every one of you to consider what makes the SMAA what it is…and how you fit into the grand scheme of things. Stay tuned and keep your eyes peeled for that May 2010 newsletter.
 
 Recent promotions and certifications

Sam McDonald…..3rd Kyu, Shito Ryu Karate Do 
Steve Parsons…..5th kyu, Shito Ryu Karate Do
Jason Whaley…..5th Kyu, Shito Ryu Karate Do
              
The above students are all members of Sensei Moe Ghanie’s Meaford Karate and Kobudo Club. The club has recently become a full affiliate of the SMAA, which means that all instructors are fully certified and endorsed by the SMAA. Visit them online at: www.meafordkarate.com
 
Sensei Kasey Keckeisen, a dedicated martial artist and police officer from Minnesota has been evaluated and certified at the following ranks:
 
Sandan…..Aikido
Nidan…..Jujitsu
Ikkyu…..Judo
 
Info on Sensei Keckeisen’s club can be found at:
 
www.aikidominnesota.com
 
Congratulations to all!

   
Healing Arts Programs
 
Have you ever thought of training in the healing arts or the health and wellness field? If so, we may be able to help you reach your goals. Please click the links below to learn more about the outstanding programs offered through the Blue Heron Academy and Dr. Greg Lawton, SMAA Yudansha Taigu and Kenpo hachidan (8th degree):
 
Nutrition & Weight Management    
General Business Development    
Certified Home Health Aide
Medical Office Assistant & Chiropractic Assistant       
Practical Acupuncture       
Acupressure & Massage
Holistic Health      
Fitness Instructor
Personal Trainer      
Lymphedema      
Kinesiology       
Herbal Medicine
Anatomy & Physiology       
Pathology 1      
Pathology 2      

Please visit the Blue Heron Academy at www.blueheronacademy.com for more information – and be sure to state that you heard about the programs through the SMAA.

 
 
Doesn’t anyone out there need patches???
For months now I have been telling you about a wonderful vendor we have found that GUARANTEES TO BEAT ANY LEGITIMATE COMPETITOR’S PRICE ON PATCHES BY AT LEAST 10%!!!
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS! This is a great deal, and we were very lucky to secure the services of this vendor exclusively for our SMAA members.
Send me your artwork, dimensions, and quantities and I will get you the best price…guaranteed!!!
 
 
 Changes for the 2010 SMAA Training Camp & Awards Dinner
 
 
We have worked very hard to keep all costs down for 2010. Despite what the politicians tell us, the economy is still very bad and most of us are struggling just to make ends meet. In acknowledgement of this, Sensei Tom Belt, SMAA Director of Special Events & Operations has REALLY sharpened his pencil to bring you a great deal this year!!!
 
The 2010 SMAA Training Camp will be held on Friday, July 23 and Saturday, July 24 in Lebanon, MO at Sensei Angela Sutton’s dojo. Sensei Sutton, SMAA Yudansha Taigu and one of the very few truly active martial artists within our great association has graciously offered the use of her facility for this great event.
 
The dojo itself is magnificent and is just ten minutes from the hotel! With approximately 6000 square feet, this facility will easily accommodate our training! Also, for the first time ever, we plan to offer training in the art of Japanese archery – kyujutsu – to all interested attendees. It should be a wonderful training experience, so make your plans to attend now.
 
See more about Sensei Sutton’s dojo by going to www.lebanonmokarate.com and scrolling down to the bottom of the page.
 
For those flying in, Springfield – Branson regional Airport (SGF) is nearby.
 
Thanks to Sensei Belt, Training Camp fees are much reduced for 2010:
 
Friday and Saturday…..$90
One day only…..$60
 
But wait, it gets even better! Discounted rates are available if you:
 
1.      Mail in your SMAA Training Camp fee and it is received on or before July 1, 2010 ($10 discount)
2.      Are an SMAA member ($10 discount)
3.      Have your current rank certified with the SMAA ($10 discount)
4.      Are certified as an SMAA Instructor at any level ($10 discount)
5.      Are certified as an SMAA Rank Examiner at any level ($10 discount)
 
The 2010 SMAA Training Camp schedule will run as follows:
 
Friday, July 23, 2010
 
8am…..check in (you already mailed in your Camp fee and got the discount, didn’t you?)
9am to noon…..training
Noon to 1pm…..lunch
1pm to 5pm…..training
5pm to 7pm…..dinner
7pm to 9pm…..training
 
Saturday, July 24, 2010
 
9am to noon…..training
Noon to 1pm…..lunch
1pm to 5pm…..training
5pm to 5:15pm…..awards presentation
6:30pm…..dinner at the Great Wall restaurant (each person in attendance pays for their own buffet dinner)
 
Exact training sessions offered and their instructors will be announced as the event draws nearer – stay tuned!

 
By the way…are you considering testing before the SMAA Certification Board during Camp? If so, please contact Sensei Dave Lewis, SMAA Certification Board Chairman to make arrangements for your evaluation.
 
For 2010, we will not have an awards dinner per se, but rather, we will have a very brief award presentation at the conclusion of Saturday’s training. We will then break to allow time to shower and clean up and then have dinner at the Great Wall, a very nice Chinese restaurant (with a great buffet!!!) literally right next door to the hotel.
 
Speaking of hotels, the one we have selected is very nice and is also a terrific deal! Make your reservation early at the Super 8 hotel in Lebanon and the basic room rate is just $59 if you mention you are part of the SMAA!!! Now that’s a deal! Book your room(s) now by calling 417-588-2574…and be sure to mention that you are part of the SMAA to receive our rate.
 
Besides being very affordable, the hotel is very nice. See for yourself at http://www.super8.com/Super8/control/Booking/property_info?propertyId=03546
 
I think that’s all we have for the moment. Thank you for your continued support – the SMAA is nothing without its loyal and dedicated members!
 
All the best,
 
Donn Schucker
SMAA Executive Director
(314) 606-7306
www.smaa-martialarts.com
 
Kim Schucker
SMAA Administrator
ks@smaa-martialarts.com