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SMAA Newsletter - February 2009
New SMAA Members
Welcome to our newest members:
Mary Barry
Becky Brown
Will Lester
Vivian Caudill
Brian Deusenberry
Adam Dunham
Dwayne Eaddy
Tony Fabriguze
Brad Kerr
Salvador Medaro
Manuel Sanquiz
Paxton Sharpe
Michael Villanueva
Charles Villanueva
We hope that these individuals will be a great asset to our
association and conversely, we hope the SMAA can be a great asset to the further
development of their martial skills and education.
Join us now!
This email newsletter goes out to about one thousand martial
artists around the world every month. A growing number of you have become SMAA
members, but some still have not…we invite those of you who are not yet SMAA
members to join us! As you can see from the many ambitious projects and services
we are working on, we have a great deal to offer the martial arts community and
are growing stronger and stronger every day! Join us now to get the very best in
martial arts training, continuing education, services…all administered with the
highest possible level of integrity, credibility, and professionalism.
A special invitation goes out to my many friends and colleagues
that I had the great fortune of meeting and working with previously. Join us! We
are the future! Join us now to take advantage of the very best that the martial
arts have to offer!
Please print the membership application found at
http://www.smaa-martialarts.com/Membership/SMAA%20Membership%20Application_2009.pdf
and send to the address on the form. We look forward to serving you!
A new look
Take a look at the reworked SMAA logo at the top of our webpage
www.smaa-martialarts.com
Many thanks to Sensei Tom Belt and Sensei Bob Goodwin in helping to make this
update possible.
New links wanted!
Please post a link to the SMAA on your website if you haven’t
done so already. We ask that you use our full name and the initials SMAA when
setting up the link. If you’d like an example, go to our links page at
http://www.smaa-martialarts.net/links.htm and you will see our logo
and our name. Once you have posted the link, please
contact us
and we will in turn post a link to your site.
SMAA Programs update
The devil is in the details! We are very nearly complete with
several projects, but the last 2% is the part that requires the most time and
effort to finalize! Despite this, there has been a huge amount of progress since
our last newsletter, and I am pleased to report that the written exams for
various levels of SMAA instructor certification are complete and are now being
reviewed by an independent firm that will grade each exam. The SMAA
Instructor Certification Program has partnered with the National Board
Certification Agency (NBCA) to create the very highest level of credibility
and integrity for the administration and grading of our written exams. Once an
individual completes the exam, it is sent to the NBCA for grading, and they will
then send the SMAA a Score Report indicating the overall score and particular
strengths or weaknesses in each section of the exam. The SMAA will then inform
the individual of this, as well as whether or not they have passed the exam
(which is the final step in the certification process) and if so their
certificate will be issued.
We are now in the process of writing a comprehensive
certification manual for all levels of SMAA Instructor Certification. This will
serve as a study guide and will be available to all who wish to seek this
certification.
The SMAA Cardio Fitness Kick Boxing Certification Manual
is now complete and is undergoing final review and editing. The written exam for
this certification is also nearly complete, so this program should be available
very shortly. As with our SMAA Instructor Certification Program, the NBCA will
grade and provide a Score Report for the SMAA on each individual that takes the
exam. Appropriate notification and certification will then be made to the
certification candidate.
Many of us are struggling to keep our schools open during these
difficult economic times, so the SMAA has worked very hard to put together the
SMAA Business Mentorship Program that will help school owners and club
leaders to be more successful with the business side of the martial arts. The
program taps in on the knowledge of our most experienced and successful members
to gain some insight into their methods and means of operation. These business
mentors share their experience, success, advice, and assistance on virtually all
topics related to running a martial arts program, school, or club.
The work on our SMAA Rank Examiner Certification Program
has just begun, but we hope to have this very important certification available
to our members in the next couple of months. We’ll keep you posted on our
progress.
SMAA Tournament Rules handbook for striking arts
competition is now complete and will be posted on the website soon. We have now
begun the extensive process of creating a certification program for SMAA
tournament officials. This is phase two of the project and it will take some
time - most likely this will not be completed until near the end of the year.
Once in place, this will allow the certification of properly trained officials
and will ensure uniform standards for competition. Our target for the first SMAA
tournament for striking arts is the summer of 2010…with any luck (and a lot of
hard work!) we will reach that goal!
The SMAA Tournament Rules handbook for grappling arts is
in the works thanks to the preliminary outline provided by Dr. Omar Ahmad and we
are making steady progress. Once the rules are finalized, we will again begin
the laborious process of creating a certification program for tournament
officials. As with the striking arts competition, this will take some time, but
it is necessary to ensure competition uniformity and we are shooting for summer
2010 to host our first grappling competition. We’ll keep you posted on our
progress.
Many of our projects are now complete including the SMAA
Acupuncture Certification Program, and the SMAA Personal Trainer
Certification Program. Information will be posted on the website and these
programs will be available to SMAA members by the time you read this.
There is very little new information to report on the SMAA
Liability Insurance Program at this time. We know that many of you are
waiting patiently for the final word on this – and we thank you for that, so we
are attempting to secure the final details as quickly as possible. This is no
small task, as we have specified very precise parameters for the program…and
this takes time to work out with the underwriter. I am to contact the
underwriter personally next week in order to confirm specific details of the
program, and I will stress the fact many of you are VERY anxious to put this
valuable program to good use. We will stay on top of this, and will inform our
loyal members once we have more information. Again, thanks for your patience.
We are so close with regard to the SMAA Massage Therapy
Certification Program! All aspects of the program are complete with the
exception of the fact that we are working to verify the use of a name for the
program that will not conflict with state laws, so bear with us as we finalize
this most important detail. We will inform all members as soon as this program
is available.
The SMAA Pre-Paid Legal Program is very important in that
it offers affordable legal counsel and other similar services for a very
reasonable (less than $1/day) monthly fee. Do you need a release of liability
for your school, seminar or tournament? Do you have an attorney on retainer that
can handle any and all of your legal questions or problems including a last will
& testament or even traffic tickets? Have you ever been threatened with a law
suit or other legal action? This program can help with this matters and much
more, and the cost is very, very affordable. For more information, talk to
Sensei Chuck Coffin, Project Advisor
cfcoffin@mindspring.com or SMAA Administrator, Kim Schucker
ks@smaa-martialarts.com about
getting a Pre-Paid Legal Membership and Identity Theft Shield.
As you can see, we have been VERY busy! The Latin motto on our
SMAA logo, “Nec sorte, nec fato!” definitely applies here…”not by chance, nor by
destiny, but by hard work!” this is the only way that the SMAA can continue to
do as it says on the banner at the top of each page of our website, “Leading
both Classical & Modern Martial Arts into the 21st Century” We will do this
through the very highest level of integrity in training, continuing education,
and certification. Thanks to all who have donated their time to help make this
lofty goal a reality.
The SMAA wants you! – at the 2009 SMAA Training
Camp
The 2009 training Camp will be held from 12 noon on Wednesday,
July 22 through 12 noon on Saturday, July 25, 2009.
Make your plans now to attend! Don’t delay – tell your students
and put together a road trip to Missouri!
We are counting on our club instructors and leaders for their
support, and I ask as a personal favor that each and every one of you to get
behind this event and support it with your attendance!
Full information about this event can be found on our website
at:
http://www.smaa-martialarts.com/2009_smaa_training_camp.htm
SMAA evaluation of physical skills and written
testing
There will be many opportunities for both at our 2009 SMAA
Training Camp in a variety of disciplines. Those who seek promotion in the
martial arts may be evaluated as well as those who seek certification as an
instructor or rank examiner of their style. Physical evaluation and written
testing for all potential SMAA Certified Instructors and Rank Examiners (at all
levels) will be conducted.
Additionally for the first time, we will offer opportunities for
physical evaluation and written testing for those who seek certification as an
SMAA Cardio Fitness Kick Boxing Instructor and/or SMAA Cardio Fitness Kick
Boxing Instructor Trainer, SMAA Certified Acupuncturist, and SMAA Certified
Personal Trainer.
Keep in mind that legitimate certification is made only after an
extensive evaluation process – which usually includes physical demonstration of
the skills being certified as well as written testing. We do not sell ranks or
other certifications, you must earn them.
Contact Sensei Dave Lewis, SMAA Promotion Board chairman at
adventureaddict@sbcglobal.net
to schedule your evaluation and/or test.
Reminder - 2009 SMAA Awards Dinner
Full details on this tremendous event can be found on our
website at:
http://www.smaa-martialarts.com/2009_awards_dinner.htm
Our 2008 SMAA Awards Dinner will be on Saturday evening, July
25, 2009. The Dinner will begin with a reception (cocktail hour) at 5:30, and
then dinner at 7pm with the awards program commencing immediately thereafter.
The SMAA Awards Dinner is a casual dinner. Appropriate dress
includes casual pants, shirt, dress, skirt, etc. No shorts or t-shirts will be
permitted. Suit and tie or tuxedo, evening dress, etc. is not necessary.
Regarding awards, we will present a maximum of six awards per
year at the SMAA Awards Dinner. Those nominated for one of the awards must be
present or send a representative in their place or no award consideration will
be possible. We will not ship awards, the recipient or their representative must
be present to accept the award!
There are NO FEES for awards, they are a gift to those who have
given something to the martial arts…you cannot under any circumstances BUY an
award.
If you would like to nominate someone for an award, please be
sure to become familiar with the six award
categories and the criteria for each award. If the individual that you have
in mind meets these criteria, please prepare a letter with their name, address,
contact info, etc. as well as a full and detailed description of their martial
arts background, rank(s), accomplishments, awards, etc. and why you feel they
should receive this award. Nominations that do not include the above will not be
considered.
Send in those nominations!
Nominations for the 2009 SMAA Awards Dinner
Please send your nominations (with supporting documentation -
letter with their name, address, contact info, etc. as well as a full and
detailed description of their martial arts background, ranks, accomplishments,
awards, etc. and why you feel they should receive this award. Nominations that
do not include the above will not be considered) to Sensei Tom Belt, Director of
the SMAA Awards Dinner, and Chairman of the SMAA Award Selection Committee:
Sensei Tom Belt
PO Box 2171
Florissant, MO 63032-2171
tbelt@streamlinecorporation.net
Events held by SMAA Members
Sensei Angela Sutton, one of the stalwarts of our great
association, is hosting a Karate/MMA tournament on April 25th in Lebanon, MO.
This event is a bit unique in that there will be divisions for competition in
sparring, forms, weapons, and grappling both with and without gi. This should be
an awesome event! My wife and I are planning to be there, so join us to compete,
officiate, or just meet with old friends…and make some new ones too!!! For
interested parties, we have posted a flyer and registration form on the SMAA
website. Please go to
http://www.lebanonmokarate.com/AcademyClassic2009.pdf for full
information.
Tomas Reis of Bismarck, North Dakota will host a Jiu Jitsu
seminar with Eddie “The Twister” Bravo on Saturday May 2, 2009 at Horizon Middle
School, Bismarck ND. Eddie Bravo is the revolutionary inventor of the “Rubber
Guard,” so this is an opportunity to train with the man who made the great Royer
Gracie tap out at the 2003 Abu Dhabi Championship! For more details, please go
to:
http://reismma-invitefriends.eventbrite.com
SMAA Member Benefits
We know that many of our loyal members regularly host
competitions, rank tests, seminars, and other special events…so why not announce
that to our ever – expanding membership? We would like nothing better than to
help you to be successful in your efforts, so tell us about your events!
This is one of the greatest benefits of being an SMAA Member –
we will gladly help you network to spread the word (via this newsletter and
other contacts that are several hundred in number) in an effort to make your
efforts more successful.
Tell us what you need and we will do our best to help you reach
your goals!
Thank you!
Thank you to those who have dedicated themselves to the cause of
elevating the martial arts to a level of integrity and professionalism not
previously seen anywhere!
That said, it is true that only about two percent of the people
usually do about ninety eight percent of the work!
Again, our thanks to all who give of themselves for the
betterment of others in the martial arts…and to those who are less active,
please contact
us if you want to help or have an idea, etc. that you would like to
contribute. There’s always plenty to do, so if want to be more involved and
you’re not afraid of getting your hands dirty, let us know and we’ll put you to
work! Nec sorte, nec fato!
It’s ALWAYS an honor to be of service to you!
All the best,
Donn Schucker
SMAA Executive Director
(314) 606-7306
www.smaa-martialarts.com
Donn Schucker, Executive Director
P.O. Box 2171
Florissant, MO 63032-2171
Phone: (314) 606-7306
Email: ds@smaa-martialarts.com
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