"Break The Cycle" Breaking Event 2017
Most fun day ever!
We had an exceptional turnout this year and the “breaking fever” was high! Our participants aged from 10 to adult, and came from our Hillhurst Club, Bow Valley Martial Arts and from our charity, Redefin’d. The volunteers from Redefin’d were so enthusiastic and gained confidence by the break! At the start the youth and young adults were shy to get started, and then as the day progressed, they gained so much confidence and enthusiasm, they ended the day smiling and talking to everyone! Thank you to all that helped prepare for the event!
One of our youth had a stack of broken boards almost as tall as he is!
We are so proud of our members and the young adults from Redefin’d, as well as the efforts of the adult volunteers. We are pleased to donate funds to this wonderful association designed to help young adults transition.
Here is a quote from Liz Duerholt, the President of Redefin’d, to Trudy and Richard Fossey.
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“I want to send huge thanks out to you, Richard and your fellow AKF club members. We had an absolute blast yesterday. The youngsters on your team displayed hearts of lions. They kept on trying! I also loved seeing your team teaching and being so supportive of everyone. Our Krew had the courage to break in front of the crowd and by the end, they were chatting up the audience. The day was a huge confidence booster. A couple of special guests to mention. We had a visit from a photographer that was shooting Redefin'd for an article on ATBX Cohort 2 and we were joined by a member of our board of directors. It was a fantastic day and everyone was more than impressed by the show. I also want you to know how grateful I am for you. Thank you, doesn't seem enough. You believed in me and the idea of Redefin'd before anyone else and your generosity was the seed funding that turned a dream into reality. Your continued support has been a blessing. My heart thanks you.” |
AKF Karate Offers New Karate StrengthFit Sparring Class
AKF Karate at Hillhurst is pleased to offer a new StrangthFit sparring class in Calgary. Burn calories and learn self-defence at the same time with our new Karate StrengthFit Sparring class.
This class covers the karate basics, including kicking, blocking, and punching, and incorporates the latest in fitness elements including body-weight training for strength, cardio movements for stamina, and yoga basics for increased flexibility. By the end of this class, you will have developed a solid foundation in Karate basics, sparring, and self-defence.
Classes run on Tuesday evenings from 7:00 - 8:00 pm and on Thursday evenings from 6:00 - 7:00 pm. Cost: $140 for the Fall & Winter terms and $80 for the Spring term. There are no uniform (Gi) requirements or memory work. Sign up today!
Karate is Safe … Really!
A number of years ago, one of our Senior Black Belt Instructors was overheard saying “this ain’t tiddlywinks ya know” … hardly a truer word has been spoken!
But, all kidding aside, we all know that we want to be safe in our pursuit of Karate. We want to ensure that everyone from Instructor to student can appreciate Karate for a long time – if we are injured, we can’t train.
Every Black Belt Instructor of the AKF is very aware of the potential for sports injury … especially concussions. Many of us are parents ourselves and work as doctors, nurses, teachers and other professionals who take safety very seriously. The result is that Instructors plan all activities with safety in mind and even though Karate is a contact sport, the incidence of injury in the AKF, including concussions, is virtually zero. The reasons for this are many including:
- The ever present attitude of safety first
- Required First Aid/CPR and Police Checks
- Direct, proven, real-life instruction from Black Belt Instructors
- Black Belt Instructors ensure all training, including Kumite (sparring), is practiced in a safe, controlled manner
- World-class training in proper techniques including
- Blocking
- Punching
- Kicking
- Kumite
- Partner work
- Sequences
- Controlling the fight
- Self-defense
- How to prevent bad situations
- How to fall
- How to get up
- Training in proper etiquette
- Promoting the use of proper protective equipment suitable for the training
- Training to harness and manage the competitive spirit
Another cause of injury can be from improper warm-up and insufficient strength in the muscles and joints. To help combat this, Black Belt Instructors:
- Conduct regular warm-up activities including running and stretching to limber up the muscles and joints before Karate training begins
- Include strength training and range of motion activities to help build strength and flexibility
- Regularly train both sides of the body through line-work and Kata to develop a higher level of coordination and movement
All of these elements, plus more, have helped ensure our clubs are safe environments for Instructors and students alike – all while training hard. This provides for a great learning experience and allows everyone to help themselves, and others, to be safe.
Welcome!
A welcome message from AKF Chairman, Richard Fossey:
There are many reasons why you might want to learn Karate. For most, Karate is seen as a journey. For some, the journey is short; maybe their goal is to acquire their Black Belt or to learn some self defense skills. For others, the journey lasts a lifetime and becomes a journey of self-discovery, more than simply the pursuit of a martial art. Regardless of your journey...
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November 4, 2017 - Clinic & Annual General Meeting (Edmonton) >
This session will be an exciting Sensei Rempel clinic for all age groups and belt levels. Come for a great workout and training session! Location:Karate at… Read More
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December 9, 2017 - Karate Clinic / Grading (Calgary) >
This session will combine an exciting Sensei Rempel Clinic with an all level Belt Grading. Everyone is welcome! Come for a great work-out and support your… Read More
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