ON TV WITH THE LECKENATOR Hawley, PA: Glenn Finke, along with several members of the Iaido (Japanese Swordsmanship) training programs as well as his sword instructor Shihan (Teacher of Teachers) Roger Wehrhahn, recently appeared on WNEP's Newswatch 16 during the "Leckey Live" segments. "Leckey Live" , hosted by Ryan Leckey (also known as "The Leckenator"), is known for spotlighting community causes and special projects. Mr. Finke and the other members of the Iaido programs assisted Mr. Wehrhahn with introducing the Newswatch 16 viewers to the history and techniques of the unique martial art during the show. The practice of Iaido not only attracts people as a martial art but also as a way for people to learn the discipline, perseverance and spiritual development of the ancient warrior. The show was filmed live at Elite Martial Arts Institute in Hawley, which is where Mr. Wehrhahn will be starting a new Iaido class. Iaido training is already offered in Port Jervis and Warwick (NY) at the Karate Quest Dojo locations (which are owned and operated by Mr. Finke). NOTE ON PICTURE (L-R): Debra Yannakis, Lori Wehrhahn, Glenn Finke, Eric McCollum, "Leckey Live" Show Host Ryan Leckey, Rick Harsche, Roger Wehrhahn, John Burt, James Teehan, James Schmitt WARWICK RESIDENTS RECOGNIZED AS BLACK BELTS Warwick, NY: The Karate Quest Dojo (with locations in both Warwick and Port Jervis) recently recognized three students for promotion to Sho-Dan (First Degree Black Belt) in Okinawa Goju-Ryu Karate-Do. All are residents of Warwick. They are Erin Ackerly, Brian Baird and John Roca. In addition to them each training for approximately five years they were also required to take a comprehensive and challenging promotional examination for the Sho-Dan. The exam process included (amongst other things) a quality control check of the examinees kata (formal exercise), self-defense capabilities (against armed and unarmed opponents) as well as kumite (sparring). Ackerly and Roca are both age 11 and 6th Grade Students at the Warwick Valley Middle School while Baird is a businessperson who owns several companies. All of them have other family members who train in the dojo (training hall) with them. Ackerly's father Ed Jr. is a Sho-Dan working towards his Ni-Dan (Second Degree Black Belt) while her brother Graham is a San-Dan (Third Degree Black Belt). Roca's younger brother Anthony is working towards an intermediate level rank. Baird's daughter Mackenzie is working towards her own Sho-Dan promotional examination. They are all students of Glenn Finke, the owner and head instructor for both Karate Quest Dojo locations. NOTE ON PICTURE: Seated is Glenn Finke. Standing (L-R) are Erin Ackerly, John Roca and Brian Baird. GLENN FINKE WINS TOURNAMENT AWARDS Warwick/Port Jervis, NY: Glenn Finke, head instructor and owner of the Karate Quest Dojo locations in both Warwick and Port Jervis, recently competed at East West Karate's Friendship Tournament in Flanders, NJ. The tournament attracted about 250 competitors-mainly from New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania but also from as far away as Florida. Finke, competing in the Adult Male Black Belt Division, finished second in kumite (sparring) and third in kata (formal exercises). NOTE ON PICTURE: Glenn Finke with his silver and bronze medals from the East West Karate Friendship Tournament. LOCAL KARATE SCHOOLS HAVE PARTIES FOR WORTHY CAUSE Warwick/Port Jervis, NY: The Karate Quest Dojo, with locations in both Warwick and Port Jervis, recently hosted their annual Fall Costume Party for junior students and guests in both dojos (training halls). The parties attracted over 70 costumed martial arts students. In addition to wearing a costume, the party goers played all sorts of games related to fun and Karate, participated in a costume contest and broke a pinata filled with candy. In addition to hosting the parties the dojos' owner, Glenn Finke, made the price of admission a canned food item to be donated to the local food pantries. The two parties generated over 125 canned food items. Mr. Finke and his family will match the donation-which means that over 250 canned food items will be donated locally. NOTE ON PICTURES: Top photo - Warwick. Bottom photo - Port Jervis. LOCAL MARTIAL ARTS STUDENTS RECOGNIZED FOR BLACK BELT PROMOTIONS Warwick, NY: Ten martial arts students at the Karate Quest Dojo (formerly Traditional Karate-Do Center) in Warwick were recognized for promotion Black Belt ranks in Okinawa Goju-Ryu Karate and Ryukyu Kobudo (classical weapons martial art of Okinawa) at the dojo's (training hall's) annual picnic summer celebration. All of the students being recognized for promotion had to take a very thorough, comprehensive and demanding promotional examination for their recognized ranks. Laura Brohm (Warwick), Jacqueline Grundfast (Warwick), Patrick Morano (Warwick), Kondwane Smith (Warwick), Ndumo Smith (Warwick) and Kira Washio (Warwick) were all recognized for their Sho-Dan (First Degree Black Belt) in Karate. James Opper (Warwick), a student as well as an instructor at the Karate Quest Dojo, was recognized for his Ni-Dan (Second Degree Black Belt) in Kobudo. Haley Christen (Hewitt, NJ), Harrison Christen (Hewitt, NJ) and Will Muller (Warwick) were simultaneously recognized with their Ni-Dan in Karate and Sho-Dan in Kobudo. All of the newly-recognized Black Belts have been training for anywhere from five to fifteen years...all mostly under the guidance of Glenn Finke, the owner/chief instructor at the Karate Quest Dojo, as well as head instructors Marlon Motta and Roger Garrison. NOTE ON PICTURE: Standing (L-R) Head Instructor Marlon Motta, Kondwane Smith, Patrick Morano, Kira Washio, Ndumo Smith, James Opper, Laura Brohm, Harrison Christen, Will Muller, Haley Christen, Head Instructor Roger Garrison, Jacqueline Grundfast. Seated is Head Instructor/Owner Glenn Finke. IAIDO JOURNEY BEGINS Port Jervis, NY: Seventeen trainees gathered to train in Iaido, a Japanese martial art known as "the art of drawing the sword"...a martial art descended from the Japanese warrior class known as Samurai in Port Jervis. The dojo (training hall) where they gathered was the Karate Quest Dojo, which officially opened its doors this week (there is also another Karate Quest Dojo location in Warwick which was established in 1996). The students' ages started at 14 and went into the mid-50's...the participants included those who had significant martial arts experience (some are ranked Fifth-Degree Black Belt and above in other martial arts) while others barely have one year of martial arts training under their belts. Some of the participants live as close as Warwick, Middletown or Hawley (PA) while there are others who traveled from far away from places such as Albany, Egg Harbor (NJ), Bridgeport (CT) and Mount Bethel (PA). Including some high school students there were participants who have doctoral degrees and/or successfully run departments of large multi-national companies...showing that Iaido draws from a broad spectrum of participation and location. The trainees are committed to series of intensive seminars over a one-year period designed not only to help prepare them for promotional examinations in the Brown Belt and Black Belt gradings but also to teach them the techniques and strategies of Omori-Ryu, the "Shoden" or early level of Muso Shinden-Ryu Iaido. Muso Shinden-Ryu Iaido is a "koryu" or old school swordsmanship training style. The instructor for the seminar series is Roger Wehrhahn, Shihan (Teacher of Teachers), a Roku-Dan (Sixth-Degree Black Belt) in Muso Shinden-Ryu Iaido as well as a high-level Dan (Black Belt) level teacher and practitioner in martial arts such as Karate and Kobudo (Okinawan weapons). Mr. Wehrhahn was a senior student of the late Takeshi Mitsuzuka, a highly-regarded international teacher of the Japanese sword. Due to the fact the intensive seminar series registration is closed and a study group in Warwick is invitation-only, Glenn Finke (the owner and head instructor of the Karate Quest Dojo in both Warwick and Port Jervis) is sponsoring Mr. Wehrhahn to teach a new weekly class in Iaido to interested students starting in September (no experience is required although martial artists who have experience are welcome to train). NAMES OF IAIDO PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS (L-R): Frank Kiser, Brian Baird, David Fantini, Steven Washio, Chris Silbernagel, Deborah Yanakis, Calvin Silbernagel, Glenn Finke, Instructor Roger Wehrhahn, Nicholas Caivano, Kaliin Tshan Kiganiis, Eric McCollum, Justin Caivano, James Dudley, Brad Davidson, Lori Wehrhahn and Ruth Skorupa. Not Pictured is Nicholas Gregorio. LOCAL MARTIAL ARTISTS RECOGNIZED AS BROWN BELTS IN JAPANESE SWORDSMANSHIP Warwick, NY: The Karate Quest Dojo (formerly the Traditional Karate-Do Center) of both Warwick and Port Jervis recently sponsored a year-long intensive seminar series for training in Iaido (Japanese Swordsmanship). Iaido is a Japanese martial art associated with the smooth, controlled movements of drawing the sword from its scabbard, striking or cutting an opponent, removing blood from the blade and then replacing the sword in the scabbard. The instructor, Shihan (Teacher of Teachers) Roger Wehrhahn, taught Seitei Gata-a series of twelve kata (formal exercises) developed by committees of the All Japan Kendo Federation where the techniques practiced were taken from the four major styles of Japanese Swordsmanship. Shihan Wehrhahn has been recognized as a Roku-Dan (Sixth-Degree Black Belt) in Muso Shinden-Ryu Iaido as well as other high-level Dan (Black Belt) grades in Okinawa Goju-Ryu Karate, Okinawa Shorin-Ryu Karate and Ryukyu Kobudo. He was also a senior student of the late Takeshi Mitsuzuka-who taught Iaido throughout the world and who modeled Seitei Gata in Gordon Warner and Donn Draeger's well-known book Japanese Swordsmanship. Several of the program's students qualified to take the Brown Belt Exam-where each participant had to demonstrate knowledge and proficiency of Seitei Gata during a one hour exam. The students who passed the Iaido exam and were recognized as Brown Belts were Brian Baird, Brad Davidson, Lori Longo, Robert Mally, Eric McCollum, Chris Sillbernagel, Calvin Silbernagel, Steven Washio and Glenn Finke (who is the owner and head instructor of the Karate Quest Dojo). Finke, in addition to sponsoring a study group for both of his dojo (training hall) locations, will sponsor Shihan Wehrhahn again for another year-long intensive seminar series focusing on the study of the kata of Omori-Ryu Iaido, the Shoden (first-level) of of training for Muso Shinden-Ryu Iaido. The Omori-Ryu Iaido Intensive Seminar Series, originally open mainly to members of the Karate Quest Dojo as well as a small number of invited guests, has attracted participants from as far away as Albany, Bridgeport and Atlantic City. The kata from the style will be taught as a "stand-up" system...which is different in that most much of traditional Iaido is taught where the students are kneeling down. Kneeling (L-R) Brad Davidson, Steve Washio and Eric McCollum. Standing (L-R) Chris Silbernagel, Brian Baird, Glenn Finke, Calvin Silbernagel and Sword Instructor Roger Wehrhahn. NEW KARATE SCHOOL OPENS IN PORT JERVIS Port Jervis, NY: Glenn Finke, a martial arts practitioner for over 30 years, has had two interesting things happen to him in the past six weeks. First, after competing in the AAU District Karate Championships and winning gold medals (first place) in Kumite (Sparring) in both the Male Black Belt age 19-34 and age 35-44 categories (with the victories qualifying him to participate in the AAU-USA National Karate Championships being held in Fort Lauderdale, FL this year), he was recognized as a Go-Dan (Fifth-Degree Black Belt) in a surprise ceremony held right after competing at the tournament site...with several senior and well-respected Karate instructors endorsing his diploma. A few days after that recognition several of those senior Black Belts traveled to his first dojo (training hall) in Warwick, NY to hold another promotion ceremony in front of his students. Finke recognized this as an important highlight in his martial arts career. Next...an opportunity came to open a dojo in a newly-constructed building. With The Hub building (where the new Planet Fitness is located) being constructed in Port Jervis, Finke explored the possibility of opening a second location in The Hub. After agreeing to terms with the building's owner, Finke began the build-out of his new training center-the Karate Quest Dojo (his facility in Warwick-open since 1996-will have the same name as the new dojo). The new dojo is about 2700 square feet in size and features a fully-matted 1600 square-foot training floor (the mats are one-inch thick and very shock absorbent...suitable for all types of martial arts training including MMA) and is in a great location (very accessible from Exit 1 off of I-84). It features a large amount of martial arts training equipment, central air-conditioning and heat, a flexible class schedule, private individual changing rooms and plenty of seating for parents and guests to watch classes. Although Finke has experience in several martial arts the primary focus of the martial arts taught will be Okinawa Goju-Ryu Karate-Do as well as Okinawa Kobudo (traditional weapons). Intensive seminar training sessions will be also be available in Iaido (Japanese Swordsmanship). Classes are available to men, women and children ages four and over (classes where families can train together will also be available). The residents and neighbors of both Port Jervis and Warwick are invited to register for a free four-week trial program that includes a free Official Karate uniform (no strings attached-offer expires May 31, 2011). Finke and his well-trained staff look forward to serving their communities. Please call 845-858-5425 to schedule a free consultation and tour of the Karate Quest Dojo nearest to you. Jack Kramer, Tom Van Tassel, Glenn Finke, Roger Wehrhahn, James Schmick and Peter Mills. Local High School Student Earns Black Belt Warwick, NY: Michael McBride, a martial arts student at the Traditional Karate-Do Center in Warwick, passed the promotional examination for his Sho-Dan (First-Degree Black Belt) in Okinawa Goju-Ryu Karate-Do. His exam covered a whole evening of time with a comprehensive quality control check of knowledge and demonstration of curriculum as well as being the subject of a tremendous physical and mental challenge. McBride, age 17 and a senior at Warwick Valley High School, has been training in the martial arts for nearly five years under the tutelage of Glenn Finke and his staff at his dojo (training hall). Glenn Finke on left and Michael McBride on right. FUN TIME FOR A WORTHY CAUSE Warwick, NY: The Traditional Karate-Do Center recently hosted its annual Nerf Gun Party for members of its Junior Karate Program and their invited guests. The event, where the participants participated in contests such as "Capture the Flag"; "Protect the President" and "Storm the Castle", was designed not only as a fun event outside of martial arts training but also as a vehicle to help out the Mother's Cupboard. The Mother's Cupboard, located at St. Stephens Church in Warwick, is a volunteer organization that organizes donations of baby items such as diapers, baby wipes and baby wash to help out new mothers who need assistance in the area. All participants in the party were required to bring a baby-themed donation as the price of admission to the party. Glenn Finke, owner of the Traditional Karate-Do Center, pictured with all the participants of its Annual Nerf Gun Party. LOCAL KARATE STUDENTS RECOGNIZED AS BLACK BELTS Warwick, NY: Seven local residents recently were recognized for promotion during recent (December 2010) examinations hosted by the Traditional Karate-Do Center. Kyle Devaney and Owen Slevin were recognized for promotion to Sho-Dan (First Degree Black Belt) while Patrick Leary, Calvin Silbernagel, Jared Silbernagel, Travis Silbernagel and Brandon Sultana were recognized for promotion to Ni-Dan (Second Degree Black Belt). In the case of the Sho-Dans they have been training in the martial arts for over four years while the Ni-Dans have been training for at least six years. In addition to continuous training all of the training candidates were required to participate in a thorough examination that tested all aspects of their training-including demonstrating proficiency in kata (formal exercises), advanced-level kihon (basic techniques), kumite (sparring) as well as many other aspects of their training experience. All were recognized for promotion in Okinawa Goju-Ryu Karate and have been training under the guidance of Glenn Finke, the chief instructor and owner of the Traditional Karate-Do Center. Standing (L-R): Travis Silbernagel, Owen Slevin, Patrick Leary, Jared Silbernagel, Kyle Devaney, Brandon Sultana and Calvin Silbernagel. Seated is Glenn Finke. LOCAL KARATE STUDENTS DONATE TO FOOD PANTRY Warwick, NY: The Traditional Karate-Do Center, located in Warwick, recently hosted its annual Fall Costume Party. The party was open to all children who train at the dojo (training hall) as well as guests they were allowed to invite. In addition to fun party activities as well as a costume contest the students participated in an important community service. The price of admission to the party was to bring a canned food item to donate to the local food pantry. In addition the dojo's head instructor/owner Glenn Finke and his family matched each canned food item donated with one of their own. Besides a fun time for all the participants there were over 200 canned food items donated. GLENN FINKE IS PICTURED WITH THE PARTICIPANTS OF THE TRADITIONAL KARATE-DO CENTER'S FALL COSTUME PARTY TWELVE LOCAL RESIDENTS RECOGNIZED FOR PROMOTION TO BLACK BELT Warwick, NY: The Traditional Karate-Do Center, located in Warwick, recently recognized twelve local residents as Sho-Dans (First Degree Black Belts) in either Okinawa Goju-Ryu Karate or Ryukyu Kobudo (Weapons). The students, all of them training in the martial arts for at least five years, took a four-plus hour promotional examination. The students, who train under the guidance of Glenn Finke, recognized as a Sho-Dan in Karate were Edward Ackerly, Brad Davidson, Nicholas Gregorio, Erica Grundfast, Steven Grundfast, James McLaughlin, Savannah McManus, Daniel McQuade and Kevin Winslow. Recognized as Sho-Dans in Kobudo were Alexandria Degnan, Sean Degan and Patrick Leary. For the dojo (training center) this represents the most students recognized as a First-Degree Black Belt at one time. Standing (L-R) James McLaughlin, Daniel McQuade, Kevin Winslow, Savannah McManus and Edward Ackerly. Seated is Glenn Finke LOCAL RESIDENTS TRAINING IN JAPANESE SWORDSMANSHIP Warwick, NY: Glenn Finke, the owner of a local karate dojo (training hall), recently took advantage of an opportunity to begin training in Japanese Swordsmanship. The dojo, Traditional Karate-Do Center of Warwick, is hosting a 12 month intensive seminar series of training in Iaido, a Japanese martial art where students of it train in the smooth, controlled movements of drawing the sword from its scabbard, striking or cutting an opponent, removing blood from the blade and them placing the sword back in the scabbard. Students of the series practice with Bokken (wooden sword) as well as with Iaito (a mock sword made of steel). Although most of the students training with the sword are from the Traditional Karate-Do Center there are also students from Mountain Teachings (Hawley, PA) and Wasylyk Karate (Honesdale, PA) The students are specifically training in Seitei Gata, a series of twelve kata (formal exercises) that are considered a universal style for several different forms of Iaido. It is hoped that the students training in the seminar series will go from a beginner level to an intermediate level of experience. The instructor for the seminar series is Roger Wehrhahn, Shihan (Master Instructor). In addition to high-level rankings in Okinawa Goju-Ryu Karate, Shorin-Ryu Karate and Ryukyu Kobudo he has been recognized as a Roku-Dan (Sixth-Degree Black Belt) in Muso Shinden-Ryu Iaido under the tutelage of the one of Japan's prominent sword masters-the late Takeshi Mitsuzuka, Sensei (instructor). Shihan Wehrhahn is presently the chief instructor for both the North American San Shin Kai and the Tachi no Ken Renmei, two agencies developed to govern the instruction and training in Iaido. First Row (L-R): Robert Mally, Jack Wyckle, Lori Longo, Zachary Fox, Shihan Roger Wehrhahn, Glenn Finke, Nicholas Gregorio, Marlon Motta and Steven Washio Second Row (L-R): Brian Baird, Calvin Silbernagel, Roger Garrison, Chris Silbernagel, Ruth Skorupa, Brad Davidson and Eric McCollum GLENN FINKE WINS TOURNAMENT AWARDS Hackettstown, NJ: Glenn Finke, who owns and operates the Traditional Karate-Do Center in Warwick, participated in the 25th Annual Isshinryu School of Karate Benefit Tournament at Hackettstown High School. The tournament, attracting about 250 competitors from over 25 different karate schools, has raised over $100,000 for various organizations including the American Cancer Society since its inception. Finke, competing in the Adult Black Belt Division, won first place in kumite (sparring) and second place in kata (formal exercises). EIGHT STUDENTS RECOGNIZED FOR BLACK BELT Warwick, NY: Eight martial arts students who train locally at the Traditional Karate-Do Center were recognized for various ranks of Black Belt in Okinawa Goju-Ryu Karate-Do and/or Ryukyu Kobudo (weapons) during a promotion ceremony at their dojo (training hall). In addition to logging in years of training time all of the Black Belt candidates were required to undergo a challenging promotional exam prior to the promotion ceremony. During the promotion ceremony the candidates also demonstrated elements of the curriculum necessary for promotion. The students recognized for promotion were Alexander Sloma Ni-Dan (2nd Degree Black Belt) Karate and Sho-Dan (1st Degree Black Belt) Kobudo, Alexandria Degnan Ni-Dan Karate, Sean Degnan Ni-Dan Karate, Joy Phelan Sho-Dan Karate, Trygve Hodne Sho-Dan Karate, Bryan Currao Sho-Dan Karate, Noelle Giammarino Sho-Dan Kobudo and Marlon Motta Sho-Dan Kobudo. All of the newly ranked Black Belts have been training anywhere from six to twelve years under Glenn Finke, who established the Traditional Karate-Do Center in Warwick in 1996. Standing (left to right) Bryan Currao, Alexander Sloma, Sean Degnan, Joy Phelan, Noelle Giammarino, Alexandria Degnan, Trygve Hodne and Marlon Motta. Seated is Glenn Finke. GLENN FINKE WINS THREE AAU DISTRICT KARATE CHAMPIONSHIPS Madison, NJ: Glenn Finke, the owner and chief instructor of the Traditional Karate-Do Center in Warwick, recently competed in the 2010 Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) New Jersey District Karate Championships-held at the Simon Arena at Drew University. Competing in the Adult Black Belt Male division, he won gold medals (first place) in all three of his events: kumite (sparring), kata (formal exercises) and kobudo (weapons kata). The wins qualified Mr. Finke to compete at the AAU National Karate Championships, being held this year in Albany, NY. Glenn Finke with his three championship gold medals. FATHER/DAUGHTER DUO WIN TROPHIES AT KARATE TOURNAMENT Monroe, NY: Brian and Mackenzie Baird, a father and daughter duo from Warwick, recently competed at an invitational Karate tournament sponsored by Core Martial Arts in Monroe. Mr. and Miss Baird, who are students at the Traditional Karate-Do Center in Warwick, have each been training in the martial arts for nearly four years. Mr. Baird, who competed in the adult advanced division, placed second in each of his competition categories, which included kumite (sparring); kata (formal exercise) and kobudo (weapons kata). Miss Baird, age 8, placed second in her intermediate kata division. Mackenzie Baird (on left) and her dad Brian Baird with their tournament trophies. KARATE INSTRUCTOR A PART OF LOCAL BUSINESS WORKSHOP Warwick, NY: Glenn Finke, the chief instructor and owner of the Traditional Karate-Do Center of Warwick, had the opportunity to teach a segment of a business leadership workshop for the management team of WVT Communications. The workshop, facilitated by Jonathan Lawson and John Raquet of big-awakening.com, concentrated on defining and achieving business goals; leveraging time, talent and resources; and identifying and discarding limiting beliefs. Mr. Finke then had the chance to tie in the practice of the martial arts with the curriculum of the seminar. "I talked a bit about the history of karate," stated Mr. Finke, "about how the ancient masters developed their training systems for self-defense and also something not so obvious back then: self-development. Nowadays, the benefits of martial arts training are well known for children but I've recently seen a big surge in adult participation. Our adult population includes medical doctors, hedge fund managers, high-level corporate executives who have have seen the benefits of training as many of them are getting ready for their Black Belt exam or have already been recognized as Black Belts. Many people who initially start training in the martial arts may see veteran practitioners do what they see as imposing-but with the right guidance and motivation achieve and, in many cases, surpass the goals they originally thought of for themselves." Mr. Finke started out by lightly warming-up the seminar participants then went right into teaching immediately applicable self-defense techniques. The finale of Mr. Finke's segment had the team members of WVT Communications do a famous karate demonstration: break a board. "Breaking boards is something that we usually don't do," said Mr. Finke, "but with my team and I teaching practical self-defense techniques that could easily transition to board breaking we decided guide the participants to a successful experience. At the suggestion of Mr. Lawson, which I will be using for future events, we had each of the attendees write on the board they would break the belief they thought was limiting them. The beliefs they wanted to break included being unproductive, fear of failure and rejection. All of the participants were successful in their breaks-starting them on the road to getting rid of their limiting beliefs. It was also refreshing to see the president of WVT, Mr. Duane Albro, be the first person to break his board-with the phrase Limited Beliefs on it." Mr. Finke, who operates his dojo (training hall) as a private school, and his team are available for seminars in the local community. Mr. Glenn Finke (center) lecturing the management team of WVT Communications. GLENN FINKE WINS EIGHT-FOOT TROPHY Newton, NJ: Glenn Finke, the owner and chief instructor at the Traditional Karate-Do Center in Warwick, recently competed in the 2010 King's Karate All-Sparring Tournament. The tournament, which was held at Newton High School in Newton; NJ, attracted over 200 competitors from the Tri-State area. The types of martial arts represented in the tournament included Karate, Tae Kwon Do, Kung Fu and Tang Soo Do. Finke first won first place in the heavyweight division of his age category. Then he competed against other adult Black Belt Division winner to win the eight-foot Grand Champion trophy for kumite (sparring). LOCAL RESIDENTS RECOGNIZED AS BLACK BELTS IN KARATE Warwick, NY: The Traditional Karate-Do Center (located in Warwick) recently conducted Black Belt Promotional Examinations. The exam process consisted of the a quality control check of both basic and advanced Karate techniques; self-defense execution drills against unarmed and armed opponents; demonstration of novice, intermediate and advanced level kata (formal exercises); kumite (sparring) with Black Belt Candidates as well as current Black Belts; and high-level tests of physical conditioning. The promotional examinations were an extreme test. The candidates were tested for various degrees of Black Belt in Okinawa Goju-Ryu Karate-Do; including Sho-Dan (First Degree Black Belt), Ni-Dan (Second Degree Black Belt) and San-Dan (Third Degree Black Belt). Promotion ceremonies took place at the dojo's (training hall) annual Holiday Party-where the candidates demonstrated some of the curriculum that were required for promotion. Nicholas Knapp, 13, of Warwick was recognized as a Sho-Dan. Knapp, already a Junior Black Belt in Okinawa Uechi-Ryu Karate, has been training in the Martial Arts for over eight years. Recognized for Ni-Dan were Mark Bellotto, 27, of Middletown; Jacob Holtman, 16, of Warwick; Marlon Motta, 25, of Otisville and Steven Washio, 48, of Warwick. Bellotto has been training since 2000, Holtman has been training since 2001, Motta has been training since 1994 (and is a full-time instructor at the dojo) and Washio has been training at the dojo since 2005 (after being recognized as Black Belt in Goshin-Do Karate in 1982). Graham Ackerly, 17, of Warwick was recognized as a San-Dan. Ackerly has been training in the Martial Arts since 1997. The recently recognized Black Belts are all students of Glenn Finke, who owns and operates the Traditional Karate-Do Center. Standing L-R Marlon Motta, Mark Bellotto, Graham Ackerly, Jacob Holtman, Nicholas Knapp. Seated Head Instructor Glenn Finke. LOCAL KARATE SCHOOL HELPS LOCAL FOOD PANTRY Warwick, NY: The Traditional Karate-Do Center, located in Warwick, recently hosted its annual Fall Costume Party. Holding the party has been a long-time tradition for the dojo (training hall) as the participants get to dress up in costumes, take a karate class (in costume), play games and participate in several costume contests. They also had the opportunity to help the community. How do they get to help the community? The price of admission to get into the party is a canned food item-which is donated to Warwick Ecumenical Council Food Pantry. "I visited the Warwick United Methodist Church-where the Food Pantry is located-a few days before our costume party to find out if there was a need for any specific canned food items," Mr. Finke stated, "and I was told that inventory was down in all areas. Although it is real easy to get our younger students to participate in our annual costume party we did more than ever to make our students aware of the event and we had, by far, our largest attendance for our costume party ever!" There were well over seventy participants in the dojo's costume party-each participant brining at least one canned food item to be donated. Mr. Finke, as part of the tradition, usually adds to the pot by donating some canned food items also. This year (and probably in every future year of the party) he decided to match whatever amount of donated items with a canned food item of his own. "It was actually a lot of fun getting our members to participate as well as do their part to help the community a little. The kids were great at the party and we had a lot of parents of our students who volunteered their time to help with running the event. I even turned my own food shopping experience into a fun time as I was responsible to match the donations my students gave.", stated Mr. Finke. Glenn Finke, standing on right, getting the costume party started. DVD Filmed in Warwick Features Local Residents Warwick, NY: The Traditional Karate-Do Center (located in Warwick) was recently used as the setting for the future release of a Martial Arts instructional DVD titled "Essentials of Sparring: Fighting Kata". The DVD features the teachings of Shihan (Master Instructor) Roger Wehrhahn, a high level Black Belt in Goju-Ryu Karate, Shorin-Ryu Karate, Ryu Kyu Kobudo (Okinawa Weapons) and Muso Shinden Ryu Iaido (Japanese Swordsmanship). Participating in filming were local residents who are long-time advanced level members of the dojo (training hall) including Glenn Finke (the owner of the dojo as well as four-time AAU National Silver Medalist in Black Belt Sparring) and Marlon Motta (former AAU National-Level Bronze Medalist in Black Belt Sparring). The Essentials of Sparring: Fighting Kata DVD details a safe and systematic approach that martial arts students can use to help the novice prepare for kumite (sparring) as well give an advanced-level practitioner tools to constantly refine and improve their technique. The techniques and systems taught are ones that can be used for any age and blend with other martial arts besides Karate. Mr. Wehrhahn, in addition to teaching Martial Arts seminars at the international level, has produced Martial Arts DVDs that have been showcased through retailers such as Bugei, Fighting Arts and Budogu LLC.-amongst others. The Essentials of Sparring: Fighting Kata DVD is set for release on 11/15/09. Special discounted pre-orders are available through the Traditional Karate-Do Center. Photo L to R: Roger Wehrhahn and Glenn Finke FIVE KARATE STUDENTS PROMOTED TO BLACK BELT Warwick, NY: The Traditional Karate-Do Center, located in Warwick, recently recognized five of its members with varying degrees of Black Belt in Okinawa Goju-Ryu Karate after an August promotional examination. The ceremony, which was part of a special event hosted by the dojo (training hall) recognized Haley Christen; age 12 of Hewitt, NJ; Harrison Christen; age 11 of Hewitt, NJ and Will Muller; age 11 of Warwick, NY with their promotion to Sho-Dan (First Degree Black Belt). They all started training in Karate anywhere between the ages of four and five. Noelle Giammarino; age 17 of Pine Island, NY; was recognized as a Ni-Dan (Second Degree Black Belt). Giammarino has practiced the martial arts for over seven years. Larry Schott; age 52 of Pine Bush, NY; was recognized as a San-Dan (Third Degree Black Belt). Schott has practiced the martial arts at the Traditional Karate-Do Center for over eight years with a total of thirteen years of martial arts experience. In addition to their regular training the students have been active in activities such as tournaments, seminars and the practice of Kobudo (Okinawa Weapons Martial Art). Their head instructor is Glenn Finke, who is the owner and director of the Traditional Karate-Do Center. In addition to the promotional ceremonies, the Black Belt candidates and many other advanced level students of the Traditional Karate-Do Center were treated to two special seminars. The first seminar featured Schott as the instructor. He taught techniques adapted from a police academy curriculum for use by martial artists. These included restraining techniques and pistol takeaways. Schott is a certified police defensive tactics instructor and works with local law enforcement agencies. The second seminar featured Shihan (Master Instructor) Roger Wehrhahn. He focused on the teaching advanced ippon (one step) kumite (sparring). The participants learned how to defend against high and low attacks and to move quickly and easily from one technique to another at the highest possible speed. The participants of the seminar will also be featured in a commercially released DVD called "The Secrets to Effective Karate-Ippon Kumite". Shihan Wehrhahn is a master-level instructor in Goju-Ryu Karate, Shorin-Ryu Karate, Ryukyu Kobudo and Muso Shinden Ryu Iaido who travels the world teaching seminars. The special day finished off with Friendship Dinner held at Gasho of Japan in Central Valley, NY. The dinner had well over sixty people in attendance and helped celebrate the students who were recognized with their new Black Belt ranks as well as those who participated in the special seminars. In photo: Standing (L-R): Instructor Marlon Motta, Noelle Giammarino, Larry Schott and Instructor Roger Garrison. Seated: Head Instructor Glenn Finke. Kneeling (L-R): Will Muller, Harrison Christen and Haley Christen. GLENN FINKE WINS SILVER MEDAL AT AAU NATIONAL KARATE CHAMPIONSHIPS Fort Lauderdale, FL: Glenn Finke, who owns and teaches at the Traditional Karate-Do Center in Warwick, recently competed at the Amateur Athletic Union National Karate Championships-held at Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center. The tournament attracted well over 2000 athletes from all over the United States. Finke, who will be celebrating 30 years of training in karate later this year, competed in the Male Advanced (Black Belt) Age 19-34 Divisions. He finished second in the Heavyweight Kumite (sparring) Division, losing his finals match in overtime. Finke, who has competed at the national level since 1995, will next compete at the USA National Karate-Do Federation (USANKF) National Championships/Team Trials-also being held in Fort Lauderdale in the same venue 7/17-7/19. The USANKF is recognized by the U.S. Olympic Committee as the national governing body for the sport of karate in the United States. LOCAL RESIDENTS RECOGNIZED AS BLACK BELTS Warwick, NY: The Traditional Karate-Do Center, located in Warwick, recently conducted Black Belt Promotional Examinations in both Okinawa Goju-Ryu Karate and Ryukyu Kobudo. The examinees were tested on requirements of self-defense (in unarmed and armed situations), kata (formal exercise), kumite (sparring), physical conditioning as well as standing and moving basic and advanced techniques. Three students who took the exam passed, and were supported by other Black Belts who went through the exam process with them. The promotion ceremony took place in Warwick at the Orange County Park near the Hickory Hill Golf Course as part of the Traditional Karate-Do Center's Annual Family and Friends Picnic. The examinees demonstrated different parts of the curriculum required for promotion. Linda Lupinski, of Warwick, was recognized as Sho-Dan (First Degree Black Belt) in Karate. Lupinski has been training in the Martial Arts since 2000. Amanda-Li Furnari, formerly of Warwick now of Stony Point, was recognized as a Sho-Dan in Karate. Furnari has been training in the Martial Arts since 2002. Kyle McFarland, of Warwick, was recognized as a Ni-Dan (Second Degree Black Belt) in Karate and Sho-Dan in Kobudo. McFarland has been training in the Martial Arts since 2000. They trained hard for their promotion. Glenn Finke, the owner of the Traditional Karate-Do Center, has been their primary instructor. The dojo has served Warwick and its neighbors since 1996. In photo (left to right): Head Instructor Glenn Finke, Linda Lupinski, Amanda-Li Furnari, Kyle McFarland GLENN FINKE WINS NORTHEAST KARATE CHAMPIONSHIP Albany, NY: Glenn Finke, owner and head instructor of the Traditional Karate-Do Center in Warwick, recently competed at Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) Northeast Super Regional Karate Championship. The competition which attracted over 300 athletes from New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New England. Finke, 38, competed in the Advanced (Black Belt) Male Age 19-34 Division. He won first place in kumite (sparring) against strong competition. The event also served as a qualifier for the AAU National Karate Championships, which are being held June 16-21 in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Finke will be competing in that event as well. GLENN FINKE WINS KARATE TOURNAMENT 4/26/09 Hackettstown, NJ: Glenn Finke, the head instructor/owner of the the Traditional Karate-Do Center in Warwick, recently competed in the Isshinryu School of Karate Benefit Tournament at Hackettstown High School. The tournament, where proceeds benefitted the American Cancer and Benefit Societies, attracted over 250 athletes from New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Finke competed in the Male Age 19-34 Black Belt Division. He placed first in kumite (sparring) and second in kata (formal exercises). He is also planning to compete in the AAU National Karate Championships in Fort Lauderdale, FL in June. WARWICK KARATE INSTRUCTOR WINS AAU DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIP WARWICK, NY: Glenn Finke, who teaches karate in Warwick, recently (3/22/09) competed at the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) District Karate Championship in Madison, NJ at Drew University. The tournament, which attracted over 200 athletes, served as a qualifier for the AAU National Karate Championships being held in Fort Lauderdale, FL June 15-20. Finke, competing in the Adult Male Advanced (Black Belt) Division, finished first in kumite (sparring) and second in kobudo (weapons) at the tournament. This was the 11th time he has won first place in kumite since 1996. In addition to other competitive events, he's hoping to compete at the national level at both the AAU and USA National Karate-Do Federation Championships. For further information please call 845-988-9223. GLENN FINKE, LOCAL KARATE INSTRUCTOR, WINS GRAND CHAMPION TITLE WARWICK, NY: Glenn Finke, who is the owner/head instructor at the Traditional Karate-Do Center (Warwick, NY) recently competed at the Kings Karate Kumite Tournament in Newton, NJ. The tournament, which attracted over 200 competitors from the Tri-State area, focuses solely on the kumite (sparring) aspect of competition. Finke, after placing first in his Black Belt division, competed against other Adult Black Belt division winners for the title of Grand Champion-which he ended up winning. He was recognied for his efforts with a six-foot trophy. "It was nice to compete and have a chance to win," Finke stated, "especially I'm closer to to age 40 than 35. I'm hoping to compete in the AAU Nationals and this was a great way to help get me ready." Finke has taught karate in Warwick since 1996. For further information please call 845-988-9223.