USSD Martial Arts San Clemente

Year of the Dragon, Here We Go!

    It's a New Year and a fresh chance for students to start setting and achieving their goals! Towards the end of 2011 our Instructors began speaking with students about choosing a short/middle-term goal (learning or improving on a specific technique, being more consistent with their training, etc.), and a longer-term goal (achieving their next belt, getting into the splits) to have ready to begin working on in January. Talk to your Instructors about your Martial Arts goals so we can set time aside during each lesson to help you achieve them. It can also be helpful to write your goals down and keep them in a place where you’ll see them often and be reminded and inspired to keep up the good work and stay on track. 

Speaking of achieving goals, the first Belt Tests of 2012 are this month! Please take a moment to check out the Winter/Spring 2012 Calendar of Events below. At the bottom you can click to download the PDF to print out and stick on your fridge.

• Monday, January 16^th – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day – Dojo open and on regular schedule.

• Friday, January 27^th – Teen & Adult Belt Test – Your Instructors will let you know if you will be ready to test by this date. We’ll send out invitations in early January.

• Saturday, January 28^th – Kids Belt Test - Your child’s Instructors will let you know if he/she will be ready to test by this date. We’ll send out invitations in early January.

• Saturday, February 4^th – Ninja Camp Registration – This year’s Summer Ninja Camp will be held on Wednesday, August 1^st through Friday, August 3^rd and includes the Ninja Sleepover on Saturday, August 4^th. Registration ends Saturday, February 25^th or when all spaces have been filled.

• Friday, February 17^th – Lincoln Day – Dojo open and on regular schedule.

• Monday, February 20^th – Washington Day – Dojo open and on regular schedule.

• Saturday, March 10^th – Kids Stranger Danger Seminar – A Free seminar for kids and their parents about how to recognize, avoid, and escape from dangerous situations. Kids will also learn and get to practice simple and effective defensive techniques. Pee-Wees and Juniors Group Classes cancelled for this event.

• Saturday, April 14^th – Dojo In-House Tournament – All students ages 3 to 17 will get to compete in fun and exciting Sparring, Forms, and Grappling events right here at the Dojo against other Team San Clemente students. Pee-Wees and Juniors Group Classes cancelled for this event.

• Friday, April 27^th – Teen & Adult Belt Test – Your Instructors will let you know if you will be ready to test by this date. We’ll send out invitations in early April.

• Saturday, April 28^th – Kids Belt Test - Your child’s Instructors will let you know if he/she will be ready to test by this date. We’ll send out invitations in early April.

• Monday, May 28^th – Happy Memorial Day! Dojo closed.

• Saturday, June 2^nd  – The USSD Summer Grand Championship Tournament - Time to defend our championship title for the fourth time in a row! Registration begins in early May.

    Here's the Calendar of Events PDF:  Download WINTERSPRING2012calendar

    If you have any questions about Belt Testing or what you can do at home to help yourself or your child achieve your/his/her goals, you can set up an appointment with your instructor or e-mail us at ussd@martialartsinsc.com 

    We at USSD Martial Arts wish you and your family a very happy, healthy, and productive New Year!

Goodbye 2011, Hello 2012!

    First, thanks to everyone who came out for the Dojo Family Potluck today! We hope you all had as much fun as we did. And special thanks to everyone who brought in tasty dishes to share, that was hands-down the best potluck EVER! We've posted photos from the potluck on our Facebook page here, and we've got the photos from the Winter Tournament up Here.

    Below is a sneak peek at our End of the Year Dojo Newsletter. If you have a hard time downloading the PDF, we'll send it out in an e-mail and have hard copies at the front desk next week.
  Download 2011 END OF THE YEAR DOJO NEWSLETTER

    Please be sure to review the Holiday Break schedule at the end of the newsletter. If you have any questions, feel free to give us a call or shoot us an e-mail.

    We've still got a couple good solid weeks in 2011 left to train, so let's keep the fire going and get ready for all of the great stuff (including the first Belt Test of the year in January) in the New Year!

Congratulations, Team USSD San Clemente!

Last Saturday, Team USSD San Clemente won its third consecutive Championship at the USSD Winter Grand Championship Tournament! That brings Team San Clemente to a total of 18 Championship titles. Congratulations to every single student who competed on helping your team achieve this goal! We’d also like to send out a huge “Thank You” to all of the students, friends, and family who came out to show your support for the competitors, especially those of you who came early and stayed late to cheer on your teammates and be there when they announced Team San Clemente as the winner.

    To celebrate everyone’s hard work and the end of another incredible year at USSD Martial Arts San Clemente, we’re having a Dojo Family Potluck this Saturday, December 10^th from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm. There will be food, the giant bounce obstacle course, and group photos with the Championship Trophy. 

    Students should wear their Gis and bring in their trophies and medals for the photos. Afterwards, they can change into more comfortable clothing for some games, a few runs through the obstacle course, and food for the whole family! If you’d like to contribute to the potluck, the sign-up sheet is on the front desk in the Dojo. We’ll need food, drinks, and stuff like plates, ice, and forks. 

    It takes a lot of work from everyone to pull off three championships in a row, and all of our students and their family members are invited to come celebrate with us. Because we’ll be in full-celebration-mode, there will be no Group classes this Saturday. All Private lessons scheduled before 11:00 am will remain on regular schedule. If you or your child has a lesson scheduled for 11:00 am or later, your Instructor will reschedule it with you as soon as possible.

     Once again, congratulations to all of our competitors! We’ll have photos from the Tournament posted up here and on Facebook as soon as we can sort through them all. Thanks to everyone who has already shared with us their awesome photos and videos from the event. See you at the Dojo Party!

Tournament Tomorrow!

As I'm sure you all know, the Dojo will be closed tomorrow because we'll all be at Soka University for the 2011 USSD Winter Grand Championship Tournament! Make sure you eat your vegetables, get a good night's sleep, and have a healthy breakfast before you go for gold to make sure you're at your best!

Here's a checklist of things you MUST remember to bring with you tomorrow in order to compete:

• Full Gi (uniform)
• Belt
• ALL Sparring Gear - Head gear, gloves, shin guards, a FORMED MOUTHGUARD, and sports cup for the dudes. 
• Competitor and Spectator tickets - You can print out multiple sets of these and keep one set in the car and one in your sparring bag
• Camera!
• Fighting spirit! 

The Tournament begins at 8:00 am but you do not have to be there until the time your event is scheduled to start (Click here for Directions). Plan on arriving at least 30 minutes to one hour before the start of your event to make sure you can find good parking and have a chance to warm up and stretch before go-time. Getting there early will also help you or your child to become more familiar and comfortable with the competition area which can help anyone who might be feeling a little nervous or anxious. Feel free to find any open ring or space that is not in use to practice a few more times. If you need any help, all of the Instructors will be there from start to finish to help you out and cheer you on!

As Instructors, we couldn't be more proud of the effort, positive attitude, friendly compeptitive spirit, and overall improvement we've seen from the sudents in the last several weeks. At the risk of sounding corny, I'd like to remind all students and parents that these events are about having fun and becoming better martial artists. The place you finish in isn't as important as the experience of preparing for the tournament (coming to classes consistently, putting in extra practice time at home, coming together as a team), which is, in the end, what gets people closer to becoming a great Black Belt.

So like I tell the kids, if there's no blood gushing or broken bones sticking out, then we don't want to see any tears (I seriously doubt we'll see anything as cool as gushing blood tomorrow)! Try your best, have fun competing, don't forget to breathe, keep a smile on your face while you spar (and a ninja face when you do your form), show good sportsmanship in victory and defeat, and CHEER for your teammates! Seriously, get crazy... It's more fun!

Can't wait to see everyone tomorrow! GO TEAM SAN CLEMENTE!!!

Tournament Time & Turkey Day

    We’re nearing the end of the year, but that doesn’t mean it’s time to slow down! The USSD Winter Grand Championship Tournament is now less than two weeks away and everyone has been working hard to get ready for it. If you haven’t registered yet, you can do so online at www.USSD.com by clicking the red Tournament poster on the right or by Clicking Here. It’s fast and easy, but if you have any questions, feel free to give us a call or email for help. Since all Instructors and most students will be at the Tournament, there will be no Martial Arts group or private lessons on Saturday, December 3^rd.

    Tournament competition is not required for students to get their next belts, but it is highly recommended. Students who compete regularly generally improve much faster in their forms and sparring and are more likely to continue training all the way through to their Black Belts. Tournaments also give students, parents, and Instructors the opportunity to come together as a team and show our support for one another. Win or lose, competing as part of a strong team helps kids and adults improve their confidence and self-esteem, learn sportsmanship, and have a lot of fun! The bigger Team San Clemente is, the better the chance we have of winning our third consecutive Championship! 

    On another note, the Dojo will be closed for ALL Martial Arts group and private lessons on Thursday, November 24^th for Thanksgiving. CrossFit will be open for the 9:00 am class only on that day.

    If you or your child has a private lesson scheduled for November 24^th or December 3^rd, you can reschedule it for another day the following week or your Instructor will present you with a voucher so you can make it up after the holiday season.

    Once the Tournament is over, we’ll be on regular schedule until Friday, December 23^rd, which is our last day before we close for the holidays. The Dojo will reopen on regular schedule on Monday, January 2^nd, 2012.

It’s been a great year so far, so let’s finish it off strong! Go Team San Clemente!

Happy Halloween!

What a great month it's been so far! Halloween Ninja Night 2011 was a ton of spooky fun for all the kids and Instructors... We can't wait til next year! We've posted up some of the pictures from the event on our Facebook page.

The Red Ribbon Week Pledge poster is now up on the front window at the Dojo. Kids who sign the back pledging to stay drug-free will receive a free patch. Non-students who sign will receive one free group class.

In case you live under a rock, this Monday (October 31^st) is Halloween! Since all of the little (and big) Ninjas will be out having a good time, we've decided to cancel all Group Classes (Juniors, Pee-Wees, Teens & Adult Kempo & MMA) and all Private Lessons sheduled from 5:00 pm on that day. If you have a lesson scheduled for before 5:00 pm, you can come in at your regular time or reschedule for a more convenient time. Everyone who has a Private Lesson scheduled for later on Monday will receive a voucher so they can make it up on a later date (we recommend using vouchers for the weeks before Belt Tests and Tournaments for an extra boost).

CrossFit will be on regular schedule on Halloween Monday and the annual CFSC Halloween Costume Workout will be at 8:00 am on Saturday, 10/29.

And lastly, it has just been announced that the USSD Winter Grand Championship Tournament has been moved to Saturday, December 3^rd. We think that the new Saturday date might be more convenient for some students who normally have church or other family activities planned on Sundays. You can register online now at www.USSD.com or by CLICKING HERE. 

We're looking forward to all of the fun in November and December and we hope that everyone has a very happy and safe Halloween!

 

October is Red, Blue, & Boo!

   The way these Fall months have been flying by, it'll be 2012 before we know it! Even though October is half over, there's still plenty of fun left with Red for Red Ribbon Week, Blue for National Anti-Bullying Month, and Boo for our Halloween Ninja Night this Saturday! 

Red Ribbon Week kicks off this Saturday, October 22^nd and runs until the 30^th. Staying drug-free isn't only necessary to be a great Martial Artist, it's also one of the most important commitments that kids and families can make to ensure they have a brighter future. We're celebrating by posting up a pledge to stay drug-free in the Dojo for our students and their friends to sign. All of our Pee-Wee, Juniors, and Teen students who sign the pledge will receive a free patch. Non-students who sign will receive a voucher for one free group class.

October is also National Anti-Bullying Month. Throughout the month, our Instructors have had "Mat Chats" with students during some of our Kids Group Classes and Private Lessons about bully prevention, dealing with bullies, and when it's okay for kids to use their defensive techniques to protect themselves. We discuss these topics with our students throughout the year, but put a special emphasis on it during the month of October. Martial Arts training helps kids deal with bullies successfully, not just because it helps them to be physically able to defend themselves, but because it gives them the confidence and self-esteem to stand up for themselves and others. If you have concerns regarding your child witnessing bullying or being bullied, please see one of the instructors and we'll spend extra time working with them on strategies to avoid and end bullying.

Of course, when most people think of October, they think of witches, ghosts, jack-o-lanterns... And Halloween! This Saturday (October 22nd) from 7:00 to 10:00 pm is our Halloween Ninja Night for all kids ages 4 to 14! We'll have all of the great stuff from our other Ninja Nights like the Bounce Obstacle Course, Pizza Party, Piñatas, Laser Tag, and a Raffle, all set to a spooky Halloween theme. Kids should wear their costumes so they can win prizes in the Costume Contests and there will be plenty of scary and gross Games and Challenges for added screams. Tomorrow (Wednesday) is the last day to sign up so see your Instructor before it's too late!

On a final note, we've got pictures from the September Kids Belt Test up on our Facebook page. You can Click Here to see them. If you'd like a copy of any of the photos in a higher resolution/better quality file, let us know and we'll e-mail them to you.

Back to School Awesomeness

    Sadly, summer has just about come to an end (although you’d never know it by this crazy weather) and it’s time for everyone to get back into their normal routines and back on track. This is a pretty fun and exciting time at the Dojo since classes will be fuller now that everyone’s back in town for the start of school, which adds more energy to group classes. All Martial Arts and CrossFit Group Classes will remain on the same schedule.

    This week, the Instructors will be talking to our Pee-Wees, Juniors, and Teens students about how to deal with school bullies and when it is appropriate to use karate on someone. Our goal is to give our students the confidence they need to avoid becoming victims of bullies, while teaching them that it is unacceptable to fight in school or anywhere else unless it is absolutely neccessary to defend themselves. If you would like one of us to speak to your child on a one-on-one basis or to schedule Private Lessons that focus on strategies for dealing with bullies, let your child's instructor know and we'll set it up for you.

To keep all of our students and parents up-to-date, here’s our Fall/Winter 2011 Calendar of Events:

Friday, September 23^rd – Adult & Teen Kempo Belt Test – Your Instructors will let you know if you will be ready to test by this date. We’ll be sending invitations out next week. (Last Test of 2011. Next Belt Test scheduled for January 2012.)

Saturday, September 24^th – Kids Belt Test - Your child’s Instructors will let you know if he/she will be ready to test by this date. We’ll be sending invitations out next week. (Last Test of 2011. Next Belt Test scheduled for January 2012.)

Saturday, October 22^nd – Halloween Ninja Night – Time for some spooky fun at the Dojo with costumes, treats, games, prizes, and more! Sign-ups start at the end of this month.

Monday, October 31^st – Happy Halloween! - No Martial Arts Group Classes. Regular Monday Private Lessons may be rescheduled for earlier in the day. CrossFit group training will remain on regular schedule.

Thursday, November 24^th – Happy Thanksgiving! - Dojo Closed.

Sunday, December 4^th – The USSD Winter Grand Championship Tournament - Time to defend our championship title for the third time in a row! Registration begins in early November. 

Thursday, December 22^nd – CrossFit San Clemente’s Holiday WOD & Potluck – Come one, come all, for an incredible workout at CFSC and stay for the potluck fun! This is a free event, so feel free to bring friends and family.

Saturday, December 24^th ~ Sunday, January 1^st – Happy Holidays! Dojo Closed. CrossFit group training will be held daily on a modified holiday schedule.

Saturday, December 31^st – CrossFit San Clemente’s NYE Workout – Get a head start on those New Year’s Resolutions with an incredible workout to kick-start 2012!

You can download and print the Fall/Winter schedule PDF below:
Download FALLWINTER2011calendar 

It's Not Over Yet!

    It's hard to believe we were able to pack so much action into one week! Ninja Camp 2011: Hero Quest started on Wednesday and went out with a bang on Friday and we all had a blast! Congratulations to all of the Ninjas who earned their Hero Badges and graduated from this year's camp. Of course, we've got all of the pictures up on our Facebook page, so be sure and check them out to see just what kind of shinanigans took place.

    Saturday was our 2011 Ninja Sleepover and it was packed full of games, prizes, pinatas, the Bounce Obstacle Course, a Raffle, Karate movies, a Pizza Party, and more! The kids always say that they're going to stay up all night, but after all the action, I'm not sure it's possible. More great photos from the Sleepover HERE.

    Finally, we'd like to congratulate our students who Tested for their various degrees of Brown Belt on Saturday at USSD Headquarters in Laguna Hills: Noelani B., McKinley M., Katie S. Bryan L., Gavin P., and Kalani F.! Your Instructors are very proud to have you as part of our Dojo Family! 

    With Ninja Camp, the Ninja Sleepover, and the HQ Brown Belt Test over, you'd think it would get a little calmer around here... Wrong. We've still got 3 event left in the Ninja Olympics, and we've saved the best for last: Grappling, Forms, and Sparring! Be sure and make it to your regularly-scheduled Group Classes for the next 3 weeks so you can be a part of the fun.

    Once we get into fall, we'll have our final Adults and Kids Belt Tests of the Year, tentatively scheduled for the end of September. Your Instructor will let you know if you'll be shooting for that test.
    Then it's on to our Halloween party in October, the Grand Championship Tournament in December, and the CFSC Holiday WOD & Potluck just before Christmas break. We can't let things get too calm around here! Have a great August and we'll be keeping you posted on all of the fun stuff for the rest of the summer!

All Kinds of Summer Madness

    Whoever said summer could be boring was obviously not a student at USSD Martial Arts San Clemente!
    First off, Congratulations to our students who have tested for their new ranks so far this summer... The summer heat can make tests that much more difficult, but our students are hardcore, even the Pee-Wees! We'll have the rest of the pictures from the July Kids Test up on Facebook soon.

    Now for the really good stuff... Next Wednesday (August 3rd) is the first day of Ninja Camp 2011: Hero Quest! 3 days of action-packed awesomeness! For all of our Ninjas and their parents, we're sending out the Ninja Camp Newsletter to make sure that Ninja Camp is hands-down the best part of your Ninja's summer vacation! You can also download the PDF version here: Download NINJA CAMP 2011 NEWSLETTER

   Of course, the 3 days of action-packed awesomeness are all leading up to next Saturday's Ninja Sleepover! As always, the Ninja Sleepover (a.k.a. "Mom & Dad's Night Off/Out") is FREE for all Ninja Campers and Ninjas are welcome to bring a non-student Buddy or sibling with them as long as they sign up by Wednesday, 8/3. You can get a sign-up form at the Dojo or download one here:  Download NINJASLEEPOVER2011 

   After all of the fun is done we'll have some really great photos up here and on Facebok, so be sure and "friend" us at Facebook.com/USSDMartialArtsSC and stay in the loop. If we have the chance we'll Tweet some pics live from the middle of it all.

    If you have any questions regarding Ninja Camp, the Ninja Sleepover, or the class schedule for next week, see your Instructor, call (949) 361-9111, or send us an e-mail at ussd@MARTIALARTSinSC.com.

    Have a great week and prepare yourself for the summer madness!