DOES TESTING GET HARDER (OR JUST THE BOARDS)?
On December 8, testing was held for five brave students. In the beginning test and earning her Green Belt, was Miss Adina Beggs, and earning her Orange Belt (skipping the Yellow with Black) was Ms. Shawn Wilkinson. Mr. Bill Feliss, Ms. Sherri Feeley, and Mr. Cole Worth all took the advanced test, which is no easy task, and all should be commended for even signing up. Earning his Red Belt is Mr. Bill Feliss; Mr. Cole Worth will earn his Red Belt upon breaking one more board; and Ms. Sherri Feeley will earn her BLACK BELT when she completes what she needs to do. With very special thanks to the panel members (each and every one of you) Mr. Kevin Feeley, Mr. Eric Figueroa (yes, his picture is now up on the Black Belt page!), special guest Ms. Christina Tafoya from Full Circle Mixed Martial Arts, Ms. Carol Thompson, and Mr. Jeff Stenson.
Talk with these students and find out what you have to look forward to. Ask them how you must have self-confidence before you even attempt to make it through the test, and ask what you can do to make it easier for you. There is a reason that students sign up for Martial Arts lessons and so very few of those students earn their Black Belt. Impossible - NO; Easy - NO; Can you do it - ABSOLUTELY!!! It is possible (and probable) that you will earn your Black Belt as long as you do your very best. That means you must practice, have confidence, and have the spirit to continue. Congratulations to all that tested, you may not have passed the test, but you gained my respect and the respect of others. Very well done!
ALYSSA KEIL EARNS HER BLACK BELT
Miss Alyssa Keil had been taking lessons for several years through the Young Champions program under the instruction of Sensei Jean Paschke. Sensei Jean quit teaching for this program in 2006, however Alyssa continued her lessons through both Five Star Martial Arts and the Young Champions program under the instruction of Sa Bum Nim Alan Hampson. The Young Champions program ended in January 2007, and Alyssa kept up her training in both places. I'm very proud to announce that on November 12, 2007, Miss Alyssa Keil earned her Black Belt through Samham Martial Arts under the instruction of Sa Bum Nim Alan. Also, special thanks to Mr. Hampson for inviting me to sit in on the panel. CONGRATULATIONS ALYSSA, YOU WORKED HARD AND YOU FINALLY EARNED THAT TATTOO!!! WE'RE VERY PROUD OF YOU FOR PURSUING YOUR DREAM OF EARNING THAT BLACK BELT. Also worth recognizing is the support of her family. A Black Belt can never do it alone and the support they receive should be recognized. THANK YOU AND CONGRATULATIONS!
CKA SEASON FINALE
Well, the 2007 competition season is over, and it ended with a bang! Sensei Jeff started off with adding a little extra POP in his musical kata using confetti instead of his trademark camera flash. So what if only 1 out of 7 of the poppers popped! Miss Shaylene Wilkinson showed up looking rather pale due to the stomach flu and wasn't sure if she would compete; she did and it was awesome! And when the medic has to call 911 for not only 1 of your students, but 2 of them, within about 2 minutes of each other, and in the same ring... IT'S A GOOD THING THE SEASON IS OVER!
All that considered, it was a very good day. The new facility for this tournament, the Douglas County Events Center, was wonderful. This may possibly be home for most of the tournaments in 2008. It's a little South for those of us coming from Brighton, but a very easy drive.
Congratulations to all that competed, YOU ROCK! Competing in the Musical Forms divisions were Marcellino Ortiz, Jr. (3rd), Shaylene Wilkinson (2nd), and Sensei Jeffrey Stenson (4th). In the Weapons Division, Phillip Willett, Jr. won 1st. In the traditional forms we had Bill Feliss (2nd), Marcellino Ortiz, Jr. (4th), Marcellino Ortiz, Sr. (2nd), Shaylene Wilkinson (2nd), Phillip Willett, Jr. (1st), Cole Worth (2nd), Lloyd Worth (5th), and Sensei Jeff (2nd). ARE YOU COUNTING? PHILLIP WILLETT, JR. WON TWO 1ST PLACES AND GETS TO CHOOSE WHICH FORM TO DO IN THE GRAND CHAMPION DIVISION! HE CHOOSES TO PERFORM A TRADIITONAL FORM AND IS REIGNED GRAND CHAMPION.
Now for the Sparring Divisions: In great form Bill Feliss wins 2nd place, Marcellino Ortiz, Jr., wins 2nd place, Phillip Willett, Jr. wins 3rd place, Cole Worth wins 2nd place, and Sensei Jeff wins 4th place. Shaylene Wilkinson had the fight of her life chasing her competitor around the ring in a very interesting fight. She ended up losing that match but gave the judges something to laugh about; WAY TO GO SHAYLENE! In the 35+ Men's Beginning Division so many flashing lights have never been seen. Probably as many as Mr. Ortiz and Mr. Worth saw stars! First fight, Mr. Ortiz against (because his name is unknown, we'll call him The Exterminator!). Mr. Ortiz catches a knee to the solar plexis, an obviously accidental clashing. Mr. Ortiz gets a minute, but loses consiousness. The medic was on the scene right away and calls 911. Mr. Ortiz regains consciousness and is able to walk off the mat to make room for Mr. Worth's fight against The Exterminator! The Exterminator catches and traps Mr. Worth's leg (for one second?) and Mr. Worth loses balance and falls (all 200+ pounds) on his shoulder. Again, the medic was there right away; actually he hadn't left Mr. Ortiz's side! The ambulances and fire trucks show up and the team is then divided in half, half to see to Mr. Ortiz, half to see to Mr. Worth. We are happy to report that Mr. Ortiz is doing well, and Mr. Worth has a separated shoulder. Externimator, if you're out there, we know it was your first tournament and hope you plan on continuing your competition! as stated before: IT WAS MEN'S AND IT WAS BEGINNING, A DANGEROUS COMBINATION!!! Even though Mr Ortiz and Mr. Worth did not finish these fights due to injuries, we are very proud of the fact that Mr. Ortiz placed 3rd and Mr. Worth placed 2nd (and congratulations Exterminator, we'll get you next time!). We wish Mr. Worth a speedy recovery. And MEDIC, you do an incredible job but we would like to see you bored at any future tournaments!
Mr. Willett, you don't get paid enough! Many thanks to you for running around the tournaments and doing the best possible job catching everyone's performances. In case you don't know it, YOU ROCK TOO!
Congratulations to you all. You've all had a very exciting and memorable 2007 season.
OCTOBERFIST
Wow, Five Star students are absolutely amazing, people to be very proud of. Not only do they represent the school with their respect and great attitudes, they're also great martial artists!
Very happy to announce that every student brought home at least one trophy, if not three! Some of you were burned when it came to scoring but it happens! You kept the great attitude which makes you the best.
In the musical divisions we have Shaylene Wilkinson who placed 2nd, Marcellino Ortiz, Jr. placed 3rd, and Sensei Jeff Stenson placed 2nd. In the weapons division, Phillip Willett, Jr. placed 2nd. In traditional forms Bill Felliss (3rd), Marcellino Ortiz Sr. (4th), Shaylene (6th), Phillip (1st), Cole Worth (3rd), Lloyd Worth (5th), and Sensei Jeff (1st). In sparring Bill Feliss (3rd), Marcellino Jr. (4th), Marcellino Sr. (4th), Shaylene (8th), Phillip (2nd), Cole (2nd), Lloyd (3rd), and Sensei Jeff (4th).
Congratulations to all of you, you really are amazing! Remember, the season finale is November 3rd and we'll see you there!
FIVE KNUCKLE FRENZY
In case you haven't heard, students again showed their stuff at the Five Knuckle Frenzy held at the Softball Country Hub on September 7 (National Tournament) and September 8 (CKA) tournament. Sensei Jeff placed 1st in the continuous sparring division on Friday night and then went on to compete Saturday morning. Awesome job!
On September 8th, the CKA tournament saw the Five Star students shine again! Students were competing from several states and it made the competition a little tougher but it didn't matter. Students here still walked away with top places. Phillip Willett, Jr. was awarded Grand Champion for his performance of a traditional kata. Last tournament he received runner up and got to touch the trophy first, this time he got to take it home. Way to go Phillip! Also competing and placing in the traditional kata were Bill Feliss, Marcellino Ortiz, Sr., Shaylene Wilkinson, and Sensei Jeff. Competing and placing in the weapons divisions were Marcellino Ortiz, Jr. (who won his first 1st place), and Phillip Willett, Jr. Competing and placing in the musical divisions were Shaylene Wilkinson and Sensei Jeff. And of course they all had their turn at fighting on the mats in the sparring divisions. You all had tough competition and all did an incredible job. Hope you know how proud your families and friends are of you. We at Five Star are sure proud and honored that you represent us, YOU DO IT WELL!
AMERICA'S CUP
Phillip Willett and Sensei Jeff competed in the America's Cup National Qualifying Tournament on August 25. This tournament had several different divisions to compete in including Wushu. Forms were broken down between Japanese, Korean, Wushu, etc. This tournament was a new experience and they were both awesome. Just shows that with hard work, you can achieve anything. Phillip placed 1st in both of his divisions (Korean Forms and Weapons), and Sensei Jeff placed 1st in Creative Forms (twice!), two 2nd places (musical forms and sparring), and third in Korean Forms. Sensei Jeff received his invitation (3 of them) to the Disney World Elite Championship Tournament in Florida (you must be a Black Belt or Phillip would have received an invitation also!). Both looked wonderful on the podium receiving their awards. WAY TO GO GENTLEMEN!!!
RAGE
The RAGE tournament was held on April 28th at the Holiday Inn at DIA. Approximately 400 martial artists competed in divisions that included traditional forms, creative forms, weapons, musical forms, and sparring. Five Star Martial Arts made quite a showing with six students competing and a new CKA judge! The talent of the students was reflected in their respective events. The father and son team of Marcellino Ortiz Jr. and Sr. both competed in their first tourament. Marcellino Sr. placed 1st in both traditional forms and sparring. Needless to say, he'll be back for more! Marcellino Jr. performing with double broadswords to music, placed 5th inmusical forms and runner up in sparring. Shaylene Wilkinson showed her "girl power" by placing 1st in traditional forms, 2nd in musical (1st time in front of an audience), and 3rd in sparring. Phillip Willett shined in his divisions by placing 1st in traditional forms, 2nd in weapons with the staff, and 4th in sparring. The judges were so impressed with Phillip's performance, they sought out Phillip and Sensei Jean to inform them that Phillip "nailed it!". Bill Feliss now competing in the intermediate division, placed 4th in traditional forms and in sparring. Mr. Feliss is very inspirational and encouraging. His attitude truly reflects what the martial arts tournaments are for "just to have some fun!". Sensei Jeff pushed back the pain of an injury to compete in at least one of his divisions, traditional forms, and placed 4th. These students are only a sample of the quality of the students.
ROCKY MOUNTAIN KARATE CHAMPIONSHIPS
During the tournament on March 24, 2007, we had many volunteer judges, timekeepers/scorekeepers, and competitors. Competitors included Sherri Feeley (2nd traditional forms, 1st sparring); Bill Feliss (1st traditional forms, 1st sparring); Sensei Jeff (1st traditional forms, 2nd musical forms, and 4th sparring); Sensei Carol (2nd traditional forms, 1st sparring); and Phillip Willett Jr. (2nd traditional forms, 2nd weapons, and 2nd sparring). Judges included Senseis Jeff, Carol, and Jean; and Scorekeepers/Timekeepers included Bill Feliss, Dena and Eric Figueroa, Cathy and Ed Laliberte, Pat Quinlan, Phillip Willett Sr., and Cole and Lloyd Worth. Massage was provided by Nadine Peterson and Zach Peterson was in charge of trophies after replacing our trophy girl Dena.
Mr. Krause wanted this tournament and thanks to all of your support, as well as the support of several other schools, he got his wish. The tournament (his 38th annual) was a great chance to meet new people, get reacquainted with others, and have a great time. Thank you for all of your continued support.
WOLFPACK MARTIAL ARTS
Mr. Phillip Willett, Jr., for competing, and Sensei Jeff for judging and supporting Phillip in the Wolfpack Martial Arts Tournament in Colorado Springs - GREAT JOB GUYS!!!
With deep appreciation to the Willett family for their continued support of Phillip and Five Star Martial Arts - THANK YOU!!!
BELT TESTING
Congratulations to the following for passing their rank tests this semester:
Mr. Marcellino Ortiz - Yellow w/Black Belt
Ms. Shaylene Wilkinson - Orange Belt
Mr. Bill Feliss - Purple Belt
Mr. Cole Worth - Green Belt
YOU'RE GREAT!!! KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!
