Congratulations go out to everyone who was promoted today. Special congratulations go out to Brendan Conroy, who joins the ranks of our blackbelts, with his first dan; and, to Sensei Andre Valdez, who has taken on the training of group of private students, and, in the true spirit of a kenpo teacher, brought his students to his own teacher, Sifu Jack Shamburger, for testing and promotion. This is the traditional way of kenpo, and it is inspiring for all of us!

Justin Blancas, son of rokudan Augie Blancas, Jr., was promoted today to 1st degree (shodan) blackbelt at the 27th Annual Gen-Ki Kung Fu Karate Tournament held at Maywood Park Race Track outside of Chicago. Congratulations!

September 11, 2008

At the Twin Towers Tournament:

Eton Kwok - 1st place in kata

Wendy Xhe - 1st place women's beginner's kata and 1st place women's beginner's sparring

Taylor Clark - 3rd place in fighting

Fern Chan - 3rd place women's beginner's kata

Congratulations to all!

Amelia Geocos, sister of one of our blackbelts, William Geocos, was struck and killed by a vehicle in Manhattan Friday night while she was riding her bicycle on East 49th Street. Amelia was a promising 24 year old artist. More information, including details about arrangements for the wake, are posted on her friend nicknormal's site, along with a memorial gallery of photos. Our thoughts and prayers are with William and the rest of Amelia's family.

January 28, 2008

The Gotham Classic International Martial Arts Tournament is over. CHKA's first hosted tournament in over a decade drew competitors and judges from around the tri-state area, and as far away as Chicago. Though the turnout was smaller than hoped for, for an unknown event it was a great start back into the circuit of annual Martial Arts events and participants and spectators alike had a great time in the beautiful Chelsea Piers space. You couldn't beat all the smiles as competitors picked up their competition trophies, and the Grand Championship events garnered more than $10,000 in prize money for the five category winners! Photos from the event here: Gotham Classic