Newsletter Volume 1, Issue 1: October 4, 2021

October 4, 2021 Volume 1, Issue 1

GOJU-RYU SEIWA-KAI

KARATE OF LA

Official Newsletter

IN THIS ISSUE

WELCOME BACK TO THE DOJO
THIS WEEK IN TRAINING
ON THE CALENDAR
REOPENING FLYER
2021 PAN AMERICAN SEIWAKAI KARATE SEMINAR & SHINSHA

WELCOME BACK TO THE DOJO

by Crystal Villagran

It is safe to say that karateka and dojos around the world have all been affected by COVID-19 in some shape or form. We at Goju-Ryu Karate of LA have not been excluded from this harsh reality. Our former location in Santa Monica had to close its doors after 25 years. However, after over a year-and-a-half of Zoom training, we will soon be back at the new Honbu dojo in a more spacious location—with a fresh look!

We expect doors to officially open sometime in early October. We would like to thank all for your enduring support, loyalty, patience, and contributions. We are so excited to see you all once again when we resume in-person training, as well as those of you that choose to continue the Zoom training option.

See you soon!

THIS WEEK IN TRAINING

by Crystal Villagran

Zoom training has become a huge part of our karate lives. In it, we have found a way to train without leaving our homes. We are also able to join our karate brothers and sisters from other parts of the country and Canada for training.

The past week in Zoom training was a week of getting back to basics. Senpai John started things off with challenging warm-ups to get karateka ready to perform the three pillars of karate: kihon (basics), kata (forms), and kumite (sparring) techniques.

Vassie Shihan then took over leading in kihon (basics) drills. The various combinations of blocks, punches, kicks, and stances were a great test of focus, balance, and physical conditioning. He then moved on to kata (forms). Saifa, Seiyunchin, Shisochin, Tensho, and Sanchin were the technical focus the past week.

Shihan was superb at breaking down timing, movement, and appropriate kime (inner intensity/focus). Lastly, kumite drills were done with high energy and vigor. Whether via Zoom or in-person, the world-class instruction from Vassie Shihan is unmatched.

Zoom classes for adults are held Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. PT.

“Understand that the essence of martial arts is not the art itself, but what’s hidden deep within yourself.”—Gogen Yamaguchi

ON THE CALENDAR

October: Dojo reopening at our new location

Please be sure to update your membership in Zen Planner. Some accounts have expired or missing billing information so we are asking all members to review their information. This will ensure that you are ready to start in-person training (or continue on Zoom if you wish) as soon as the dojo opens its doors!

November: 2021 Pan American Seiwakai Karate Seminar & Shinsa

Update Zen Planner Membership

YOUR GOJU-RYU SEIWA-KAI KARATE OF LA MEMBERSHIP

Dear Karateka,

After over a year of Zoom training, we are resuming in dojo training! We understand that some members could not train with us on Zoom for lack of space but we want everyone back! Please dust off your gi and come train with us!

Like many businesses, Goju-Ryu Karate of LA is striving to regain its footing as we reopen our doors for the first time since the pandemic started. Your membership, participation, and monthly dues are instrumental in ensuring Goju-Ryu Karate of LA remains a strong dojo community during these difficult times. For this reason, we are asking you to update your Zen Planner membership.

Zen Planner is the central hub for us going forward. ALL class spots will be reserved and checked into by our members through this system. It will also serve as our means of communicating with you.

All members must be set up payment of their monthly dues on auto pay through Zen Planner. We are offering a grace period for past-due dues for the month of October. At this time, if you have not been paying dues and are not set up for auto pay through Zen Planner, your membership has been moved into a special post COVID grace period granted through October 31, 2021.

Beginning immediately, all new members will incur a $250 registration fee. Returning members whose memberships have lapsed will incur a $150 re-registration fee to rejoin.

Your $150 re-registration fee will be waived if you set up your account for auto payment in Zen Planner through a credit card by October 31, 2021. This re-registration fee goes into effect on November 1, 2021. In order to remain fiscally viable, we cannot allow any exceptions.

Thank you to all members and families that have already set up their dues payments on autopay thus far.

And thank you for being a member of our dojo family!

Please contact Crystal Villagran (Membership Director) at [email protected] if any questions.

Update Zen Planner
Membership Payments
Here

CALL FOR NEWSLETTER SUBMISSIONS

Goju-Ryu Karate of LA is currently seeking submissions for our weekly newsletter. Our first issue was published online on Tuesday, October 5, 2021. The newsletter seeks to inform readers about issues—experiences in the dojo community and the seminar, the history of Goju-Ryu and Seiwakai, situational awareness, belt testing, Q & A interviews, photos, etc.—that concern all karateka. One way to ensure that the publication reflects your concerns and celebrates your victories is to become a featured author. Please send items for submission to: [email protected] or [email protected]