12/20/2025
Well, that's a wrap on 2025! The weather seemed determined to stop us from holding our windup class before the holiday break, but we persevered! Even our out of town students braved the weather to make it to class.
We are pretty consistent about training in uniform, but this time students received a t-shirt upon arrival, and were allowed to train in it.
It wasn't our usual class, this one was a little more fun and festive. With just a little competitive spirit, as members competed for the Jackpot of Trophies. Well actually a festive Gnome named "Jackpot" but clearly a worthy trophy, as everyone seemed motivated to claim it as their own.
A series of competitions were held to gain or lose points to determine the ultimate champion. Shout outs go to Richard for winning the fastest belt tie, and to Liam for the nicest belt knot. Kaden earned the first (and only?) high-five of the night. Congrats to Lily for the most spirited catwalk and karate pose for our judging panel, to Lachlan and Callum for their recitation of the dojo kun (in Japanese!), and to Amy for her perseverance (and win!) in capturing the black belt from her opponent.
Competitors went head to head in contests of speed, balance, and agility, as well as tests of knowledge and spirit.
But there could only be one winner! Congratulations Lachlan for winning the Gnome trophy. Honorable mention to Liam who was only a point away from claiming it himself.
Thanks to our parent spectator group for their assistance with judging.
It has been a wonderful inaugural year for our club, and we have our members to thank for that. Your support and encouragement are what made it possible to emerge in a time of change and uncertainty. Your continued commitment to learn, practice, and grow together are what make it possible to operate, and I truly appreciate each and every one of you for allowing me to be part of your karate journey.
Thank you all for a great first year, and I can't wait to see where 2026 will take us!
-Jackie Lee