05/20/2016
Dear students, family, fellow artists and friends,
It is with a heavy heart that we inform you, that after 22 consecutive years of business, we are closing our "storefront" currently located in the Sheridan Plaza at 2817 Wheaton Way, Suite 210, Bremerton, WA.
We've faced many obstacles and challenges during our 22 years. In the past, with everyone working together, we were able to “save" our school from closure. However, with the new tax laws, the ever changing martial arts community, and the lives of the instructors and students, we face a myriad of issues in keeping our business open through these difficult times.
We appreciate the continued support over the years and look forward to the future with optimism. Although we're closing our store front, the corporate entity of OKBBA will remain in operation for the foreseeable future.
Students:
Just because our store front is closing, does not mean you should stop training; we, will never stop. We hope that you will have the desire to continue training somewhere. There are other schools within our local area which have been in business for many years and offer quality classes. If you would like suggestions, please just ask. Also, as karateka, you have a responsibility to help others and improve yourself in the process. Please stay involved with the martial arts, for your benefit and the benefit of others.
It is said that 1 in 10,000 make it to black belt. It’s more appropriate to say, 1 in 5000 will make it to a black belt and only 1 in 10,000 will stay, dedicate his/her life to teaching what he/she has learned and to help others, as selflessly as possible. When life throws us a hook punch, we must learn to absorb it and move into a new position to further better ourselves; "roll with the punches". And as Karateka, we are taught to adapt to every situation, this is just another one we must adapt to.
Regular classes will be held until June 30, 2016, there will not be any going away party or any special event. If you would like to attend for one more month, that would help us to account for some of the extra costs needed while closing a business. Otherwise, we thank you for your patronage and hope that we may cross paths in the future. We will be liquidating several items in order to make extra money as well. Most items will be on a donation basis; however, some items will be in a package deal.
Thank you again for your understanding, support, thoughts, and prayers through these difficult times. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. If you feel like helping in any way, please ask. We may need a few extra hands.
May we grow even more through discouraging moments such as these. For as few as we may face, we must see the best in every moment and count it all as joy. There is something to be learned at every turn, be ready.
Sincerely your's in Budo,
Jared Shinkaruk
OKBBA Head Instructor, Sandan Guy Shinkaruk
OKBBA President, Nidan
