The Funshop is an educational martial arts program for 6-12 year old American Eagle Style students during February break from public school classes. This year's annual Funshop was taught by Grandmaster Crandall with assistance from black belt instructors.

Each morning started with a warm-up and stretching class that lasted 15-minutes from 9:00 a.m. to 9:15 a.m.  Lunch was from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.  There was a second warm-up of 15-minutes from 1:00 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. to prepare for the afternoon program.  The primary topics for each day were as follows:

MONDAY

 Martial Arts Etiquette:  16 school rules and regulations and belt tying information.

 Class on Basic Forms: Students who didn’t know all of the basic forms were be taught more of these techniques.  Students were divided into groups by rank for explanations of basic forms applications and further practice.  Brown belts learned more about Grandmaster Crandall from a class taught by Chief Instructor Stalloch and then were taught advanced techniques learned by black belts such as tiger mouth, bolder block, etc…

 Ippon Kumites: Students who didn'’t know all of the Ippon Kumites learned more of these techniques.  The three postures of self-defense were discussed, and the Ippon Kumites were practiced with and without partners.  Students who were not familiar had a class on the fundamentals of chess.

Chess Competition: FIRST ROUND. Names were randomly drawn, and the students played chess. Chess was used as a means to discuss strategy, planning, sparring concepts, and traditional martial arts philosophy.

Lunch (Students also practiced chess matches, katas, or read the textbook)

Karate-Man-Says: Stretching was followed by a "Karate-man-says" competition.

Sparring Class:  The rules of sparring, why we wear footgear, and practice matches were covered. After several practice matches students were able to practice "whacker sparring" matches using padded blockers.

Takedowns Class: This class covered the 9-standardized American Eagle Style takedowns, information about American Eagle Style Self-Defense, Volume 1 DVD, and more.  Students practiced and were taught as follows: Colored Belts: against grabs and punches.  Brown Belts: against punches and kicks.  Proper falling was also covered.

Extension Tool Class: Senior Instructor Mrs. Freleigh presented a general overview of all the extension tools used in our school.  See the second edition of the textbook. This topic is often asked on brown belt exams.

Kata Class:  Students who didn'tt know all of their highest kata learned more.  Other students practiced their highest kata.

First Written Exam: Students took a written exam on school information and topics covered during the day to compete for the highest 3-day score and special prizes. Students who finished early were able to practice katas or chess.

TUESDAY

3-Point Sparring: Students learned three-point sparring (block and counter drills). White and orange belts practiced self-defense with Ippon-Kumites.

Music Class:  Mr. Freleigh, a certified music teacher and instructor, presented a class on some musical instruments. Students were able to bring their instruments and demonstrate some of their musical skills for the group, as well.

Tumbling Class: Students learned and practice the five floor exercises required during testings in our school.  Practice will included both the left and right side of the body.  Students played a game where they tumbled to avoid obstacles. While some students waited they practice self-defense and attended informational sessions with Grandmaster Crandall on brown belt written examinations.

Sparring Competition: FIRST ROUND

Lunch

Brief Stretching / Karate-Man-Says

Knife and Gun Self-Defense Class:  Everyone learned about self-defense concepts related to knife and guns.  Colored Belts practiced 3 knife and 2 gun techniques.  Brown belts will learned 6 knife and 4 gun techniques (depending on prior knowledge).

Chess Competition: SECOND ROUND
 
Whack-a-doo Karate Students played a team exercise where padded blockers are used to move a balloon to the other team's goal line, promoting cardiovascular workout, coordination, team work, and self-confidence through enthusiastic and friendly competition.
 
American Martial Arts Institute Styles: Information about the styles taught at our school: American Eagle Style, Takenouchi-Hangan-Ryu-Matsuno-Crandall Iaido, and American Cane System were presented.  This Included information about Batto-do and the California trip. Grandmaster Crandall demonstrated cuts on a reed, and Mrs. Freleigh presented an iaido kata.

Anatomy Class:  Chief Instructor Stalloch, also a certified science teacher, taught a class on the major bones of the body. Students discussed the bones, how they are connected, and how they apply to martial arts techniques. This included assembling part of a full-sized skeleton.

SECOND WRITTEN EXAM: Students who were done early practiced their kata, play chess, or read the textbook.

WEDNESDAY

Obstacle Course Competition Students raced in a timed competition through an obstacle course that included tumbling, kicks, punches, a trampoline, a tunnel, pushups, and more.

Origami Class:  Mrs. G. Stalloch presented a class on traditional martial arts uniform folding and origami.  Students who still needed help with belt tying received individual instruction and practice.  Students were able to do additional origami during other free times throughout the day, if they choose.  Brown belts learned how to proper fold and care for the American flag.

Brown Belt Written Exams: Grandmaster Crandall discussed some questions for the brown belt and black belt written exams.

Lunch / Karate-Man-Says

Martial Arts Library Class: Students learned more about our school’s publications: “Be Safe” book, School Textbook, SuperKick book, Iaido book, American Eagle Style Self-Defense DVD, and SecureLivingOnline.  These are resources are often asked about in brown belt and black belt exams.

Chess Competition: FINAL ROUND

 CUMULATIVE WRITTEN EXAM

Sparring Competition: FINAL ROUND (if all rounds are finished and time permits, students may do additional sparring or “whack-a-doo-sparring” matches.

Whack-a-doo Karate           

Trophy Presentations Prizes and special awards were given and a group photo was taken.

THE NEXT FUNSHOP WILL BE IN FEBRUARY 2011!