2007 KI black Belt Extravaganza  

"Wow, What a show!!"  was the common statement heard as the students of the Karate Institute put on the Best Martial Arts Show in Town at the 2007 Karate Institute Black Belt Extravaganza.  The event showcased this year's Black Belt Candidates ranging from Junior Black Belts to 5th Degree Black Belt.  The mix of martial arts skills (forms, weapons, self-defense) with creativity, music, lighting, and a touch of the theatrics made for a high-energy, exciting, and masterful stage show.  A highlight of the show was when Sensei Mercedes Janes took to the stage for her traditional 5th Degree Black Belt program.  Combining techniques, confidence and command of the martial arts, Sensei Mercedes, along with her Black Belt ukes, showed her prowess, control and proved why she is such an inspiration to her students.  Although no "flash" photography was allowed during the show, we were able to capture some  of the action without the flash.  Here's a sample!

Special events at karate institute  

 There is so much more to the Karate Institute than just excellent martial arts instructions.  We believe in offering whole-some family activities, supporting the community and building strong partnership within the school.  Various special events are held throughout the year to help us strive toward these goals.  Take a look at the Special Events page regularly to get the latest news about the activities at the dojo.  Of special interest at the moment are the Millennium Tournament and our KI Open House and Halloween Fun Fest, and our participation in the Wounded Warrior Fund Raising event to benefit the returning Marines.  We are proud to be part of this effort to thank and support the men and women who are serving our country.

tEAM ki AT THE 2007 PERCHFEST  

Team KI was the headline entertainment at this year's Perch Fest in Fairport Harbor, OH.  Our high energy, adrenaline-pumped show was a hit with festival goers as the sky cleared and the weather held out during our performances.  We love bringing the martial arts to the community and showing everyone that martial arts is more than kicks and punches.  It's great exercise, fun, character-development and a perfect family activity.  Our thanks go out to all the team members, parents, and staff who helped make this show a great success.  Cheers to great TEAM WORK!!

As always, for a look at the show, visit this link.

Annual KI Pig roast   

We thought it was going to be a rain out but the sky cleared up in time for the annual KI Pig Roast.  A huge thank you goes out to the Fujs for hosting the event, to the Williamsons for organizing all the games and to Susan Abazia for handling most of the arrangement.  The food was great as always!  Everyone had a good time socializing, relaxing by the pool, and enjoying the last weekend of summer.  The teens then headed back to the dojo for their much-anticipated Teens' Night In.  I'm afraid no pictures will be available of this event ... but for pictures for the Pig Roast, click here.

2007 Summerfest   

The Karate Institute had a great time entertaining the crowd at the recent 2007 Summerfest.  It was a hot summer day but watching the "cool" moves put on by the demo team made it all worthwhile!  The demonstration included self-defense, forms, weapons, and board breaking.  Our next two demos will be the Perch Fest and It's Better In Mentor Festival.  Come and cheer us on! 

Pictured here are Mercedes Peterson and Max Fujs who were praying to the Rain God (we've been getting lots of rain ever since then :-)  For more from the Summerfest, click here.

2007 Pre-dan test   

Congratulations to this year's Black Belt and Junior Black Belt Candidates who survived the "awesome-ly hard" 2-days of testing this Summer.  These Black Belts performed admirably in front of peers, parents and Black Belt Masters from other dojos.  Now that all the hard work has paid off, the fun begins.  They are all looking forward to displaying their talents at this year's Black Belt Extravaganza.  You can see all the fun for yourself at the Pre-Dan photo gallery!

Latest Test Pictures Posted    

Click here to view pictures from the June, 2007, Color Belt Testing.  

Click here to view pictures from the July, 2007, Senior Belt Testing. 

Click here to view pictures from the November, 2007, Lil' Dragon Belt Testing.    

Back To School, Give Your Child An Edge Up 

by Dennis Janes 8th Degree Black Belt and Master Instructor

The martial arts offer your child a unique opportunity to build real character and self esteem. By building little successes here and there, children begin to feel what it's like to be successful at something. More importantly, they are developing physical fitness and personal discipline that leads down the road of success in life. Children are challenged within their own capabilities and progress at their own rate. Once your child feels like, "Hey, I can accomplish something," then the door opens to other opportunities. The great thing about martial arts is that no one sits on the bench waiting to play! It’s an individual activity with personal benefits like having the ability to take care of yourself, build a positive attitude and self discipline.

I believe in the martial arts because it’s more than punching and kicking. It’s about developing children into solid characters by learning how to use your mental strategies for long and short-term planning. Boys and girls that don’t play sports just don’t get the use of strategizing from any other activity. In the global society that we live in today, where our families might one day live in Europe, South America, Asia or some other part of the world, it’s important to learn how to think strategically in the business world as well as in life.

During the It’s Better In Mentor Festival on September 21, 22 and 23, there will be many martial arts schools and demonstrations available for you to see. Please come and see what your child can achieve. Stop by the Karate Institute booth to talk with our instructors, students and parents. For additional information contact the Karate Institute, 7667 Mentor Ave., Suite 101 (Lower Level), in the Mentor City Center Plaza. Phone 440-951-0463. Web. www.MentorKarate.com.

Dojo Clean Up Week   

We would like to extend a Huge Thank You to all who came out to help maintain the dojo during our shut-down week!  You'll see lots of cosmetic and structural upgrades to the school. We scrubbed, removed, replaced, added and updated many items.   Some of the projects are on going so be patient and keep your eyes peeled.  It was a lot of hard work and we appreciate everyone's dedication and support to the school.  Here are some pictures of the crew hard at work!

Fourth of July Parade at Mentor Headlands   

It was a beautiful summer day as thousands of people lined the parade route waving the American flags. The smell of backyard barbecue filled the air.  Such was the scene along the Mentor Headlands Fourth of July parade route.  Students and families of the Karate Institute participated in the parade, passed out goodies and entertained the folks with impromptu martial arts routines.  We saved the best for the end as we performed in front of the panel of judges.  Our efforts were rewarded with three first place trophies:  Best Marching Group, Best Street Car (brand-new convertible Eclipse lent to us by Mitsubishi), and the biggie - the Grand Marshall's Trophy - Best of Show.   Thank you so much to all who participated - we had a very impressive showing and it was a great start to the July Fourth celebration!

Team KIXXX at the 2007 Bluegrass National Competition  

Team KIXXX made its first appearance as a Competition Demo Team on the National competitive stage this June at the 2007 Bluegrass National Championship, a 5A-NASKA event held in Louisville, KY.   The team wowed the crowd with its fresh, young energy and was rewarded with an impressive 4th place finish behind three nationally-known teams (K.I.C.K. Team, Team ETS, and TEAM AKA).  There was certainly a sense of  "Who ARE they?" and "Where did they COME from?" atmosphere in the house while they were performing.  Team members Nicole Hopsecger, Eric Janes, and Tyler Powell also competed individually and were finalists in several events.  All results are listed in the Sportsmartialarts site.  You may have to search around for them a bit but they are there.  You can also watch the team's winning performance at our youtube channel, or look at our photo album from the trip. GREAT JOB TEAM!!

Sensei Dennis - Grandmaster of the year   

Sensei Dennis attended the 2007 World Head of Family Sokeship Council gathering in Orlando, FL, during the Memorial Day Weekend.  He was recognized with the prestigious International Hall of Fame - Kajukenpo Grandmaster of the Year Award from the Council of his peers.  Pictured with Sensei Dennis are Soke Ron Balas from Tai Shin Doh, and General Alexander Retuinskih.  General Retuinskih is in charge of Martial Arts training for the Russian military forces (ROSS).  Please congratulate Sensei Dennis on this well-deserve honor.