2008 Millennium Tournament   

This year's Millennium Tournament was held over two days, May 3 and 4, 2008, and was sanctioned by the Professional Karate Commission. Even with the 200+ competitors, many coming from PA and NY, the tournament proceeded very smoothly and quickly.  The Karate Institute's Team KIXXX won the Best Demonstration Team Award and the impromptu KI Sparring Team won 1st place in the Team Sparring Division.  For pictures from the event, go to Gallery/Tournament/2008 Millennium PKC or click here.  

Karate Institute Demo at the 2008 KidShow   

The Karate Institute outshined again at the 2008 KidShow this weekend.  The Demo Team dazzled the crowd on Saturday and Sunday, garnering compliments, kudos, and recognition from mall goers, teachers, and organizers alike.  The show consisted of high-energy displays of self-defense, weapons, forms and included everyone from the adorable Lil' Dragons to the "more seasoned" adults.  Of note were the Matrix - Rise of Neo skit, and the exciting finale from Team KIXXX.  The KI Booth also won 2nd Place for Creativity of Display with our torri gate and face painting.  Thank you to everyone for supporting the event and helping out where you're needed.  You're what makes our school special!  For lots of pictures, click here.

Congratulations, Mentor Science Olympians!    

The Karate Institute is very excited  that all three Mentor Junior High Schools, along with Mentor High School, have made it to the State level of the 2008 Science Olympiad - again (second year in a row)!  We feel especially proud of these kids as three members of the Ridge Junior High team are current Black Belts of the Karate Institute:  Joey Erxleben, Max Fujs, and Tyler Powell. In addition, some of our KI parents played key roles in the success of these teams as they acted as event coaches and supported the team in so many ways.  These students are prime examples of what we have always known at the Karate Institute -

New Classes Offered    

The Karate Institute is proud to continue to offer a variety of classes to enhance its curriculum.  Ground Grappling, Tai Chi, Tai Chi with weapons and Bagua are just a few of the exciting courses on the schedule.

The beautiful and ancient art of Tai Chi, taught by Dave Flugum, has been a big hit with adults in and out of the dojo alike.  Designed to build strong muscles and bones in a low-impact, non-aerobic manner, Tai Chi also enhances balance and flexibility.  Mr. Flugum is a 30+ years practitioner and teacher of the Oriental Internal Arts of TaiChi Chuan and PaKua Chuan. He is so knowledgeable in all aspects of the martial arts that he will not only create enthusiasm in new students but also challenge the seasoned martial arts practitioners.  This curriculum is taught in 6-week sessions on Mondays and Fridays.  (Tai Chi information flyer)

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!

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!!