Upon finishing up our first full year offering programming through Orono Parks and Recreation (the Orono Community Martial Arts program) I'd like to share a few thoughts. It has been a busy and energy-filled year. I've taught a lot, learned a lot met some great kids and some super supportive parents. I never imagined running a public program could be so fun.
Logistically, Heisui Dojo continued to offer a variety of programs. We ran our small private training program with select individual students, we offered programming at Bangor High School in the form of the BHS Martial Arts Club, presented two highly attended Women's Self-Defense seminars and, of course, conducted our Orono youth program. The youth program has become our biggest draw. Over the course of Fall, Winter and Spring sessions we had full junior and senior elementary programs in every session with many of our students continuing through all three sessions.
So, what's next? Over the summer we "go dark". I'll continue to train and instruct privately, but there are no seminars, school or youth programs scheduled. We will, however, meet twice this summer for two "Karate Fun Days" - one in July and one in August. These will be afternoon sessions open to students, siblings, parents, friends and interested community members. They are free of charge and will be scheduled through Orono parks and Rec. If you are on the Parks and Rec mailing list stay tuned for an email about these days. I'll also post updates to our Facebook page (Orono Community Martial Arts) and to this blog.
In the Fall we will resume all of our regular programs with the addition of a middle/high school program in Orono for those students who have aged out of our youth programming and for those who would like to try martial arts for the first time. Adults are also welcome to attend these sessions or arrange private training. I've had little success scheduling formal adult class sessions this year, but if there is interest and enrollment to sustain adult programming I will add that into the schedule, as well.
As for me, I plan to continue my kata training and hit the makiwara a lot, find some time to train more in Systema, the Russion martial art, with local instructor Dan Colageo and join Sensei Busque, Sabunim Manlove and our other budo friends for some training if time permits. I'll also fish, hike and canoe a bit (and finish painting my house - come join me).
Enjoy the summer. Thank you for a fantastic year. And, students, practice your kata!
Logistically, Heisui Dojo continued to offer a variety of programs. We ran our small private training program with select individual students, we offered programming at Bangor High School in the form of the BHS Martial Arts Club, presented two highly attended Women's Self-Defense seminars and, of course, conducted our Orono youth program. The youth program has become our biggest draw. Over the course of Fall, Winter and Spring sessions we had full junior and senior elementary programs in every session with many of our students continuing through all three sessions.
So, what's next? Over the summer we "go dark". I'll continue to train and instruct privately, but there are no seminars, school or youth programs scheduled. We will, however, meet twice this summer for two "Karate Fun Days" - one in July and one in August. These will be afternoon sessions open to students, siblings, parents, friends and interested community members. They are free of charge and will be scheduled through Orono parks and Rec. If you are on the Parks and Rec mailing list stay tuned for an email about these days. I'll also post updates to our Facebook page (Orono Community Martial Arts) and to this blog.
In the Fall we will resume all of our regular programs with the addition of a middle/high school program in Orono for those students who have aged out of our youth programming and for those who would like to try martial arts for the first time. Adults are also welcome to attend these sessions or arrange private training. I've had little success scheduling formal adult class sessions this year, but if there is interest and enrollment to sustain adult programming I will add that into the schedule, as well.
As for me, I plan to continue my kata training and hit the makiwara a lot, find some time to train more in Systema, the Russion martial art, with local instructor Dan Colageo and join Sensei Busque, Sabunim Manlove and our other budo friends for some training if time permits. I'll also fish, hike and canoe a bit (and finish painting my house - come join me).
Enjoy the summer. Thank you for a fantastic year. And, students, practice your kata!