Last edited: October 22, 2016
Student Promotions 2015
Most recent promotions.
Bukekan Karate Dojo 2015 Promotion Ceremony hosted by Walnut Trails Elementary School
My name is Wayne Thomas, but my students call me Sensei Thomas. I am both a student and a teacher of Shorin-ryu Karate and Matayoshi Kobudo, a classical weapons system of Okinawan martial arts.
Today, my students are largely elementary school aged children in grades K-8. However, as you can clearly see above, I have begun teachig an adult class! As a Sensei or teacher, I have a tremendous responsibility to help shape, nurture, and encourage these young people. In addition to teaching my students karate and kobudo, I have an opportunity to influence and develop their character. These children are our future, and some of them will become our future leaders. Each and every one of my students are important to me!
My classes focus on teaching respect, developing a positive attitude, and encouraging hard work. There are plenty of exercises to enhance both physical and mental development laced with an abundance of laughter and excitement. My goal for the students is to have fun while instilling fundamental attributes such as respect, self-discipline, and responsibility.
Our country is in serious trouble in many different areas. I have my own ideas as to what they are, and I am sure that you do too! More frightening, however, is the clear and visible lack of respect and responsibility by far too many young people in grades 6-12. It is too late for many of these youth, and it is clear that their parents have not been willing or have been unable to do the job! If you disagree with my assessment, then I challenge you to volunteer for several weeks in your local schools. To do so will be an eye opener!
Respect is and should be the foundation for all martial arts; in fact, respect should be the foundation for all of life. Unfortunately, respect is not always emphasized or even understood in either martial arts or in life.
Today, my students are largely elementary school aged children in grades K-8. However, as you can clearly see above, I have begun teachig an adult class! As a Sensei or teacher, I have a tremendous responsibility to help shape, nurture, and encourage these young people. In addition to teaching my students karate and kobudo, I have an opportunity to influence and develop their character. These children are our future, and some of them will become our future leaders. Each and every one of my students are important to me!
My classes focus on teaching respect, developing a positive attitude, and encouraging hard work. There are plenty of exercises to enhance both physical and mental development laced with an abundance of laughter and excitement. My goal for the students is to have fun while instilling fundamental attributes such as respect, self-discipline, and responsibility.
Our country is in serious trouble in many different areas. I have my own ideas as to what they are, and I am sure that you do too! More frightening, however, is the clear and visible lack of respect and responsibility by far too many young people in grades 6-12. It is too late for many of these youth, and it is clear that their parents have not been willing or have been unable to do the job! If you disagree with my assessment, then I challenge you to volunteer for several weeks in your local schools. To do so will be an eye opener!
Respect is and should be the foundation for all martial arts; in fact, respect should be the foundation for all of life. Unfortunately, respect is not always emphasized or even understood in either martial arts or in life.
Shobu - martial arts respect