Sempai Riane Goddard Instructs at CCHS Karate!

Osu!

It was with great pride that I was able to offer a karate/jiu jitsu class instructed by a pair of incredibly talented martial artists who just so happen to be related...Sensei John Goddard and his daughter Sempai Riane Goddard were guest instructors last night at our monthly Brazilian Jiu Jitsu class.

Sempai Goddard, home from college on her spring break, took time out of her busy schedule to offer some of her knowledge and experience to our club. It's always a wonderful thing for any student to see that a black belt is not just something that men can achieve. Sempai Goddard has had her black belt for a few years now and has proven to be one of the most technically sound female black belts at MKA.

Overall, last night's class was a huge success. After the strong Kyokushin warmup, we got started with Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Not only did Sensei Goddard offer new and amazing escapes and submissions, but he had a lot of help from one of CCHS Karate's original students in David Daniels. We at the CCHS Karate Club are blessed to have a student as dedicated as David is. Even though David is only a green belt, he offers a vast amount of knowledge and even more spirit to each class. He was the recipient of the "Sensei Award" at last year's senior day assembly. Along with David, Dan Blackwell received the "Sensei Award" and continues to practice Kyokushin Karate while away at college in St. Louis. Dan actually came to class to train and help out last night since he too is home on spring break.

I am very proud of all of my students and I hope that the spirit of CCHS Karate will keep getting stronger and stronger over the years. Several students just tested for blue belt and a few more may test for yellow and green belt over the next few months. I am truly blessed to have such an amazing dojo!

Osu!

Sensei

AIKA Tournament 2010

Osu!

I'm both proud and excited to report that the CCHS Karate Club traveled to New Bedford, MA on Sunday, February 7th and we were extremely successful! Seven students competed in both fighting and forms divisions and were awarded ten trophies and medals! There were over 140 competitors at the Almeida International Karate Association's Invitational Tournament and these talented young karateka fought their way through their divisions showing true grit and confidence. The CCHS Karate Club competed with honor and were awarded accordingly!



Luckily we had the opportunity to perform in front of Hanshi Larry Giordano. He was incredibly supportive and proud of our group as well! I can't say enough about the support and help that Hanshi Giordano and many of the MKA black belts has given us. We wouldn't be where we are today without them!



Osu!

Sensei

CCHS Jiu Jitsu 2010

Osu!

The CCHS Karate Club has been lucky enough to hold a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu class in January with one of the foremost apprentice instructors of the Methuen Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Club ( http://www.methuenkarate.com/dojo/BrazilianJuiJitsui.aspx ). Sensei John Goddard took time out of his busy schedule to come to Central Catholic High School in Lawrence, MA to share his vast knowledge of Jiu Jitsu, Jeet Kun Do, and MMA Grappling.

Students who participated in the class learned basic positions (guard, mount, side mount, cross body, etc.) and had the chance to learn several escape moves, counters, and submission holds. Not only did the students of the CCHS Karate Club have the opportunity to learn basic Jiu Jitsu, but they also have the chance to learn more advanced Jiu Jitsu from Sensei Goddard over the next few months.

Next week, the CCHS Karate Club will proudly welcome Sensei Bill Sherry. Sensei Sherry is a 4th degree black belt in Kyokushin Karate (Sensei Sherry and I tested for our Shodan rank together over 12 years ago) and he has advanced rank in Kenpo karate. He will bring an unbelievable amount of knowledge to the CCHS Karate Club. We will concentrate on kumite, kata, forms, and self defense next week. These aspects will come in handy since some of our students will be competing in a regional tournament in New Bedford, MA on February 7th.

Osu!

Sensei