From all of us at Orange County School of Martial Arts | OCKicks - Happy Father's Day!  We hope you all had fun in class yesterday with your kids during our specially themed "surf" session!  We're looking forward to you joining us July 31st for the Surf Ninja! picnic at the beach.

And now an tribute to...

THE BEST DAD I KNOW...
Not to brag but, uh, I'm probably the best dad I know, and that includes my own dad.  He got so mad at when I told him that...

Enjoy your light jazz fm radio this Father's Day :)

Please join me in congratulating Mr. Michael Torchia for reaching 4th Dan in Tang Soo Do at the Ko Dan Ja Shim Sa held in Fayettevelle, NC last week.  The San Kil Tang Soo Do Ko Dan Ja Shim Sa is a grueling 4-day process that includes 12-hour training days, teaching evaluations, and extensive written, oral and physical examinations. Most importantly it's a test of leadership and character that ignites a fire within and challanges one to become a better instructor and role model.  The Shim Sa was administered by Kwan Jang Nim David Sgro with assistance from Kwan Jang Nim Steven Voelker and Sa Bom Nims Garth Charland and Jeff Galvin.  As a result of his performance at the Shim Sa Mr. Torchia was awarded a 4th Dan and Sa Bom (Master Instructor) certification.  Also promoting at this spring's Shim Sa were Sa Bom Nim Nick Coffman (5th Dan), Keith Beardsley, Phil Lawton, Ginnie Pajak, & Brian Nutter (all 4th Dan, Sa Bom).

Sa Bom Nim Torchia began his training along side me at the age of 6 in New London, CT.  We each tested and passed our Dan Shim Sa (black belt test) in 1991 shortly after Mike celebrated his 10th birthday.  I recall how impressed all of us were with his strength and determination at such an early age; something his father (a US Army Green Beret) had no doubt instilled in him.  He and I tested side-by-side for both 2nd and 3rd Dan tests.  I've watched him grow into the strong man and fine role model he is today.  I'm extremely proud of his most recent accomplishment and I look forward to continuing our training together for many years to come.
 
Congratulations Sa Bom Nim Torchia!

There's more new COLOR in the school! We are pleased to announce the promotion of 19 Tang Soo Do students who left it all on the floor during two 2-hr tests yesterday.  We graduated two our our Team Turtle Students, Alex H. and Cole B., into the Jr Kicks program.  They rocked the house with their Team Turtle forms demonstration!  In addition, one student was recognized for standing out among his peers and really impressing the instructors with his fantastic stances and knowledge. Noah J. shined and is our newest OCKicks MVP!  Way to go Noah!

Check out what the OC Register has to say about the Karate Kid EXPERIENCE at http://www.ocregister.com/news/karate-251473-kid-martial.html.  Join us June 12th for a private screening at 9:30am and receive VIP treatment at the EXPERIENCE.  Visit www.RSMKarateKid.com for complete details!

Shi Sun (시선): Attention or “sight/line.” Line of Sight (physical); Focus (mental) &  Intentness (spirit).

The underlying theme of many of our classes in May was Shi Shun. You should recall your instructors asking you to improve your focus in class.  In the upcoming movie, the Karate Kid, Mr. Han tells young Dre that "your focus needs more focus!"  Where you focus your visual attention (shi sun) communicates many things.  Shi Sun is the terminology we use for eye focus but Shi Sun is more than that.  Shi Sun demonstrates your mental focus, intensity and commitment.  If the eyes are the windows to the soul then Shi Sun reflects your level of confidence, courage and centeredness.  Shi Sun reflects your inner dedication and focus to staying on target.  When you visualize conquering a challenge or overcome a hardship you are actively engaging Shi Sun.