Shoka Magazine March 2024

Marty Callahan

8th Degree Black Belt

An Observation

March 1, 2024

Sensei Reece and myself spent 6 weeks teaching classes at Madrone Elementary School last fall with an emphasis on teaching self-discipline and self-control The administration, teachers, parents, and students loved it and so did we. The kids in grades 1 to 4 and mostly grade 5 were a joy to teach but the kids in grade 6... not so much. They had begun their rebellious stage in life. They were rebelling not because they were bad kids but because they were in the early stages of separating themselves from their parents. As rebellious as they were, they were the ones who needed our training the most. It takes a lot more time and patience to reach kids who have begun to rebel. If you can get through to them, you have the opportunity to truly change their lives, but that’s a big IF. We’ve worked with thousands of young people of all ages so it’s not a problem for us but our recommendation is that you start your child young and keep them on the path.

Welcome to our new and returning students: Alaia Hernandez, Christian Hernandez, Kendal Reece, Analeigh Nelson, Maya Ibarra, Sophia Gleason, Alexis Cambigue, Estaban and Alan Barrera, Brian Alderman, Everett Weigand, Manuel Astacio, Tamiko Powell, Hudson Shaw, Isaih Flores, Andrei Cherin, Lexani Goodwin, Yariel Baltazar, Phillip Addor, Alani Irish

Here’s what’s on the calendar for spring right now:

• March 17 – St. Paddy’s Day

• Fri. & Sat. April 12-13: Return of Sensei Kevin Warner + Black Belt Exam + Tournament

• Sat. April 13: Spring 2024 Santa Rosa Invitational Karate Tournament

• Mon. & Tues. April 15-16: Instructional Period 2 Performance Exams in class

• Sat. April 20: Spring 2024 Award Ceremony at the Finley Center

Here’s what’s in it this month’s Shoka Magazine:

• Return of Sensei Kevin Warner

• Spring 2024 Santa Rosa Invitational Karate Tournament

• Spring 2024 Award Ceremony 6p Saturday, April 20th Finley Community Center

• Captain Class

• What others have to say about us!

Yours truly,

Marty Callahan, Chief Instructor, 8th Degree Black Belt, Speaker, Award Winning Author of

The Hero’s Journey Act I – The Separation

SHOTOKAN KARATE LEADERSHIP SCHOOL®

The Return of Sensei Kevin Warner 7th Degree Black Belt!

We are excited to announce the return of Instructor Extraordinaire, Sensei Kevin Warner, on Friday, April 12th and Saturday, April 13th. Sensei Warner is a former international competitor and a member of the Advisory Committee of Shotokan International Alliance He will be here to teach classes, give a Black Belt Exam and assist us in presenting our Spring 2024 Santa Rosa Invitational Karate Tournament. He’s an extraordinary instructor and his classes are in high demand. Please sign up in advance. You don’t want to miss this.

Friday, April 12th

5p Shoka / BBSL All Ranks & All Ages

6p All Brown and Black Belts, All Ages

7p Black Belt Exam

Saturday, April 13th

9a Shoka / BBSL All Ranks Age 7 and up

10a All White, Yellow and Orange Belts, All Ages

10:30a to 12:30p Santa Rosa Invitational Karate Tournament

Spring 2024 Santa Rosa Invitational Karate Tournament

Location: Shotokan Karate Leadership School®

Date & Time: 10:30a Saturday, April 13th

Spring 2024 Award Ceremony

Location: Finley Community Center

Date & Time: 6p Saturday, April 20th

Marty Callahan

8th Degree Black Belt

Great Teams Rely on the Character of the Player Who Leads It!

“The most crucial ingredient in a team that achieves and sustains historic greatness is the character of the player who leads it.”

-Sam Walker, author of ‘The Captain Class’

The best teams rely on the CHARACTER OF THE PLAYER who leads it. They don’t rely on a once in a lifetime elite player; they don’t rely on a brilliant coach; and they don’t rely on an astute front office. What they do rely on is the STRENGTH OF CHARACTER OF THE PLAYER who is on the field.

What makes a great captain?

1. They were extremely resilient.

2. They play to the limits of the rules.

3. They do thankless jobs.

4. They communicate clearly with all members of their team.

5. They motivate through nonverbal displays.

6. They have strong convictions & aren’t afraid to be different.

7. They have total control of their emotions.

Sincerely,

Marty Callahan, 8th Degree Black Belt Chief Instructor, Author

To Sensei Callahan

“I remember training with you and Leo back in the late 70s, a different time, hard to imagine we would still be doing this 45 years later, but here we are, not sure if I would still be on this earth without the people and discipline I found at the dojo. We were so fortunate to have the instructors we did!”

Glenn Ross, former student from and still training in Riverside, CA

“Wow, Glenn, you are so right. We had the best Sensei’s and the best training in the world.” Leo Shortle, former student from and still training in Riverside, CA

What others have to say about us!

My son acted out at school and daycare so much it was problematic. We needed to find a positive outlet for his energy as well as something that would build his character. My wife suggested karate so we looked around and found Shotokan. Marty welcomed my family in and really explained the dynamics of the program and made us at ease. Since joining several months ago the school has greatly improved my children’s lives in and out of school and daycare. This is a top notch school for character development and martial arts. Highly recommended!!!

- Joshua Feagin

My family and I love training at Shotokan Leadership School. At first, we enrolled our 4 year old son but after a year, my husband and and I and our 4 year old daughter enrolled too! Now our son is 6 and almost a purple belt and has become so much more disciplined!! We are all learning more self-control, getting exercise 3 times a week and are part of a much larger family. I never knew I was capable of such a thing and now I’m so committed! Our goal is for all of us to receive our black belt!! -

Jennifer Fitzgerald

This place is awesome! They took my daughter in just before she turned 3 years old. She was still learning to talk and figure out how her body works and how strong she actually is. I wasn't sure if she would be able to do it but I was surprised at how much she liked it. They were really patient with her and took time to make sure she was actually progressing and doing the moves correctly This place is really cool and you can tell they really care about their students. I will definitely recommend them to any parent, or even grandparents to treat there little grandkids

- Blake Almira

This is a school that happens to teach Karate! Here your child will transform into a Confident, Competent, Self-Disciplined, Respectful young adult ready for college and success in any future endeavor! This school is in the top 1% in the USA with decades of experience. Don't waste time anywhere else - Family Martial Arts Hudson

My now 14 year old son has been going to Shotokan for going on 2 years now. I have sat in for many of the classes and the teachers are all phenomenal! They do an excellent job teaching the kids both technical and soft skills that they don’t always get a chance to learn in typical educational settings. I’ve seen my son bloom and develop, in his karate practice and gain so much confidence overall as a person since he started. I look forward to seeing his continued growth as he works towards his goals - Tabitha Crystal

My son has been going here for 3 years now he had major behavioral issues and impulse control issues. Ever since we enrolled him in the school and the leadership program he's improved immensely. He's more focused, he's excelling in school, and home behavior and attitude is 10 times better. Sensei Callahan is firm but still makes it fun for the kids. Highly recommend this Karate School for kids of any age, especially the ones who have has any kind of social issues. -

Kristie Staffanou