INSTRUCTORS:
Chief - Sensei Patrice Vander Veen, 4th Dan
Asst. - Sensei Hillary Vander Veen, Nidan
Asst. – Sensei Aaron Vande Steeg, Shodan
Asst. – Sensei Joshua Horsman, Shodan
Asst. - Sensei Carsen Roen, Shodan
Asst. - Sensei Katelyn St. Onge, Shodan
CLASS SCHEDULES:
Shoto’s Cubs – Ages 3 thru 6 year
5:45 pm to 6:30 pm – Tuesday
Beginners Classes – Ages 6 thru Adult
White Belt thru Blue Belt
6:30 pm to 7:30 pm – Tuesdays
6:00 pm to 7:30 pm – Thursdays
Advanced Classes – Ages 8 thru Adult
Blue Belt thru Black Belt
6:30 pm to 8:30 pm – Tuesdays
6:00 pm to 8:30 pm – Thursdays
(Age and maturity level will determine transfer into advanced class.)
HUTCHINSON SHOTOKAN KARATE CLUB:
The Hutchinson Karate Club was formed in November of 1984 by Mr. Alan Morland. Sensei Morland came to us from the Winsted Karate Club to teach us the art of Shotokan Karate. In 1985, Mr. Morland left Hutchinson.
In April of 1985, Mr. Stuart Giere took over as Chief Instructor of the Hutchinson Karate Club. Sensei Giere holds the rank of 4th Dan (4th degree black belt).
Sensei Patrice Vander Veen began training in January 1990 and presently holds the rank of 4th Dan. In the fall of 1993, she took over instruction of the beginners’ class along with Sensei Jared Vander Veen. In March of 1996, Sensei Patrice Vander Veen was appointed to the position of Chief Instructor.
SHOTOKAN KARATE:
Gichin Funakoshi, an Okinawan martial artist, developed Shotokan Karate as a form of self-defense in the late 1800's. He taught it, lived its principles, and raised it to acceptance at several Japanese universities.
Master Funakoshi made the statement, “There is no first strike in karate.” Shotokan karate is taught for self-defense, not aggression. We repeat the following five statements in class as rules of behavior in karate:
SEEK PERFECTION OF CHARACTER
BE FAITHFUL
ENDEAVOR
RESPECT OTHERS
REFRAIN FROM VIOLENT BEHAVIOR
The study of karate provides wonderful physical benefits. Three weekly workouts provide physical conditioning, the ability to control the body in various circumstances, and mastery of self by pushing beyond what formerly appeared to be insurmountable obstacles.
All karate students, but especially the young people, make gains in the ability to concentrate, to remain attentive during the entire session, and to endure calmly, well beyond the point that would formerly have caused great distress or even panic. The increased calmness and self-confidence in many of our young students is reason in itself for karate study. Tournaments and periodic testing for advancement in rank provide opportunity to try oneself against peers or the pressure of an examining board.
