AMA Dojo | Jefferson City Karate Martial Arts | Missouri | MO - Latest Blog Entries

2009 Diamond Nationals

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 18:15:00 -0500

It has been long time since we have had an adult go all the way to “World Champion Ships.” The night before the big tournament the nerves set in and we find a room to work out in. The Ro Kyu begins to work out some the nervousness and settle down. The next mornin the nervousness is back and it brings some friends the butterflies. After several trips to the bathroom Its time to put on the line.

Ya gota love how well the Diamonds National Karate Tournament is ran. Divisions ran on time and you are in out in a couple of hours. The Judges seem to all be on the same page when came to the new rules, unlike the Battle of Atlanta, The new rule that seems to be throwing everyone is *Maximum Deviation Rule* In the Battle of Atlanta the Judges conferred and all gave the same score for example: 8.77 / 8.77 /8.77. This was very upsetting to the old school coaches and competitors. Judges should score according to who they believe has the most consistent / strongest forms in their area of expertise., not conference and decide together who the winner is. Competition should be judged not conferred.

The *Maximum Deviation Rule* was cleared up at the Diamond Nationals; it is rule that keeps the score variance with in the same range and it is up to the center judge to make sure that variance is consistent. Example: 8.77 /8.81 /8.80 this score were all in the mid 8s and no one gave 9.88 as score. This is something that is pretty much already done but the center now has the right to say to “High” The Center Judge can call max score example 8.90.

The Center Judge we had was motivating and consistent and made sure the other judges did the same. He ran tight ring and kept things moving right along. My hat off to him on his ability to run a great ring.

The AMA Dojo of Jefferson City Missouri once again puts it on the line at the Diamond Nationals. Competition was fierce and Barbra King takes the following honors:

1^st Weapons : 1^st in Kata /Forms : 3^rd in Kumite/ Sparring.

Congratulations Ro Kyu!

(Click Here for Photos)

Jefferson City October YMCA 2009 Karate Tournament

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 13:00:00 -0500

As always, it’s great to attend local tournament and to see all the area local schools show up and put it on the line. It’s nice to see old friends and to make new ones. Over all the competition was little smaller this year but there seem to be more schools in general. Things ran smoothly and without hitch and we were out there early which is always nice. I would like to say congratulations to all those who took honors home from the Jefferson City YMCA and to say, “Good Job everyone!”

We look forward to the Jefferson City’s YMCA March 2010 Karate Tournament.

(Click Here for Photos)

Back to Basics

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 15:20:00 -0500

As the higher ranks take their place in the Dojo, a new generation steps up as their predesors before them, sloppy stances not knowing right form left really not sure about the whole Karate thing and the crazy sensei that runs around all the time.

It has been a privilege to watch the first generation grow, learn and to become some the best Martial Artists in the U.S. These young ladies and gentlemen are now learning to how teach the next generation and that it aint so easy. I have to laugh, because they were new students once and just as hard to teach.

Living, Learning and moving on. There it is the full circle of life.

Columbia Cup Open Karate Tournament 2009

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 14:58:00 -0500

Its kinda crazy how things work out the National Karate Circuit seems to be struggling and the Regional or local Karate tournaments are booming. The competition was pretty tough and it was great to see the Springfield crew come down. Special thanks to all the AMA Dojo students that supported the Columbia Cup! Its nice not to have to drive several hours to Karate Tournament.

It was nice to see the locals putting it on the line and to be good at it. What a great day! Mid Missouri dose indeed have some the best Martial Artists in the U.S.

Congratz to all those who went home with honors !

(Click Here for Photos)

Battle of Atlanta 2009

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 14:30:00 -0500

It’s been a rough year for the national Karate circuit this year, with the economy the way that it is. The National tournaments have been smaller and in return the tournament promoters have had cut back on their budget. The hard core competitors, faithful to their compassion to compete continue to attend the National Karate circuit.

The AMA Dojo of Jefferson City had two compete at the Battle of Atlanta this year with a runner up for grand champion under black belt. I could not be more proud of these two. They have worked very hard to continue their journey on the national circuit. There is a twist this year though, we have an adult who has climbed the Latter to reach the “World Championships” We will soon see.

The competition was fair for the most part at the Battle of Atlanta, however some new adjustments to the rules caused some confusion and disappointment. In these tough times it is better to keep the standard with your hard core competitors.

(Click Here for Photos)

Gearing up in Atlanta

Fri, 24 Jul 2009 14:49:00 -0500

It’s the day before the Battle of Atlanta National Karate Tournament. Working with the team so they will be ready to rock and roll for tomorrow. Things are coming together and they are ready to take the National Tournament head on. We will have to see what happens tomorrow. For now we will take in the sights of Atlanta, wow what big city! Crazy traffic and streets, beautiful buildings and lots and lots people.

Heritage Fest 2009

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 17:58:00 -0500


The Jefferson City’s Heritage Fest /Juneteenth Fest was great time for everyone. The Food was awesome and we met some wonderful people. Special thanks from the AMA Dojo for allowing us to join in their holiday celebration. (Click Here for Photos)

Kids Fest DownTown Jefferson City

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 17:43:00 -0500

AMA Dojo Jumps into Kids Fest
As the Art of Martial Arts National Team was competing in Kentucky, the AMA Dojo jumped into the Jefferson City’s Kids Fest doing two demonstrations. Special Thanks to the students who participated, their parents and Sempai Bobbit. The Demos ran smoothly and several new students got their feet wet in doing demonstrations. Great job guys and gals!	(Click Here for Photos)

Kentucky Blue Grass Open National Karate Tournament 2009

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 17:36:00 -0500

The AMA Dojo Takes Honors in Kentucky
It is always pleasure to attend the Blue Grass Nationals, even in tough times. The tournament was bit smaller than usual but the kids divisions were huge. Four out of the six competitors of Jefferson City’s AMA Dojo kids qualified for Battle of Atlanta GA this year along with one of our adult students. As always the AMA Dojo takes its competition head but always with the up most respect and honor. The students made their statements inside the ring as well as outside the ring. The AMA Dojo leads by example. We strive to be one of the best national teams in the United States.	Along the way we have met some great people along with some great Martial Artists. The AMA Dojo always looks forward to meeting these wonderful people. We look forward to seeing our friends in Atlanta soon.

Missouri Makes Huge Impact on the 2008 National Karate Circuit (NASKA)

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 11:48:00 -0500

The blessings of life lie before us in the shadow of our future generations.

Soke Stacy Huffman, Sensei

To compete in martial arts at the national level requires the unyielding dedication of a student’s heart and mind. The six students of the Okinawan Warriors Nationals Team from Art of Martial Arts in Jefferson City, Missouri learn many lessons about life while preparing for the national tournament season. These students have set their goals above the standard bar and strive to prefect their skills by practicing an additional 6 to 8 hours a week above their normal training schedule. Their hard work has paid off, and they are now considered among some of the best martial artists in the United States.

2008 National Ratings:

Youth 12-13 Boys BEG.

Dyllon Maddox 2^nd Sparring / 1^st Forms / 3^rd Weapons

Justin Berry 3^rd Sparring / 3^rd Forms / 4^th Weapons

Youth 12-13 Boys INT.

Justice Richards 1^st Sparring / 2^nd Forms / 2^nd Weapons

John Richards 2^nd Sparring / 6^th Forms / 6^th Weapons

Bryson Clark 4^th Sparring / 5^th Forms / 5^th Weapons

Youth 12-13 Girls INT.

Ashlie Emerson 1^st Sparring / 3^rd Forms / 7^th Weapons

On June 11, 2009 six of these students were honored and received awards from National American Sports Karate Association (NASKA) in Kentucky as six of the top 10 Martial Artists in the United States in 2008.

***The team will also be competing on the national circuit for the 2009 tournament season. In addition to their training in karate, the Okinawan Warriors are also very involved with their community often dedicating their time to help those in need.

These students have taken to heart the life lessons that martial arts has to offer by believing in themselves as well as those around them to find success in their future.

(Click Here For Photos)

Jefferson City’s AMA Dojo makes a splash at the St. Louis Silver Sun Showdown!

Mon, 25 May 2009 15:57:00 -0500

The AMA Dojo makes a great impression at the St. Louis Silver Sun Showdown with many of the AMA Dojo’s Students capturing several honors including under Black Belt Grand Champion and 1^st Place in Team Kata (Forms).

This was also a trial for Jefferson City’s Japanese Fan Students. It was the first time that these students had competed on the open Karate circuit. The Japanese Fan Students have worked hard the past few months and have just recently tested. I would like to say congratulations to all the new Kyu Ranks and to all the Students who earned Honors at the Silver Sun Showdown.

Special Thanks to Sempai Hawes for his help on deck.

It was awesome to see the AMA Dojo Students turn it up a notch for competition. They were one Fire!

(Click Here for Photos)

GREAT JOB EVERYONE!

Soke Stacy J. Huffman, Sensei

A Great Night of Sharing at AMA Dojo East

Sat, 09 May 2009 10:00:00 -0500

A special welcome and thanks to the Shorin-Kempo and Sensei Woods along with his student Stephanie.

It is always great to work out with other Dojos, unseen doors always seem to open when two schools come together to train. As always, our doors are always open to any and all Marital Arts who share in our compassion of Martial Arts.

We at the AMA Dojo look forward to seeing Sensei Woods and Stephanie again.

Soke Stacy J. Huffman, Sensei

Finding Enlightenment through the Dojo

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 02:58:00 -0500

Finding the path of enlightenment through the riches of compassion, friendship and the support of the community is well demonstrated by Jefferson City’s AMA Dojo.

Two things that brings this into light is our AMA’s Dojo Day and our AMA’s Ninja Night. It is a time that past and present students come together to show their wonderful support for the Dojo. Dojo Day is great time when students come to the Dojo and show it respect by cleaning and doing general maintenance. It is time when East students meet our West students. It is truly a great time for everyone and we of course cannot forget the famous AMA Dojo Hot Dog Lunch!

Ninja Night was a great time for everyone and great fundraiser for the dojo. The kids had a blast and the junior instructors did an awesome job with the kids! As time passes students become stronger and stronger and they learn that their persistence is paying off and that learning is a never ending process. As the next generation steps up to the line and takes their place in the dojo, we build brighter a future for our future generations.

I would for one would like to thank everyone who helped and supported our Dojo on such great events. It makes me beem with pride in knowing that even the little things that we do can make a difference in lives of those around us.

Thank You everyone and great job!

Soke Stacy Huffman, Sensei

MMASC Annual Awards Banquet / MO Nationals Open Karate Championships

Tue, 03 Mar 2009 00:29:00 -0600

It was a privilege and honor to be a guest of Master Osborn and the MMASC organization The AMA Dojo thoroughly enjoyed the banquet. The family atmosphere along with comradely made for a great night. The AMA Dojo Fan Girls along with other MMASC members did a series of demos in which all received standing ovations.

The MMBAC Tournament started on time even with a winter storm moving in. It was well put together and for the most part it was well organized. It was great to have a ring assignments sheet issued at the start of the Tournament and the greatest thing about it was the sheet was right!

The AMA Dojo put it on the line at the MO Nationals Open Karate Championships. It was a good experience for our National Team. The competition was good and the judging was fair for the most part. It is always hard to have someone new come into ones house. We look forward to next years MO Nationals Open Karate Championships. We look forward to the comradely and the great competition.

AMA Dojo Placements:

Name	Rank	Kata	Sparring	Weapons
Kyle Emerson	Int	8th	8th	8th
Ashlie Emerson	Int	1st	2nd	1st
Justice Richards	Adv	2nd	2nd	3rd
John Richards	Int	7th	2nd	7th
Rylei Clark	Beg	5th	H/M	1st
Bryson Clark	Int	3rd	4th	6th
Dyllon Maddox	Beg	1st	3rd	2nd
Bradley Malone	Int	5th	6th	5th
Camden Riley	Int	2nd	8th	8th
Jacqueline Riley	Int	2nd	1st	8th
Kimme Taff	Int	5th	6th	5th
Daniel Komo	Int	4th	4th	N/A
Dan Komo	Beg Adult	5th	N/A	3rd
GrandChampions
Rylei Clark Beg
Ashlie Emerson Int

(Click Here for Photos)

2009 Tournament Session Starts Early

Wed, 28 Jan 2009 08:08:00 -0600

As we are wrapping up the holiday session only to start preparing for the 2009 tournament session. Our National Japanese Fan Team will be doing a Demo for the MMBA Banquette at the end of February in Springfield MO and so marks the begging of 2009 Tournament Session.

The second generation steps up to join in the quest for their spot on the National Circuit this year. It will take hard work and dedication. In 2008 six of our students took that challenge and ran with it traveling all over the United States and thus ranking them in the top 10 Martial Artists in the United States for their divisions.

As the AMA Dojo of Jefferson City continues to grow we are proud to support and help those who wish chase after their dreams of becoming one of the best Martial Artists in the United States.

AMA Dojo Pizza Party 2008

Tue, 16 Dec 2008 02:44:00 -0600

As the AMA Dojo grows and we try to accommodate our numbers, only to find ourselves again over whelmed. This is not bad thing. This is a great thing! It once again shows that Traditional Karate is coming back strong in Jefferson City Missouri. I can only shake my head, it looks like we will be having two pizza parties next year.

What an awesome weekend! Games and prizes and just all round good fun for everyone. Congratulations to the Push-Up King and Queen of 2008. As we count our Blessings this wonderful Holiday session. We should always be willing to share those blessings with those around us. Good Karma is a good thing =)

The AMA Dojo looks forward to 2009 and its new adventures. Happy Holidays everyone!

(Click Here for Photos)

Have a Happy and Safe Holiday Session!

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 12:10:00 -0600

The AMA Dojo would like to wish everyone Happy Holidays! It is the time of year where we visit with family and friends from a far. It is time when we count our blessings form the past year. The AMA Dojo is proud to include many new people into our family this past year and we look forward to next year’s new adventures.

New Jersey AmeriKick International Championships Disaster

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 11:39:00 -0600

The AMA Dojo has attended Regional, Nationals and Internationals all over the United States. The AmerKick is by far the worse run Martial Arts Tournament we have ever been too.

Where to start? The paper schedule that was issued to competitors on Friday night caused mass confusion on ring assignments and times. When a clarification of the schedule was presented to the ring judges each had different answers. This in return caused competitors to miss their divisions. Other Dojos and Martial Arts schools like us that have traveled thousands of miles and paid their fees to compete lost their chance to compete. Needless to say there was a lot of upset parents, competitors and national team coaches to the point where several were escorted off the floor by security.

The issued schedule once again caused mass confusion on Saturday’s events. Unknown to many International competitors the AmeriKick Marital Arts were going to run a “Closed Tournament” (This means that only AmeriKick Students could compete) with in the International Tournament. This in return caused even more mass confusion. Ring assignments were moved around and over lapped. This means that competitors where to be in two places at once again causing them to miss their chance to compete in one or more divisions.

In respect to the judges they were great people they were very very patient dealing with very very upset parents, national team coaches and competitors.

In closing my heart goes out to those who wasted their time and money to attend this tournament to compete and found themselves missing their divisions and/or finding themselves without any competition. Rest assured the AMA Dojo will not be attending any more AmeriKick sponsored regional, National or International Marital Arts Tournaments.

The AMA Dojo Held its own at the tournament and we got to see the board walk, so it was not a complete waste of time.

(Click Here for photos)

Jefferson City Harvest Fest 2008

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 15:51:00 -0500

What a beautiful fall day! The Demos were awesome and everyone seem to have a good time. Special thanks to the Adult Japanese Fan Class and to the GoShinKan Kids and Adults. Great Job!

This being the last demo of the year, we have a lot to reflect on and learn from. It has been a totally awesome year for us at the AMA Dojo. We have had a really good year with the AMA Dojo’s National Karate Team.

As we grow, we should always remember how we started out and keep the standards that have allowed us to be successful. Tradition, Honor and Respect is the back bone of what we do and lays the ground work for the next generation.

I would like to thank all the Students, Moms and Dads that have given the dojo their precious time to help with demos and events it is because of your generosity that we continue to thrive.

Thanks,

Soke Stacy J. Huffman

(Click Here for Photos)

2008 Diamond National World Championships.

Tue, 14 Oct 2008 02:10:00 -0500

The AMA Dojo National Team wraps up the National Session with 6 National / World Champions. There still remains one tournament left and only one AMA Student qualifies to go the Internationals in Atlantic City New Jersey in three weeks.

All I can say is “Holly Toledo” What a crazy Year. Our six kids are now considered to be some of the best Martial Artists in the United States. I would like to say good job everyone!

Congratulations Sempai Richards Sr. on your triple crown!

Now its time to rest and take everything in that we learned from tournaments and make ourselves better for next session.

(Click Here for Photos)