Monday, October 31, 2011

Halloween

Happy Halloween Everyone!!

Today (Monday, October 31st) we will not be holding regular classes, since most of our students will be out trick or treating.

Stay safe and have fun!

Friday, October 28, 2011

Winter Weather Policy

Hard to believe the forecast is already calling for snow!

No matter how the weather plays out, it's time to remind everyone of our winter weather policy, which is dependent on Avon Grove School District (AGSD):

Bill Hammond's Martial Arts (BHMA) will be closed in the following situations
* AGSD closes prior to opening because of inclement weather
* AGSD releases students early because of inclement weather

Closings will not be reversed, regardless of possible condition improvements.

We remind everyone, this is ONLY based on inclement weather. Miscellaneous closing (such as in-service days) are not recognized.


BHMA will remain open if AGSD is only delayed because of inclement weather. However, we ask that you regularly check the gym blog, email list, and voicemail in case we make a judgement call to close.


Saturday inclement weather closings will be announced on the gym blog, email list, and voicemail.

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

T-Shirt Policy & Pre-Testing Information

T-Shirt Policy
Now that we're deep into autumn, students will once again be required to wear full uniforms. Students are not allowed to use a BHMA T-shirt to substitute for the uniform top anymore. Enforcement of this rule will start Monday, October 24th.


Pre-Testing
Here's a little information for our new parents/students on how we'll run testing at Bill Hammond's Martial Arts:

Pre-testing will help us determine whether or not a student is ready to take their belt examination. Students who are ready will receive a "test paper" to fill out, which includes a new martial arts goal, as well as a home/school promise to made by youth students. A test paper is not a guarantee of rank advancement

Pre-testing will start Thursday, October 27th and end Saturday, November 5th. Students will pre-test during their regularly scheduled classes. Any student who is not eligible for the pre-test is still encouraged to attend for extra training. If you or your child cannot attend a pre-test within this time frame, let an instructor know ASAP.


New White Belts (Pre-Testing)
Only white belts who are officially signed up (past the trial period) will be eligible for pre-testing. If you or your child is officially signed up, you must have the additional uniform patches (USA & Korea) sewed onto the uniform. Seeing these patches will give instructors an idea on who may be eligible. If you need more information, see an instructor.


Testing Dates
The following are the fall test dates. Board breaking and belt ceremonies will immediately follow the examination. Exact times TBA.


Thursday, November 17th
Higher Ranking Youth Students (Current Purple Belts or Higher)

Friday, November 18th
Lower Ranking Youth Students (Current Green Belts and Below)

Date to be determined
Adult Students

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Fall Updates

A lot of updates....

Moodo Plus Testing
Congratulations to the Hsing family. Their daughters, Kate and Kendall, passed their recent belt test and have now been promoted to yellow belt. Congrats again!

Kick-A-Thon Pizza Party
In our continued thanks to everyone who participated in this year's Kick-A-Thon, BHMA will be holding a pizza party for all participants on Saturday, November 12th. Party starts at noon. If you plan on attending or need more information, see an instructor.


Kids Night Out
Our annual Halloween version of Kids Night Out will be held Saturday night (6:00 - 10:00pm), October 22nd. As usual, there will be games, pizza, board breaking, a movie, and a costume contest. $30/child. Does not have to be a BHMA student to attend. For more information, see an instructor. Space is limited, so sign up ASAP.


Jennersville Hospital Demo
A new wing at Jennersville Hospital will be holding an open house. BHMA is excited to have been asked to do a demonstration (1:00pm) at the event. If you are interested in participating, see an instructor for more information


SEMA Tournament
The Southern End Martial Arts Tournament will be held again this fall (Sunday, November 6th) in Quarryville, PA. Events include: Forms (Poomsae), Weapon, Self Defense, Breaking, and Sparring. If you are interested in competing or participating in other ways, see an instructor for more details. Registration starts at 9:00am, Event starts at 11:00am.


Terminology
For any new students needing to brush up on their terminology, here's a look back to an older post. http://billhammondsma.blogspot.com/2010/12/common-terminology.html


Additional News
Additional events and their dates can be found below. Keep your eyes and ears open for some big announcements, including the next Black Belt Test.


Upcoming Events
Kids Night Out: Sat., October 22nd -- 6:00 - 10:00pm
Jennersville Hospital Demo: Sat., November 5th -- 1:00pm
SEMA Tournament: Sun., November 6th -- 11:00am
Kick-A-Thon Pizza Party: Sat., November 12th -- 12:00pm
Fall Belt Testing: Thurs-Fri, November 17th-18th, Details TBA
Thanksgiving Closing: Thurs., November 24th - Sat., November 26th (Closed)
Winter Holiday Closing: Fri., December 23rd - Mon., January 2nd (Closed)