Derderian Academy

Newsletter

2008

April

Sifu Kevin Seaman was here and taught his usual amazing seminar on JKD and Filipino Martial Arts. Thanks to all who attended. The feedback was fantastic!

Sensei Raffi, Sensei Susan and DAMA student Chris Thompson attended a seminar with Kenpo legend Larry Tatum. It is always an honor and pleasure to work with Mr. Tatum. What a Kenpo learning experience.

January

Happy New Year to all of students!

We look forward to a great year at DAMA. Our new location is fantastic and we have seen many new students as a result of our move to Atwood Ave.

Welcome New Students.

Kendall Silva, David Rosati, Dante Diraimo , Jessica Herron, John Carmichael, Maxwell Duva,

Our 9th WBO will be held on Feb 24th. Just a friendly warning that the yearly “arm twisting” is beginning.

We would love to see all of students competing at our annual event. We also need volunteers for scoring, timekeeping, and helping with the set up and break down.

Each year we are blessed with many students who come out and help us out with our tournament. It could not run without you all.

Parents can do scoring (it isn’t hard at all) and get into the event for free. You can be in your child’s ring. Sign up sheet is on the display case.

Please see Sensei Raffi or Susan if you have questions.

 2007

October

Thanks to our students who were able to come out and help us paint and clean our new school. A special thanks to our JKD students who helped us with the actual moving. This was a lot of really hard work and very heavy lifting. You guys were awesome.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Traditional Okinawan Karate of Coventry has invited us to compete at their school. They have supported us in our two Inter School events (for the Wounded Warrior Project) we held this year. We have accepted their challenge. The cost is cheap and it is a fun day. Hopefully we will be able to send a whole bunch of students to this event.

Anyone interested in refereeing during the 2008 season (starting in Feb) can ask Sensei Raffi. He can give the test right in the school and tell you if your passed right after you take it. Rules can be found at krane.org.

You don’t have to referee at every event. You can pick and choose.

September

Sal Butera, Nick Ricci, Nick Fratantuono, Anjali Coleman, Michael Bogosian, Theresa Beeley,

Congratulations to Garrett Berman and Dillon Evans for passing their Level 10 (Black Sash) test in our JKD program. It was a tough two day test and they did excellent! Both are long time DAMA students. Garrett joined just after we moved here 9 years ago, Dillon started eight years ago. Both have been consistent in their training. In fact, Garrett had triplets 5 years ago and only missed one month of classes! Yup, we all bet he was all done with martial arts. He told us no way. We didn't believe him. The babies were born and Garrett said he'd be back in one month. We said "Nice knowing you Garrett. See you in 18 years." He came back one month later and has missed very few classes since. Think of that next time you feel you don't have time for martial arts class.

August

Adriel Oviedo, Rachel Knaub, Michael Gullotta (welcome back Mike)

Please note that we are closed for VJ Day and the Labor Day weekend.

August 12th is the date for our annual school cook out. Bring your own food (there are a bunch of grills), lawn chairs, footballs, baseballs and gloves. It is a fun day for all of our martial arts family. Anyone with a volleyball net should talk to Sensei Raffi. (we have one net for the kids, we’d like a second one for the adults)

The location is Goddard Park.

Seven DAMA students, plus Sensei Raffi & Susan went to SSS in Hamilton, NY. They had a great time and learned a whole lot of martial arts. And as always, one or two of our DAMA students made an “impression” on the camp. (oye)

JUNE

Sabrina Gambardelli, John Starziano,

Sensei Raffi would like to thank everyone for their support and understanding last month when his father passed away.

Thank you to everyone for their cards, emails and expressions of sympathy.

A special thank you to those who were able to come to the services.

April

Forms

Zachary– 2nd, 4th (weapons) Robert 1st, Noel-1st, Matt Fontes-3rd, Cassie-1st, Luisa-1st, Dean-3rd, Makayla-2nd

Sparring

Robert-2nd, Noel-1st, Cassie-1st, Noel Sr.-2nd, Luisa-2nd, Missy-3rd

Sorry if anyone was left out.

Congrats to everyone!!!!

January

Happy New Year to all of our martial arts friends and family!

Welcome New Students

We will be hosting two events to benefit this cause. Whether or not you agree with the Iraq War, our soldiers are still being injured and giving their lives.

Our first fundraiser will be our Inter-School tournament. It will be for our students only. We may invite one other small school for the sparring events to keep it interesting. The cost will be $10 per competitor. All proceeds will be donated to the WWP. Checks must be made out to the Wounded Warriors Project.

Our other fundraiser will involve schools from all over New England and will be held in April.

We have moved the date of our annual tournament to March 11th. This date is more convenient in every possible way.

We know that our event was just a few months ago. We will of course be looking to our students for their invaluable help once again.