Martial Arts Students Show Their Skills

Dec 26, 2012

Demonstrations and donations for Senior Nutrition during Dec. 13 Open House

Celebrating its 5th Open House & Holiday Food Drive on December 13, the Mount Shasta Martial Arts Program demonstrated martial arts at a variety of levels and ages.

“The participants worked extremely hard for the past two weeks preparing for the demo and collecting raffle prizes,” said MSMAP head instructor Chuck Buhs. “They were outstanding in making a complicated martial arts demonstration look easy.”

Family Time

A special highlight was six-year-old Justin leading his sister, Jessica, 5, and his father, Tim, in demonstrating the first form. When finished, Justin shared a subtle smile with the spectators.

“Little Justin did such an amazing job being honcho with just his family — very precious!”, observed Ailita Saryon. “I had the impression many people were touched by that little guy.”

Blue Belt Action Blue Belt Action

“It was precious and rare,” said his mother, Rhonda. “The kind of smile you could tell he felt deep inside. I feel like that was a moment that altered his character with a nudge towards the positive and the strength of what he has inside him. Every tiny positive piece of self-confidence given to, or more importantly earned by, a child his age is a gift.

Food Drive Success

Vitaliy Tveritin, 11, was one of the demonstration team leaders.

“There’s some pressure leading the other kids,” said Vitaliy who is looking forward to his black belt exam. “It’s fun and kind of hard because there’s a lot of laughing, so it’s not easy keeping everyone’s attention. But it’s really cool to have an open house and donate food to the seniors.”

The annual raffle drawing included prizes from 30 local businesses and individuals.

“We are extremely grateful to the Mount Shasta business community for their generous support,” said Buhs. “Their contributions led directly to donations of nearly 20 grocery bags of food for the Senior Nutrition Program — the most food ever collected for this event.”

With MS Rec & Parks District Director Mike Rodriquez

“Once again the students of the Mount Shasta Martial Arts Program have come thru for our seniors,” said Mount Shasta Recreation & Parks District Administrator Mike Rodriguez. “Our seniors need extra help with so many daily needs and I’m sure these extra groceries will be received with great appreciation!”

Special Recognition

In addition to the martial arts demonstrations, raffle drawings, and food drive, several individuals were recognized for their contributions throughout the year towards the success of the program including Vitaliy, Blake Hanson, Chris Schrievers, and Aurora Coulter.

Elina and Emmanuel Saryon received “Special Recognition” and “Special Appreciation” awards, respectively. Elina, 15, volunteers as an instructional assistant for the Tiny Tigers program and single-handedly organized a free lunchtime activity session at the Mount Shasta Elementary School last May.

Emmanuel, 11, was recognized for his leadership and participation during regular training sessions, special events such as a team leader for this open house, and fundraising activities. Both siblings also successfully competed in the UC Open Taekwondo Championships last April.

2012 Open House Action
 

Kids in Action

A sampling of the “Big Kids” (top) and the “Tiny Tigers” (bottom): forms, paddles, sparring, and agility exercises.
 
More 2012 Open House Action

“Our continued success is dependent upon the efforts of these and many other individuals and families,” said Buhs. “We feel very privileged to share our enthusiasm for pursuing a healthy, positive lifestyle in this community and honored that people are interested.”

Making a Difference

“MSMAP has made a huge difference in this community, not only for the kids but the adults as well,” said Robin Weaver. “I am so happy to have a positive instructor with specific expectations available for both of my very different children. As a frequent spectator during the past year, I am often struck by the swift changes that occur in each student. So many kids from exceedingly diverse lifestyles and households meet together on the mat and practice not only martial arts, but also respect, cooperation and tolerance. Both my kids enjoy the challenges put forth in each class as well as preparing for demonstrations like this one. Collecting food for the Senior Nutrition Program allows my children to practice their stewardship and feel like intrinsic parts of the South County community.”

More Information

Senior Nutrition Program
The Recreation and Parks District is the official provider for the senior meal program thru a contract with the California Department of Aging and Planning and Service Area 2 - Agency on Aging. Year-round donations of food and money for the Senior Nutrition Program can be made by calling 926-2494.

“Since 1974, there has been a hot lunch program for senior citizens at the City Park Recreation Center...55+ meals are delivered to homebound seniors in the South County (Home Delivered Meals). Transportation to and from the Mt. Shasta lunch site is also available...The Senior Nutrition Program strives to not only meet the nutritional needs of its senior participants, but also recognizes the importance of socialization and life enrichment. Informational programs, special events, and other activities are a regular component of the senior lunch program schedule.”

MSMAP’s Open House
Each December, MSMAP hosts an Open House & Holiday Food Drive to celebrate the holidays with a unique, martial arts-based event of action, prizes, and food donations. First held in 2008, it is a chance for participants to display their growing skills and help those in need.

In The News
Recommended Resources
Fundraising Help
7th Open House & Holiday Food Drive: Dec 2014

Celebrate the holidays, MSMAP-style!
We invite you to attend our Seventh annual event in December 2014. Come see what we do and help make the holidays a little brighter for seniors in-need with the gift of food for the Senior Nutrition Program.

Jump Back Kick

Shorter Event, More Action
The senior ranks step up and offer the community some exciting martial arts action, loads of raffle prizes, and food for the seniors.
December 24, 2014; Mt. Shasta Area Newspapers

Yongmudo Throw

Ramping Up for a Holiday Tradition
Planning for a shorter, more action-packed event with lots of prizes and food for the seniors. Game on.
December 10, 2014; Mt. Shasta Area Newspapers

2013 Open House Action

More Creativity, More Heart-Pounding Action
Lots of participants, lots of raffle prizes, and lots of food for the Senior Nutrition Program.
December 25, 2013; Mt. Shasta Area Newspapers

Split Kicks

Getting Ready for New Things
We get ready to do more exciting stuff: jumping kicks, spinning kicks, higher dive rolls, lots more.
December 11, 2013; Mt. Shasta Area Newspapers

2012 Open House Action

Mission Accomplished: Our Best Event...Ever
The best demo, the most raffle prizes, and, most importantly, the most food ever collected for this annual holiday celebration.
December 26, 2012; Mt. Shasta Area Newspapers

2012 Open House Prep

Getting ready for our biggest event...ever
Our goal this year: the best event that we’ve ever done.
December 12, 2012; Mt. Shasta Area Newspapers

4th Open House & Holiday Food Drive

Highlights of our 4th annual event — lots of people, lots of food, lots of gifts. And, we get ready for our Winter Break Mini-Camps, a great way to burn off excess holiday energy. “With the large show of people and enthusiasm of the children, this is a great opportunity for service to the community.”
December 21, 2011; Mt. Shasta Area Newspapers

Preparing for the Yongmudo Demonstration

“We’re glad to help with our own special way of celebrating the holidays: Exciting martial arts action, giving away cool gifts, and, most importantly, helping to brighten the spirits of those less fortunate during this season of giving.”
December 07, 2011; Mt. Shasta Area Newspapers

3rd Open House & Food Drive Action

New Location, Bigger Action!
How much fun can children, teens, and adults have helping others in need during the holiday season?
December 29, 2010; Mt. Shasta Area Newspapers

2nd Open House & Food Drive Action

Bigger and Better
Our activity center expands to include local treasure, Nuria’s Dance Academy. We share demonstrations of dance and martial arts and hold our first, and very successful, food drive!
December 9, 2009; Mt. Shasta Area Newspapers

2008 Open House & Housewarming Party

The Start of a Holiday Tradition
We open our doors and welcome the community to our new, dedicated training facility — five demonstrations (three taekwondo, two yongmudo), food, prizes, and lots of energy.
November 9, 2008; Mt. Shasta Area Newspapers

Yongmudo outside wrist throw

Grrrrrr....
Discover how our Tiny Tigers martial arts activity program helps plant the seeds of success with fun & energy.

Yongmudo outside wrist throw

Yongmudo incorporates a variety of techniques including kicks, strikes, throws, jointlocks, submission wrestling into a comprehensive system of personal health & self-protection.