We have had a wonderful time in our new, larger space! More students can show off their kata at once, and our sparring rings are now tournament size. The sturdy carpet is a little rough on the breakfall, but we are adjusting. Chung Fu-do's Sempai, Shodan-ho Folger, has set a test "date" for Shodan! He will begin the examination at the end of September and finish it early October. Congratulations, Sempai, on getting to the test, and good luck!

Congratulations as well to Sankyu Mark Jordan who successfully ended his "chute" on June 3rd! A video of the humbling experience is available for review. Cangratulations are also do to other Chung Fu-do students for their promotions: Gokyu Ayumi Deeny Gokyu Nina Lawler Rokkyu Ian Gordan Rokkyu Adrian Lendway Shichikyu Liz Cooley (Welcome back, Liz!) Shichikyu Jessica Gordan Shichikyu Jake Van Ry

In other news, we had our first annual Chung Fu-do overnight! (Okay, we are still considering whether or not it will be annual.) We stayed up late, ate pizza, watched movies, played improv games, and even made our own short, cheesy martial arts flick. Editing is still in progress, but we will keep the Association informed.

Just this August, most of the dojo attended a fun, day-long trip to Six Flags over Colorado. We stood in many lines, rode many rides, and won several prizes. One ride of note was called the XLR8R. (Just pronounce the letters as you read them.) Three of us at once were pulled several stories high. Then, while we were hanging above the ground with nothing else below, it dropped us with only a cable to keep us from smashing into the rocks and bushes. It was angled so that we would swing back and forth over the crowd. Almost all of us participated in this awe-inspiring ride. If you wish to confront your fear of heights, come and see us. We will hook you up! Okay, the professionals will hook you up, but we will be happy get you there!

Representatives from the PPA recently visited Master Landers at the school of Yondan Larrison in Effingham, Ill. After about a month of planning, third degree brown belt Diego Garcia and myself journeyed with Sensei Bushue to Illinois to train with Master Landers and students of Yondan Larrison. We worked with Master Landers at a local park where he shared several advanced techniques as well as new ways to think about more ways to generate power with less effort in a morning session.

Our morning session ended and we moved to Yondan Larrison's school where we met the majority of his students. After warm up and stretching we quickly made our way through basics. Master Landers then lectured to the class on the importance of using effective techniques and training until you are sure of the ways a technique can be used. He demonstrated several techniques for taking a person down by using thier size and momentum to your advantage. We finished by performing kata and Master Landers sharing hints for moving without overloading the knees.

The evening was finished by all returning to a small community center for hot dogs and chili. An excellent end to a great day. A special thanks to Master Landers for teaching us and to Yondan Larrison and his students for hosting us in their school.

Though we continue to train in the basement, the upstairs of the old Rose School of Karate at 124 Congress Street is now filled with the busy activities of Joe's New York Pizza! It took a long time- despite continuing problems with our other two abutting condo association owners who absolutly do not want a food business in the area. As all martial artists know, pizza is one of the major food groups and we try to take advantage of this opportunity regularly!

We are proud to announce the July 27th promotion of Rick Downs and Scott Williams to the rank of Sankyu. It was a damp, heavy misty New England night when we all trooped over to Pierce Island for the outside forms and self defense testing. I am pleased to announce that there were no drownings in the cold ocean water, suffications from the thick mud and sea grass, or late night trip to the emergency room...

Both Rick and Scott were students of mine back in the early 80's for about 2 years, and now they have each been back for 2 years. We are very proud of them and wish them the best as they continue their training toward their next rank- which they both claim is not too far off! We'll see, fellas. We'll see...

It has been a busy summer hear at Effingham, all of the students are working hard toward there next belt testing. The Brown belts and my self presented a demonstration of board breaking, weapons defense, take downs and some advanced drills.

We had our annual class campout, just a few weeks ago, it was most enjoyable, and nice to get out and feel the nature. Fishing seem to be the most popular activity, and added some extra flavor to the evening stir fry meal. Master Landers came out for the Sunday morning class and enlightened the students on body motion and power in their basics.

All the Dragon's here at Effingham would like to announce the promotions of:

• Curtis Roley yellow tip white Hachikyu
• Ross Frye Yellow Shichikyu

Congratulations job well done.