WHAT HAS THE DOJO BEEN DOING? click to hop to 2007
01/16/10	The Dojo Invitational - closed tournament for CKD schools and other invited associates We expected about 50 competitors...we had 80. At one time Jeff counted over 200 spectators and competitors in The Dojo. We are so glad that we remodeled the facility over the Christmas break, because they wouldn't have fit otherwise! Special thanks to Scott Messina from the Huntsville School of Karate. Our longtime friend brought over 13 students to our tournament. Another big thanks goes to Mr. Chuck Norris, the grandmaster of our style. He brought his family to The Dojo so his twins could compete. We were very excited to have Danny Lee and Dakota participating. Plan on another tournament in May or June. Click here for the tournament results, photos and for the points standings for our in-house Competitor of the Year competition.
09/26/09	Belt Ceremony - photos on the way
09/19/09	Fall/Winter Demo Team Tryouts - Saturday, September 19
09/12/09	Chun Kuk Do Region IV Seminar - Special Guest Instructor Kuya Guro John Bain and assistant instructor John Comito delivered a very informative and fun seminar on Lolo Cinco Terro Single Stick, a great preview for those interested in the November 14 seminar in Plano and/or the Lolo Cinco Terro Instructor Training Program by Pambuan Arnis, Inc. Participants learned: Background history of the family and style Terminology Footwork Basics strikes Basic blocks Mr. Bain and Mr. Comito sure kept things fast-paced, fun, and challenging. Our participants were left eagerly wanting more. Check out The Dojo fan page on Facebook for photos of the day's event.
07/27-30/09	Summer Camp targeting Legacy Preparatory Academy students, but was open to anyone. The camp covered the basics and ended with a belt ceremony. The students starting Legacy in the fall will be one step ahead because of the action-packed, fun-filled camp!
07/25/09	Houston Museum of Natural Science, The Woodlands - Demonstrations by the adult demo team were at 1:00 and 2:00 inside the museum to promote the blood drive
07/16-07/19/09	Chun Kuk Do World Championships  - Las Vegas, Nevada Twelve students from The Dojo Experience competed in the Chun Kuk Do World Championships. A demonstration team of 10 students and instructors from The Dojo, performed as well. Members of the team included local residents Greg Cater, Tommy and Brandi Crouch, Carl Flores, Cole Gaskill, Raul Jimenez, Chris Khawaja, Lance Playfair, and Amber Ray and Houston resident DaMarkus Jones. The Dojo Experience owner and head instructor Tommy Crouch was awarded "2009 Competitor of the Year". He also won the prestigious Norris Cup in both kata and fighting. He is only the second male in the United Fighting Arts Federation to ever win both Grand Championships (kata and fighting) in the same year. 2009 CKD Tournament Results: Division Name Place Black Belt (age 18-34) Men's Traditional Kata Carl Flores 1st place Black Belt (age 18-34) Men's Middleweight Sparring Carl Flores 2nd place Black Belt (age 35-44) Men’s Traditional Kata Tommy Crouch 1st place Black Belt (age 35+) Men's Weapons Tommy Crouch 1st place Black Belt (age 35-44) Men's Lightweight Sparring Tommy Crouch 1st place Black Belt (age 13-14) Male Traditional Kata Lance Playfair 1st place Black Belt (age 15-17) Male Open Kata Greg Cater 3rd place Black Belt (age 12 and under) Male Traditional Kata Chris Khawaja 2nd place Advanced Belt (age 10 and under) Male Traditional Kata Cole Gaskill 1st place Advanced Belt (age 10 and under) Male Weapons Cole Gaskill 1st place Advanced Belt (age 8 and 9) Male Sparring Cole Gaskill 2nd place Intermediate Belt Women's Traditional Kata Cindy Gaskill 2nd place Intermediate Belt Women's Sparring Cindy Gaskill 3rd place Intermediate Belt (age 9 and under) Traditional Kata Cade Gaskill 2nd place Intermediate Belt (age 13-14) Female Weapons Amber Ray 2nd place Intermediate Belt (age 13-14) Female Sparring Amber Ray 2nd place Intermediate Belt (age 13-14) Traditional Kata Raul Jimenez 1st place Intermediate Belt (age 13-14) Male Sparring Raul Jimenez 2nd place Grand Champion Kata and the 2009 Norris Cup Tommy Crouch   Grand Champion Fighting and the 2009 Norris Cup Tommy Crouch
07/04/09	2009 Fourth of July Parade, The Woodlands, TX  - We had a great time participating again this year in the official Fourth of July parade down Market Street in The Woodlands, and we even had a float for the smaller Dojo children.
06/27/09	Belt Ceremony  We had an incredible turnout.
06/15-06/25/09	Advance-A-Belt Camp was exciting! Students worked extremely hard improving and advancing techniques for three hours a day in this two-week camp. Continued attendance and hard work paid off.  The students overwhelmingly approved of the drills, games, and lessons. (And parents reported the some of the best nights of sleep of all time!) At the end of this camp, students tested for an additional rank. They also competed in an in-house tournament.
06/15/09		EDWIN WESLEY YOUNG went to his eternal rest June 15, 2009 in Houston, Texas. He is survived by his wife Carol, sons; Wesley Harrison, Ryan Young, and Robert Young, seven sisters; Marie Baker, Virginia Creppel, Peggy Bernard, Nancy Young, Nina Nordbye, Irene Sheard, and Lorraine Cornejo. Also numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Ed was born August 31, 1940 in Mission, Texas. His passion in life was karate. He studied his craft under Chuck Norris. Visitation will be held Friday, June 19, 2009 at Forest Park Westheimer Funeral Home from 5pm until 8pm. The funeral service will follow on Saturday, June 20, 2009 in the Chapel of Forest Park Westheimer, 12800 Westheimer, Houston, TX, 77077 at 10a.m.  - Houston Chronicle.com Ed Young was well respected and a beloved member of the martial arts community. He will be sorely missed. There is an outpouring of loving words of support for his wife and sons on the UFAF member forum online. We who knew him at The Dojo Experience will surely miss him.
06/08-06/12/09	Dojo Beginner Summer Camp was a huge hit! Students spent three hours a day learning basic techniques, playing games, and learning about discipline, respect and self-control...all while having fun! The Dojo Experience welcomed 7 new members from this camp.
05/02/09	Black Belt Test, at Kurek's Champion Martial Arts - Chris Khawaja earned his first degree black belt. Greg Cater crossed over from another style, but trained with Mr. Crouch extensively to prepare for the requirements for a Chun Kuk Do black belt. He earned his first degree as well. They both performed very well, representing their instructors, their school, and Grand Master Norris with tremendous discipline, respect, and pride. We were very proud of them both!
12/13/08	Dojo Day - The Dojo Experience celebrated its one-year anniversary in style and with the same energy that we had maintained since opening. Thus, Dojo Day!!!!!! We started the day with a free WholyFit class (yoga alternative) for adults, created by CKD black belt Laura Monica. The parents and friends of The Dojo really loved it. Next, we had two "Bring a Buddy" classes for the kids - what a great time that was! The entire mat was full. "Thank you" to all my students. You really showed your loyalty and enthusiasm for your school by bringing your friends to the class. I kept meeting people all day who told me they were invited by one of the students, and they just decided to come by and celebrate with us. We finished the day with a Kick-A-Thon/Raffle fundraiser for KICKSTART, and an awesome belt ceremony. Special thanks to Ed Saenz, Rigo Cardenas, and Derrick Stinson who came by to support us. It really meant a lot!! Well, there you go! Food, Fun, and Fellowship - the way it should be.
08/2008	Legacy Preparatory Christian Academy   The Dojo Experience will be conducting classes at Legacy Preparatory Christian Academy for the 2008-2009 school year.  These classes will be held twice a week for ages 6 - 12.  Additional classes may be added for students 13 and up.
07/30/08	The Woodlands Villager Published an article about the outstanding performance of the Dojo students' competition results in Las Vegas.
07/15 - 07/21/08	Chun Kuk Do World Championships  - Las Vegas, Nevada Students from The Dojo Experience in Magnolia competed in the United Fighting Arts Federation World Championships in Las Vegas. A team of 9 students and instructors from The Dojo, established in November of 2007, won second place in the Demo Team competition. Members of the team included local residents Greg Cater, Tommy Crouch, Carl Flores, Cole Gaskill, Chris Khawaja, Carol Parenti, Lance Playfair, and Jonathan Waugh and Austin resident Moriah Chatman. 2008 CKD Tournament Results: Division Name Place Black Belt Men’s Traditional Kata Carl Flores 1st place Black Belt Men’s Lightweight Sparring Carl Flores 1st place Black Belt Women’s Traditional Kata Moriah Chatman 3rd place Black Belt Women’s Weapons Moriah Chatman 2nd place Black Belt Women’s Lightweight Sparring Moriah Chatman 2nd place Black Belt 35-44 Men’s Traditional Kata Tommy Crouch 1st place Black Belt 35-44 Men’s Weapons Tommy Crouch 1st place Black Belt 35+ Women’s Traditional Kata Carol Parenti 3rd place Black Belt 35+ Women’s Weapons Carol Parenti 1st place Black Belt age 13 & under Weapons Lance Playfair 2nd place Red Belt age 15-17 Traditional Kata Greg Cater 3rd place Red Belt age 15-17 Weapons Greg Cater 2nd place Red Belt age 15-17 Sparring Greg Cater 3rd place Red Belt age 13-14 Traditional Kata Chris Khawaja 3rd place Red Belt age 13-14  Weapons Chris Khawaja 3rd place Red Belt under 10 Traditional Kata Cole Gaskill 1st place Red Belt under 10 Weapons Cole Gaskill 2nd place Grand Champion Kata and the 2008 Norris Cup Tommy Crouch
06/9 - 06/11/08	Mr. Crouch Teaches in Norway Owner/lead instructor Tommy Crouch was truly honored to be invited by Kenneth Fjeld to deliver seminars to the students at Fjeld's Chun Kuk Do school in Drammen, Norway. He took his Texas charm and awesome teaching skills to conduct seminars on Kicking, One-Steps, Creating Demos, and Sparring Drills. Mr. Crouch was made to feel very welcome and enjoyed his time spent with his Chun Kuk Do brothers and sisters in Norway.
05/03/08	Market Street Art Show The Dojo participated at the Market Street Art Show, and performed two demos at 2:00pm and 3:00pm outside of Johnny Rockets Restaurant.
04/26/08	Black Belt Tests - Pearland, TX The following students tested and advanced to the following belts: Ryan Bates - 2nd degree Black Belt Moriah Chatman - 3rd degree Black Belt Carl Flores - 3rd degree Black Belt Katherine Heyde - 3rd degree Black Belt Carol Parenti - 2nd degree Black Belt Lance Playfair - 2nd degree Black Belt
04/19/08	15th Annual Depot Day By popular demand, we were asked to return and participate in the Depot Day festival hosted by the Magnolia Historical Society.  Our demo team performed and wooed all observers who stopped to watch.  We also donated a trial gift certificate to the silent auction.
04/13/08	A self defense class was conducted at Faith Community Church in The Woodlands for the 7th - 12th grade youth program girls.  Those who participated on behalf of The Dojo were Moriah Chatman, Carl Flores, Ashlon Smith, Demarcus Jones, and our very own Tommy Crouch.
04/12/08	The Dojo donated a trial gift certificate to the silent auction at Colin Powell Elementary School
04/09/08	The Dojo - Lego Robotics Club  The first class was held on April 9th, and is conducted by Jeff Smitherman every Wednesday afternoons from 3:45pm to 4:45pm.  This class is free to all (not just registered students).  Tell your friends about it.  It is so much fun!!!!  Please call the office for more information and to sign up for your first class.
04/05/08	Ellisor Elementary School Spring Festival Demos were performed at 12:00 & 1:00. The Dojo also donated a trial gift certificate to the silent auction.
03/24/08	The Dojo held its belt tests this week on Monday through Thursday, which was followed thru with a belt ceremony and potluck dinner that Friday.
03/28/08	This was the 2nd belt test/ceremony since The Dojo Experience opened!
03/08/08	The Dojo donated trial gift certificates to the silent auctions at Coulson Tough Elementary School and Glen Loch Elementary School.
03/01/08	The Dojo donated trial gift certificates to the silent auctions at David Elementary School and Smith Elementary School.
02/13/08	The Dojo donated a trial gift certificate to the silent auction at Northampton Elementary School.
02/22/08	A reporter from the Tomball Spring Times (Candace Runaas) came out to do a story on The Dojo, and during the process, participated in the Adult Beginner Class.  Her article focused on her personal experience and was very flattering of our school.
02/08	ReviewIt Magazine did an article on The Dojo Experience, and featured a photo of our very own Tommy Crouch on the front cover.
02/02/08	Main Event Championship Tournament Eight students of The Dojo attended this tournament and won big!!! Cade Gaskill came in 3rd place in 5-6 year old Beginner Forms Cole Gaskill came in 1st place in 8-9 year old Intermediate Forms and 1st place in 8-9 year old Intermediate Weapons Forms Chris Khawaja came in 2nd place in 10-11 year old Intermediate Forms and 1st place in 10-11 year old Intermediate Weapons Forms Matthew Kurtanic came in 1st place in 18-34 year old Beginner Forms Greg Cater came in 1st place in 15-17 year old Advanced Forms,1st place in 15-17 year old Advanced Weapons Forms, and 1st place in 15-17 year old Advanced Point  Sparring Lance Playfair came in 3rd place in 15-17 year old Black Belt Forms Carol Parenti came in 3rd place in 35+ year old Black  Belt Forms Katherine "Kat" Heyde came in first place in 18-34 year old Black Belt Forms and Grand Champion in Black Belt Forms.  In order to win the overall Grand Champion trophy, Kat had to compete against the entire group of first-place Black Belt division winners.
12/17/07	The Dojo had its first belt tests for all classes.  Everyone did great! This was followed by a belt ceremony (on 12/21/07) with a pot luck dinner.
12/21/07	The families of The Dojo sure know how to throw together a potluck dinner.
12/08/07	Christmas Market in Magnolia The Dojo attended this event, sponsored by the Magnolia Area Chamber of Commerce and The Magnolia Historical Society.  Our demo team performed and were such a big hit, we were asked to participate in the 04/19/08 Magnolia Depot Day.
12/01/07	Magnolia High School Softball Fundraiser We attended this craft/vendor fair and our demo team performed two demonstrations. The Dojo Experience now has a banner which is hung at the softball field advertising our school.
11/05/07	Our school opens its doors. All classes to run from Mondays - Thursdays.
11/02/07	The Dojo Experience held its Grand Opening Celebration! Black Belt Test for Jonathan Waugh followed by a celebration reception
10/24/07	The Potpourri - Magnolia Edition Published our ad pertaining to our Grand Opening on 11/02/07.
10/17/07	The Potpourri - Magnolia Edition Published our ad pertaining to our Grand Opening on 11/02/07, and included another blurb under the Business Notes.