May 2010
Promotion - The dojo buzzed with excited conversation among parents, aunts, uncles, grandparents, and friends that came to watch their Martial Arts superstar! Some students were nervous, a little unsure what to expect. The majority waited with excitement for their turn to send those boards flying with a well aimed fist and an energizing kiai!
Congratulations...Eliza A, Lucas B, Breshey B, Stephanie B, Andrew C, Chima and Chisom C. Harrison C. skipped 2 belts and went straight from white to the rank of Orange Belt...awesome job!
Congratulations...Gillian E, Sean G, Braxton H, Kayla J, Janine J, Kai K, Lance K, Alexandra K, and Ty C earned his Jr. Black Belt. Mikey L, age 7 is our youngest Brown Belt, that's right seven years old!
Congratulations...Ivan L, Jason L,Caleb L, Declan L, Xavier M, Brandon M, Jackson M, Quinn P, Florian P, Jacob P, Nick R, Zaire R, Xavier S, Elijah T, Hunter T, Rayvon W, and Miss Nora V.
Last, but not least...Sensei Muja and Sensei Ian earned their Black Belts after a nail biting test of strength and determination.
Congratulations to you all, be proud of your accomplishments. Thank you to all of our supportive parents and guardians for all that you do!
MayFest - Blue Life participated in the annual outdoor festival sponsored by the Springfield Avenue Partnership. This was a fun family event. We were invited to perform a demonstration.
Our demonstration showcased a sample of the techniques and skills that are taught at our dojo. Our students are such a handsome bunch! The weather was perfect, the food was good, and if you were so inclined, you copped a new handbag or added a new piece of jewelry to your collection.
27th Annual BKG Tournament - Blue Life breaks a twenty four year record!
Krystopher W placed 2nd in the 9/10 yr old Sparring Division. Krystopher is a member of the Black Belt Club. He is a World Champion (2008) of the famed Battle of Baltimore.
Sensei Muja gave good effort. Sensei Muja is a straight A student, and has the heart of a true warrior! He is a Battle of Neptune World Champion (2009).
Sensei Justin took first place in the 16/17 yr old Black Belt Sparring Division. He executed the win with superior technique and showcased his agility in the sparring ring. Sensei Justin is a great student in academics, and a great teacher and role model to our future Black Belts.
Sensei Hakim Walker took Grand Champion in the adult Black Belt Sparring Division. Traditionally, this title has gone to a member of BKG Karate. It has been twenty four years...Twenty! Four! since the title has gone to a competitor from another dojo. The BKG Masters graciously passed the honor to Blue Life Karate. Sensei Hakim is a World Champion and a valued mentor to all of our students.
Congratulations!
June 2010
Summer Fun Begins - We are accepting registration daily 4:30 - 7:30pm. Please go to the summer camp page to read all about our program or give us a call 973-762 KICK (5425). Don't miss out on the fun!
Fun at Camp Week I - The week of June 28th was a good jump to summer fun! We bowled at Eagle Rock Lanes. We cooled off in the expansive air conditioned gaming room at FunPlex, and we beat the heat at a screening of the Karate Kid.
We did something different this year and visited a pinball game museum. We had the opportunity to play games that were built as early as the 1930's. These were authentic pinball machines, no fancy gamesticks, remotes or gaming pads.
We got creative and painted wood sculptures and made model airplanes. Football games at the park and a trip to the library rounded off our week. Our campers are positive, well mannered and a joy to have! We look forward to sharing more of our experiences. It is not too late to join the fun...camp doesn't end until August 21st!
July 2010
Fun at Camp Week II - July 5th - This week we took advantage of the sun and surf at Belmar Beach. The day was perfect, the water just right!
Have you been to the Monster Mini Golf course? We won't ruin the surprise, we'll just say that our visit was a glowing success. We took on the rock climbing wall at Diamond Gym and of course enjoyed karate games and arts and crafts at the dojo.
Coming up...Liberty Science Center, Keansburg Amusement Park, Point Pleasant...and more!
Fun at Camp Weeks III & IV - July 12th - This week at the Liberty Science Center we learned about the importance of hydration through a cooking experiment. It has been especially HOT this summer and the best way to keep cool and safe in the sun is to drink lots of water. We also learned about the microscopic germs that live on most surfaces and our bodies and a simple way to battle the tiny monsters. Did you know that just by washing your hands regularly with soap and water, you decrease your chances of getting sick from bacteria? That's right...good old fashioned soap and water!
We enjoyed the cool relief of the water attractions at Keansburg Amusement Park and watched a live whale show.
We braved the heat and picked up a kickball game with members of the Budo Way summer camp from Neptune at the park. No one cared about the score...we had too much fun!
We have been busy all summer creating art for our art wall...pics to come.
Shiai Tournament - Neptune - July 25th
Members of Blue Life Karate competed among the students of Sheas Tae Kwon Do, BKG Karate, and members of Budo Way Karate Academy at Shiai.
Congratulations to Allie L. placing first in her sparring division! Congratulations Mikey L. placing third in kata and sparring!
The tricky air conditioning decided to test the will of competitors and spectators and refused to cooperate in any effort to keep everyone cool. Master Willis, chief instructor at Budo Way announced bad news and good news. The bad news was…it was H.O.T. The good news…the turnout was so great that the next Shiai tournament down the shore will be held at a larger venue!
It is always appreciated when parents and guardians support these events in an effort to reinforce good sportsmanship and proper tournament etiquette. It's an exciting experience for parents to see the effectiveness of the drills that their sons and daughters move through in the classroom setting in a competitive setting.
Body Make Over - Boot Camp - July 23 - Aug 22, 2010
Five Week Session - Friday 6-7am & Sunday 8-9am - Intro Price $125.00
We are expanding our fitness classes. Join us for the next five weeks for boot camp July 23, 2010 thru August 22, 2010. We will meet twice a week. This program focuses on toning through resistance and weight training. It will supplement your current work out routine or establish one for you if you are a newbie.
The Make Over program is appropriate for all fitness levels. You will learn proper form and modifications to each exercise that will meet your fitness level. You will get a full body workout with a focus on sculpting,toning and speeding up your metabolism. You will learn how to tone your upper body, strengthen your core, lift your bottom and build strength. All classes will be led by Erick Graves, certified fitness instructor and personal trainer.
Boot camp will meet Friday morning 6-7am and Sunday morning 8-9am. The first class of the session is Friday July 23, 2010 and will meet every Friday and Sunday only thru Sunday August 22, 2010. The special introductory price for this five week session is only $125.00.
Drop-ins are welcome, the drop-in fee is $20 per class.
I took the intro class and I am feeling it in all the jiggly parts that I need to work on. That little wobble behind the arm...and the usual areas us ladies have to work at to keep toned and fabulous!
August 2010
August 14 - Belt Promotion Ceremony
It's hard to watch a belt promotion ceremony at Blue Life and not get emotional. There are always special moments that you will talk about for the next week. The ceremony held this past Saturday was no different. This was the first board break for some and the reactions are priceless. There's that moment of disbelief after the break, followed by pride, joy and sometimes tears. Happy tears of course, from family and friends. Sometimes you just swell up and you can't hold it in!
Congratulations! Alana A, Talia B, Alex B, Alexis B, Chayce B, Raymond C, Joseph C, Michael C, Clark D, Justin D, Bryanna F, Owen F, Alexandra K, Kendall L, Mikey L, Sumer M, Ruari M, Terrance N, K.J. O, Zaire R, Elijah S, Ashri S, Shreas S, Xavier S, Miya S, Miles T, Krystopher W, Zamir W, Rayvon W, Lex W, Josiah P, and Noah S.
A special congratulations goes out to Ruari M, inducted into the Black Belt Club. The Black Belt Club is an outstanding group of students of all ages that have made the commitment to achieving Black Belt.
Students are very proud to show their growth in rank through the color of the belt around their waist and the changing of the gi (that's gee with a soft g like giggle), or practice uniform. The belt and the gi is a significant part of navigating the path to becoming a Black Belt. They are both worn with pride and honor and are recognized as awards for advancing in the Martial Arts. For example, blue represents royalty, red represents supreme knowledge and black represents mastery. The changing of the gi is just another extension of the structure that our curriculum provides.
For more information on our outstanding programs for children and adults, please visit our website, give us a call, send an email or drop by. Visitors are always welcome!
August 25 - We wrapped up our first session of The Body Make Over Boot Camp. Congratulations all graduates and participants!
The second session of boot camp starts Friday August 27, 2010 thru Sunday September 26, 2010. We are an indoor boot camp, ladies only. No offense, fellas.
The fee for this five week session is $125/two classes per week or $145/three classes per week. We will also offer an AB LAB, which is a 25 minute session dedicated to intense ab work that will increase your metabolism and help you burn and battle fat at your core.
Shop around, do the math...this is an outstanding value. All boot camp classes are led by Erick Graves, certified fitness instructor and personal trainer. Erick is a professional, knowledgeable and encouraging.
Boot Camp Schedule (all classes start sharp, please arrive a few minutes early):
Friday 6am-7am
Saturday 7am-8am
Sunday 8am-9am
Drop-Ins are always welcomed. The drop-in fee is $20/session.
We ask that you sign up for boot camp prior to the first session. If you can't make it in Wednesday or Thursday before the first class, please arrive at least 15 minutes before the first class on Friday so we can take care of admin and get started on time.
The Body Make Over Boot camp is a great compliment to our existing Xtreme Kickboxing.
Commit to getting fit!
September 2010
September 2 - The After School Workshop begins Sept 7. We are accepting registration daily from 4:30-7:30pm. We like to keep this group small, so come and see us today. Space is limitied!
Boot Camp update...we are still accepting campers for this session, sign up today! It will be one of the best investments you make this summer!
October 2010
October 1 - Boot Camp Session III has begun...you will want to check it out! Campers are losing inches, dropping sizes and gaining strength and endurance. You won't find us breaking a sweat hunting down the gifts on our gift lists or that holiday to do list! Time to break out that hot new LBD and celebrate!
October 9 - Black Belt Club Goes On Safari - Members of the Black Belt Club enjoyed an afternoon at the new miniSafari Golf course at the South Mountain Recreational Complex in West Orange. The weather was perfect, the golfing looked more like baseball at times (smiles). The Black Belt Club is a special group of students who have made the commitment to achieve Black Belt. One of our greatest accomplishments is the ability to produce true Black Belts that master technical skill and embrace the concept of being a martial artist.
October 17 - Battle of Baltimore - We are the champions...sing along if you want! Blue Life Karate has long been the home to World Champions. Members of the Blue Life sparring team competed at the Annual Battle of Baltimore in Maryland. Competitors traveled from all over to compete at this annual event.
Congratulations Josiah Patterson and Krystopher Ward both bringing home the coveted World Championship belt! Josiah and Krys are added to the long list of champions we have produced over the years. We strive to produce well rounded athletes that continue to accomplish great things!
Congratulations also go out to World Champions Jalen Willis, Mijaut Berry, and Cheyanne Johnson, members of The Budo Way Karate Academy in Neptune. These fine Martial Artists train under the care of Master John Willis, great teacher and friend.We are so proud of you all!
November 2010
November 4 & 7 - We are excited to introduce Goddess Bodies! GB is a new group exercise class offered exclusively at Blue Life Karate & Fitness Centers. It is a workout suited for all fitness levels, all body types. Expect a power warm up to prepare muscles to work through a series of fun and challenging aerobic exercises and cardio circuits. You will burn fat, sculpt killer arms and legs and tone your core. Feel an increase in strength, endurance and energy. Learn how to control your breathing and enjoy a relaxing cool down. The class format allows you to work at your own pace. Modifications are available to accommodate all fitness levels.
Expect to feel invigorated and ready to tackle the next thing on your to do list. Your health and wellness are important and deserve high priority. An increase in strength, endurance and energy will empower you to find your slumbering goddess!
The first two intro classes are FREE, and open to women ages 18 and up:
Thursday November 4th 7:45 – 8:45pm, Sunday November 7th 9:30 – 10:30am
November 5 - New boot camp session starts! Sign up between 4:30 and 7:30 any day before. Check out the boot camp page for more information.
November 20 - Belt Promotion Ceremony - Our main objective at Blue Life Karate is to develop well-rounded students. It is always rewarding to watch the growth in every student as they advance their belt rank one step closer to the goal of Black Belt. It is with pride that we watch all of our students pursue and achieve personal excellence. Congratulations to all of our students for all of their hard work through out the year at the Blue Life dojo, at school and at home.
Congratulations on your promotion Eliza A, Lucas A, Talia B, Nate B, Sophie B, Tijon B, Chayce B, Stephanie B, Christian B, Raymond C, Andrew C, Joseph C, Michael C, Isaac C, Daniel C, Isabella C, Jayden C, Kayin D, Justin D, Clark D, Ali D, Caroline D, John D, Ammon E, Bryanna F, Owen F, Anthony G, Joseph G, Sophie G, Sean G, Owen G, Braxton H, Jayvin I, Kayla J, Gary J, Janine J Lance K, Jacob K, Joshua K, Alexandra K, Ivan L, Jason L, Kendall L, Yasin L, Mecca L, Ruari M, Violet M, Andrew M, Esther M, Georgia M, Oliver M, Rupert M, Terrance N, Kenechi O, Naomie P, Jacob P, Arun R, Hannah R, Mady R, Ellery S, Elijah S, Xavier S, Noah S, Benjamin S, Hannah T, Amoni V, Krystopher W, Zamir W, Ace W, Nyah W, Lex W!
Special congratulations to our new Black Belts Sensei Dilsher, Sensei Wilfredo and right on their heels at Jr. Black Belt, Mikey L.
Remember, always believe in yourselves to succeed! Thank you to all of our wonderful, supportive parents for all that you do.
December 2010
December 4 - Mother-Daughter Jewelry Workshop - 3pm-4pm
Dear Moms,
Take a break from the Holiday madness and create something to remember! In just one hour you will learn how to create original jewelry pieces.
Create a memory and spend a few moments catching up with your daughters and catching your breath...crafting. The workshop will be led by Maplewood's own Kristen Glanzman, owner of Something Tangible.
We wanted to share a few comments with you. Chief Instructor Howard is happy to share his knowledge and passion for Martial Arts and this is what happens...
Happy Birthday and Congratulations! You do so much to help young children develop skills that are so important, like to be patient, to focus and to practice. And you help build their confidence. Our son Jack is getting so much out of your classes! Thank you! Suzanne & Mike
It takes a special person to harness the energy and enthusiasm of a class of 4 - 5yr olds and the owner of Blue Life Karate, Durand Howard, is one of those kinds of individuals. This past weekend I personally witnessed Mr. Howard get a group of 10 young boys who seemed to all come in on a sugar high, to focus on the lesson and earn a coveted "Karate silly band" at the end of class. If you're looking for a fun activity for your girl or boy that provides an opportunity to work on listening skills, gain some physical activity, and a feel sense of accomplishment, give Blue Life Karate a try! Kenna, mother of two
We look forward to many, many more anniversaries!
MAY 2011
May 7 - Zumba Party - Happy Mother's Day - Thank you everyone who came out for this special event. Don't worry if you missed it, we're doing it again real soon!
May 22 - MayFest Demonstration - Don't miss our demo at 11:30am at MayFest! Come out and have a family fun day at the annual festival. Stop by our booth and say Hi!
June 24 - New Boot Camp Session Begins - Rock your best summer body! Join us for the next session. Stop thinking about it and Just Do It!
June 25 - Zumba Party - Celebrate Summer Zumba Style! - It's getting hot in here! Good music, Good company, Good food....now THAT'S a party! Join us! 3:00 - 5:00pm. Special Event price only $12!
June 27 - Xtreme Summer Fun Camp Starts - We are accepting registration daily after 4pm!
OCTOBER 2011
Battle of Baltimore - Congratulations to Chayce Brantley and Krystopher Ward!
Chayce and Krystopher triumphed at the Annual Battle of Baltimore. The renowned Martial Arts tournament is attended by competitors who travel from all over the globe to compete among the best of the best!
This was Chayce's first trip to the Maryland tournament. We are proud to congratulate him for achieving the title of World Champion! This was Krystopher's second trip to the tournament. We are ecstatic to announce his second World Champion title! We applaud both students for their achievements and outstanding sportsmanship. Well done! Blue Life Karate and Fitness continues to be the home to some of the top competitors in the state.
November 2011
Belt Promotion - Students took one step closer to the goal of Black Belt. Congratulations to Ace W, Alex S, Arun R, Ben G, Buch A, Bryce T, Cezar K, Christian M, Colby T, Dylan L, Declan L, Eli C, Gavin N, Hannah R, Isiah C, Jack K, Janine J, Jared B, Jaylen S, Jayvin I, Kayl J, Kene Am, Kenechi O, Kevin G, Krystopher W, Kyle B, Lance K, LJ H, Marshall G, Max S, Maxwell I, Mikayla M, Nathaniel B, Noah S, Orland P, Owen G, Raymond C, Rayvon W, Ruari M, Samara S, Samuel A, Shane B, Sofia W, Sume M, Talia B, Violet M, Xavier S, Zamir W.
December 2011
Inside School Tournament - Members of Blue Life competed alongside students from the Budo Way Karate Academy. Every student showcased the lessons learned and trained for all year. Tournaments are a great tool to exercise skills and knowledge outside of the classroom. Our students compete year round. There are lessons to be learned about yourself and your competitors in competition. This allows you to grow as an individual and as part of a team. Congratulations to all of our students for their participation and thank you parents for your support! Thank you Master Willis for bringing up another generation of well rounded competitors that we see in your students.
January 2012
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
February 2012
Inter-Dojo Championship - Competition is the perfect place to use all of the lessons learned in the classroom setting outside of the classroom. This is what our students showed at the Black Dragons Inter-Dojo Championship Tournament hosted by Shihan GJ Torres.
Congratulations Chayce B. for placing first in his division and Xavier S. for placing second. They closed out their division competing for first and second. Congratulations Javier H. for placing second in his division. Congratulations Kyrstopher W. for his third place win! We are proud of you all.
Congratulations to our neighbors and fellow competitors at Maplewood Karate on their efforts!
Blue Life...always on top of Karate in Maplewood!