I’m going to have to come up with a new word to describe our Monday night workouts, just saying Another Great workout doesn’t do it justice.

Another packed house means summer is officially over … let me first thank all of the dedicated men and women who diligently showed up and gave 110% day in and day out through the summer months.

Also a big thanks to our fellow students from Halls and Karns who come by to play with the sticks. We had the father son tag team of Dave and Jordan from Karns with us last night, and Dave I’m truly sorry for the pain Jordan is planing to inflict on you. Secondly, I’d like to shine the spotlight on a few of our students who have show exceptional progress in the last few months …

Howard Starkey: Our first Brown Belt is truly coming into his own as a karateka. In the last couple of months Howard has taken on the mantel of teaching and shown a real gift for it. Howard is one of those quite, nice guys that after you step out of the ring with him you feel you were hit by a Train. We all look forward to the day we wrap him in black.

Debra Westerhold: Debra is a blessing for those of us at North Knox. She trains hard, is great with kids, and in the last couple of months has taken it upon herself to initiate a devotional before every class. Karate has three aspects, mind, body and spirit, thanks to Debra we have our priorities in order.

Kevin Gentry and Wayne Palmer: Our fighters! I have loved watching these to grow this summer. I’ve always said when it comes to kumite, Halls has it, but I believe these two are going to challenge that notion.

Hunter Palmer and Parker Hall: I’ll be the first to admit that I have always been skeptical about training young kids but these two have been the exception to the rule. They soak up everything you throw at them and are showing ability way beyond their years. It scares me to think of just how good these two can become.

Lastly I’d like to thank Master Evan Bowers for years of patience and tolerance. For those of you that don’t know Evan, he was twice blessed … not only was he my sensei thru blackbelt but I grew up right across the street from him. For those of you who know me .. you can understand the depth of his character and why his friendship and guidance are among my most cherished possessions.

Sorry to be so long winded, I’m sure Brad is misty eyed by now ….