On 12/16/2009 Madison Casey said:

KALAHARI WAS AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!I had so much fun!!!The first time I went on the Master Blaster for the first time i was siked!Now it is my favorite ride there!I am really jealous of the Black belts.I really hope I can go next year.

On 12/16/2009 Veronica Casey said:

CONGRATS TO THE NEW BLACK BELTS!!!! I'm so happy to be training with new black belts! The promotion at Kalahari was awesome. The master blaster, a water slide, was exciting! I can't wait for my red stripe promotion in January!

On 12/14/2009 Michelle said:

Very cool newsletter. I enjoyed getting the email with the upcoming schedule and activities. Hope to see you all on Saturday for Breakfast with Santa for the Toys for Tots drive.

On 11/8/2009 Laurie Wilson said:

Great Job Amber, Victoria, Kristen and Dylan!! You can all be very proud of your tremendous achievement!! It was a pleasure to watch all of you do so well under pressure. You showed courage, determination and true indomitable spirit on Saturday at the promotion and graduation!! And, I think you all had the loudest cheering section:-)

On 11/6/2009 Michelle said:

Wishing Victoria, Kristen and Dillon all the best for the exams tomorrow. We will be here cheering you on!!!

On 10/13/2009 Mr. Bjorkquist said:

To all those who not only competed, but to those who took the time to come and support the competitors, THANK YOU. It is your effort, attitude, and commitment to each other that shows everyones Black Belt Leadership Attitude. Remeber ... no one can achiee their Black Belts alone (not counting the black belt in-a-box. All of you are helping each other grow, develop, and improve. I am proud to watch you all becoming the Black Belt Leaders you have set out to become.

On 10/13/2009 Brian Anderson said:

Michelle how does the idea of calling the "senior" women's division the COUGARS division. and renaming the kids division to the Jaguars. What do you think the Senior men's division should be called?

On 10/13/2009 Brian Anderson said:

All in all the tournament was a good experience for our kids. I would have to agree with Mrs. Wilson about the 2 hour wait for the younger kids in the staging area. It was a little to long for the kids to wait with all their gear on. It is a testament on the effects Kyuki-do has on the children. They all behaved like black belts while waiting for their turn to Spar. I want to also thank all the Judges, timers, and refs for all their encouraging and kind words. It made a difference in helping my daughter to decide to participate again. I want to thank everyone that helped organize the event. Without your hard work, this wouldn't have been a positive experience for all.

On 10/12/2009 Michelle said:

Great job at the tournament everyone! It was a fun experience for my family. I think my girls are already looking forward to the tournament in Huntley. The petition for a new name for the "senior" women's division has been started ;-)

On 10/11/2009 Laurie Wilson said:

Great job at the tournament, everyone!! It was a fun event for all! One recommendation however: the younger kids were kept in the holding area WAY TOO LONG! The Bobcats and Cougars were waiting for two hours before they actually went out onto the floor to spar. They didn't get to eat, they didn't get to watch other people compete which could have been helpful for them. I would like to add that this did not occur at the Huntley tournament this past spring, so if this was your child's first time competing and that may have upset you, this doesn't always happen. It should be addressed, however, by future tournament committees. Congratulations again to everyone who competed!

On 9/17/2009 Dewmann said:

I'm getting way too into this blog thing already. I'm afraid I sound like i'm trying to boss people around/acting like I'm in charge in my last post. Apologies in advance.

On 9/17/2009 Derrick Wilson said:

I just typoed my own name. Just realized that now. While i'm typing up another message anyway... I'm extremely glad I discovered this blog. The internet is pretty much the best way you can get me to communicate with people. I act extremely differnt online than I do in person. This should help to merge them both so that I act the same way in real life as I do here. (Well. I can get very obnoxious on the web sometimes. Maybe I shouldn't act the exact same way in real life.) Fall tournement. Post what you are going to do/haven't decided but are considering some stuff. weapons: If I can decide on one, maybe. open handed form: I just realized I won't be able to do the form I wanted to do, so I'll need to practice another now, so this is another maybe. Sparring: Yes. One of my biggest problems however is that I'm too soft. I'm afraid of making any contact whatsoever. This is another good way of helping each other out. Hey, are you practicing for the tournement? Hey, are you practicing for the tournement? Hey, are you practicing for the tournement? Now THAT'S being encouraging!

On 9/17/2009 Derrucj Wilson said:

Everyone knows that the older people/adults were louder! YOU CANNOT DENY IT CHILDREN! HI-YAH!!!!!!!!

On 9/6/2009 Michelle said:

Marching in a parade... always fun!! Great enthusiasm shown by all. It was even too close to call if the kids or adults were louder. Saw a picture on the Northwest Herald site #4 : http://ssm.nwherald.com/northwest-herald/photos/20090905sunsetfest/summer-sunset-festival/

On 8/11/2009 Madison Casey said:

I had a wonderful time at the kyuki-do camp.The blob was so fun!!! My sister Veronica got blobbed by Mrs.Bjorkquist.The Climbing Wall was awesome. I tried the hard and easy. I really hope we can go next year!!!

On 8/5/2009 Veronica Casey said:

Madison and I had lots of fun on the blob! The camp looked fun. Maybe we'll go next year. The rockclimbing wall was awesome!I tried the harder wall.Can't wait until next year!

On 7/28/2009 Victoria Kazmierczak said:

Ahhh,,, but Mrs.Malcher.. you cannot forget some "Shaw" eyes either... ha =)

On 7/27/2009 Michelle said:

Pink shirts were not the only thing missed. There were great sessions and training outside. Sparring followed by a campfire with smores. Great Stuff!!! Make plans to be there next year, and you won't miss out on comments about "purring", where you just had to be there.

On 7/26/2009 Victoria Kazmierczak said:

The Kyuki-Do Summer Kamp was amazing and super fun! The picnic was too...The blob was defiantly a hot spot for not only kids but for sure adults. Thanks to everyone who made it run and who organized it all.. The sparring, grappling, and etc. was most defiantly a good thing... And everyone who missed Mr. Bjorkquist in his mostly pink tie-dyed shirt missed a pretty funny sight..=)..haha

On 6/27/2009 Michelle said:

Today in the park was awesome! Congratulations to all that were promoted. It was great to watch forms that I can even image I will be able to learn, but definitely ready to try. Also thanks to the sisters for a great demonstration. Thanks Mr. Bjorkquist for having a great school that has these opportunities to meet the other families and have fun training together.

On 6/15/2009 Michelle said:

I wrote this blog (michelledbaunleashed.blogspot.com) back in March, just over a month of getting started. Thought you might enjoy it, and it helps me remember to carry the black belt attitude back to my office too! I started martial arts recently, and our instructor was describing to us the how important attitude is during class and outside of class. The questions were posed do you have a "Black Belt Attitude"? Do you have a "Can Do" attitude? Black belts have a positive attitude and they can get it done no matter what it takes. So, I can look at class with the thought that I am just a white belt, there is no way I can do these things yet that he is asking, or I can be there trying every move, being enthusiastic that I am going to get it and setting my goal for the black belt. The attitude doesn't stop with class. This is something that can easily be carried over to other parts of life, especially work. A positive attitude at work goes along way for how things get accomplished. Taking ownership for the task at hand and to do it to the best of your abilities, setting goals to develop new skills and keep other skills and knowledge current, willing to take on new responsibilities or even ones that others don't want, these are all part of that "Black Belt" attitude. There are tasks I don't want to do and people I may not want to deal with that pull me away from my goal of developing this attitude. There are projects being cut, people being given less incentive to do their current tasks, but this should push us even more to do what we can with what we have. Those of us who stay positive and work now maybe a little harder and smarter will be reaching that goal even sooner. Just like I can't go from being a white belt to a black belt tomorrow this attitude also can't happen over night. There is training that is needed with in both technical and mental skills. Developing the attitude of "I can do this" and learning to maintain that good attitude is a key part to the mental area. Along with this training, focusing on a goal is helpful. My goal is to earn a black belt, learn something new and conquer a challenge. I am also not alone, so when my bad attitude surfaces there are people who can assist. It is good to have accountability for meeting goals and staying on track. Having people I can learn from and encourage is important and good attitudes are contagious. For martial arts, I have a class to go to with my girls, but for work I have IOUG, user group network. I think that this is a main reason that I have been active in the user group community and enjoy sharing and learning from others. So, I encourage you to get involved in a community to help sharpen your skills and have the accountability to do an attitude check. Just image what would happen if we all came to work with a "Black Belt Attitude". The encouragement, positive outlook and the willingness to get things done could make projects happen that you never thought possible.

On 6/15/2009 Michelle said:

Great pictures!!! And if the pictures look like we had a great time, we definitely did. It was a great challenge, and I am definitely looking forward to do the high ropes next year.

On 6/11/2009 Loren Winfrey said:

I have uploaded the pictures for the ropes course on Flickr.com (http://www.flickr.com/photos/lorenwinfrey/sets/72157619415297634/) there is a icon which says"All Sizes" in case if you wish to download them.

On 6/7/2009 Christopher Hartman said:

Sorry.. just trying to help but the KBBA URL must have a limit so the link dosent work. Below is the full link. Hope someone will delete my other posts. http://www.bing.com/maps/default.aspx?v=2&FORM=LMLTCP&cp=42.022263~-88.270434&style=r&lvl=10&tilt=-90&dir=0&alt=-1000&phx=0&phy=0&phscl=1&rtp=pos.42.170282_-88.412726_10993%20Ruth%20Rd%2C%20Huntley%2C%20IL%2060142-7147__~pos.41.8730199339822_-88.1280650591606_41.87302%2C%20-88.128065__&rtop=0~1~0&encType=1

On 6/7/2009 Christopher Hartman said:

Directions to Ropes Course from KBBA Huntley. Hope URL works when i press "Leave Comment"

On 3/5/2009 The Rehr Family said:

Our son Jacob attends KBBA in Huntley, and I just wanted to let you know that we received a note from his preschool teacher on February 6, 2009. First, let me start by saying that when Jacob first started the academy back in September, he would barely even acknowledge Mr Bjorkquist. Now he is one of the loudest in class and loves being there. The note from his preschool teacher said that Jacob "volunteered to help during library storytime. He had to stand in front of the group and hold picture cards for the rhyming activity. He did great and answered questions!" That is just something that Jacob does not do. He normally doesn't talk and won't answer questions. We attribute his growth in confidence from attending the academy. To hear him lead the class at bow-in a few classes ago, I could not have been prouder. He said it loud and concise and full of confidence. Thank you Mr. Bjorkquist and Kim's Black Belt Academy for instilling this self-confidence in our son. (Who, by the way, just turned 5 in November.) We are very proud of Jacob and look forward to seeing his growth, in all aspects of his life. Craig and Margarita Rehr

On 3/5/2009 Margarita Rehr said:

I just wanted to say that we went to the tournament on Sunday and what a great event! To see all the ages and ranks competing and breaking boards was just incredible. It gives a nice insight into what we can look forward to learning, and what can be achieved when one sets ones' mind to reach your goals. We are looking forward to the event in October and hopefully to compete and not just be spectators. The Rehr Family

On 3/3/2009 Rick Bjorkquist said:

Hello Everyone, I would like to mention that I am very happy and proud of all the competitors who attended the AKF Spring Tournament, not just those from the Huntley Academy. For the older Black Belts, it is a time to catch up with friends who we have not seen since the last AKF Event and for the newer students, it is great to watch that same comeraderie being formed through friendly competition. Not everyone who attends gets a Trophy,and that is sometimes hard when everyone has worked so hard to get ready. The emphasis of the AKF Tournaments is not on each person "winning" or recieveing a Trophy, but on the simple fact everyone challenged themselves to participate in somethign new and exciting, to meet new friends, and to realize the AKF is more than just each individual Academy. The Tournament was a HUGE success in my mind, with over 200 competitors and plenty of Black Belts. Without the Support of Black Belts and Volunteers, it would have been almost impossible to keep the Tournament runnign smoothly. Whether it was the Staging Area who placed everyone in their divisions or each of the 8 Rings working to ensure everyone had an enjoyable time. I would like to make an special comment this year to the many, many volunteers who helped during the set up and tear down and to the busy task of running trophies to each of the 8 Rings. Without their help, the Tournament would not have been as smooth as it was. I wish I could mention everyones names, but alas, there were so many I did not know, it would not be right to mention just a few without the rest. Once again, THANK YOU to all the volunteers students, Black Belts, parents, and Instructors who helped make the 2009 Spring Tournament a sucess. Rick Bjorkquist