CVDA

We left the CR area around 4:15pm and were on our way. The three of us ( Mr. Reif, Mr. Morella, and I ) were on our way in Mr. Morella's car. The trip to Chicago was uneventful, and we made pretty good time.

For supper we stopped at a Cracker Barrel somewhere in Illinois, which was good as Mr. Reif and I had never been to one before. The meals were reasonably priced and good quality, but it took quite a while to get our food.

Here we are crossing the Mississippi:



We arrived at our hotel around 9:30pm, and in the process of checking in, found out that the reservation I called in did not make it to their system. They were able to get us rooms, but only for one night. We were to check with them in the morning to "extend our stay".

Saturday morning we were all up and around pretty early, with much anticipation of the days events. After making a stop at the free continental breakfast, we loaded up and were on our way. ( we were able to "extend" our stay )

The seminar was held at the Romeoville Rec center, and, being only about 2 1/2 miles from our hotel, it was quite easy to find. The center has many amenities and served well for a seminar location.

Day one of the seminar included many stick techniques, as well as some empty hand techniques.

Mr.Morella being demonstrated on:

Although the training is very serious, we have a lot of fun as well. Here's Mr. Maloy applying a choke to Mr. Reif


Hock demonstrating a choke technique:


Mr. Bogner and Gary practicing a choke technique:


Action shot of Hock demonstrating on Mr. Bogner


As the day came to a close, we all agreed it was an awesome day of training, and we looked forward to day two.


Our excitement at the hotel that evening was to find our keys would no longer open our hotel door. After standing in line for several minutes, we were able to get this straightened out.

Saturday evening, we all went to Buffalo Wild wings for supper. Supper was quite good, and we enjoyed discussing the days events.



Sunday we were up again pretty early and followed the same schedule as the day before. We checked out of the hotel ( I will spare you all the tedious story of this ), and made it to the seminar about 10 minutes late. ( refer to tedious check out)

Day two of the seminar covered level 6 of the Knife/Counter Knife combatives course, as well as several stick, empty hand, and a couple gun defense techniques.


Here's Mr. Bogner showing Hock one of his recent knife creations: (You can learn more about these knives at www.bognerdrillblades.com)



Techniques included defense from the ground position as well. Here is Hock demonstrating:



Mr. Morella and Mr. Reif practicing one of the many drills we learned:



Mr. Bogner and Gary practicing one of the many drills we learned:



The CVDA Group with Hock:



To see all of the pictures, check out the Photo Gallery



Photo Gallery: Hock Seminar April 2008

Posted by Master Rion in Misc at 12:10 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)

Wow, I really can't believe I'm posting another assult in Cedar Rapids, but here it is.... (This occurred about 2 hours before the Taco Bell on Blairsferry was held-up)

According to the Cedar Rapids Gazette, a woman opened her door for someone she thought she new and ended up being robbed at gunpoint.

While at the police station her apartment was robbed again.

Read the full story:
Cedar Rapids Gazette story on Home Invasion

Posted by Master Rion in It can happen in Iowa at 13:47 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)

Tae Kwon Do promotion testing was held last week, and I was pleased with the results.

All students who tested did a great job.

The 2 areas of improvements are board breaking and self-defense takedowns.

In an effort to help the sudents improve in these areas we will be getting the mats out more frequently to practice takedowns for self-defense and there will be scheduled board breaking practice nights.

The board breaking practice nights will be posted on the website within the student section.

Congratulations to all who tested!

Posted by Master Rion in Misc at 13:36 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)

According to the gazette, a woman entereing Al & Irene's BBQ restaurant had someone attempt to take her purse.

3 unnamed local heros chased the man down, causing him to drop the purse.

Thankfully, this story had a happy ending with no injuries.

The gazette reported that there were 7 purse snatchings in Cedar Rapids last year.

Read the full story here:
Gazette story on Purse Snatching

Posted by Master Rion in It can happen in Iowa at 13:32 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)

Typically I enjoy writing for the blog, but this is one of the times I do not. I'm passing along this information to help raise awareness that bad things can happen even here in Cedar Rapids. It's my hope that there will be no more entries in the "It can happen in Iowa" category, but I am afraid there will be.

From the Cedar Rapids Gazette ( www.gazetteonline.com)

"Sometime between 3:15 and 3:45 a.m., a man in a small black, four-door car without a front license plate pulled over behind her. He came up to her window, told her he'd get help for her and went back to his car. A short time later, he came back up to her vehicle and got inside, telling her he had a knife. He then sexually assaulted her, Washburn said."

Read the full story here:
It can happen in Iowa - link to Gazette story

Posted by Master Rion in It can happen in Iowa at 17:28 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)

I've had students in the past ask if it's ok to bring a friend to class. Absolutely!

It's a great opportunity to show your friends what you work on 2-4 nights per week. There is no obligation on the friends part - you can bring them just to introduce them to the martial arts. Many people have not had the opportunity.

Adults are encouraged to do this as well. It's a great time of year to bring this up to your friends as many people have a New Years resolution to get into better shape. What better way than with a friend?

Remember the age limits still apply - ages 7 and up for Tae Kwon Do, and ages 14 and up for Hapkido.

Children, please limit to one friend per night.

Posted by Master Rion in Misc at 13:54 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)

I've spent a good part of the afternoon browsing through old photos from years past.

Photos range from my tae kwon do and hapkido testing, to gup level testing of several of our black belts are posted on the website.

Check them out in the photo gallery under "Old Martial Art Photo Album".

Posted by Master Rion in Misc at 17:10 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)

I'd like to wish all students, parents, and visitors to our site a Happy New Year.

2007 was another great year! Look for information coming soon about the Year End party as well as what's in store for 2008.

Thank you all for your hard work and dedication.

Posted by Master Rion in Misc at 14:20 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)