Press Releases

This year’s Funshop was held on February 16th, 17th, 18th, and 19th. Students began arriving at 8:00 a.m. and were picked up by their parents at 5:00 p.m.. Some of the topic areas covered in this year’s Funshop included learning how to play chess and a four-day chess competition. Sparring techniques and combinations were demonstrated in a sparring competition between students ages 6-10 and students ages 11-17. An obstacle course involving tumbling, gymnastics, martial arts techniques and balance took place over the four day period. Trophies and prizes were awarded to students with the best time and the most points in their completion of the obstacle course. There were also self-defense techniques, including take-downs, at the funshop. One of the most important areas was learning the tradition of katas or forms, and each day the students demonstrated their kata skills and were graded by Grand Master Crandall and the black belt staff.

Academic tests and quizzes regarding discussions on the brain, traffic laws and responsibilities, musical instruments, drawing, and a session on Kennedy Space Center were an interwoven part of this year’s funshop.

Each student received a funshop medal for participating, and fourteen trophies were awarded for the various competitions. Twenty smaller prizes were also awarded, as well as a number of gift certificates for free sparring gear, uniforms, and martial arts videotapes.

Black belt instructors who helped make a positive difference in the growth of the students in this year’s funshop were: Mr. Travis Donley, Mr. Eric Stalloch, Mr. David Phillips, Mrs. Cheryl Freleigh, Mr. Joe Fiore, and Mr. Tim Cumings. These black belt instructors contributed their time during one to three days by assisting in judging, presentation of classes, and the organization of the programs which allowed us to achieve so much this year.

Mr. John Freleigh, a certified teacher and music instructor, volunteered his time once again this year for all four days. His involvement and time regarding the programs and activities of our funshop are appreciated not only by the students who participated but by all of the instructors involved in this program.
The students participating in this year’s funshop were:

Nick Baran Purple Belt
Michael Bartkowiak Blue Belt
Robert Bartkowiak Orange Belt
Jeremy Cellini Brown Belt, 1st Rank
Michael Dubiel Purple Belt
Joshua Farr Blue Belt
Benjamin Johnson Brown Belt, 2nd Rank
Sarah Johnson Brown Belt, 2nd Rank
Devin Korrie Purple Belt
Jon Lyon Brown Belt, 1st Rank
Shaun Pratt Orange Belt
Gabriel Richardson Blue Belt
Gregory Richardson Blue Belt
Kevin Shah Green Belt
Carli Spiridigloizzi Purple Belt
Mark Spiridigloizzi Purple Belt
Philip Spiridigloizzi Purple Belt
Nicole Stanulevich Black Belt, 2nd Degree
Mackenzie Weber Blue Belt
Morgan Weber Blue Belt
Adam Wilk Purple Belt

This year's funshop participants with some of their awards