An Exciting Summer Program for Children

Summer programs are both great for parents because of their convenience and fun for children because of their activities and other members. This year, the Pamfilis Karate Academy is offering a 1-week long summer program for children ages 6-14 that will recur three times throughout the summer. There will be many fun and educational activities in the program, as well as the physical portion of the class that will teach traditional karate.

At our summer camp, we like to keep the day moving by offering a variety of games, arts and crafts, and karate, as well as educational and artistic activities. In addition, each day there will be specific games designed to improve children’s motor skills. We understand that kids want to do a variety of things, rather than just one activity all day, so we plan a balanced scheduled for the education and entertainment of the children.

Though our summer camp offers several aspects that can be found elsewhere, our camp is unique because of our teaching of karate. During the week, the children will learn the basic techniques of Seido Karate, the traditional Japanese style of martial arts. During this portion of the day, we’ll teach the basics of karate, the art of meditation, and the history and practice of our art. Beginners are welcomed to join our summer program, as it will be a great time to learn karate and perhaps continue the course later on.

The summer program offers both a full-day and half-day option. The full day starts at 9:00 AM and ends at 3:30 PM, while the half day lasts only 3 hours and can start at either 9:00 AM or 12:30 PM. For Merritt members, the full day option is $300 and the half day option is $175, and for non-members, the full day option is $325 and the half day option is $200.

If you’re interested in sending your child to a fun, educational summer camp, or would like more information, call Kyoshi Karen at 410-499-2476 or email at pamfiliskarate@verizon.net

Seido Karate: Teach Your Kids Respect, Love, and Obedience

Founded by Kaicho (Japanese for “Chairman”) Tadashi Nakamura in Brooklyn, New Yorkin 1976, Seido karate is a Japanese form of martial arts that promotes the principles of respect, love, and obedience.

Seido, meaning “sincere way”, was developed by Kaicho Tadashi Nakamura after he came to the United States to teach Kyokushin Karate. Kayokushin karate was exploding in the USA and its fast expansion made the instructors neglectful of the quality of karate and the principles they taught behind it. Nakamura wanted to go back to the basic disciplines and tranquility of karate and thus he developed his own “sincere” way of doing Japanese martial arts.

Seido karate aims to develop students both physically and mentally, the mental aspect lacking in what came with Kayokushin karate’s explosive popularity. Seido’s goal is to create complete and balanced individuals. This form of karate, though catered to mind-body individual growth also promotes the development of love and community between family and friends.

The 3 main principles of Seido karate are respect, love, and obedience.

1. Respect: For your elders, your parents and their wisdom and experience, and for your fellow karate ka (or, “karate colleagues”).

2. Love: Peace within yourself to love and respect yourself and an openness and love for others.

3. Obedience: To understand and follow governmental and moral law and the desire to become someone concerned with ethics and humility. Obedience does not mean subservience; kids are taught to both understand morals but also to think for themselves in a peaceful mindset.

Contact us for more information about classes, programs, and other activities we offer! We offer full-day or half-day classes, a 6-week summer program, and summer camps for kids of all ages to cater to your schedule and budget needs. We also offer an array of activities besides traditional karate training such as arts and crafts, meditation, children’s self-defense, anti-bullying information, and more!

For information on camps and programs, please contact Karen at 410-499-2476 or email at pamfiliskarate@verizon.net

Adult Classes Available at the Best Karate School in the Area

Are you a bit envious of your child’s karate classes? The high-intensity environment is great for physical development, such as core strength, flexibility, and aerobic capacity – and it joins together with self-defense skills, self-confidence, and a high regard for general well-being.

Luckily, you can achieve those same goals – at the very same time your child is taking his or her class!

A lot of parents are simply waiting around for their children to finish. However, we are proud to offer a 1-month free training to these parents. There is no risk or obligation for parents who want to give training a shot at the best karate school in the area: Pamfillis Karate Academy within the Towson facility of the Merritt Athletic Club.

You can learn Seido Karate, a Japanese style of karate that is grounded in tradition. From physical to emotional strength, you can see for yourself what the excitement is all about!

Contact us at 410-499-2476 or pamfiliskarate@verizon.net to learn more about the 1-month free training offer for parents. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you have.

Please note that there are plenty of opportunities for your child(ren) coming up as well! Take a look at our upcoming summer programs:

•Three 1-week long summer day camps for children ages 6-15. Along with traditional karate, children will have conditioning, meditation, anti-bullying, arts and crafts, and more. Half-day and full-day options are available.

•A 6-week summer program for beginning students of all ages. For one low price that includes a uniform and promotion to the next level, students can attend classes twice a week for one hour.

Take advantage of these offers today! We look forward to seeing you at Pamfillis Karate Academy!

News for April 15, 2013

  • We would like to congratulate our 4 new junior black belts that completed their testing last weekend in NY, at our main headquarters: Sophie Fetzer, Ben Novick, Olivia Novick and Joel Yori.
  • We would also like to congratulate our 2 adults that promoted to shodan: Abe Novick and Sam Rhoads. In addition, congratulations to Brian Morris for his promotion to nidan!
  • A celebration (with cake!) was held in their honor on April 15.
  • We started another session at Federal Hill Prep last Wednesday, April 10th. Even though it was so hot in the gym, the kids did a great job and had lots of focus and spirit! Keep up the good work!
  • We will begin teaching a new program at West Towson Elementary School on April 16th. We are very excited at this new opportunity and at how well received the classes were… we filled up quickly!
  • On Friday, April 19th will be the last day of the session at St. Paul’s. Parents, please remember to bring your camera to get a shot of your child breaking their wood.
  • Classes at St. John’s finish on Thursday, April 25 and at St. James on Tuesday, April 30th.

News for April 3, 2013

Kyoshi Karen and several students will be traveling to Honbu in New York this weekend for Black Belt and Junior Black Belt promotion. Please join us in wishing them good luck and safe travel! A celebration will be held back in Towson on Monday.

News for March 21, 2013

  • The dojo will be closed next Friday in observance of Good Friday. No classes that day!
  • The make-up promotion for white to adv. blue belts will be Weds. March 27th from 5:45-6:45 p.m.
  • The basics make-up promotion for yellow belts and above will be Monday, April 1st from 5:45-6:45 p.m. in the adult class.

News for March 18, 2013

  • Bushido club will be held on Friday, March 22nd from 7-8:15 p.m. Please bring your bo/jo and your bokken. We may do some rolling and practical self defense as well … still uncertain. But hope to see you there!
  • Remember – you can follow us on Twitter and Like us on Facebook.
  • Summer camps are filling up quickly, so, if interested, we are offering 2 weeks at Towson and 1 week at the Canton facility. Dates are listed under Summer Camp

News for March 14

  • Bushido club will be held on Friday, March 22nd from 7-8:15 p.m. Please bring your bo/jo and your bokken. We may do some rolling and practical self defense as well … still uncertain. But hope to see you there!
  • The last day of classes for this 10 week session at Merritt Canton is fast approaching. The children have been working hard to learn their material for advancement to the next belt level. Promotion day will be Saturday, March 23 from 10-11 am.
  • Children’s promotions for the Towson Merritt location will be held on Saturday, March 23rd from 1-3 p.m. The promotion candidates list will be posted shortly.

News for February 14, 2013

On Monday, February 18, the class schedule will be as follows:
5:00 – 5:45 p.m. – all ages, white belt through advanced yellow belt
5:45 – 7:30 p.m. – all ages, green belts and above

Also on Monday, February 18, Merritt is holding an Open House for their summer camps from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 4-6 p.m. If you are interested in signing your child up for our very popular “karate and more” week long camp, please come by and sign them up. You will receive a discount if you sign up on Monday! An overview from Merritt’s catalog for the karate camp can be found here.

News for February 12, 2013

  • Pamfilis Karate Academy now has a Facebook page … check us out! Hopefully you can find something to “like.”
  • We will have regular class schedule on Monday, February 18th … this is our regular scheduled class to fight and hopefully all fighters can make it to class as we will be “helping” the 6 students preparing for their black belt test in New York to get ready for their promotion.
  • Jack Vandiver had his karate birthday party this past weekend … thank you for letting me celebrate with you and Happy Birthday! If anyone is interested in holding their next birthday party with me, you can reach me at 410-499-2476.

Kyoshi Karen teaches Jack and his birthday guests how to break a piece of wood.