Just a few quick notes for June:

On Wednesday, June 1, we will be testing about 20 students in the A+ After School Program. Testing will begin around 3:35 and will hopefully be done around 5:00. We may run past 5:00 so if you are attending the Little Kickers class at 5:00 we will have those students head down to the red mats for their class.

Parents train FREE FOR JUNE! This is an awesome opportunity to try any of programs for the whole month of JUNE! Martial arts classes with (or with out) your kids, as well as Total Fitness Training our kick boxing class. Just stop at the front desk and tell them Mr. A sent you.

Yard sign campaign. We are currently trying a yard sign campaign to spread the word about our program. We have 8 signs and each week we will have them available for you to take home and post in your yard. At the end of the week just bring back your sign and we will send it out to a new family to host for 1 week. Last week we had all the signs checked out within 10 minutes!

See you all in class!

— Tony Armstrong, owner and chief instructor

We are closed for Memorial Day weekend on Saturday, May 28 and Monday, May 29. Classes will resume on the normal schedule on Tuesday, May 31.

Have a great holiday weekend — we’ll see you next week!

— Jeni Risgaard, Front Desk Coordinator

“Ninja Night” is next Friday, May 20, if you’re interested in a parent’s night out. Here are the details:

WHO – All kids, kindergarten age and up Friends who are not MPK students are welcome, so bring a buddy

WHEN – Friday, May 20, 6-9 pm

COST – $20 for the first child, $15 for additional kids

WHAT – Games, pizza, and a movie

There is a sign up sheet on the front desk, or you can email me the names and ages and I’ll add you to the list. Please sign up as early as possible to reserve your spot — past Ninja Nights have filled up by about mid-week before the event.

Thanks, we look forward to seeing you here!

— Jeni Risgaard, Front Desk Coordinator

Just wanted to post a last reminder about our Women’s Self Defense Seminar on Saturday, May 14, 1-4pm. This is a great opportunity for girls entering high school or leaving for college in the fall, as well as anyone wanting to learn techniques to stay safe. This is not limited to MPK families, so please feel free to share it with your friends or family. If you’d like to attend, please send in your information by early next week, if possible.

Who: Women and girls age 13 and up

When: Saturday, May 14, 1 – 4 pm

Where: Midwest Professional Karate
623 S. Main St. Deforest (next to Pick n Save)

Cost: There is no charge for the seminar, but we will be accepting donations to support Deforest charity, Deforest Area Needs Network (DANN)

Sign Up: Register at MPK, or email the names and ages of participants to mpkstudio@karatedeforest.com

No need to bring anything, just wear comfortable clothes and come ready to practice your self-defense skills.

— Jeni Risgaard, Front Desk Coordinator

Important things coming up next week (week of 4/25):

• MONDAY 4/25 — Early Release Day. If you haven’t already marked the sheet on the counter or have emailed me, please do so ASAP before Friday, so we have everyone accounted for.

• THURSDAY 4/28 — Take Your Child To Work Day. If you plan to take your child with you to work, please let me know if you haven’t already done so. Some of you already let me know. Middle School students need to get a pre-approval sheet from the office and get it signed by their teachers along with “Take Your Child To Work form for parents to fill out. I had to do it for my son this week.

• REGISTRATION FOR NEXT FALL — If you plan to return next year, pick up your paperwork at the front counter. Get your paperwork/payment turned in before June 30 for early registration. After June 30 the rates go up.

If you’re unsure about returning, you can pick up just the rate sheet. It is important to know who is returning — and who is going into Middle School grades 5-8 — so Mr. Armstrong can figure out the best transportation options.

— Melinda Huber

Just a couple quick reminders:

• Saturday, April 16 – There are no regular classes this Saturday while we do belt promotion testing.

Those testing should be here no later than 9:15 am in full uniforms, and starting to warm up. This is for all ranks, gold stripe through brown stripe. Testing will begin at 9:30. For intermediates, testing should take no more than an hour, and for advanced students, about 2 hours.

If you’re not testing, you’re welcome to come down and cheer on those who are.

• Sunday, April 24 – Black Belt 1st and 2nd Degree candidates will have a Super Sunday on 4/24 from 5-6:30 pm. Be sure to take advantage of the additional training time if you can!