What does it mean to be 100% American?
Are you?
Its an attitude as well as a birth right.
Check it out and share your 100% American story at:
While you are there, purchase some 100% American made clothing to show your American spirit and support 100% American business.
If you are a fan of trivia, like I am, then you might want to peruse this website: http://www.thehistoryofchristmas.com/
Lots of fun information to share with and impress your relatives this weekend.
Did you know that the poem “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” was written for the Montgomery Ward Company and given away to customers in 1939?
Where does “Santa” come from?
Why do we have Christmas trees?
What does the 12 Days of Christmas really mean?
How many kisses can you legally get from Mistletoe"?
Merry Christmas to all,
Master Randall
From our family to yours, all of us at Matt Randall’s Black Belt Academies wish you the very merriest of holidays and blessings for a happy and prosperous New Year.
Mr. Gene Paltrineri, master photographer craftsman, does a wonderful job of capturing all out events on film. Photos of graduations, tournaments, seminars, and more can be found at:
http://www.genepaltrineri.com/mp_client/pictures.asp
If you see one you like, please email Mr. P with the photo number and he will generously email you the photos back for free.
For more information, please contact Gene Paltrineri Studios at:
603-749-4777
20 Things I’ve Learned From Traveling Around the World for Three Years
You really don’t know how great the US is until you get outside and see the world a bit. This is a terrific article that both makes you want to see the world and makes you appreciate our own world a little more.
I have travelled to more that a dozen foreign countries and I love coming home the good ol’ USA.
Enjoy,
Master Randall
FREE Women's Personal Protection class
Ladies, tell all your friends!
Matt Randall’s Black Belt Academy is hosting another of our wildly popular Women’s Personal Protection Classes on Tuesday, November 9th at 515pm.
Pre-Registration is required.
Click on the link above for details and to register.
Another new title from Master Randall will be 
available soon – Talking with You Kids About Safety includes some great information about safety that will inspire you to have meaningful conversations with your children about common safety issues. This book will give you ideas backed by statistics so that you are well-armed for those challenging conversations like:
Fire Safety – Internet Safety – Stranger Danger – TV and Movie Ratings – Gun Safety – Bullies – Drugs and Alcohol – How to choose a Martial Arts School – How to Dial 911 - and more.
A special chapter also includes all the techniques Master Randall teaches in his very popular Stranger Danger classes.
This book will be available soon through Amazon.com and other retailers. Stay tuned for a special pre-order offer in the next few weeks.
Article published Apr 7, 2010 – Fosters.com
Somersworth school fair teaches healthy habits
SOMERSWORTH — Students danced, punched and ate their way through a recent Health Fair designed to promote healthy living and eating practices.
(EJ Hersom/Staff photographer Matt Randall, a sixth degree black belt and world competitor in Tae Kwon Do, gives a quick seminar in martial arts during a health fair at Somersworth High School.)
The event, which was held in the high school's cafetorium, was a free night of dinner and activities geared toward all students and parents in the Somersworth School District, said Sean Miller, the SAU 56's food service director.
He said the purpose of the fair was to reach out to the community and raise awareness about healthy habits, as well as provide education to the attendees.
"I think it's teaching the kids the right way to eat," he said. "You can eat things that are kind of fattening, but as long as you eat them in the right portion size then it's good. As the kids grow up, the healthier you eat, the healthier your body is going to be, and that's why we're promoting this so much in Somersworth."
Miller said the fair was organized by the Rollinsford/Somersworth Wellness Committee, which meets once a month and its members include himself and all five of the district's school nurses. He said this event wasn't the only attempt to get the students eating healthy, as there are initiatives in place every day in the schools, such as a program that provides fresh produce as daily snacks. He said all food items in the schools are also labeled with nutritional information so students know more about what they are putting in their bodies.
While several students said they came out to the event for the free dinner, which featured a chicken and broccoli Alfredo dish made with whole grain ziti and low-fat cream and milk, many said they came out for the activities.
(EJ Hersom/Staff photographer Above, from left, Bradley Tousignant, Shaylen Ayotte, Kassidy Benson and Amanda Marcin kick during a martial arts demonstration at the health fair in Somersworth. Below, dancers from Studio 109 put on a show.)
Jeremiah Quirion, a fourth-grader at Hilltop Elementary School, said he enjoyed getting involved in the karate demonstration from Matt Randall's Black Belt Academy.
"I just wanted to come out and have fun," said Quirion, 10. "I liked punching things."
He said he thought it was important to keep your body healthy, and said he frequently eats healthy food such as oranges, his favorite fruit.
Tiara Phillips, a third-grader at Hilltop, attended because she said she thinks it's important to be active and practice healthy eating habits, two things she does often. She said she thinks students her age are fairly healthy, but suggested eating more fruits and vegetables as a way to be healthier. She said she noticed the biggest change in the way she felt when she made one particular diet change in 2008.
"I don't drink soda anymore," said Phillips, 9, who plays soccer. "It was kind of slowing me down during my running."
Parents without students in the district also came out to the event.
Patrick Kinneavy, a member of the Somersworth High School Class of 1997, said he wanted to get involved because he wants his 11-month-old daughter, Danielle, to eat healthier than he did growing up. Kinneavy said he remembers the school providing "a variety" of healthy menu options, but said he often bypassed those items in favor of the snack line, a decision he said he's "still paying the price for."
"I want to make sure when my kid gets to this age that I don't have to worry about her health," said Kinneavy, 30, who said he also came out to support his wife, who teaches at Maple Wood Elementary School. "I want to make sure (Danielle's) healthy."
Other activities at the health fair included dancing organized by Studio 109 in Gonic, jumping rope, music, and educational information from Blackman Chiropractic Center, McGregor Memorial EMS, and NH Healthy Kids medical insurance, among others.
A healthy dessert made by the Somersworth Career Technical Center's culinary program was also offered, although attendees with a sweet tooth had to go on a mile walk through the school led by high school students before they could eat the dessert, said Pat LeBlanc, the middle school's nurse.
Thank you Mr. Woodburn for a terrific testimonial. You are an inspiration to all of us and a great example of what it really means to be a martial artist and a leader. – Master Randall
Jake Woodburn said: 7/6/2010
I've loved mixed martial arts for a long time now, but only recently did my friend Stefan invite me into the class at the academy. And only recently did I discover what the martial arts are really about, discipline, respect and honesty. Since joining the academy I have been told that I have improved in many aspects of my life. My dad was the first to notice that I now have a much easier time approaching strangers and introducing myself than I previously had. My confidence in myself has sky rocketed, and I now feel comfortable in many situations that I would have been uncomfortable in before. I have become more of an honest person now, and I see many things in my life progressing as well. Since joining MRBBA, my grades have actually gone up. I now have a 3.1 GPA and am proud of my improvement over time. I also have learned to handle things better. I used to be a very emotional kid, and would get flustered fairly easily. But now I'm stronger and I know how to effectively manage my thoughts and emotions. I have to give a sincere thank you to everyone at MRBBA for helping me achieve all of this, and hopefully more in the future.
Saturday, June 12, four students ranging in age from 9 to 39 graduated to First Degree Black Belt. 
Bryan Truong
Nicole LaMarco
Diane DeVries
Greg Notaro
All did a fantastic job and were very well prepared.
Pictured above are the black belt candidates sparring and some of our 15 black belt judges who stepped onto the mat to give them a good test.
Congratulations to all!
If you would like to view our Black Belt Family Tree and read their essays prepared for the test, visit www.mrbba.com.
The Karate Kid movie opened this past weekend to sell-out crowds. Our demonstration team was there to celebrate the opening show and received great reviews from the captive audience of 200 in the theatre.
Mr. Dobson, our very own karate kid, staffed a table in the lobby to give everyone free information about our upcoming Bully Proof courses on June 22-23.
Register at www.mrbba.eventbrite.com.
Thanks also to Mr. P, Master L, and Ms. Hayes who helped hand out information as well.
Let’s all help put an end to bullying by providing kids with the confidence to stop being victims.
“I love receiving the Chamber’s ‘Peek at the Week’ to keep up with everything going on in Dover. I recommend that our families register for this free email each week. There is really a lot that Dover has to offer and I think many families miss some great activities because they just don’t get the news. This is a simple way to stay involved with more family activities in Dover.”
-Master Randall
From the Chamber: Please feel free to share this link with customers, employees, family and friends that you think might be interested in signing up to receive this type of information in the future. It's easy to register for the "Peek" - simply use the "Click Here to Sign Up" or click the "Join Our Mailing List" button, both of which can be found on the left-hand side of the "Peek," and then provide an email address to receive weekly information about upcoming local events and entertainment, as well as special offers and promotions from local businesses.
http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs040/1102555025974/archive/1103451526933.html
There will be more…
Members of our Instructor Training Program:
(front row left to right) Mrs. Christie, Mr. Dobson, Mrs. Lane.
(back row left to right) Mr. Lane, Mr. Christie, Master Randall, Master MacKay, Master Lindquist, Mr. Paltrineri, Mr. Bell.
We are soon to open more locations and looking to add members to our great line-up of instructors. If you are interested in an exciting career as a professional martial arts instructor or school manager, visit www.IWantToBeAMartialArtsInstructor.com
Getting started is easier than you think and you don’t need prior experience to start training.
Train for a career as a martial arts instructor/school manager.
Matt Randall’s Black Belt Academy is the only martial arts school 
in the country approved for VA/GI Bill benefits as a career training and technical college.
That means our Instructor Training Program has passed the rigorous standards required by the VA to be approved for college credit and tuition reimbursement.
For more information, give us a call at 603.743.6500 or visit http://iwanttobeamartialartsinstructor.com/.
Call your local VA to check on your college tuition benefits package. You may qualify to train for an exciting career as a martial arts school manager.
Is your child shy, withdrawn, bullied, 
a loner not a leader?
Download this free newsletter with tips for helping your child become more confident.
Free information for parents including:
Tickets are now on sale for our June 12th Black Belt Graduation.
There are only 100 seats available and they tend to sell fast.
Order yours now at:
See exciting performances by our new black belts including:
Come help us celebrate and support our newest black belts!
July 26-30, 2010
Matt Randall’s Black Belt Academies are hosting our annual Leadership Summer Camp. 
Summer Camp is full of fun, games, martial arts training, and leadership development.
For more information and to register visit www.mrbba.eventbrite.com
Join us for a fun and very practical seminar on the Indonesian art of Silat. Master MacKay is a fantastic seminar presenter.
For more information on the art of Silat, Google the name or visit
http://www.anakserak.com/index.html
for some history.
Date: Friday, June 4
Time: 6:00pm
Registration is required at www.mrbba.eventbrite.com
This evening we covered some of the kali techniques that I learned from the Dan Inosanto seminar in RI. What a great time!
Do you know a black belt who needs to learn more than just another form? Call us at 603.743.6500.
Melissa Hayes said: May 24th, 2010 4:16 pm
Since joining Matt Randall Black Belt Academy, I have noticed significant changes in both my son and husband. They have begun to think more about being in better shape and taking care of themselves. As well as having more discipline in achieving goals. They are able to set and achieve goals that help them with chores around the house.
KwanJang-Nim note:
The Hayes family is awesome. Not only do they train hard with exceptional dedication, but they always invite their friends to join them in class. We couldn’t find better students anywhere.
Thanks for being terrific - KJN
We have some fantastic demonstration opportunities coming very soon. Do you really love weapons forms? Then join us this Friday, 5/28, at 5pm in Dover for some serious weapons forms training. Take your forms to performance level in this class taught by KwanJang-Nim Randall.
Holly Cow! What a great weekend. If you missed it, well…you really missed it. At 73 years old he still moves like he’s in his twenties. There is a reason why he is called a living legend.
I can’t wait to share this information with our black belts and instructors.
Melissa Gahr said: 5/20/2010 1:57:15 PM (GMT)
My 5 year old just started at Matt Randall’s and she loves to practice at home. She is really enjoying herself and I never knew how confident she could be until I saw her in class. Please add this to your testimonial page for me.
|
| Nicole LaMarcoApril 15, 2010 at 9:22pm Subject: Somersworth Library Project As part of my black belt exam in the martial arts I am doing a community service project for the Somersworth Public Library. Public libraries offer free books, audio books, movies, children’s activities, and events. They offer a place to study or just read and relax. It’s time to give back. Make checks payable: Friends of the Somersworth Library. Checks can be mailed to: If you want to make a donation please let me know. My goal is to raise $3,000 to cover the costs of the above items and I want to keep track of the donations going in through me. Whatever you can donate will help the Library! Sending just $10 would help and mean so much to myself and the library. There is also a donation can at Matt Randall’s Black Belt Academy in Dover. |
So…you love your training. You love your school. And, you love your instructors. How do you show your love?
For years we have had students ask for all kinds of personalized stuff from coffee cups to jackets. It’s impossible for a small business like ours to stock everything in every size and color…or is it?
Through the magic of online on-demand ordering, you can now get almost anything you want with a really cool MRBBA logo to show off how much you love your training.
Shirts, jackets, stickers, coffee cups, teddy bears, and even underwear…yes, even underwear, but only for those who are really into their training.
Visit our shop at www.iLoveMRBBA .com.
Check out all the wicked cool stuff you can order and show the world how much your really love your training.
Thank you to Matthew Stiles for participating in this great event to promote peace.
http://www.derrynews.com/local/local_story_076150243.html
March 17, 2010 03:02 pm
—
DERRY — Fans of folding origami paper gathered at Derry Public Library on Saturday to participate in a "Thousand Cranes for Peace" origami workshop.
The event, hosted by the Lil' MDGs group, gave people a chance to get involved in a project that will eventually go global. All the cranes folded Saturday will join with hundreds of others already created to be sent to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum in Tokyo, Japan.
Lil' MDGs was started by local youth as an effort to join young people around the world together by taking on peace projects and other activities to bring awareness to children in need around the globe. The group has been honored nationally and internationally for its projects, its efforts, and its goal of helping children and spread the message of peace.
As part of the workshop Saturday, participants also qualified for the Give A Day, Get A Disney Day incentive, taking on community service activities to earn time at the Florida resort.
In February, more than 70 people gathered at the library to make almost 500 cranes.
— Julie Huss
Copyright © 1999-2010 cnhi, inc.
I love TED! And, this video is priceless. For all those who want to be millionaires and are waiting for the money to fall in their lap…
Visit TED.com for more great ideas and information.
Secrets of success in 8 words from fahrulazmi on Vimeo.
The Project PRIDE program is a comprehensive out-of-school youth program serving economically disadvantaged, adjudicated, homeless, runaway, disabled, pregnant or
parenting, and otherwise qualified youth as defined by the Workforce Investment Act (WIA), between the ages of 18 and 21 (and those 16 and 17 who have achieved a high school diploma or GED) who wish to become economically self-sufficient, independent and productive community members. More information about the organization can be found at
http://projectpridenh.com/
The Project PRIDE office is located at 33 Hanson Street, Rochester, NH 03867. The storefront lacks visibility. It is imperative to show the organization's name on their storefront or
on a visible sign on the window. People pass the organization every day and may not even know it exists. Even if potential candidates find the organization by its address, they might
assume the program is not fully organized and walk away. Creating a special presence outside the storefront will help reduce preconceived notions such as the idea that the organization is only for the “troublemakers” in the community.
I plan to re-energize the storefront and enhance the organization's presence, and help create an attractive destination for the youth participating in programs at Project PRIDE through a few simple design projects. These projects may include signage, window art, embellishments such as flowers or plants, and flag.
- Diane DeVries, testing for 1st Degree
For my community service project I will be helping the Somersworth Public Library. I had a meeting with the Library’s director, Debora Longo this week. She informed me of the group known as the Friends of the Somersworth Public Library. This organization puts on the library’s book sales. The library uses the funds from these sales to fund what they need most at the time. This year the spring book sale begins April 24th. Set up for the book sale begins April 20th, which I will be helping with. The members of the Friends are senior citizens who need a strong young person to help set up for the book sale. I will also help get the word out about the book sale beforehand via flyers that I will put up in local businesses. I want the library to sell all of the books they are putting up for sale and not have to get rid of the rest.
The library needs 6 new, wheelchair accessible tables that are approximately $400 each, not including shipping. The children’s room of the library needs 3 new sets of end panels, which are approximately $200 each not including shipping. I want to raise enough funds for the library to buy the tables and end panels. I will place donation cans in local businesses to raise the funds needed for these.
The library’s medical section needs to be upgraded. I will contact The Works and other medical offices (hospitals, doctor’s offices, clinics, etc.) to obtain donations for the medical section of the library. I will leave cans for donations from local medical offices.
The library is an important place for the community where people of all ages can enjoy the books, audio books, movies, computers, free museum passes, story and craft time, and relaxing study areas. As a child I spent many hours in the local public library (and still do) enjoying the books and the atmosphere. It’s time for me to give back.
- Nicole LaMarco, testing for 1st Degree
It is important to remember that earning a Black Belt in the Martial Arts is not just about physical ability, drive and dedication to one’s training. It is also about growing as a person. It is about being a responsible, considerate and caring human being. These are the traits that allow us to use our martial art skills with respect. A community project is one way to ensure that these personality traits are maturing as well in a black belt candidate.
As a physician, I am frequently involved with providing medical services gratis in our community. As a caring and very fortunate human being, I frequently donate funds to deserving organizations. This year I have donated monthly to a Sioux orphanage and school. I have donated a surgical correction procedure with the Smile Train. I have made an annual contribution the United Way. I have made several contributions to St. Jude’s Hospital. I have donated funds to Cocheco Valley Humane Society and the York Center for Wildlife. I, of course, also responded to the Haitian Earthquake with a donation. I also believe it is very important to reach out and do whatever you can to make a difference in the world around you.
My community project will be very simple. It will be a donation of time as well as funds. I will participate in the Red’s Road Race on April 25th 2010. The purpose of this race is to raise funds for several community non-profit organizations including hub Family Resource Center, The Adult Learning Center, Monarch Schools of New England, Community Partners, Malley Farm Boys Home as well as the Woodman Park School. My son Quinn will participate in the race as well. It should be fun!
- Dr.Heidi MacVittie, testing for 2nd Degree
Hello,
I just wanted to give a little feedback on this morning's class. Sullivan and I left Matt Randall's really excited today. We both noticed such a difference in the class today for having additional instructors on hand. I noticed that the extra direction Sullivan received made for an excited, confident Sullivan. Just having the extra hands on board to show him how his body should be moving, standing, etc made a huge difference. Even in the exercises his body was more properly positioned. We were super excited and just wanted to share with you what a great day it was.
Thanks,
LeAnn Kimball
In related news…
Matt Randall’s Black Belt Academies are experiencing some terrific growth and looking to train more instructors for positions as Program Directors, Instructors, and School Managers. If you are interested in training for a rewarding career in martial arts, call 603.743.6500.
Article published Feb 22, 2010
Communities often try to be the next hot spot by embracing trends, engaging in unsustainable development programs and boasting about a "great quality of life." What I appreciate about Dover is the underlying themes of family and community that ultimately are illustrated through our events, personal interactions and day to day routines.
Dover is well situated to absorb market fluctuations and economic turmoil better than some communities because it is a community that values families. Families are a fact of life, so it makes sense for community businesses to be sensitive to the needs and desires of families.
Ask any parents about their spending habits when it relates to their kids. You'll learn that it is a priority. This was recently noted at our recent Federal Savings Bank, 2010: Economic Forecast, when Federal Savings Bank President and CEO Jay O'Neill commented on the power of community banks and the mutually beneficial relationship they have with local family-orientated businesses.
In early 2010, we've already begun to see the anticipated gravitational pull of the Children's Museum of New Hampshire begin to become a reality. Not only has the Museum established itself as the top visitor attraction in the state, attracting over 150,000 visitors, they've also inspired others to begin to establish new businesses or re-focus their existing businesses on family oriented opportunities.
Noggin Factory, a downtown educational and toy store had their most successful year ever in 2009. Harvey's Bakery and Coffee Shop sees a constant stream of families in search of cookies for their kids. Up on Central Avenue, Dover Bowl has re-branded itself as a family fun center with a large arcade and other indoor 
attractions. Matt Randall's Black Belt Academy has seen an uptick in attendance and the "Rockright Academy" at Ralph's House of Tone is full of aspiring musicians.
It's a credit to these existing businesses, and many others, who decided to focus on the Kid Economy in Dover. Even more encouraging, is the emergence in the last month of new destination businesses geared toward kids, including Twice the Fun, an indoor play gym, and Paint for Fun, an art project studio. These businesses did not choose to locate in Dover by accident; they saw a way to compliment what was already going on in the city.
As a result, it is now very easy for families to spend a solid four to eight hours in Dover, experiencing our local attractions, shops and restaurants.
On the first day of school vacation week in New Hampshire, I encourage you to visit www.dovernh.org and view the "Peek at the Week." This is a weekly events listing that features the dozens of things to do each week in Dover. As you are planning your activities, don't forget to think about the programming at the Dover Library, the Dover Ice Arena and the many other places for free or low-cost family fun.
As I mentioned, the family theme has always been an undercurrent here in town, probably partially attributable to our varied housing stock that can accommodate the changing needs of families — from young couples, to families, to empty nesters. In most cases, you don't need to leave Dover as your space needs change.
It is my feeling that the Kid Economy is going to become a popular refrain that translates into real prosperity for our community. Dover is already the host city for many regional swimming, hockey and baseball tournaments. We are beginning to get the foundation that makes us attractive for national youth sports championships. Thanks to these early gains by our progressive businesses, Dover is on the map in the minds of many parents and it will only continue to grow with time.
We'd welcome your thoughts, feedback and suggestions at info@dovernh.org. Follow the Chamber on Facebook.com/greaterdoverchamber and twitter.com/doverchamber.
Kirt Schuman is the Executive Director of the Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center is located at 550 Central Avenue in Dover and is dedicated to making good things happen for businesses, residents and visitors of Dover.
Another great group of ladies and another fun time learning to kick butt and say “No!” to sexual assault. Thank you to the ladies for choosing not be victims and thank you to Master Lindquist for taking all the beatings for 
a good cause.
If you would like to host a Women’s Personal Protection course, call our office at 603.743.6500.
They are fun, free, and empowering.
Wow! Another great time at the Black Belt Leadership 
Conference. Students of all ages and ranks spent 8 hours learning new techniques and developing their leadership skills. Many thanks to our instructors who spent their time and energy not just teaching, but also weeks of preparation for the event.
Master Randall is celebrating his 28th birthday on the 24th. Well, he's not really 28, but we keep humoring him anyway. After all, he is KwanJang-Nim (Head Master/Founder/Principal) and he makes us tell everyone he is 28. Rumor has it that his real age and birth date are carefully sealed in an old mayonnaise jar and buried in his backyard for top security (just in case he needs to remember how old he really is).
To celebrate his 28th birthday we are going to party all week at both academies. It's school vacation week and we will operate on a different class schedule to allow for some 'wicked fun workouts' and partying with balloons and refreshments.
Here are the details:
· Monday 2/22 through Thursday 2/25 there will be one class at 530pm for all ages and all ranks.
Note - MMA and Future Masters classes will be held as normally scheduled.
· Each night after class we will have refreshments and celebration.
· Classes all week are open to the public and free for all your friends.
Special Referral Rewards will be presented to students who invite friends to join them in class.
· Master Randall will make appearances at both academies, but hasn't told us when or where yet.
He says he will have special birthday gifts for students he sees demonstrating "awesome black belt leadership skills". Make sure your dojang culture is at a level 10!
· Our staff has decided that any student who wants to make a "Happy Birthday, KwanJang-Nim" poster will earn a commitment stripe next week. Yes, you can earn more than 1.
Come help us celebrate during vacation week.
It will be Wicked Fun!
