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Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Somersworth Health Fair
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.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Martial Arts training improves confidence and grades.
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.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Cinema, local group join bullying fight
By Jennifer Feals
jfeals@seacoastonline.com
June 11, 2010 2:00 AMPORTSMOUTH — Community groups and a popular entertainment destination are teaming up to help stop bullying.
Today's opening of the new "Karate Kid" movie will jumpstart an anti-bullying informational fair hosted by Regal Fox Run Stadium 15 and the Community Diversion Program. The fair, which runs today through Sunday, will include resources on how parents, children and the community can help prevent bullying.
"We want to reduce the impact of bullying and build communities where bullying is unacceptable and the horrible consequences are dealt with so they don't come into being," said William Meub, youth service coordinator for the Community Diversion Program, a youth court diversion program that aims to help locals make healthier choices.
From 5 to 8 p.m. tonight, centered around the 7 p.m. showing of "Karate Kid," the Community Diversion Program will offer information, a video workshop and tips on what bullying is, how it can be stopped and what adults can do. Community organizations and businesses like Matt Randall's Black Belt Academy, Big Brothers/Big Sisters of the Greater Seacoast, and Awareness Unlimited will provide demonstrations and information. Information will also be available in the theater's lobby throughout the weekend.
With its messages of self-confidence and positive mentoring relationships, "Karate Kid" was a perfect film to associated with the fair, Meub said. The film tells the story of a young bullied teenager with nowhere to turn until he finds a mentor, who teaches him martial arts and how to overcome his challenges.
"In learning those martial arts skills, he gains self-confidence, self-discipline and he basically stops being a victim and gains control of his own life," Meub said. "And he starts developing that really important mentoring relationship. Mentoring relationships with an older person are really important for the healthy development of youth. While that is key, so is physical activity that builds self-confidence."
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Congratulations to our new Black Belts!
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 New Karate Kid Movie Opens
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.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce
“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
Friday, June 4, 2010
Silat Seminar with Master MacKay
The Silat seminar with Master MacKay was terrific. Our staff had such a great time.
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.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
ATTENTION VETERANS!
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.
Confidence for Kids!
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:
- The Fear of Failure
- Small acts and big goals build confidence
- Getting bullies to stay away
- Why it hurts to be shy
- The look of confidence
- Turning loners into leaders
Black Belt Graduation – June 12th!
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:
- self-defense
- board breaking
- weapons forms
Come help us celebrate and support our newest black belts!
Summer Camp 2010
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
Silat Seminar with Master MacKay
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
Friday, May 28, 2010
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Another fun black belt class
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.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Thanks for another great testimonial
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
Demo Team members needed
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.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Dan Inosanto Seminar
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.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Thanks for the testimonial
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.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Are you a black belt looking for someplace to continue your training and keep your rank? Call us at 603-743-6500 http://www.mrbba.com
Just another great night in black belt class with full contact reality street fighting. Http://www.mrbba.com Wicked fun!
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Friday, April 16, 2010
Somersworth Library Project
| 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. |
