January - LINXX Academy of Martial Arts
January - LINXX Academy of Martial Arts
January - LINXX Academy of Martial Arts
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Publisher:<br />
Frank Cucci<br />
Editor:<br />
Adam Wolff<br />
Graphics:<br />
Percy Tesoro<br />
Coordinator:<br />
Ryan Russo<br />
Contributing writers:<br />
Frank Cucci Jr.<br />
Ryan Russo<br />
Dan Brooks<br />
Chris Cappa<br />
STAR Assignment:<br />
Andrea Kennedy<br />
<strong>LINXX</strong> ACADEMY OF<br />
MARTIAL ARTS<br />
<strong>January</strong> 2013<br />
<strong>January</strong> 2013<br />
Letter from the Editor<br />
2012 was another exciting year for <strong>LINXX</strong><br />
<strong>Academy</strong>. It was a year chocked full <strong>of</strong> initiatives,<br />
challenges, and changes, and in keeping with the<br />
<strong>Academy</strong>’s hallmark <strong>of</strong> excellence, our team <strong>of</strong><br />
instructors, administrative staff, and volunteers<br />
accomplished a number <strong>of</strong> significant missions.<br />
Black Belt Graduates<br />
In 2012, the <strong>LINXX</strong> <strong>Academy</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Martial</strong> <strong>Arts</strong> awarded 42 Junior<br />
and Adult Black Belts. These promotions included 26 Junior Black<br />
Belts, 5 Junior First-degree Black Belts, 2 Junior Second-degree Black<br />
Belts, 1 Junior Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt, 7 Adult Thai Black Belts, and 1 Adult<br />
Second-degree Black Belt. We are very proud <strong>of</strong> their success and<br />
accomplishments! We know that they will serve as an inspiration and<br />
role models to all <strong>of</strong> our upcoming students.<br />
Awarded Scholarships<br />
As some <strong>of</strong> you may know, the <strong>LINXX</strong> <strong>Academy</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Martial</strong> <strong>Arts</strong> has<br />
three different scholarship programs for new students: the Special<br />
Operations Warrior Scholarship, the Athletic Achievement Award,<br />
and the Economic Outreach Scholarship. Each year, we award up<br />
to six full scholarships and numerous partial scholarships, which are<br />
determined on a case-by-case basis and require the submission <strong>of</strong> an<br />
application, letters <strong>of</strong> recommendation, and a personal essay. We are<br />
very happy to announce that this year we awarded over $10,000 in<br />
scholarships to deserving students!<br />
After-School Enrichment Program<br />
Throughout 2012, the <strong>LINXX</strong> <strong>Academy</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Martial</strong> <strong>Arts</strong> worked<br />
diligently to actualize a long-term goal <strong>of</strong> providing hard-working<br />
families with quality after-school care. We successfully launched<br />
our own After-School Enrichment Program at both the Kempsville<br />
and Red Mill locations, which now have fully functional classroom<br />
facilities and state-<strong>of</strong>-the-art equipment. Our program, which is<br />
open to current students and non-members, provides children<br />
<strong>of</strong> all ages with meaningful educational, training, and social<br />
opportunities. Currently, over 30 students enjoy working on their<br />
homework assignments with fully licensed and certified teachers,<br />
as well as participating in structured martial arts classes and other<br />
recreational activities that are designed to improve physical fitness,<br />
increase confidence, and build character.<br />
Best <strong>of</strong> the Best Award Winner<br />
The <strong>LINXX</strong> <strong>Academy</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Martial</strong> <strong>Arts</strong> was recognized by the<br />
Virginian-Pilot as one <strong>of</strong> the Hampton Road’s Best <strong>of</strong> the Best 2012<br />
winners because <strong>of</strong> your votes. Over 500 families in Hampton<br />
Roads place their trust in us, and we take that responsibility very<br />
seriously. We are delighted to know that you have noticed and<br />
appreciate our hard work and attention to detail. Again, thank you<br />
for helping us achieve this prestigious accolade.<br />
As students, I hope that you are proud not only <strong>of</strong> your personal<br />
achievements, but also those <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Academy</strong> that you have helped<br />
make a leading provider <strong>of</strong> martial arts instruction in Hampton<br />
Roads and throughout the nation. Thank you for all that you have<br />
done in 2012 and all that you will do in 2013. We look forward<br />
to constantly growing and improving with you over the next year!<br />
REWARD!<br />
$100 for VIP Referrals<br />
For the month <strong>of</strong> <strong>January</strong>, <strong>LINXX</strong> will be rewarding students with $100 for each<br />
referral that leads to a new membership. To participate, simply endorse the back<br />
<strong>of</strong> a <strong>LINXX</strong> V.I.P. Gold Card (available at the front desk) and have your friend, family<br />
member, or coworker speak with a <strong>LINXX</strong> representative to get their free trial started.<br />
Once your referral enrolls in one <strong>of</strong> our programs, <strong>LINXX</strong> will give you $100!
“LINKING PRACTICAL DEFENSE AND PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT”<br />
The Art <strong>of</strong> Persistence<br />
Persistence is the single most important attribute <strong>of</strong> a successful<br />
martial artist. Persistence can be defined by a number <strong>of</strong> different<br />
character traits, including concentration, desire, discipline, ambition,<br />
regular attendance to understand the movements, constant<br />
awareness <strong>of</strong> what helps or hurts progress, and, finally, belief in<br />
your ability to perform. The biggest evolutionary steps originate in<br />
the mind, while muscles, lungs, movements, and ability to perform<br />
simply help express those steps. In other words, if you believe you<br />
can do it, you eventually will.<br />
Through trial and error, <strong>LINXX</strong> <strong>Academy</strong> hopes to have found a<br />
healthy balance between providing a very challenging environment<br />
as well as a supportive place <strong>of</strong> learning for students. Since our<br />
humble beginnings, we have held thousands <strong>of</strong> tests, including belt<br />
tests, endurance round tests, combination tests, physical fitness<br />
tests, and tests in character and morals, to name a few. Each test<br />
is important in its own right. From time to time, students fail<br />
certain tests, whether from lack <strong>of</strong> preparation and attendance,<br />
not showing enough heart during an endurance round, or simply<br />
being unfit. Regardless <strong>of</strong> the reason, these failures, if used correctly<br />
and with the right persistent mindset, can be extremely valuable<br />
to one’s growth.<br />
These failures are paramount because they inspire students to<br />
persevere, and try harder the next time. Success and fulfillment<br />
rarely inspire or require introspection. Students will always learn<br />
more about themselves from their failures. It is important for<br />
students to know that if the desire and will are there, your fellow<br />
students and instructors will support you and help you succeed. It<br />
is rewarding to the entire <strong>Academy</strong> when a student fails, thinks it<br />
over, remakes or remodels him/herself, and then tries again. With<br />
enough persistence and an “all in” attitude, a student can pass any<br />
test and ultimately reach any rank or goal.<br />
The <strong>LINXX</strong> Master’s Club<br />
Pedro Sauer, Helio Gracie and Frank Cucci<br />
The study <strong>of</strong> martial arts is something that you can do forever, and<br />
can easily become a lifelong journey. Students who have earned<br />
the esteemed rank <strong>of</strong> Black Belt have proven they have a sound<br />
foundation in the fundamentals. They have the knowledge and<br />
skills that will enable them to grow and build upon what they have<br />
learned. This is why we have developed the Master’s Club, for<br />
students who are on a quest to continue moving forward beyond<br />
Black Belt and become true masters <strong>of</strong> their craft.<br />
Students are <strong>of</strong>ten in awe when they see our instructors execute<br />
incredible moves, like when Evan Taylor performs his spinning back<br />
kick at graduation, or when Frank Cucci, Jr. and Dan Brooks perform<br />
dynamic striking combinations. What students <strong>of</strong>ten don’t realize<br />
is that none <strong>of</strong> these individuals have ever stopped training. They<br />
may have achieved Black Belt 10 years ago, but chose to go onto<br />
the path <strong>of</strong> mastery. Not only do they enjoy martial arts training,<br />
but it has helped in their lifestyle in becoming more focused and<br />
disciplined.<br />
The Master’s Club requires a significant investment in time and<br />
dedication, and can become one <strong>of</strong> the most rewarding aspects<br />
<strong>of</strong> your life. Once in the Master’s Club, there are several Black Belt<br />
degrees that students can strive to achieve. The first opportunity<br />
is 1st degree Black Belt, which is a 12-month program designed to<br />
sharpen and perfect your skills. Beyond that, students train for 2<br />
years to advance each degree level.<br />
The choice to continue growing as a martial artist beyond Black<br />
Belt is truly up to the individual. We push all <strong>of</strong> our students to<br />
earn Black Belt, which is a significant achievement that will always<br />
stay with you. Joining the Master’s Club is a personal decision,<br />
but we strongly encourage you to continue training. For students<br />
who simply wish to maintain their knowledge and skills, we <strong>of</strong>fer<br />
the Black Belt maintenance plan which allows you to train once a<br />
week. For those who want to continue their journey and become<br />
a true leader among our community, the Master’s Club is for you.
Little <strong>LINXX</strong><br />
White – White/Yellow<br />
Keegan Hall<br />
Katherine Hess<br />
Noah Chlan<br />
Brook Yeany<br />
Georgia Rufi<br />
Lilly Baldwin<br />
White/Yellow – White/Orange<br />
Julian Fernandez<br />
Noah Rivera<br />
Tommy Reader<br />
Total Defense<br />
White – Yellow<br />
Tommy Rabenold<br />
Titan Beyer<br />
Ian Bollinger<br />
Grayson Bollinger<br />
Lilly Purdy<br />
Patrick Purdy<br />
Brandon Maggio<br />
Kailey Reynolds<br />
Nadia Musnick<br />
Yellow – Orange<br />
Marcos Christodonte<br />
Khamya Christodonte<br />
Romesh Kahatapitiya<br />
Victor Celmar<br />
Mya Painter<br />
Tyler Seleen<br />
Chase Brittain<br />
Czar Gentius-Harris<br />
Eli Valov<br />
Henry Valov<br />
Abbigail Valov<br />
Trent Schwartz<br />
Lauren Schwartz<br />
J.P. Siegel<br />
Graham Rufi<br />
Louyi Chen<br />
Romesh Kahatapit<br />
Orange – Green<br />
Kalil Medina<br />
Shane Canales<br />
David Gomez<br />
Jasmine Bugarin<br />
Layne South<br />
Chandler South<br />
Alex Carmen<br />
Kaden Holsinger<br />
Ed Shea<br />
Daved Halloway<br />
Travis Vaughan<br />
Green – Blue<br />
Jailen Thompson<br />
Ethan Fellman<br />
Mason Wright<br />
Diego Fernandez<br />
Alan Ledezma<br />
Ben Dixon<br />
Blue – Blue Tip<br />
Tyrin Freeman<br />
Alexis Ritter<br />
Noah Bugarin<br />
Cody Colbert<br />
Noah Lawrence<br />
Emily Robson<br />
Kevin Ledezma<br />
Blake Cassada<br />
December Graduates<br />
Blue Tip – Purple<br />
Jonathan Austin<br />
Macrae Hope<br />
Purple – Purple Tip<br />
Justin Nelson<br />
Dominic Pizzini<br />
Daniela Pizzini<br />
Nate Page<br />
Maximus Barker<br />
Gabe Raynor<br />
Thomas Brodowski<br />
Purple Tip – Red<br />
Zackary Howell<br />
Ronald Lacher<br />
Kahlil Turner<br />
S<strong>of</strong>ia Feliciano<br />
Mercedes Feliciano<br />
Wes Arnold<br />
Red – Red Tip<br />
Dylan Esteban<br />
Walker Hope<br />
Daniel Bojo<br />
Christina Bojo<br />
Brendan Poulos<br />
Jenna Nugent<br />
Josh Hoskins<br />
Red Tip – Red One<br />
David Worret<br />
Red One – Red One Tip<br />
Logan Reardon<br />
Austin Jobin<br />
Red One Tip – Brown<br />
Jackson Howell<br />
Will Harwell<br />
Brown – Brown Tip<br />
Diadra Hill<br />
Lawrence Bernardo<br />
Brown One – Brown One Tip<br />
Justine Jabon<br />
Manny Sanchez<br />
Alston Harwood<br />
Brown One Tip – Brown/Black<br />
Chris Lawler<br />
Meilani Bitanga<br />
Summer Bronco<br />
Lucas Johnson<br />
Logan Johnson<br />
Junior Jiu-Jitsu<br />
Green – Green/Blue<br />
Paul Sanchez<br />
Purple -Purple/Brown<br />
Jackson Dick<br />
Thai Boxing<br />
White – Yellow<br />
Viridiana Calderon<br />
Cyrus Cujardo<br />
Matt Orr<br />
Briar Nelson<br />
Yellow – Orange<br />
Pian Price<br />
Orange – Green<br />
Robert Reukauf<br />
Lexy Zemke<br />
Tristan Giesinger<br />
Claire Evangelista<br />
Deven Neves<br />
Green – Blue<br />
Angel Perez<br />
Natalie Engel<br />
Samantha Miller<br />
Brian Neves<br />
Blue – Blue Tip<br />
Justin Schlossberg<br />
Blue Tip – Purple<br />
Matt Lindsey<br />
Purple Tip – Red<br />
Ryan Sheffer<br />
Deven Rouse<br />
Red – Red Tip<br />
September Gabbert<br />
Red Tip – Red One<br />
Chase Lassiter<br />
Red One – Red One Tip<br />
Ian Keller<br />
Red One Tip – Brown<br />
Henry Alvarez<br />
Brown Tip – Brown One<br />
Calvin Loper<br />
Brown One – Brown One Tip<br />
Chrishalee Monzaga<br />
Brown One Tip – Brown/Black<br />
Chris Monzaga<br />
Adult Jiu-Jitsu<br />
White – White One<br />
Chris Diaz<br />
White Two – White Three<br />
Ronny Whitt<br />
White Three – White Four<br />
Erik Graef<br />
Matt Lindsay<br />
White Four – Blue<br />
Guy Inmon<br />
Troy Lancaster<br />
Raiford Pearce<br />
Bud Trent<br />
Blue – Blue One<br />
Briar Nelson<br />
Abdallah Daher<br />
Blue Three – Blue Four<br />
Caitlin Massie<br />
Importance <strong>of</strong> the Tip Test<br />
As each student progresses towards the goal <strong>of</strong> Black Belt, he/she will<br />
eventually have to take a tip test. The tip test is a pass/fail examination<br />
given in between ranks, starting after a student earns Blue Belt. It<br />
serves as a way for the instructor to check the status <strong>of</strong> a student’s<br />
progression and see if there is a specific area which they need to<br />
improve before advancing.<br />
For students in the Total Defense program, the tip test is performed<br />
early in the week prior to graduation and assesses a student’s ability<br />
to perform a variety <strong>of</strong> self-defense movements to demonstrate<br />
knowledge and effectiveness <strong>of</strong> Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. Students perform hip<br />
throws, releases, and other counter-techniques to defend against the<br />
most common and realistic situations, including grabs, holds, chokes,<br />
and headlocks. Tip tests can be very challenging for young students<br />
and may require extra practice at home with a training partner, such<br />
as parents or siblings. We also encourage students to spend extra<br />
time with instructors after class, and taking a 30-minute private lesson<br />
is always a good option.<br />
For students in the Master<br />
<strong>LINXX</strong> Thai Boxing program,<br />
the tip test is performed on<br />
graduation night and includes<br />
performing high-intensity<br />
endurance rounds. The<br />
endurance rounds assess<br />
the ability <strong>of</strong> the student<br />
to effectively put together<br />
both <strong>of</strong>fensive and defensive<br />
techniques in a situation that<br />
simulates an actual match. It<br />
is an interactive assessment <strong>of</strong> physical fitness, endurance, and skill<br />
level. Students compete against a pad holder and are required to<br />
perform a certain number <strong>of</strong> strikes in a given time, all while defending<br />
themselves from the pad holder’s attacks. By performing self-defense<br />
techniques at this level, students gain confidence in their overall<br />
training. To prepare for tip tests, we recommend students include<br />
some extra jogging into their daily workout routine to increase cardio<br />
endurance, additional bag work after class or at home, or take a<br />
private lesson with the instructor <strong>of</strong> your choice.<br />
STAR Theme <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Month<br />
Goal Setting<br />
A goal is something that one’s efforts or actions are intended to attain<br />
or accomplish. Goal setting is important for every martial artists<br />
in order to grow and succeed. By setting a high goal for yourself,<br />
such as achieving Black Belt, you will continually challenge both<br />
your body and mind. With enough perseverance, determination, and<br />
belief in yourself, you will eventually succeed in reaching your goal.<br />
“Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from<br />
achieving his goal; nothing on earth can help the man with<br />
the wrong mental attitude.”<br />
– Thomas Jefferson<br />
STAR Assignment due <strong>January</strong> 31
Junior <strong>LINXX</strong> Students <strong>of</strong> the Month<br />
Chris Lawlor (Kempsville)<br />
Chris started training at <strong>LINXX</strong> <strong>Academy</strong> over<br />
four years ago. He currently holds the rank<br />
<strong>of</strong> Brown/Black Belt. Chris began his training<br />
in the Little <strong>LINXX</strong> class and excelled in his<br />
training. After two years, he moved up to the<br />
Junior <strong>LINXX</strong> program. He has a tremendous<br />
amount <strong>of</strong> intensity and hard work ethic.<br />
Chris has been a standout student since he<br />
began training. Chris is currently involved<br />
in <strong>LINXX</strong> <strong>Academy</strong>’s next Black Belt cycle<br />
and the instructors are looking forward to<br />
tying a Black Belt around his waist in the<br />
near future.<br />
Summer Bronco (Red Mill)<br />
Summer has been training since the<br />
opening <strong>of</strong> our Red Mill location in 2010.<br />
This graduation marks her last belt before<br />
Black Belt. She will soon be entering the<br />
Black Belt Preparation Cycle, which is<br />
a six-month intensive conditioning and<br />
testing program. Summer has always had<br />
an excellent track record when it comes to<br />
her training. In addition to this, she spends a<br />
great amount <strong>of</strong> time training and condition<br />
at home with her father. She aspires to<br />
become a competitor, and the instructors at<br />
<strong>LINXX</strong> have no doubt that she will become<br />
a great one.<br />
Kempsville<br />
21st :<br />
Little <strong>LINXX</strong> Graduation .......................................4:00pm<br />
Total Defense Pre-Test: White - Green ................5:00pm<br />
Adult Thai Boxing Pre-Test ..................................6:00pm<br />
Adult Jiu-Jitsu Pre-Test .......................................7:15pm<br />
22nd :<br />
Junior Jiu-Jitsu Pre-Test: All ranks .....................4:30pm<br />
Junior Total Defense Pre-Test: Blue - Red Tip .....5:30pm<br />
Junior Total Defense Pre-Test: Red One ............6:30pm<br />
Junior Total Defense Pre-Test: Brown/Black ......6:30pm<br />
23rd :<br />
Adult Jiu-Jitsu Graduation ...................................7:15pm<br />
24th :<br />
Junior Jiu-Jitsu Graduation .................................4:30pm<br />
Adult Thai Boxing Graduation .............................7:30pm - Red Mill- Red<br />
25th :<br />
Total Defense Graduation ...................................6:00pm - Red Mill<br />
*No youth classes<br />
<strong>January</strong> Calendar <strong>of</strong> Events<br />
Questions, Comments, Concerns, or Recommendations?<br />
Please contact Ryan Russo at 757-495-7070 or rrusso@linxxacademy.com<br />
Chris Chapp at 757-689-0680 or ccappa@linxxredmill.com<br />
Master <strong>LINXX</strong> Rising Stars<br />
Lexy Zemke (Kempsville)<br />
Lexy began her training at <strong>LINXX</strong> <strong>Academy</strong><br />
nearly 6 months ago. She currently holds<br />
the rank <strong>of</strong> Orange Belt. Over the course <strong>of</strong><br />
her training, Lexy has shown great passion<br />
and dedication. Her focused and determined<br />
attitude has been reflected in her ability to<br />
pick up the curriculum very quickly. At home,<br />
Lexy has been managing a rigorous school<br />
schedule and maintains excellent grades.<br />
With Lexy’s determined attitude and her<br />
eagerness to excel, she sets an excellent<br />
example for others to follow. The instructors<br />
look forward to watching Lexy continue her<br />
journey towards Black Belt.<br />
Deven and Brian Neves (Red Mill)<br />
Deven recently passed his test for his Green<br />
Belt in the Master <strong>LINXX</strong> Program and is<br />
currently working toward being inducted<br />
to the Black Belt Club, in which he will<br />
make the commitment to achieve his Black<br />
Belt. Brian just achieved his Blue Belt and<br />
will soon make the same commitment.<br />
Deven and Brian both came to <strong>LINXX</strong> with<br />
a naturally athletic and physical nature.<br />
They have applied their natural skill to<br />
their martial arts, which has allowed for a<br />
great progression in the ability level. The<br />
instructors at <strong>LINXX</strong> look forward to both<br />
students obtaining their Black Belt one day.<br />
Red Mill<br />
21st :<br />
Little <strong>LINXX</strong> Graduation .......................................4:00pm<br />
Junior Jiu-Jitsu Pre-Test .....................................5:00pm<br />
Adult Thai Boxing Pre-Test: White - Green .........6:00pm<br />
Adult Thai Boxing Pre-Test: Blue - Black ............7:15pm<br />
Adult Jiu-Jitsu Pre-Test ......................................7:15pm<br />
22nd :<br />
Junior Total Defense Pre-Test: White - Green .....4:30pm<br />
Junior Total Defense Pre-Test: Blue - Red .........5:30pm<br />
Junior Total Defense Pre-Test: Red One ............6:30pm<br />
Junior Total Defense Pre-Test Brown/Black .......6:30pm<br />
23rd :<br />
Junior Jiu-Jitsu Graduation .................................5:00pm<br />
Adult Jiu-Jitsu Graduation ...................................7:15pm - Kempsville<br />
*No Adult Thai Boxing class<br />
24th :<br />
Adult Thai Boxing Graduation .............................7:30pm<br />
25th :<br />
Total Defense Graduation ....................................6:00pm - No classes