January - LINXX Academy of Martial Arts

Publisher:
Frank Cucci
Editor:
Adam Wolff
Graphics:
Percy Tesoro
Coordinator:
Ryan Russo
Contributing writers:
Frank Cucci Jr.
Ryan Russo
Dan Brooks
Chris Cappa
STAR Assignment:
Andrea Kennedy
LINXX ACADEMY OF
MARTIAL ARTS
January 2013
January 2013
Letter from the Editor
2012 was another exciting year for LINXX
Academy. It was a year chocked full of initiatives,
challenges, and changes, and in keeping with the
Academy’s hallmark of excellence, our team of
instructors, administrative staff, and volunteers
accomplished a number of significant missions.
Black Belt Graduates
In 2012, the LINXX Academy of Martial Arts awarded 42 Junior
and Adult Black Belts. These promotions included 26 Junior Black
Belts, 5 Junior First-degree Black Belts, 2 Junior Second-degree Black
Belts, 1 Junior Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt, 7 Adult Thai Black Belts, and 1 Adult
Second-degree Black Belt. We are very proud of their success and
accomplishments! We know that they will serve as an inspiration and
role models to all of our upcoming students.
Awarded Scholarships
As some of you may know, the LINXX Academy of Martial Arts has
three different scholarship programs for new students: the Special
Operations Warrior Scholarship, the Athletic Achievement Award,
and the Economic Outreach Scholarship. Each year, we award up
to six full scholarships and numerous partial scholarships, which are
determined on a case-by-case basis and require the submission of an
application, letters of recommendation, and a personal essay. We are
very happy to announce that this year we awarded over $10,000 in
scholarships to deserving students!
After-School Enrichment Program
Throughout 2012, the LINXX Academy of Martial Arts worked
diligently to actualize a long-term goal of providing hard-working
families with quality after-school care. We successfully launched
our own After-School Enrichment Program at both the Kempsville
and Red Mill locations, which now have fully functional classroom
facilities and state-of-the-art equipment. Our program, which is
open to current students and non-members, provides children
of all ages with meaningful educational, training, and social
opportunities. Currently, over 30 students enjoy working on their
homework assignments with fully licensed and certified teachers,
as well as participating in structured martial arts classes and other
recreational activities that are designed to improve physical fitness,
increase confidence, and build character.
Best of the Best Award Winner
The LINXX Academy of Martial Arts was recognized by the
Virginian-Pilot as one of the Hampton Road’s Best of the Best 2012
winners because of your votes. Over 500 families in Hampton
Roads place their trust in us, and we take that responsibility very
seriously. We are delighted to know that you have noticed and
appreciate our hard work and attention to detail. Again, thank you
for helping us achieve this prestigious accolade.
As students, I hope that you are proud not only of your personal
achievements, but also those of the Academy that you have helped
make a leading provider of martial arts instruction in Hampton
Roads and throughout the nation. Thank you for all that you have
done in 2012 and all that you will do in 2013. We look forward
to constantly growing and improving with you over the next year!
REWARD!
$100 for VIP Referrals
For the month of January, LINXX will be rewarding students with $100 for each
referral that leads to a new membership. To participate, simply endorse the back
of a LINXX V.I.P. Gold Card (available at the front desk) and have your friend, family
member, or coworker speak with a LINXX representative to get their free trial started.
Once your referral enrolls in one of our programs, LINXX will give you $100!

“LINKING PRACTICAL DEFENSE AND PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT”
The Art of Persistence
Persistence is the single most important attribute of a successful
martial artist. Persistence can be defined by a number of different
character traits, including concentration, desire, discipline, ambition,
regular attendance to understand the movements, constant
awareness of what helps or hurts progress, and, finally, belief in
your ability to perform. The biggest evolutionary steps originate in
the mind, while muscles, lungs, movements, and ability to perform
simply help express those steps. In other words, if you believe you
can do it, you eventually will.
Through trial and error, LINXX Academy hopes to have found a
healthy balance between providing a very challenging environment
as well as a supportive place of learning for students. Since our
humble beginnings, we have held thousands of tests, including belt
tests, endurance round tests, combination tests, physical fitness
tests, and tests in character and morals, to name a few. Each test
is important in its own right. From time to time, students fail
certain tests, whether from lack of preparation and attendance,
not showing enough heart during an endurance round, or simply
being unfit. Regardless of the reason, these failures, if used correctly
and with the right persistent mindset, can be extremely valuable
to one’s growth.
These failures are paramount because they inspire students to
persevere, and try harder the next time. Success and fulfillment
rarely inspire or require introspection. Students will always learn
more about themselves from their failures. It is important for
students to know that if the desire and will are there, your fellow
students and instructors will support you and help you succeed. It
is rewarding to the entire Academy when a student fails, thinks it
over, remakes or remodels him/herself, and then tries again. With
enough persistence and an “all in” attitude, a student can pass any
test and ultimately reach any rank or goal.
The LINXX Master’s Club
Pedro Sauer, Helio Gracie and Frank Cucci
The study of martial arts is something that you can do forever, and
can easily become a lifelong journey. Students who have earned
the esteemed rank of Black Belt have proven they have a sound
foundation in the fundamentals. They have the knowledge and
skills that will enable them to grow and build upon what they have
learned. This is why we have developed the Master’s Club, for
students who are on a quest to continue moving forward beyond
Black Belt and become true masters of their craft.
Students are often in awe when they see our instructors execute
incredible moves, like when Evan Taylor performs his spinning back
kick at graduation, or when Frank Cucci, Jr. and Dan Brooks perform
dynamic striking combinations. What students often don’t realize
is that none of these individuals have ever stopped training. They
may have achieved Black Belt 10 years ago, but chose to go onto
the path of mastery. Not only do they enjoy martial arts training,
but it has helped in their lifestyle in becoming more focused and
disciplined.
The Master’s Club requires a significant investment in time and
dedication, and can become one of the most rewarding aspects
of your life. Once in the Master’s Club, there are several Black Belt
degrees that students can strive to achieve. The first opportunity
is 1st degree Black Belt, which is a 12-month program designed to
sharpen and perfect your skills. Beyond that, students train for 2
years to advance each degree level.
The choice to continue growing as a martial artist beyond Black
Belt is truly up to the individual. We push all of our students to
earn Black Belt, which is a significant achievement that will always
stay with you. Joining the Master’s Club is a personal decision,
but we strongly encourage you to continue training. For students
who simply wish to maintain their knowledge and skills, we offer
the Black Belt maintenance plan which allows you to train once a
week. For those who want to continue their journey and become
a true leader among our community, the Master’s Club is for you.

Little LINXX
White – White/Yellow
Keegan Hall
Katherine Hess
Noah Chlan
Brook Yeany
Georgia Rufi
Lilly Baldwin
White/Yellow – White/Orange
Julian Fernandez
Noah Rivera
Tommy Reader
Total Defense
White – Yellow
Tommy Rabenold
Titan Beyer
Ian Bollinger
Grayson Bollinger
Lilly Purdy
Patrick Purdy
Brandon Maggio
Kailey Reynolds
Nadia Musnick
Yellow – Orange
Marcos Christodonte
Khamya Christodonte
Romesh Kahatapitiya
Victor Celmar
Mya Painter
Tyler Seleen
Chase Brittain
Czar Gentius-Harris
Eli Valov
Henry Valov
Abbigail Valov
Trent Schwartz
Lauren Schwartz
J.P. Siegel
Graham Rufi
Louyi Chen
Romesh Kahatapit
Orange – Green
Kalil Medina
Shane Canales
David Gomez
Jasmine Bugarin
Layne South
Chandler South
Alex Carmen
Kaden Holsinger
Ed Shea
Daved Halloway
Travis Vaughan
Green – Blue
Jailen Thompson
Ethan Fellman
Mason Wright
Diego Fernandez
Alan Ledezma
Ben Dixon
Blue – Blue Tip
Tyrin Freeman
Alexis Ritter
Noah Bugarin
Cody Colbert
Noah Lawrence
Emily Robson
Kevin Ledezma
Blake Cassada
December Graduates
Blue Tip – Purple
Jonathan Austin
Macrae Hope
Purple – Purple Tip
Justin Nelson
Dominic Pizzini
Daniela Pizzini
Nate Page
Maximus Barker
Gabe Raynor
Thomas Brodowski
Purple Tip – Red
Zackary Howell
Ronald Lacher
Kahlil Turner
Sofia Feliciano
Mercedes Feliciano
Wes Arnold
Red – Red Tip
Dylan Esteban
Walker Hope
Daniel Bojo
Christina Bojo
Brendan Poulos
Jenna Nugent
Josh Hoskins
Red Tip – Red One
David Worret
Red One – Red One Tip
Logan Reardon
Austin Jobin
Red One Tip – Brown
Jackson Howell
Will Harwell
Brown – Brown Tip
Diadra Hill
Lawrence Bernardo
Brown One – Brown One Tip
Justine Jabon
Manny Sanchez
Alston Harwood
Brown One Tip – Brown/Black
Chris Lawler
Meilani Bitanga
Summer Bronco
Lucas Johnson
Logan Johnson
Junior Jiu-Jitsu
Green – Green/Blue
Paul Sanchez
Purple -Purple/Brown
Jackson Dick
Thai Boxing
White – Yellow
Viridiana Calderon
Cyrus Cujardo
Matt Orr
Briar Nelson
Yellow – Orange
Pian Price
Orange – Green
Robert Reukauf
Lexy Zemke
Tristan Giesinger
Claire Evangelista
Deven Neves
Green – Blue
Angel Perez
Natalie Engel
Samantha Miller
Brian Neves
Blue – Blue Tip
Justin Schlossberg
Blue Tip – Purple
Matt Lindsey
Purple Tip – Red
Ryan Sheffer
Deven Rouse
Red – Red Tip
September Gabbert
Red Tip – Red One
Chase Lassiter
Red One – Red One Tip
Ian Keller
Red One Tip – Brown
Henry Alvarez
Brown Tip – Brown One
Calvin Loper
Brown One – Brown One Tip
Chrishalee Monzaga
Brown One Tip – Brown/Black
Chris Monzaga
Adult Jiu-Jitsu
White – White One
Chris Diaz
White Two – White Three
Ronny Whitt
White Three – White Four
Erik Graef
Matt Lindsay
White Four – Blue
Guy Inmon
Troy Lancaster
Raiford Pearce
Bud Trent
Blue – Blue One
Briar Nelson
Abdallah Daher
Blue Three – Blue Four
Caitlin Massie
Importance of the Tip Test
As each student progresses towards the goal of Black Belt, he/she will
eventually have to take a tip test. The tip test is a pass/fail examination
given in between ranks, starting after a student earns Blue Belt. It
serves as a way for the instructor to check the status of a student’s
progression and see if there is a specific area which they need to
improve before advancing.
For students in the Total Defense program, the tip test is performed
early in the week prior to graduation and assesses a student’s ability
to perform a variety of self-defense movements to demonstrate
knowledge and effectiveness of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. Students perform hip
throws, releases, and other counter-techniques to defend against the
most common and realistic situations, including grabs, holds, chokes,
and headlocks. Tip tests can be very challenging for young students
and may require extra practice at home with a training partner, such
as parents or siblings. We also encourage students to spend extra
time with instructors after class, and taking a 30-minute private lesson
is always a good option.
For students in the Master
LINXX Thai Boxing program,
the tip test is performed on
graduation night and includes
performing high-intensity
endurance rounds. The
endurance rounds assess
the ability of the student
to effectively put together
both offensive and defensive
techniques in a situation that
simulates an actual match. It
is an interactive assessment of physical fitness, endurance, and skill
level. Students compete against a pad holder and are required to
perform a certain number of strikes in a given time, all while defending
themselves from the pad holder’s attacks. By performing self-defense
techniques at this level, students gain confidence in their overall
training. To prepare for tip tests, we recommend students include
some extra jogging into their daily workout routine to increase cardio
endurance, additional bag work after class or at home, or take a
private lesson with the instructor of your choice.
STAR Theme of the
Month
Goal Setting
A goal is something that one’s efforts or actions are intended to attain
or accomplish. Goal setting is important for every martial artists
in order to grow and succeed. By setting a high goal for yourself,
such as achieving Black Belt, you will continually challenge both
your body and mind. With enough perseverance, determination, and
belief in yourself, you will eventually succeed in reaching your goal.
“Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from
achieving his goal; nothing on earth can help the man with
the wrong mental attitude.”
– Thomas Jefferson
STAR Assignment due January 31

Junior LINXX Students of the Month
Chris Lawlor (Kempsville)
Chris started training at LINXX Academy over
four years ago. He currently holds the rank
of Brown/Black Belt. Chris began his training
in the Little LINXX class and excelled in his
training. After two years, he moved up to the
Junior LINXX program. He has a tremendous
amount of intensity and hard work ethic.
Chris has been a standout student since he
began training. Chris is currently involved
in LINXX Academy’s next Black Belt cycle
and the instructors are looking forward to
tying a Black Belt around his waist in the
near future.
Summer Bronco (Red Mill)
Summer has been training since the
opening of our Red Mill location in 2010.
This graduation marks her last belt before
Black Belt. She will soon be entering the
Black Belt Preparation Cycle, which is
a six-month intensive conditioning and
testing program. Summer has always had
an excellent track record when it comes to
her training. In addition to this, she spends a
great amount of time training and condition
at home with her father. She aspires to
become a competitor, and the instructors at
LINXX have no doubt that she will become
a great one.
Kempsville
21st :
Little LINXX Graduation .......................................4:00pm
Total Defense Pre-Test: White - Green ................5:00pm
Adult Thai Boxing Pre-Test ..................................6:00pm
Adult Jiu-Jitsu Pre-Test .......................................7:15pm
22nd :
Junior Jiu-Jitsu Pre-Test: All ranks .....................4:30pm
Junior Total Defense Pre-Test: Blue - Red Tip .....5:30pm
Junior Total Defense Pre-Test: Red One ............6:30pm
Junior Total Defense Pre-Test: Brown/Black ......6:30pm
23rd :
Adult Jiu-Jitsu Graduation ...................................7:15pm
24th :
Junior Jiu-Jitsu Graduation .................................4:30pm
Adult Thai Boxing Graduation .............................7:30pm - Red Mill- Red
25th :
Total Defense Graduation ...................................6:00pm - Red Mill
*No youth classes
January Calendar of Events
Questions, Comments, Concerns, or Recommendations?
Please contact Ryan Russo at 757-495-7070 or rrusso@linxxacademy.com
Chris Chapp at 757-689-0680 or ccappa@linxxredmill.com
Master LINXX Rising Stars
Lexy Zemke (Kempsville)
Lexy began her training at LINXX Academy
nearly 6 months ago. She currently holds
the rank of Orange Belt. Over the course of
her training, Lexy has shown great passion
and dedication. Her focused and determined
attitude has been reflected in her ability to
pick up the curriculum very quickly. At home,
Lexy has been managing a rigorous school
schedule and maintains excellent grades.
With Lexy’s determined attitude and her
eagerness to excel, she sets an excellent
example for others to follow. The instructors
look forward to watching Lexy continue her
journey towards Black Belt.
Deven and Brian Neves (Red Mill)
Deven recently passed his test for his Green
Belt in the Master LINXX Program and is
currently working toward being inducted
to the Black Belt Club, in which he will
make the commitment to achieve his Black
Belt. Brian just achieved his Blue Belt and
will soon make the same commitment.
Deven and Brian both came to LINXX with
a naturally athletic and physical nature.
They have applied their natural skill to
their martial arts, which has allowed for a
great progression in the ability level. The
instructors at LINXX look forward to both
students obtaining their Black Belt one day.
Red Mill
21st :
Little LINXX Graduation .......................................4:00pm
Junior Jiu-Jitsu Pre-Test .....................................5:00pm
Adult Thai Boxing Pre-Test: White - Green .........6:00pm
Adult Thai Boxing Pre-Test: Blue - Black ............7:15pm
Adult Jiu-Jitsu Pre-Test ......................................7:15pm
22nd :
Junior Total Defense Pre-Test: White - Green .....4:30pm
Junior Total Defense Pre-Test: Blue - Red .........5:30pm
Junior Total Defense Pre-Test: Red One ............6:30pm
Junior Total Defense Pre-Test Brown/Black .......6:30pm
23rd :
Junior Jiu-Jitsu Graduation .................................5:00pm
Adult Jiu-Jitsu Graduation ...................................7:15pm - Kempsville
*No Adult Thai Boxing class
24th :
Adult Thai Boxing Graduation .............................7:30pm
25th :
Total Defense Graduation ....................................6:00pm - No classes