Yes, we do give out awards, but we try not to let it get out of hand. We want all the kids to know that this is a team/group effort and it's important to attend each class. It takes
all of us working together to make up the whole. But those who do give that extra effort, make the commitment to come as many of the classes as possible, deserve to be recognized. So there is a 'best attendance' award.
Before we go on, we need to clarify that we only give them out in the kids and teen classes. We feel that giving a 'most improved-type' of award out to adults is a bit patronizing. And as for 'best attendance', well with adults -vs- jobs, overtime, spouses, kids, etc. it's not the easiest thing in the world to achieve, why throw it up in their faces. When it comes time for testing, that's when they'll see how important it is to get to as many classes as possible. The belt advancement is the best reward of all! Hey, maybe we're wrong, but in 35 years no one has complained.
We have these 4 awards at the end of each year;
1. Best Attendance {self-explanatory}
2. Spirit - {1 student from each of the 2 classes who
puts forth that little extra enthusiasm, that energy
and drive which makes a good student, an outstand-
ing one}
3. Mind - {the student who demonstrates that it takes
more than just being in class physically to make a
great martial artist, you have to be mentally prepared
as well. Your mind needs to be stimulated as well as
your body}
4. Body - {that student who has made that extra
attempt come to class, prepared to work hard and
train hard. One who has shown by their continued
improvement each class that they practice whenever
they have the chance.
One more 'award' we have, in order for anyone to perform in the demonstrations we give annually {for the past 28 years in a row} at the local County Fair, they have to have attended a certain number of classes, made it to as many special practice-sessions as possible and have a good attitude both in and out of class.
Thanx
Emil & Betty Bautista
