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Name
Brandon Keefer
Will Blanton
Tracy Bush
Jeremy Whatley
Christi Hale
Name
Bree Crowley
Teresa Campos
Paul Stonecipher
Mary Charlotte Sullivan
 

Mr. Brandon Keefer
Head Kelegion Kai

     I train with Mr. Jeremy Whatley and Master Anne Radke.They both are extremely inspirational to me. It feels great being part of such a loveing dojo family.

     I have won the divisional champion title in both fighting and kata I became hooked on competing from the first event. In the past I have been a fitness club manager and a certified personal trainer. I have also coached many city league sports. I feel extremely comfortable in front of groups of people both young and old. I feel it is extremely important to lead by example and I truely enjoy mentoring our areas youth.

     I know that I can make a difference in peoples lives by assisting in teaching your Upkudo system and also teaching the importance of haveing a strong physical body, mind, and spirit. I know that I can bring strong leadership qualities to the community.

Will Blanton
Kelegion Kai

     As a Kelegion Kai I have learned many valuable lessons. The value of the experience of just listening to Master Anne and my instructor (Sensei Debbie). Learning not only how to throw a technique or even how to apply said technique but even More general lessons from How to effectively speak with a child or new student that will encourage them to improve and want to grow.
     I try to learn from all my experiences and try to show support to both my home dojo (Tully's) and Alpha. By helping with additional classes and with various instructors I get the insight that only time and experience can teach.
     The style of UPKUDO has proven time and time again to be more than just a fighting style more of a way to be as a student, an adult and as a productive member of society.
     One of the more fascinating concepts that I am learning is how complex it truely is to be a Martial Artist. That Karate is much more than fighting. It is more akin to a way to see and be in the world.

Mike Ross
Kelegion Kai

     "As I grew in UPKUDO, I hungered for more knowledge of the style itself and as such, soon realized the importance of Kelegion Kai. I had always know that martial arts were not just a sport, exercise program or a way to learn how to defend oneself. UPKUDO, stressing that Love Always Wins, is the perfect family focal point. The mental and traditional aspects of the training reinforce our strong Christian beliefs. Love really does always win.
     "Upon hearing about UPKUDO, I was a little hesitant due to the fact that it was a relatively new style. I realized that all martial arts have the same roots. The point is that all arts are an evolving system. I came to realize that UPKUDO was a martial art that was the result of an artist, Grand Master Baker, evolving to the point of creating a new style.
     "UPKUDO is not just the style or art, any more than a church is the building. Rather, UPKUDO is its brothers and sisters. It is my desire to grow in UPKUDO so that I may be able to give back to UPKUDO.
     "A Kelegion Kai should proudly dedicate themselves to maintaining character, honor, and strong moral leadershop in order to pass their Art to today's future generations of UPKUDO brothers and sisters. The best way to progress to this end is to be the total student. It requires dedication, respect, decency, and integrity. A Kelegion Kai is very much a representative of UPKUDO and all those, such as Grand Master Gary Baker and Renshi Anne Radke, who have dedicated their lives to the martial arts and the building of UPKUDO.
     "The philosophy of 'positive input is positive output' is ever present in my training and in my life. It is an understanding that positive output is not just for you, but also for all whom you come in contact with.
     "When I started UPKUDO, I wanted to be a black belt (like most others I imagine) but that is no longer my sole focus. Of course I want to grow to be a black belt and believe I will. But black belt is just a stop on the journey. And the beauty of the UPKUDO journey is that there is no final destination. Now my most important mission in UPKUDO is to be a part of it in its entirety. I want to be one who can give back. That requires study of all aspects. Kelegion Kai is a step in being able to do just that, give back. It is an honor that I would humbly be honored to receive."

Tracy Bush
     As a female correctional officer and a survivor of domestic violence, I have gained confidence in knowing how to defend myself and not to become a victim of circumstance. Master Anne’s guidance continues to mold me into a better martial artist spiritually and physically. Through Master Anne’s teachings, I have learned to overcome my feelings of self doubt and replace them with positive affirmations .
     In the words of Master Anne and Grand Master Baker, “to be a true champion is to think like a champion, train like a champion, go beyond pain and never give up”.
     As I continue to train in the UPKUDO system, it is my desire to effectively teach and pass on the skills and knowledge that I obtain from Master Anne, Grandmaster Baker, all the Black Belts, Kelegion Kais and my dojo family. The UPKUDO system is one to be proud of and I am honored to be a member.

Jeremy Whatley
Head Kelegion Kai
     "Since I have started UPKUDO, it has made me a better person, it has made me focus more on other things, like my job, my family, and other people. I now hold my head up high because I know I am a part of something special.
     "UPKUDO has become part of my life and my family life too. No one can take me away from UPKUDO or Master Anne, the best teacher I have ever had.
     "It is a real joy top watch a little person or adult do something that you have taught them. I am living proof of what UPKUDO has done for me.
     "I will hold my head high because I am in the best system and I have the best teacher, Master Anne."

Christi Hale
Kelegion Kai

     "Kelegion Kai, as a status in Upkudo, is held as an honor. This position promises to prove as rewarding as is respected.
     "Kelegion Kai’s uphold the same values, character, persistence, leadership, and responsibilities as one who wears the Black Belt, however, not the “rank.” Kelegion Kai’s are leaders. They are those that have the desire for perfection in all areas of life, however, realize the challenges that face them and those they lead each day. They posses the management, organizational, technical, and performance skills necessary to provide instruction as well as the ability to be a good follower and team player in receiving continued Upkudo style training.
     "Kelegion Kai’s are persistent. They stand strong with the skills necessary to give others direction in times of adversity and contribute to the growth of Upkudo, through mental, physical and spiritual means.
     "Kelegion Kai’s are honest. They strive to protect the financial integrity of the organization, ensure its health, and continued success.
     "I will act in the Dojo as I do in my everyday life as a warrior, as a leader, and as someone with utmost character.
     "In this position I vow to uphold the highest integrity that comes with this belt.
     "As a Kelegion Kai, I look forward to being a leader for Grand Master Gary Lee Baker and Master Anne Radke. I will be honored to wear this belt, as I see it as a tangible showing to my character and the values I strive to achieve in every aspect of my life. With this belt, I vow to continue to support Upkudo with all the abilities I posses.
     "I will offer honesty, love, encouragement, support, an open mind, leadership, and the ability to receive direction from my peers, respected Black Belts, Sensis, Grand Master Gary Lee Baker, and Master Anne Radke.
     "I am honored to have been appointed to this position of leadership and vow that my abilities will be applied in the oath that I have sworn."

Bree Crowley
Kelegion Kai

     "To me Upkudo means; family, strength, character builder, and self respect. Before I started training Upkudo I was able to work with the kids in the afterschool program, and after a few weeks I was anxious to start my own training at Alpha Upkudo. While working, I was able to see what an important role Alpha Upkudo and the teachers played in these kids’ lives and I immediately wanted to be a part of the dojo family. Very quickly after joining Alpha Upkudo I was able to see how close everyone is, how much love everyone has for each other, and how willing and eager everyone is to help each other so that they can succeed in life, win in competition, and show others how great Upkudo is."

Teresa Campos
Kelegion Kai

"My karate school is not only a dojo, it is a second home. Upkudo is not only about sparring and katas, but it is also about the family atmosphere.Also positive input is positive output.In Upkudo we dont have negative.I feel very lucky to be able to train with my dojo brother and sisters.There is nothing i love better to do then Karate.My life is about karate.Most of my dreams are about me teaching others what my great teacher has taught me.I want to become a great instructor like my instructor Renshi Anne Radke.She has taught me so much, but the main thing that women can do mens job.Grand Master Gary Lee Baker has all the knowledge in the world.I use to hate to listen to people,but when it comes to Grand Master,i can listen to him forever.Thanks to Renshi and Grand Master everyone in UPKUDO are champions."


Paul Stonecipher
Kelegion Kai

Since coming to Alpha, I have been surrounded by the unmistakable warmth of the value that they hold most dear, "Love Always Wins." The men and women of the dojo who train with me on a weekly basis have become a part of my own family. Even the blackbelts encouraged me and made me feel a part. They have since then challenged me to become a part of that encouraging experience for others who visit and become a part of the Upkudo family.

Master Anne challenges me consistently not only to improve physically but mentally and spiritually as well. Her encouragement touches a personal level for me. When I arrived at the dojo, she picked out the leadership qualities within me and sought to prepare me for future leadership. I am continually thankful that God has provided me with such a leader and mentor.

Working with the children of the Upkudo family is a daily encouragement. The love and trust that they reach out to me with is often overwhelming. Training alongside these children is a delight and a privilege. I pray I remain faithful to these children as my instructors have been to me. The children teach me more about myself as I teach them, and some have become dear friends.

Mary Charlotte Sullivan
Kelegion Kai

When I joined UPKUDO, it was because I wanted to do something that my kids and I could enjoy together. At that time, I learned the philosophy of UPKUDO was "Love always wins" and "Positive input is positive output". What a wonderful message! Although I was nervous about starting something so new and different to me, this philosophy gave me a good feeling that I could fit in. My dojo brothers and sisters were flawless at demonstrating these values. Everyone made it a point to give encouragement and praise and was so helpful that I couldn't have felt more comfortable. Master Anne has taught us that we all learn from each other, and that is a wonderful feeling. It really brings us together, not just as a team, but a family. I am so thankful that I have been given the opportunity to train as an UPKUDO instructor. The children are so amazing and so eager to learn, and I know that with Master Anne as my teacher, I will not fail in becoming an instructor who can teach them not only UPKUDO style, but UPKUDO spirit as well, with love, patience, respect, and positive encouragement.

Sammie Hayes

      Kelegion Kais, are warriors who have to set aside his or her pain in order to be victorious. He is also a philosopher who has to think before he acts. A philosopher has so many ideas about what to do yet can only do one thing at a time, but as Kelegion Kais they are always ahead of you two steps.
     Being an instructor you have to be willing to give in order to receive. Kelegion Kais are instructors who know how to follow, who know how to listen, and a brother or sister who knows how to care. Being a Kelegion Kai is being a big brother or sister, being disciplined, knowing all the rules which are the fabric of our family, an always a student for we should always have the need to learn.
     The true meaning of a Kelegion Kai is one that has internal control and responsibility of him or herself at any and all times. For as a Kelegion Kai you have the eyes of everyone on you, so you have to set the standard for all the new and old brothers and sisters to follow. It also represents a new step in life, a new beginning yet another step in the right direction. Kelegion Kais have that opportunity thanks to Grand Master Gary Baker and Renshi Anne.
     I have the fire and desire to love without fear, stand without wavering and direct without ego. I can follow without reservation and instruct with confidence.

Marsha Kay

      In class --- what a joy! --- I have learned so many things … I’ve learned acceptance of my self, where I am and at what my ability is, while still reaching for a higher goal and pushing myself a little bit beyond my comfort zone. I’ve learned acceptance and tolerance of others where they are as well. I’ve watched our class grow – not only in numbers – but in abilities – stepping outside our comfort zone. I’ve learned how to leave the world outside the dojo and focus! I’ve watched the little ones learning about respect and being kind to others and allowing each other to “work their technique” rather than having to have all the power and the “win”. I’ve learned that when I feel like skipping class is the time I really need to be there. I’ve learned that our dojo class is an extended family and they do genuinely care about each other and want to see each other excel and succeed in whatever our desires are.

Kim Streb

      Negativity and frustration have no place in UPKUDO and no place in the life of a Kelegion Kai. Over the last two years I have had to make difficult life decisions and overcome my own hardships. I was able to do this and hold me head high because of the support of my dojo family and the never give up attitude instilled in me my instructor.
     In order to grow as a martial artist, I must always be prepared to learn; learn from my environment, my dojo family and most importantly my instructor. I must be consistent in class and practice. Dedication to UPKUDO is about being there physically and mentally, as well as being able to perform the tasks that are required of me.