The Asian Arts Center Martial Arts School

Mr. Matt and Neekta at 10,000 foot Camp Muir.

14,410 foot Mt. Rainier

Roped up to cross a glacier in a rock/ice fall area.

On the summit of Mt. Rainier with Stuart (left) and Bryan (right)

Here are some pictures of Sword Fighting

Here are some more pictures

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQF1U5WtW3k

Here are some pictures of summer classes during this week.

Here are some more pictures

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KPeXeDhjewk

And more

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8QayvbKzt3M

Matt Pasquinilli, Executive Director and head instructor of the non-profit Asian Arts Center, will be accompanying 17 year old Black Belt Neekta in her attempt to climb Mt. Rainier in Washington state. Mountaineering was one of Neekta’s goals for her 2nd Degree test and Mt. Rainier is the first mountain on her list to climb. Matt and Neekta begin their three day guided climb on Sunday, August 1st. “This mountain should be very challenging physically and technically, it should help to introduce some important skills for her subsequent climbs.” Matt said.

Mr. Matt practices looking down for when he gets to the top of 14,000 foot Mt. Rainier.

Mt. Rainier above Tacoma, Washington skyline.

THE MOUNTAIN
1. How tall is Mount Rainier?
The official measurement is 14,410 ft. above sea level.

2. How old is Mount Rainier?
The volcano was built up above the surrounding country by repeated eruptions and successive flows of lava. It is a relatively young volcano, only about 500,000 years old. By contrast the mountains of the Cascade Range that Mount Rainier looks down upon are at least 12 million years old!

3. How many people climb the mountain each year?
In 2005, 8,972 people attempted to climb Mount Rainier; 4,604 of them actually reached the summit.

4. Is Mount Rainier an active  volcano?
Geologists consider this mountain to be an ‘episodically active’ volcano, meaning one that will erupt again some time in the future even though it may be quiet now. Mount Rainier is the tallest volcano and fifth highest peak in the contiguous United States.

5. Is it safe to visit Mount Rainier?
New research indicates Mount Rainier is far more active than previously believed. We now understand there are risks associated with the volcano and its glaciers that require visitors and staff to be aware and prepared. Mud flows (also known as lahars) and glacial outburst floods can occur without warning, and could damage roads, invade campgrounds, and cause enormous injury to park visitors and staff. The Longmire Historic District, Cougar Rock, Ohanapecosh, Sunshine Point, Ipsut Creek and White River campgrounds are all vulnerable to geologic hazards. While many people believe the danger to be minimal, only you can decide if you want to spend time in this unpredictable and changing landscape. If you choose to visit, be sure to review information posted at park campgrounds and inns.

6. When did the volcano last erupt?
The last estimated eruption was between 1820 and 1894. Observers reported at least 14 eruptions. Some of these may have been just large dust clouds caused by rockfall which were mistakenly called eruptions.

7. How much snow and ice is on Mount Rainier?
Over 35 square miles of permanent ice and snow cover Mount Rainier. Of all the glaciers in the contiguous U.S., Mount Rainier’s Emmons Glacier has the largest surface area (4.3 square miles). Carbon Glacier is the longest (5.7 miles), thickest (700 feet), and has the lowest terminus elevation (3,500 feet) in the contiguous U.S.

Kingsley, a 16 year old second degree Black Belt, started training in Taekwondo and Gumdo (Korean Sword) when she was six years old.  She is a straight A student who takes advanced placement and college preparatory courses at the Miami Valley School.  This year Kingsley is going to attend a college preparatory school in Connecticut to expand her opportunities for advanced learning.  She says that the most rewarding part of martial arts is the whole body training that helps with other sports she plays including softball, basketball, and soccer.  The most challenging part of martial arts training is preparing for the black belt test because of repetitive practicing of all of the forms, kicks, and punches, she says.  Kingsley applies this training to everything from sports to homework.  Her long term goal is to be able to continue her training at every stage of her life.  Her best memory is when she was at the orange belt test and she couldn’t break the board with her roundhouse kick on the first few tries. Finally breaking the board after feelings of embarrassment, frustration, and fear, brought a great sense of accomplishment and esteem.  That experience also taught her about perseverance and determination, two qualities which she has put to great use since then. 

We will miss Kingsley while she is away at school and will look forward to her visits during breaks. In Mr. Matt’s words, “Kingsley is the perfect example of the power of our training at the Asian Arts Center. She is a well adjusted, happy, hard working, and very fit teenager who has been able to make a lifestyle out of applying our principles to everyday life.”

Lots of AAC merchandise and other gift items are currently being discounted, and many at drastically reduced prices.  The selection includes old AAC T-shirts and winter clothing, along with miscellaneous non-AAC merchandise.  The assortment is very good right now, so browse the entryway and shop for something you (or someone else) would enjoy having.

Dennis Shaeffer, Asian Arts Center 2nd Degree Black Belt and long time member, won the Gold Medal at the AAU USA National Taekwondo Championships in Olympic Style Sparring. Congratulations Dennis!

Dennis, on the right, with the Silver Medalist he beat to win 1st place in the US in Taekwondo fighting for his age group. It was a very tough fight and Dennis was smooth, fast, and powerful using great footwork and kicking techniques to easily outscore his opponent.

Mr. Matt spent the weekend visiting Young Ghee and Thomas and Gemma Hong. The Hongs are  part of the AAC family deployed to Gemany with the US Army.