December Newsletter

OPEN HAND SELF DEFENSE 

 DECEMBER 2026 

OH, what a year it has been here at Open Hand Self Defense. So many new and exciting things have happened. Grand Master Morris got KNIGHTED. Master Mary is back. All our Little Pandas have graduated into youth class. I am kind of sad we have no Little Pandas right now, but what an accomplishment: 4 VanderMolen’s made it through the Little Panda program. Also, we had Zena, Julliane, and Briar… Judah started as a Little Panda a couple years ago. Now, he has almost completed the youth program. Great job Judah!

Just a reminder, we could still use some volunteers for the Christmas Walk and Parade on December 6th.  We need help in front of the school during the Christmas Walk handing out popcorn and apple cider. Also, those who would like to join us in the parade, please talk with Miss Tammy if you can help. 

Yes, we are taking a little more HOLIDAY time off this season, so remember that we will be closed:

December 6th to get thing ready for the Christmas Walk and all 

December 24th, 25th, 26th and 27th—MERRY CHRISTMAS 

December 31st—New Years Eve (be safe everyone) 

January 1st, 2nd, and 3rd—Happy New Year 

January 5th, class resumes with our new updated schedule. If you have not received a copy of the schedule, please talk with Miss Tammy, or get the QR code and check the website.

The website will be posting the monthly newsletter, testing date reminders, and WHO WILL BE TESTING, along with extra closing dates as they come up for workshops here, and seminars that we instructors will be attending. 

Ladies/mothers! Master Mary is holding a TRU workshop here February 7th. It will start at 12 P.M. and go until 4P.M. The cost is $35 a person. Sign up early. Talk to Master Mary or Grandmaster Morris for details. Sign up early please. 

Locker clean outs should be every Friday. Make sure you take smelly, dirty socks home, too, along with your uniform to be washed. The new blue youth uniforms look great on everyone.  

Miss Tammy would like some parent/adult input on a July date for a group cookout again and for a possible swimming party. The kids really seem to enjoy that one—maybe even a different place to have a swimming party, too. Someone suggested Crystal Lake up in Rockfalls, any thoughts on this one?