McKena Harlen -- SEPTEMBER STUDENT OF THE MONTH

McKENA HARLEN --  SEPTEMBER 2015 STUDENT OF THE MONTH 

On Saturday, October 3, at its most recent Graduation ceremony held at Wyoming Area Catholic School, Barnes Martial Arts announced McKena Harlen as Student of the Month for September. She was also promoted to Advanced Gold Belt at the same ceremony.

McKena, age 5 ½, is a member of the Little Dragons program, a specialized course for children ages 4-7.

A Kindergarten student at Dana Street Elementary school in Forty Fort, she says her favorite subject is “the ABCs”.

In addition to Martial Arts, McKena lists soccer and hanging out with her friends as other interests.

McKena is a resident of Swoyersville, PA where she lives with her mother, Lorissa Senczakowicz and her step-father, Bill Thompson. Her father, Ryan Harlen is equally proud of her achieving the award and earning her promotion.

McKena initially began training in Martial Arts after experiencing bullying in school. “I don’t like people bullying me”, she said.

According to Master Gary R. Barnes, “McKena is a terrific student. She very quickly showed an aptitude for the physical part of the Art, but more importantly she has such a positive attitude and a bright, engaging personality. She is very curious, and very astute; she asks questions and really has a pretty deep insight for one so young. Talking to her before or after class is one of the highlights of my day. We chose McKena as Student of the Month for her consistent attendance, her dedication and her positive attitude.”

Students of the Month are chosen based on a variety of criteria, including: class participation, discipline, attitude, technique, personal conduct and how well they exemplify the Martial Arts in ALL areas of their lives, in and out of the studio.

Asked what is her favorite Martial Arts technique, McKena quickly and enthusiastically answered, “Ground fighting”

When asked if she had any advice for others who might be considering Martial Arts training, McKena responded, “You learn techniques to be safe; if you want to be safe you should take Martial Arts.”

Students of the Month for January and February

On Friday, February 28, 2015 Barnes Martial Arts, 1366 Murray Street, in Forty Fort, PA chose two Students of the Month.

The first – Student of the Month for January – is Matthew Roth, age 6. Matthew, who lives in Swoyersville, is a student at Dana Street elementary, where his favorite subject is reading and his favorite teacher is Mrs. McCabe.

Matthew is a member of the Little Dragons class at Barnes Martial Arts; he is a Gold Belt with one stripe and will be testing for his advanced Gold in May. His favorite techniques are blocks. According to Matthew he became interested in Martial Arts after seeing it in the movies and on television.

He lists his other interests as swimming, football and riding bicycle.

According to his Instructor, Master Gary R. Barnes, “Matthew is a great kid and a great student. He brings a level of energy and enthusiasm to his training that is wonderful to see. Matthew always gives 100% and really makes an effort outside of the Studio as well as in the classroom. I am super proud of the success he demonstrates.”

Matthew, the son of Troy and Jill Roth, says that other kids should try Martial Arts “because it’s a lot of fun.”



The second student – Student of the Month for February – is Sarah Feifer, age 8. Sarah, who lives in Forty Fort, with her parents Eric and Patrice Feifer, is a student at Wyoming Valley West Elementary School, where her favorite subject is spelling. Her favorite teacher is Miss Fulkrod.

In addition to Martial Arts, Sarah’s interests include gymnastics and writing short stories.

Sarah is a member of Barnes Martial Arts Junior Program, where she holds a Gold Belt, 1st stripe; she will be testing for her next belt in May. She loves learning self-defense techniques, especially the newest one called Knee Lift.

“Sarah is a dedicated, serious student,” says her instructor, Master Gary R. Barnes. “She is focused and disciplined, but still has an easy smile and great sense of humor; she is a pure joy to have in class.”

When asked what advice she had for other kids considering studying Martial Arts, Sarah said, “Don’t think of it as hurting somebody. Instead it is about self-defense, and keeping yourself safe, and discipline.”

Barnes Martial Arts chooses Students of the Month based on attitude in and out of the Studio, consistency of attendance, enthusiasm, and focus, as well as the example they set for others.

Students of the Month receive a special patch for their uniform, a 3-D Certificate that suitable for framing, and a featured article on the Studio Facebook page and its blog, The Art of Living.

JAKE RANIELI -- November Student of the Month

NOVEMBER STUDENT OF THE MONTH --

On Friday, December 5, 2014 Barnes Martial Arts chose Jake Ranieli, age 8, as it’s November Student of the Month. Jake has been a member of the Studio for approximately 6 months.

Jake, who lives in Forty Fort with his parents, Joseph & Barbara Ranieli, is a second grade student at Dana street Elementary, where his favorite subject is Math. He lists his other interests as baseball, football, video games and reading books.

Jake, who likes the nickname "Jake the Snake", currently holds the rank of Gold Belt, 2nd stripe, and originally got into Martial Arts because he "just wanted to try it."

Jake's favorite part of Martial Arts class is sparring -- both stand-up and on the ground.

According to his Instructor, Master Gary R. Barnes, “Jake has a burning enthusiasm for training. He gives 100% every time he is in class and pushes himself to constantly improve. Jake is very driven to succeed, but he balances that with a sense of fun; he has an easy laugh and a great sense of humor. In terms of physical technique, Jake exhibits speed, power, and focus; but the best thing about him is his attitude. He loves a challenge, but he also participates in our monthly Kindness Missions -- collecting food for the hungry; donating toys for our Holiday Toy and Coat Drive; giving his time and effort to our community projects. He is an all-around great kid."

Barnes Martial Arts Students of the Month are chosen based on a variety of criteria, including: class participation, discipline, enthusiasm, listening skills, technique, attitude, behavior and how well they exemplify "Black Belt Excellence and Attitude" in ALL areas of their lives, in and out of the studio. Input from teachers and parents is a valuable contribution.

Students of the Month receive a special patch for their uniform and a 3-D Certificate, suitable for framing.

This article has been submitted to both the Times-Leader and Citizen's voice for publication.

CONGRATULATIONS JAKE!!