Sombo Joe Program

2018-2019

Welcome Back Packet

Welcome Back!

To all of our coaches, administrators, referees, hosting churches, parents and athletes,

welcome back! Our 2017-2018 Sombo Season was a huge success. Our program grew in

numbers and in experience. Last season the program promoted several athletes. Of these new

promotions, we promoted one new Black Belt with National Tips, two new Black Belts one

new Red Belt, three new Green Belts and six new Yellow Belts.

Last season the Sombo Joe Program only sanctioned one tournament, that being the

Arnold Classic. This new season, we will see action in several new tournaments including an

all-time-favorite back to Washington DC. This season should be one of the most exciting in

recent memory.

If you are new to the Sombo Joe Program, Welcome to our family. You have joined the

program during a very exciting time. You can read more about the Sombo Joe 2.0 Reboot later

in the Welcome Packet. Please be certain to stay up to date on the latest by visiting our team site

at www.sombojoe.com or our Facebook Page. You can also sign up to receive our brand new

Monthly Newsletter, Mat Life. It is going to be a very exciting journey. We are glad you are

along for the ride.

William T. Everidge Chief Instructor Sombo Joe

2017-2018 Promotions & Awards

Last season, several athletes and instructors performed exceptionally well. The following

individuals earned their promotion and or award. Congratulations to everyone who made the

cut. We look forward to you all stepping up into leadership roles within the program.

Promotions Awards

William Everidge Black Belt Nat. Tips Kaylyn Dincler Most Valuable Athlete

Vincent Neely Black Belt Kaylyn Dincler Team Captain Eastgate

Brandon Lee Black Belt Bella Steinert Most Improved Athlete

Randall Miller Red Belt Vivian Bauer ACE Athlete of the Year

Jerry Coomer Green Belt Eli Dincler Juggernaut Award

Eli Dincler Green Belt Jerry Coomer Coach of the Year

Kaylyn Dincler Green Belt

Andrew Bauer Yellow Belt

Bella Steninert Yellow Belt

Dominic Benhase Yellow Belt

Grainne Duffy Yellow Belt

Kenna Benhase Yellow Belt

Vivian Bauer Yellow Belt

Most Valuable Athlete:

For excellence, on and off the mat, for superior academic and athletic performance and demonstrating the heart

and spirit of a champion, I award Kaylyn Dincler, the 2018 Most Valuable Athlete Award.

Most Improved Athlete:

For demonstrating the courage to face your fears, fight through challenges and establish new boundaries, I

award Bella Steinert the 2018 Most Improved Athlete Award.

Most Improved Athlete:

For demonstrating the courage to face your fears, fight through challenges and establish new boundaries, I

award Bella Steinert the 2018 Most Improved Athlete Award.

ACE Athlete of the Year:

For excellence in Leadership, Academics and technical proficiency, in the Sport of Sombo in the United States,

I award Vivian Bauer the 2018 ACE Athlete of the Year.

Juggernaut Award:

For demonstrating the strength, endurance and tenacity to never waiver, never quit and for always leaving it all

on the mat, I award Eli Dincler the 2018 Juggernaut Award.

Team Captain:

For demonstrating the highest in ethical and responsible behavior, for following directions, for being helpful

and attentive, for leading by example, I bestow upon Kaylyn Dincler the honorable title of Team Captain of the

Sombo Joe Eastgate Program.

Coach of the Year:

For your selfless dedication to your faith, to your church, to our athletes and to the Sombo Joe Program, I

hereby award Jerry Coomer the 2018 Coach of the Year Award.

Sombo Joe 2.0 Program Optimization Project

The Sombo Joe 2.0 Program Optimization Project is designed to evaluate and optimize

every aspect of the program where it is needed, upgrade protocols, eliminate aspects that are not

needed, add aspects that are and to streamline the program in a manner which will enhance its

performance and effectiveness.

This project will be explored in detail in the following pages. The Project will cover the

CHIP Program, CAT Program, Program Expansion, acquiring 501(c) status, Sombo Joe

University, Sombo Joe Crusaders Sombo Team, Club Structure, Club Training Divisions

(Cadet, Novice, Advanced), Club Uniforms, New Digital Platforms (Facebook, Team Site, SJU,

Digital Portfolios, Community Service, Digital Publications, Microsoft Yammer, Google),

Upgraded Curriculum, PAP Program, Charity and Revenue Generation Campaigns, Recruiting

and Expansion Campaigns.

Sombo Joe CHIP Program

The Chief Instructor Training Program or CHIP has been created to aid in the

development of new Chief Instructors for new Sombo Joe Branches. The program is one year

long for two Chief Instructors, two Assistant Coaches and one Branch Administrator. The

program will require one CHIP Practice per week with the CHIP Expansion Team and one

regular practice at one of the existing Sombo Joe Branches. The CHIP Program is a 12-Month

Program for all five CHIP Candidates.

After Graduating from the CHIP Program, the Chief Instructors, their Assistant Coaches and

Branch Administrator will be certified and their church will be an officially sanctioned Sombo

Joe Training Facility and registered with USA Wrestling.

Sombo Joe CAT Program

The Coaching Assistant Training Program is a 60 Day comprehensive training program

designed to prepare individuals to step into a Coaching Assistant Role with the Sombo Joe

Program. The program is suitable for one of three types of martial art athletes.

1. Crossover Athletes: A Crossover Athlete is an athlete that has suitable and comparable

experience in another discipline with a skillset that will transfer easily to the Sombo Joe

Program and be at least ten-years-old. To graduate from the CAT Program, a candidate

must complete the CAT Training Program and one year as a Coach in Training and be at

least fourteen-years-old. After completion of both, the candidate will graduate from the

CAT Program, will have earned the rank of Green Belt and the title of Assistant Coach.

2. Returning Athlete: A Returning Athlete is an athlete that has at least four years of

Sombo experience, be in good standing with the Sombo Joe Program, be at least

fourteen-years-old and hold the rank of Green Belt or above. To graduate from the CAT

Program, a candidate must complete the CAT Training Program. After completing the

CAT Program, a candidate will graduate, and their rank will be reaffirmed and will earn

the title of Assistant Coach.

3. Novice Athlete: A Novice Athlete is an athlete that has demonstrated superior skills,

knowledge and leadership, holds the rank of Green Belt or higher, be at least ten-years-

old and selected by the Chief Instructor as a candidate. To graduate from the CAT

Program, a candidate must complete the CAT Training Program and one year as a Coach

in Training and be at least fourteen-years-old.

Program Expansion Initiative

The Sombo Joe Program is an outreach ministry designed to develop young leaders,

strengthen our churches, communities and to help people develop a personal relationship with

Jesus Christ. In an effort to realize this vision, we will execute this Program Expansion

Initiative this season. The CHIP / CAT Team as well as the Program Expansion Initiative will

be developed during the 2018-2019 Sombo Season and will begin during the 2019-2020

Season.

CHIP / CAT TEAM

The goal of the Program Expansion Initiative is to open two new Sombo Joe locations

each year. The CHIP Expansion Team will be comprised of the Chief Training Instructor

Assistant CTI and Program Ambassador. The Program Ambassador will manage the

relationships between Sombo Joe and the Staff at the individual churches. The Program

Ambassador will also research, make First Contact and recruit new churches into the Sombo

Joe Program.

2018-2019 Sombo Joe Tournament Schedule

➢ AKJU Fall Tournament

➢ AKJU Father Christmas Tournament

➢ Arnold Classic

➢ Washington DC Classic

The times and locations of these tournaments along with pertinent info will be shared on our

team site. Please review www.sombojoe.com and our Facebook frequently for updates.

Nonprofit Status

In 2006 the Northern Kentucky Wrestling Club became Sombo Joe and our effort and

focus changed to a faith-based training program. This change however put the financial burden

directly on the Sombo Joe Staff. We relied on very small fees and support from our hosting

churches. It has never been sufficient, and our program has never been able to reach its full

potential.

In July 2018, the program is moving to acquire a Nonprofit Status from the IRS so that it

can leverage the power of that status to generate sufficient revenue to meet the goals of our

program. The Sombo Joe Program has never turned anyone away because of their inability to

purchase a USAW Card for insurance purposes. This year, the Sombo Joe Program is no longer

asking for a fee making it 100% free to join the program after the purchase of a $55.00 USAW

Card. Some families are unable to afford the USAW Card. It is our sincerest hope that acquiring

our Nonprofit Status will allow us to offer our word-class program to everyone, regardless of

their ability to pay.

But it is much more than a USAW Card purchase. Wrestling mats cost thousands of

dollars. Then there are Sombo Jackets (Kurtka), Wrestling / Sombo Shoes, Belts and other

safety and training equipment. All of this gear is very expensive and absolutely critical to

managing a safe and effective Sombo Program. In addition to the necessary gear, each Sombo

Joe Branch must be sanctioned and registered with USA Wrestling which is a governing body

for the sport in the United States. This also cost money. There are extraordinary costs associated

with tournaments including transportation, lodging, tournament fees and alike. Again, we are

hoping that having our Nonprofit Status will open doors and make it feasible for more children

to take advantage of our program.

SOMBO JOE UNIVERSITY

Sombo Joe University is an interactive digital platform combining four separate but

equally intracule components. The first component is our very own Team Site SomboJoe.com.

Our Team site will provide basic educational data, information about SJU and updated

information on our Formative and Summative Assessments. The second component is the

interactive Open Learning Portal. This is where the actual lessons are taught and where

academic excellence happens. Then there is the Microsoft and Google Portals. The entire

Sombo Joe Academic Curriculum will be found through these portals.

The Yammer Portal is provided by Microsoft. This component requires that each user have a

Microsoft License issued to them specifically. As a Nonprofit Organization, we would be

granted unlimited number of licenses so that each athlete and parent could be assigned a

Microsoft License. Here you will find our secure social learning network platform which has

too many advantages to mention here. Collectively, Sombo Joe University will be the most

comprehensive digital learning platform in the world of Sombo today.

Digital Portfolios

A digital portfolio is a carefully developed list of video / audio examples of a student /

instructor performance. It begins with a brief introduction of the student or instructor, shows a

variety of technique and abilities and then as the year goes by, the portfolio is added to and

reviewed as a coaching tool to improve on the performance and expertise of not just the student

but that of the instructor as well. The Sombo Joe Digital Portfolios will also include PT Tests,

Academic Assessments and community service.

Community Service

As a faith-based program, it is important that we teach by practice and lead by example.

Jesus was the perfect leader, but he was also the perfect example of a servant. We are all here to

serve. We are all here to follow Christ’s good example. To that end, we will get involved in two

community service programs this season. Details about these programs will be shared on our

team site so please, check our Team Page and our Facebook Page often for updates.

Digital Publications

In an effort to improve communication and collaboration with our staff, parents and

athletes, the Sombo Joe Program will launch a monthly newsletter called Mat Life, will provide

a digital copy of this very Welcome Back Packet to everyone prior to start of each new Sombo

Season and will develop and update a new Sombo Joe Team Website. This is just another

attempt by our staff to improve the quality and effectiveness of our program.

Upgraded Curriculum

The Sombo Joe Curriculum is one of the most effective martial art training programs in

the world. It has been taught at some of the most prestigious regional martial art facilities and

has produced numerous champions in the art and even more champions in life. One of the goals

of the Sombo Joe 2.0 Reboot is to refine the curriculum by applying effective organizational

and modern teaching techniques. This upgrade will clearly define the requirements for all

athletes and instructors. The upgrade will implement a fair and simple point-based system for

promotions and support academic and athletic excellence. The upgrade will also leverage the

power of technology to support the tracking and managing of athlete performance, attendance

and other vital data.

Fundraising Campaigns

The Sombo Joe Program has a wonderful history of service. However, the program has

always been hamstrung by financial restraints. It is our goal to push past these restraints by

launching multiple fundraising events each year. The idea is to have one major event each

month while managing an ongoing annual campaign to bolster our financial position to support

our program.

Sombo Joe Crusaders

Historically, if you were a part of the Sombo Joe Program, it was assumed that you were

on our competition team. Competition is a very critical element in an athlete’s development. It

tests their skill in an environment that is nearly impossible to duplicate. It expands their comfort

zone and helps them develop interpersonal and coping skills while being introduced to new and

exciting environments. Historically the program would permit any of our athletes to go and

compete in competition. Moving forward, there will be a distinction between those athletes who

are on our competition team and those who are simply an athlete in the program.

If an athlete wishes to be on the Sombo Joe Crusader Competition Team, they must

notify their Chief Instructor. The Chief Instructor will determine if the athlete is mature enough,

old enough, skilled enough, has acceptable attendance and is in good standing with the program

to make the team. Regardless of if you are on the team or not, each and every member, parent

and family member is encouraged to attend our tournaments to support their favorite athlete.

Sombo Joe Club Structure

Chief Instructors

Joe Neely

Founder / Chief Instructor

(513) 746-0392 / jneely@fuse.net

Duran Sheets Wil Everidge

Chief Instructor Chief Instructor

(859) 609-8008 (513) 371-1040

sheetd01@gmail.com williamteveridge@gmail.com

Sombo Instructors

Coach Brandon Lee / Coach Randall Miller / Coach Jerry Coomer / Coach David Bennett

Administration

Bethany Shepperd-Bauer

Chief Administrator

Club Training Divisions

CADET – NOVICE - ADVANCED

As our program expands and new athletes join, it has become necessary for larger

branches to divide their curriculum into varying degrees from Novice to Advanced. Other

athletes are simply too young to join our regular program. To address this concern, those Chief

Instructors who determine that their branch has encountered this issue may break up their class

into multiple groups. For those athletes who are too young and lack the focus to participate in

regular practice, they can still participate as Cadets learning the basics, rolling around on the

mat and having a great time.

Once the Chief Instructor has determined that the young athlete is ready to take the leap into

regular practice, they will be promoted to a Novice and their six-month wait to test for their

White Belt will begin. The Novice Division will be for those athletes who are not ranked to

Yellow Belt. Once an athlete is promoted to Green Belt, they will begin training with the

Advanced Division.

Club Uniforms

Before the Sombo Joe Program was the Sombo Joe Program, it was the Northern

Kentucky Wrestling Club. The NKWC enjoyed fantastic uniforms. They were a source of team

pride and aided in team bonding and was a tangible expression of team unity. The uniform

represented the program and helped to build a strong and positive team reputation all around the

country. The NKWC Uniform produced wonderful results for the club.

It’s time to bring back the team uniform. The Sombo Joe Crusaders will have a uniform

for the athletes, coaches and referees. Parents and other family members can even purchase

their own team jacket, hat or bumper sticker to support their athlete and the program. We have a

world-class program. It is time to let the world know we exist.

Sombo Joe PAP Program

Partner Appreciation Program

The Partner Appreciation Program is our way of recognizing the significant

participation of our partners. We feel as though it is prudent and proper to

recognize and promote those businesses who support our Sombo Program.

2018 Third-Quarter PAP Campaign Goal $5,000

Event Goal Metal Scale Promotion & Recognition

Platinum Partner: $500 Plaque, Certificate, Shirt, Event Mention, Newsletter, Web

Gold Partner: $100 Plaque, Certificate, Shirt, Event Mention

Silver Partner: $50 Plaque, Certificate, Shirt

Bronze Partner: $25 Certificate

Plaque: Laser Etched Glass with words of appreciation

Certificate: Framed Certificate of Appreciation

Shirt: Name of your business on the reverse side of our Event T-Shirt

Event Mention: Your business will be given an honorable mention at the event

Newsletter: Your business will be featured in our Newsletter for 6 months

Web: Your business will be featured on our website for 6 months

Sombo Joe

2018 – 2019

Athlete Handbook

Program Mission Statement

The mission of the Sombo Joe Program is to aid in the development of our athletes through the

holy word of God, academic, and athletic excellence. Our faculty of instructors and

administrators are dedicated to building champions of God and future leaders of our great

Republic.

A Note from the Chief Instructor

The Sombo Joe Program is a nonprofit, faith-based, outreach program. It is my sincerest hope

that those athletes who enter the program, who don’t have a personal relationship with our Lord

and Savior, Jesus Christ, use this program as a means to develop that relationship. Our program

and curriculum are designed to cultivate the qualities that make great leaders and great servants.

In a world that is fallen, we are in dire need and in short supply of both.

The same qualities that make a champion on the mat will make a great champion in life. It’s our

job to give our athletes every advantage in life and help prepare them to be champions on and

off the mat. When you compete as a Sombo Joe Crusader, Bibles aren’t the only thing you

thump!

As Chief Instructors for the Sombo Joe Program, it is our honor and privilege to serve you,

guide you, and help prepare you for a leadership and servant role within our community. We

look forward to your development into a Champion on and off the mat. We look forward to

your victories and learning from your defeats. We eagerly anticipate you one day taking your

proper place as a follower of Jesus Christ and a leader in our community.

Joe Neely / Duran Sheets / William T. Everidge

Sombo Joe Chief Instructors

Expectations of Athletes

As a Sombo Joe Athlete, you represent yourself, your family, the Sombo Joe Program, and a

follower of Jesus Christ. Your actions and behavior reflect on all-the-above. With that in mind,

there are certain expectations for Sombo Joe Athletes.

Athletes will:

1. Display positive public actions at all times.

2. Accept the responsibility and privilege of representing yourself, your family, the Sombo Joe

Program, and Jesus Christ.

3. Respect the judgment of officials and coaches.

4. Treat opponents with respect and shake hands with opponents after contests.

5. Attend practice at least once per week during the regular season.

6. Come prepared and on-time for practices and tournaments. If a student is going to miss

practice, please notify the Chief Instructor via our team chat.

7. If an athlete needs transportation to or from practice, please notify the Instructor as soon as

possible.

8. Please dress appropriately. During the winter, a shirt or other undergarment may be worn

under the Kurtka. Pants may also be worn. Please remember to always bring something to drink

so that you can remain properly hydrated.

9. Please avoid bringing unnecessary items to practice. Please don’t bring any food or candy

unless authorized by one of the instructors.

10. If you are ill, please do not practice.

11. During adverse weather conditions, please monitor both the team chat and our Facebook

Page for cancellations or special instructions.

12. Please do not talk during instruction. Please pay attention during instruction. Please be

respectful during opening and closing prayer.

13. Do not leave any personal items on the instructor’s desk.

14. Please ensure that you have taken all of your items home with you.

Guidelines for Parents

1. Parents please be on time to pick up or drop off your athlete (s).

2. Parents are financially responsible for full replacement value of any equipment that is not

returned to the program within 30 days of leaving the program.

3. Please don’t allow your athlete(s) to bring unnecessary items to practice, as the program

nor the church will be responsible for any lost items.

4. The safety and welfare of our athletes is very important to us. It is not a requirement, but

it is suggested that each athlete receive a physical prior to each season. Sombo is a very

physical sport and art. It is not suitable for those with certain physical conditions.

5. Parents should inform the instructor of any known physical problems of their children.

6. Parents are expected to be respectful and polite to all coaches, officials, and participants,

which includes appropriate conduct at practice and events.

7. Parents are expected to purchase a USA Wrestling Card for each athlete at the beginning

of each season. This is done to minimize the financial risk due to an injury during

practice.

8. If your child is ill, please do not bring them to practice. If your child has had a fever,

diarrhea, vomiting, pink eye, or lice do not bring them to practice unless it has been at

minimum 24 hours since the issue has cleared up.

Facility Policies

1. No food or glass containers in the facility please.

2. No smoking or alcohol in the facility please.

3. Any faculty member who wants to use the facility should get prior authorization.

4. No athlete should be on the mat without an instructor present.

5. Athletes and spectators should enter the facility using the appropriate entrance.

6. Please do not wear regular shoes or boots on the mat.

7. The walkway between the seats and the mat should be kept clear.

8. Before leaving for the night, doors should be locked, lights turned off, and bathrooms

checked.

9. Please do not write or erase on the White Boards.

10. All equipment should be returned to appropriate places after practice.

11. Do not touch any item on the Instructor’s desk without permission.

12. Please do not remove any equipment from the facility without authorization.

Practice Schedule

During the regular Sombo Season, which is the first week in September until the last week in

May, the following Schedule applies:

Sombo Joe Price Hill: Monday 6:30pm – 8:00pm

Sombo Joe Hebron: Thursday 6:30pm – 8:00pm

Sombo Joe Eastgate: Tuesday 6:30pm – 8:00pm

Tournament Guidelines

It is the responsibility of the faculty to update the Tournament Calendar as frequently as

possible and to notify the parents and athletes of new tournaments. Tournaments will also be

announced on the Team web site and the team Facebook page.

It is the responsibility of the parents and athletes to notify the staff as soon as possible of their

intent to attend a tournament so that proper preparations for travel, meals, and lodging can be

made. Sanctioned tournaments are tournaments that will be managed by the staff. Unsanctioned

tournaments are tournaments where the club will not be responsible for organizing or attending

the tournament in an official capacity.

Promotion Guidelines

The Sombo Joe Program uses a point based / time-in rank merit system to qualify an athlete to

sit for their promotion exam. The exam itself is comprised of both academic and skills-based

assessments. To sit for an exam, the athlete will have accumulated the necessary points and

have sufficient time in rank. Athletes can accumulate points by attending practice during the

season. Athletes can earn additional points through performance on and off the mat, attending

practice at another Sombo Joe Location, demonstrating superior academic proficiency, and

points can also be deducted for poor conduct on or off the mat. There are two types of

assessments: The first type of assessment is called a formative assessment. The goal of

formative assessment is to monitor the athlete’s learning, to provide ongoing feedback that can

be used by instructors to improve their coaching, and by athletes to improve their learning. The

second type of assessment is called a summative assessment. The goal of the summative

assessment is to evaluate the athlete’s learning at the end of an instructional unit by comparing

it against our standards and benchmarks. Promotions will be determined by summative

assessments and if the chief instructor warrants it, meritorious promotion.

Fees and Other Related Expenses

The only required fee is the purchase of the USA Wrestling Card each season. You may

purchase this card at https://www.usawmembership.com/login. You will first set up a free

account and then purchase online the card. IMPORTANT: DO NOT PURCHASE YOUR

USAW CARD UNTIL 9/1 OF EACH YEAR. USA Wrestling’s membership year runs from 9/1

– 8/31. All memberships for the 2017-18 season expire on 8/31/2018. The Kurtka (Jacket), belt,

and other equipment including mats will be provided at no expense. You do have the option to

purchase your own gear including gloves and other protective gear. If purchasing the card will

result in a financial hardship or you are simply unable to afford the card, please see your Chief

Instructor. We have never turned anyone away for their inability to afford dues or a card.

Starting in 2018 – 2019 season, the Sombo Joe Program will no longer be charging dues. In

lieu of dues, we ask that those who feel compelled may donate to the club. Donations will be

used to pay for those who can’t afford a card or for other club expenses such as equipment,

mats, and tournament expenses.

No salaries are paid to the staff, including instructors and administrators. All staff members are

volunteers and do so as servants to the community, you, and your athletes. This is our way to

follow the example of Jesus Christ as being a servant to those he led.

The Sombo Joe Program is committed to academic and athletic excellence within the context of

our faith-based program. Our vision is to develop young men and women with active and

creative minds, a sense of understanding, compassion for others, and the courage to act on their

beliefs and convictions. We stress the total development of each athlete: spiritual, moral,

intellectual, social, emotional, and physical. Our philosophy is rooted in the word of God and

sound training principles, which educates our athletes to become leaders of a just society by

adhering to the following five goals:

A personal and active relationship with God.

A deep respect for intellectual values.

An active pursuit of servitude.

An active pursuit of leadership.

Dedicated to personal development.

Chief Instructor Contact Information

William T. Everidge

(513) 371-1040

williamteveridge@gmail.com

Sombo Joe Point Sheet

2018 – 2019 Season

Athlete: ______________________ Rank: _____________ Date Promoted: ___/___/___

Date Eligible for Promotion: ___/___/___ Points Required to Sit For Exam: ____________

ACCUMULATOR

September October November

Points: / / / / /

/ / / / / / / /

Points: / / / / /

/ / / / / / / /

Points: / / / / /

/ / / / / / / /

Total Points: Total Points: Total Points:

December January February

Points: / / / / /

/ / / / / / / /

Points: / / / / /

/ / / / / / / /

Points: / / / / /

/ / / / / / / /

Total Points: Total Points: Total Points:

March April May

Points: / / / / /

/ / / / / / / /

Points: / / / / /

/ / / / / / / /

Points: / / / / /

/ / / / / / / /

Total Points: Total Points: Total Points:

E: Eastgate Practice H: Hebron Practice P: Price Hill Practice

T: Tournament B: Beast Points -: Deduct Points

Total Points Accumulated: _________ Total Time Accumulated: ____________

I certify that this athlete has both the required points and Time in Rank required to sit for their

promotion exam.

_________________________________ _________________________________

Coach Print Coach Sign

_____/_____/_____