8 Wednesday, Aug. 21,2013 THE JOURNAL www.journalpress.com
Leonard Banks
Martial arts has become a healthy and fun lifestyle for many Muhammad Boxing and Martial Arts students.
7•
LEONARD BANKS I was in the second grade, after my with a letter called intent to promote.
mum signed me up," Brown said, "At ~he letter,has to be signed by the
Sports editor first I was nervous, but now I am do- parents, and their school, indicat~
After four years, Muhammad's ing well. I enjoy coming here to see ing that they are doing what they aye
Boxing and Martial Arts has devel- my friends, but most of all doing suppose to do in school, and givin~ •
oped into a family outlet for build- what right." their best." ~
ing confidence and self esteem in the Not long ago, Muhammad had a Over 80% of the school's p+~-
King George community. While the student who made a drastic change ticipants are on the honor role, and
boxing program has transitioned into from extremely shy to a class leader, based on their efforts to earn go0~!~
a part of the martial arts, and Brazil- simply by the practice of martial arts. grades they receive a different col-
ian Jiujitsu curriculum, the school's "I had a student from the Little Ninjas ored star on their uniform" Muham-
Little Ninja program has grown into program, who came in the door, and mad said.
over 120 students. The program is refused to participate in the class" 3he school also receives a tremem
made up of 4-6 year olds who aspire Muhammad said. "She would sit away dous amount of support for parents.
to a strong life structure by learning from the class in the corner, fold her "One of the things we tell parents
martial arts. By instilling a strong arms, and cry the whole time she was about the program before they actu-
foundation, the program motivates here. Soon, she slowly began building ally enroll their kids is that if they are
kids to become positive role models confidence that was within her, and not going to be active in their martial
among their peers and family, became an extremely confidentarts training here, we're not going to
"It's really important to not only student--and one of the top leaders be successful as a team" Muhammad
get your child into a martial arts in our LittleNinjasprogram.,'said.
program, but to remember that not The school also focuses on A lifelong martial arts and fitness
all schools are made equal" Muham- conflict resolution skills. "We teach student, Muhammad has focused
mad's Boxing and Martial Arts own- them skills of dealing with bullies" his leisure time by training peri-
er, and chief administrator Yusuf A. Muhammad said. "In fact, our odically with martial arts instructor
Muhammad said. philosophy is we teach them how to Dan Inosanto, a former student of
Whether it's the adult or children's fight so that they don't have to fight, famed Hollywood actor, and martial
program, the transition from leading A lot of children are a little confused, arts master Bruce Lee. Muhammad
a regular every day life to the study of when I say that, but after I explain it is currently an apprentice instructor
martial arts is different for every stu- to them, they soon understand.,' under Inosanto.
dent, From the first day, 12-year old At the top of the school's priority For more information about Mu-
rising seventh grader, Justin Brown list is the student's academic life. "We hammad's Boxing and Martial Arts,
has enthusiastically embraced Ks- believe heavily in education here, be- go online to www.boxingandmar-
rate as part of his academic and ram- cause in order to move up to the next tialartscenter.com or call 540-775-
ily life. "I started the program when level belt rank, we Send them home 7555.
LEONARD BANKS
Sports editor
The next tournament, which will be
For many adults and kids in King
GFor many adults and kids in King
George, the traditional form of mar- Age is no issue for anyone who
tial arts, known as Isshin Ryu is a wants to join the school. In fact, the
perfect outlet for them to achieve school has had profound positive
their personal and athletic goals, effects on kids with disabilities. "We
For those who wish to embrace have a lot of kids that come through
a program focused on building here with autism, ADHD, and things
strength, balance, coordination, and of that nature" Kline said. '~fter
flexibility through Kata (forms), a month or so, parents see their
Kobudo (weapons), and Bunkai progress, and rave that their attention
(practice applications), they should span has improved. When kids see
stop by the old King George Middle the class for the first time, I tell them
Schnnl m~m nn Tuesday~ nnd that their brain i.~ their number nne
Thursday evenings, from 6-8 p.m., weapon, their arsenal of defense,
and witness a class in action, and academics is their number one
After 14 years of study, Chief priority.,'
instructor, and two-time Martial Arts The class not only monitors report
Hall of Fame recipient, Kevin Kline is cards, but provides academic assis-
convinced that the ancient art form tance. "I always tell parents if their
is the key to living a healthy and children are not doing their school
fulfilling life. "We base our class not work, then use this class as a tool
so much on the quality of learning, to help them with their academics"
but the quality of Martial Arts" Kline Kline said.
said. "A lot of commercial schools Several kids who are have achieved
push people through by giving them academic and martial arts success are
a certain time frame, and have to sophomore Eric Lamb, and eighth
meet a criteria. We want everyone to grader, William German. Lamb has
progress on his or her own rate, and achieved the ranking of black belt,
really enjoy what they are doing. This German is currently a brown belt.
willgive them abetter understanding Lamb's younger brother, five year
of how it works" old, loey Bellante is a yellow belt.
Kline, a fifth degree black belt, "The reason why I began studying
began the study of Karate with his martial arts was that I was really shy"
son, Travis. Travis is a King George Lamb said. "My mother enrolled into
High School alumni, who excelled in the Karate class, hoping it would
Karate, earning a black belt. Travis help me open up, and start talking to
also was a standout athlete in track & people. After five years, it has been
field (discus, shot put), and football the greatest experience anyone can
(offensive, defensive lineman), ever feel,,' Lamb competes in two
In partnership with the King Karate tournamentsannually.
George Parks & Recreation Depart- As for German, Karate has also
ment, Kline has run the martial arts had positive effects on his life. '~.s
program for nearly 14years, He also for academics, I can focus a lot
coordinates, and organizes an Isshin more, and I feel I can do more work
Ryu Karate tournament annually, efficiently" German said. "Karate
the 11th year, is scheduled for April "A lotof
27, 2014, at King George Middle
School. commercial schools
me
t a criteria.
r UWr¢ lt~&C~
doing, will
give them a better
w it. works."
--Kevin Kline
also helps with my strength, fitness,
flexibility, mind-body relationship,
and coordination.,' German is
working towards a black belt, and
also competes in tournaments during
the year.
Although the study of Karate em-
bodies self esteem, and a deep sense
of peace and well being, some people
have gotten the wrong impression.
'~_ lot of people look at Karate as be-
ing violent, and a bad thing, but it's
really not that at all" Kline said. "We
are teaching people to deal with situ-
ations without being violent.,'
For more information about King
George Isshin Ryu Karate, contact
Kline at kkline@va.metrocast.net.
William German (right) demonstrates a take
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down against a fellow Isshin Ryu Karate student.
Leonard Banks i
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