Sports
A publication of
The Times-Herald
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Kickin’ & Screamin’ in Coweta County By Amy Fuster | Photos by Bob Fraley
sweaty cherub-faced boy standing in line snaps out a kick and screams! He turns a fist toward his dad, with bright blue eyes shining in self-satisfaction, and his fist pops into a thumbs-up. Dad smiles and returns the gesture. This is not a bratty tantrum. In a martial arts studio such behavior is proper and acceptable, even desirable. It’s a rare place where kids are allowed to express their full power – here they can!
Karate, Tae Kwon Do, Jiu-Jitsu – in Coweta County you can find the right fit for you. While martial arts styles vary, local instructors agree on common benefits. In addition to core self-defense skills and physical fitness, students gain self-confidence, increase focus and learn self-discipline. During the progression from white to black belt, students earn belts of different colors – and learn a rainbow of life skills along the way. Martial arts can be practiced by young and old, strong and weak, athletic and not-
Anybody can train a naturally athletic person to be better. But working with a student who doesn’t start with athletic skills, and to see them progress and gain confidence, physically and emotionally … it’s why I love what I do.” – Lisa Guadalupe, Championship Martial Arts, Newnan
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Extremes are dangerous. Balance is the key. Big problems in life require that you calm down before you act, relax. What we teach is a blueprint for life.” – Jorge Jimenez, Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Balance Academy, Newnan
so-athletic. By nature of the practice, left side trained equally as right side, physical balance improves. Scientific proof has shown that using both sides of the body helps balance the mind as well. Karate (empty hand) and Tae Kwon Do (the way of the hand and foot) teach how to block an attack, the first priority being to protect oneself, then counter-attack with strikes, punches and kicks, knees and elbows. At the Balance Academy in Newnan, Instructor Jorge Jimenez teaches Brazilian JiuJitsu, which differs from Karate and Tae Kwon Do. Instead of punches and kicks, students learn to do the least damage possible to accomplish peace. The goal is to pin the opponent into a submission hold. Jimenez, a small framed man, is quick to point out that he’s living proof a smaller person can succeed in overcoming a much larger attacker.
A common misconception is that martial arts encourage violent behavior. The opposite is true. People who practice martial arts develop a strong sense of confidence, which eliminates them as a potential target for bullies or aggressors. And would-be bullies learn self-control as they tap into their inner power. Martial arts offer a path to peace. Moreland Elementary Counselor Cindy Bowen agrees with the benefits of martial arts as an extracurricular activity. She said kids learn “confidence, respect and goal setting from participating in these programs. An extra benefit is that they are exposed to positive role models – their instructors. Here at Moreland, we have worked closely with Lisa Guadalupe, using her expertise to help kids learn positive character traits while being physically active.” Guadalupe, of Championship Martial SPORTS & LEISURE • Coweta Living 2011-12
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Kids learn here, in order to progress you have to work for it. It’s true in life, too. Might as well learn it now.” – Joaquin Bonilla, Oh Do Kwan, Newnan
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better team sports player, too.” Arts in Newnan, teaches a blend of Deciding which studio to attend is very traditional karate with other modern personal, like finding the right doctor or techniques. She describes the difference hairstylist. The sure way to know if the studio between discipline and self-discipline to her fits your expectations is to observe a class. younger students: “Discipline is when there’s Then discuss the goals for your family with a negative consequence for not doing the the instructor. right thing; you get in trouble. Self-discipline Each of these instructors spoke with is when you do the right thing without being passion about their art, and their students. asked, and it leads to positive consequences, It’s no wonder smiles commonly accompany for instance you get more privileges because the sweaty students when they step off the your parents know you’re trustworthy.” She mat after class. says kids can see the benefits for themselves, The reason kids love martial arts, says and they decide to live it. Judging by the CMA Instructor Brad Fuster, “It’s fun!” He heads nodding in the audience, the parents should know — he was a karate kid at age 10, agree. earned his Black Belt at 14, then earned his “We wanted to find a martial arts studio Second Degree Black Belt before he became that would model ‘the good dojo,’” says an instructor at 16. karate-mom-of-four Becky Rowe, “and “As long as kids are having fun,” says reinforce the values that we taught in our Jimenez, “they are learning the skills and home: courtesy, modesty, humility, selftechniques they need to succeed.” CL discipline, respect ... After five consecutive years of instruction, we are still there and still Writer Amy Fuster earned her Black Belt growing. Our oldest, Noah, is now 16 and has in 2009. just been hired for his first job at a summer camp. We feel like his training and service at the studio has prepared him to be a better employee and to transition into this new and important stage in his life with confidence and skill.” The Oh Do Kwan studio in Newnan offers a different type of discipline, Tae Kwon Do. Master Joaquin Bonilla has led students to regional, state and national tournaments, and says “only the will to learn” is needed to begin practicing Tae Kwon Do with him. Patrick Dell’s three children, Matthew, N< J<IM@:< 8CC 9I8E;J Rebekah and Micah, attend Oh Do Kwan. He adds, “The focus he’s learned I`Z_Xi[ J\n\cc ..'$),*$.00(.) K\dgc\ 8m\% E\neXe# >8 *')-* here has made my son a
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