Excellence in Martial Arts

Why did you start Taekwondo?

There are many reasons for starting Taekwondo. Some include to get physically fit, to learn self-defense, to build flexibility, to develop discipline, something fun to do, getting into that tournament scene, and many others.

For me, taking Taekwondo was, at first, simply to learn self-defense. I was not what you would call a self-assured person through my high school years, and looking back I lacked a lot of self-confidence and self-esteem. Because of this I was picked on and put down a lot during that time. So after high school graduation I began looking at joining a Martial Art. When I went to Iowa State University, the first week I got a newspaper, and there was an add which said learn "Power, Grace and Speed" and featured a picture of a gentleman doing a completely vertical sidekick. I said, "I want to do that!"

Now, over 17 years later, I am still striving to do a completely vertical sidekick, but after starting Mr. Larry Edel’s (now Master Larry Edel) classes in the fall of 1987, I never regretted it. However, one thing I did learn quickly was that self-defense or being a good fighter was merely a fringe benefit of studying Martial Arts.

Today more than ever, kids and adults of all ages are learning Life Skills such as courtesy, respect, self-control, discipline, honor, and integrity during their training in the ATA. Other skills developed are concentration and memory skills, all while completing physical training that benefits overall fitness, strength and flexibility.

I hope that you too can learn these wonderful skills and begin classes here at Marshalltown's Christian ATA if you haven’t all ready. If you have begun learning with us, we hope you continue to share with everyone the benefits you are receiving.

What is this Tai Chi Program Anyway?

Tai Chi is a martial art from China. It emphasizes slow movements that naturally develop strength, flexibility and balance without high impact to the joints of the body. For this reason, Tai Chi is an excellent workout for those who cannot participate in high impact aerobic conditioning.

However, Tai Chi also develops a person in other ways. Patience is a necessary characteristic for developing one’s skills in this art. In today’s world this is one trait that we often times

overlook. Most of the time, we can get what we want or need with hardly a thought about waiting. You want to buy something? Get on the internet with your high speed connection and have it shipped overnight. We have convenience stores and supermarkets offering us products that we may or may not need, but there they are.

Unfortunately, many people approach the martial arts in much the same way. They watch Jackie Chan, and decide they want to do that, but are unwilling to commit the time, effort and discipline necessary to achieve it. This sort of approach doesn’t get people very far in any martial art, or in life.

In addition, Tai Chi helps people cope with stress. Our classes and training are designed to provide training in a stress-reduced environment. Prevention magazine did a survey, which pointed out, that 75% of us feel "great stress" weekly. Mental health experts say that 90% of doctor visits are for physical problems related to stress.

So why wait? Develop patience and learn an excellent method for coping with stress. Start our Tai Chi program today.

Our Themes of the  Month

February’s theme is attitude. In Taekwondo, attitude refers to an ‘I can do that’ mindset. Also, it makes a basis for developing all the other characteristics we try to impart such as courtesy, respect and self control. Without a good attitude an otherwise talented student will not succeed.

Attitude can be displayed in class in several ways. First, a student should answer up with a loud ‘Yes Sir!’ This behavior not only shows the instructor that you are listening to what he is saying, but it brings yours and everyone else’s focus back to what is being said. When doing your form, your attitude is reflected in how you carry yourself, where your eyes are focused, the power in your technique, the stances you take, etc. During the month of February, really work on displaying your good attitude in class.

At home everyone around you readily sees your attitude. Parents, if your child shows a good attitude at home, be sure to write out a ‘good job’ note for them so they can get a star on their victory patch!

In March we will be concentrating on goals and goal setting. Here at Marshalltown’s Christian ATA, we try to teach SMART goal setting. All goals should be Specific, Motivating, Achievable, Relevant and Trackable.

Right now you can pick a goal for yourself. Someone once said that ‘a goal not written down is merely a dream.’ Take the time to grab a piece of paper and write down one or two goals you have. Remember to also put when you plan to achieve them, and if necessary how to get them. Put this somewhere where you can see it and refer to it once every week to see how you are doing.