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Times Advocate, 1996-09-25, Page 17Second Section - September 25, 1996 ADVERTISING FEATURE Families are discovering - martial arts as an alternative Martial Arts is not just about learning self defense, it teaches discipline and respect for oneself and for others. It is also exercises the mind, body and spirit, and is an exciting alternative for those not interested in playing winter sports. Studying the martial arts is an activity all members of the family can participate in and more and more families are taking lessons together as they discover it strep thensamil bonds while giving them the inner confidence to deal with the challenges of everyday life. The following feat, ' ' 1( --al selfdefense y and their instructors in our area. schools Bell and Loucks Karate When you sit down to talk to Karate Instructor Dan Bell it's difficult to get him to talk about himself, because he's too busy talking about his love for teaching the martial arts. "It's not just a business, it's something I love to do. it's fun and it's a credit to the student and to the community," he said. Bell is a first degree black belt who teaches at Bell and Loucks Karate School at the Legion Hall in Exeter. He enjoys teaching karate because of the positive benefits that it has on his students. "The martial arts is a way of life. It teaches you self defense but it has more to do with developing character and a proper attitude that can help you in your career and in your personal relationships," he said. The reason he explains, is because the martial arts is based on respect and understanding of others, the two fundamental principles he likes to foster among his students. ' Bell teaches with his partner Leo Loucks, a former world kickboxing champion who is well known in the London area. Together the two instructors form a unique combination of traditional karate and practical self defense that they pass on to their students. Dan Bell "We work well together. We have a special combination that comes across in our class," said Bell who describes their 'style of teaching as strict but fun. "We run a strict and disciplined class but in a way that people can learn and understand. We emphasize fun and discipline with a family atmosphere." Bell encourages parents to enroll their children into self-defense school because of the positive benefits he has seen manifest themselves among his younger pupils. "They have a longer attention span. they are more disciplined and they become better listeners. These things don't disappear when they leave the dojo GET INTO SHAPE WITH KARATE 4 FREE LESSONS EXETER LEGION Mon. & Wed. 7-8:30 Excellent fitness and self-defense training SPECIAAYftY can Sense! Dan Bell (519) 235.4765 Leo Loucks • Dan Bell Everyone Welcome Bernardo Karate Academy Standing outside the dojo (a place of instruction) Ron Bowers takes a glimpse inside where his students, most of whom are young children, are warming up before a class. He bows, steps inside the room and yells "Ski!" (come to attention in Japanese). Everyone suddenly stops what they're doing and stand to face him. The room is so quiet you can hear a pin drop. "Parents love it when 1 do that," said Bowers. Bowers is a third degree black belt instructor at Bernardo Karate Academy in Crediton. The student's reaction to his presence is due to the respect they hold for their instructor. It is the same respect he, in turn, has for them and the mutual understanding between student and teacher is the essence behind the martial arts which is the key that holds the very fabric of his class together. "A person who wants to be a true martial artist will show respect for the rest of their lives," said Bowers. However it is only one of the qualities he tries to instill in his students. Confidence is another which takes a higlriority, because, according to the academy's slogan, "confidence is strength." Bowers takes pride in the relationship he has built between himself and his students, particularly the children who have so much to gain from learning the virtues of the martial arts. "I relate to children well because I talk to them on an equal level. It's surprising how mature they can be if you give them the chance," he said adding he uses positive reinforcement when teaching. "If you show them they are succeeding at what they are doing it really builds their self-esteem and they will try more difficult things." Building a child's confidence in the dojo is important to Bowers because it is the kernel that gives them the strength to Ron Bowers 0001tiffirotitt Mondays and Thursdays 2 classes each night 6 -7 p.m. • 7-8 p.m. CREDITON COMMUNITY CENTRE Gradings are conducted by Chief Grading Instructor Michael Bernardo 6th Degree Black Belt FOR MORE INFO CALL: RON BOWERS 234-6743 A South Huron Martial Arts Karate is the main focus at South Huron Martial Arts, but they pride themselves on the diversity they offer to their students. Taught by head instructor Brian Decker, fifth degree (black belt) Godan and assistant Jane McPherson, second degree (black belt) Nidan the school is based in Zurich but holds organized classes in Exeter, Lucan, Grand Bend and Seaforth. Students of the school pay one price but have the option of training at any location. Other than karate, ' VW / South Jane McPherson, Brfan Decker Huron Martial and Racchae1MCPherson Arts teaches Toide, a form of Okaniawan grappling art, Ju Jitsu, a form of self defense that concentrates on throws and joint locks, and instruction in a wide range of weapons specializing in the sword (Iai Jitsu). Decker also teaches Tai Chi in Exeter on Tuesday nights. Tai Chi is a form of martial art that goes through karate katas in slow motion. Growing in popularity, Decker said it is a slow and gentle exercise that focuses on balance and flexibility, however, watching it can be deceiving because it requires the use of almost every muscle in the body. "We do Tai Chi strictly for the health benefits...it's one of the best workouts there is." said Decker. The school also offers home study courses on the oriental philosophy of the martial arts up to four degree diplomas. The school is ideal for those who are seeking a well rounded education in the Martial arts w'th a focus on its origins and philosophy. Decker said learning the history of the art they are taking gives them a greater appreciation for the an hut is also applicable as a self defense if needed. "Learning the theory gives the kids a sense of achievement because they have a higher understanding of the art," added McPherson. SOUTH HURON MARTIAL ARTS KARATE JU JITSU • LAI JITSU WEAPONS • TAI CHI Sensei Brian Decker IGodan) CALL 263.2440 Member of Juko-Kal International Largest Traditional Martial Arts Association Worldwide 4 FREE CLASSES ANYTIME $20 PER MONTH ( \I 1. !OR 1).\Y \\I) 11\11SOFCL\ti`.I� • Jane McPherson (nee Nidan) Lucan 227-1271 • Katherine Ens Exeter 0535 • Glenn Vickers Grand Bend 238-5808 •Pave Soontiens, Shodan Seaforth 5274542 • Dave Gascho Zurich 236.4602 Exeter Karate School Ron Tyndall is a second degree black belt and head instructor at Exeter Karate School which holds classes at the South Huron Recreation Centre. Tyndall teaches Shorin-Jin Ryu which is a classical and traditional form of Karate that originated in ancient Japan. It's a hard style with direct kicks and punches to focus points that's different from some of the other forms of martial arts such as Kung Fu which incorporates more of a soft circular style. A common question Tyndall encounters asks: What is the difference between Martial Arts in the East (Japan) and in the West? Literature provided from Tyndall explains that Western views tend to emphasize physical aspects more than the mental while those in the orient emphasize mental growth more than physical development. For the understanding of the martial arts, there should be no boundary between East and West. Both sides are needed to develop the arts completely. Human beings have bodies and minds, and both must be cultivated. Physical and mental training are needed to gain the true value of the martial arts. Ron Tyndall Adhering to this philosophy, Tyndall said studying martial arts also has no boundaries between different age groups. For adults, karate can put you in physical shape as well as teach a viable means of self defense. Training has an immediate effect of providing you with a means of relief from the day-to-day stress of everyday life instead of being adversely affected by it. "With our training, you will become more mentally fit as well as physically fit," said Tyndall. "We also find the vast majority of adults enjoy and benefit from the martial arts philosophies." For teenagers and young adults, martial arts training helps build greater self- confidence in their daily lives, and the self-esteem they develop can help EXETER KARATE SCHOOL 8 Night Course Cost $15.00 Starts: Tues. Oct. 8/96 SOUTH HURON RECREATION CENTRE HALL -EXETER YOUTH CLASSES; (age 5 to 12) 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. ADULT & TEEN CLASSES; 7:30 - 9:00 p.m. Classes held every Tuesday and Thursday night • All Registered Certified Instructors • Established school for over 1D years Registration and First Class Thesday, October 8 at 6:15 p.m. ages (5-12 yrs. old) 7:15 p.m. Adult & teen To pre-regster call Fred (519) 263-3525 Sense': Jeff Balsdon (519) 2380952 Sense': Ron Tyndall (519) 4824634 before October 6, 1986 Exeter Tae Kwon Do Tae Kwon Do is a traditional Korean martial art that literally means "a way of life utilizing hands and feet." It offers a total fitness program that integrates mind, body and spirit as a practical means of self defense. It differs from karate in style as it emphasizes more kicking, (since the leg is longer and stronger than the arm), and sparring among black belts is full contact as opposed to pulling your punches at the last second. An added attraction of Tae Kwon Do will be realized at the next Olympic summer games when it will become the only martial art recognized as a full medal sport at the year 2000 Olympics to be held in Australia. Sai Visouvath is the head instructor at Exeter Tae Kwon Do (with classes being held at Precious Blood School during the school year and at the Lions Club Youth Centre during the summer). With 15 years experience in the martial arts entailing one year of Judo, four years of karate and 10 years of Tae Kwon Do and Hapkido, Visouvath is still learning and advancing himself and will undergo testing for his third degree black belt in October. Besides instructing, Visouvath is also an active competitor winning the Canadian National Karate championship in 1985, Cinadian International champion in '87 and Ontario Tae Kwon Do championship in '91 end '94. He feels. his competitive experience is an asset to his teaching since his goal is to churn out competitive students. "From my experience I've learned you need to be a competitor in order to teach others how to be competitive. You need to go through the workout and the pain in order to pass it out," said Visouvath. "If you've never experienced competition you can't teach what it's like." True to his form, Visouvath has produced two students who have gone on to clinch a total of four national championships, one Junior National championship and recently one of his Sal Vlsouvath EXETER TAE KWON DO Martial Arts and an Olympic Sport THE ULTIMATE WORK OUT FOR THE BODY AND THE MIND! Classes: Childrens class 6 yrs. - 12 yrs. old 6:00-7:00 p.m. Adult class 7:00-8:00 p.m. CLASS HELD EVERY TUESDAY AND THURSDAY SECOND LOCATION: North Middlesex Arena in Parkhill Class every Wednesday 6:00-7:30 p.m. Come and try our two weeks free trial Informstlon co act Sal (519) 672-9345 or register at Precious Blood School In Exeterr, Ont. during class hours "The best gift you could give to' your child is Self- confidence"