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<\/figure>\n\n\n\n\u201cI have been blessed with two great instructors who placed emphasis on different aspects of the art. Marrs Sensei focused\u00a0on sparring while Lewis Sensei focused on kata and its bunkai (application),\u201d Mitchell said. \u201cI\u2019ve also had the opportunity to meet and train with Hanshi Terry Sanders, the current Style Head of Shorei Ryu.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The focus and discipline instilled by martial arts are practical tools to improve learning in students diagnosed with developmental disorders,including people with autism or with attention-deficit\/hyperactivity disorders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTheir parents and teachers have seen major improvements in their ability to concentrate and focus on tasks at hand,\u201d Mitchell pointed out about their success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But it\u2019s not a one-size-fits-all program when training these students.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He said, \u201cAs instructors, we must adapt our teaching methods and tailor them to the needs of the student. Each student is different and motivated in different ways. There is no cookie-cutter process. Teaching students with special needs takes a great deal of patience, but seeing the positive results from their training is very rewarding.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n While few students ever achieve their black belt status, the dedication and training of those who do reap the benefits in all areas of life. ESK student Sensei Natasha McDonald is one of the success stories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n McDonald, who started with ESK as a 7-year-old, is now 21 and holds the rank of Sandan (third degree black belt). <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe have watched her grow from a little girl to an excellent martial artist, instructor, and exceptional young lady,\u201d Mitchell said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Through her years with ESK, McDonald progressed, graduating high school, college, and nursing school while dedicating herself to karate. Her personal journey reflects ESK\u2019s dedication to developing skilled martial artists and well-rounded individuals who contribute to the local community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHer training instilled self-confidence, self-discipline, and tenacity. These traits were very beneficial in her academic achievements and will greatly assist in her professional pursuits,\u201d stated Mitchell. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Although she was shy and unsure of herself as a child, her 14-plus years at ESK taught her self-confidence in all areas of life. The instructors\u2019 support undergirds her through life\u2019s ups and downs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n McDonald shared, \u201cSensei Jurgen and Sensei Terry are more than just teachers \u2014 they are family. They comforted me when I lost my mother as a child and celebrated with me when I graduated high school and college. They have had a significant impact on the woman that I have become over the years, and I am truly grateful for them both.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Mitchell, though rooted in ancient art, ESK continually adjusts its teaching methodology and curriculum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cOur curriculum has evolved over the years. We still hold to our traditional roots and the art of Okinawan karate, but we also use modern training methods,\u201d Mitchell said. \u201cOur black belts have trained and are currently training in other systems such as Jeet Kune Do, Kali, Wing Chun, and Brazilian jiujitsu, and they bring this knowledge to the dojo and share it with our students.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The ESK Trias karate system is a comprehensive approach emphasizing self-protection, self-respect, and self-discipline. Within its framework, the sound of bare feet slapping against the floor and the resonant \u201cHoa!\u201d symbolize the beginning of a journey \u2014 not just about mastering martial arts, but about unlocking one\u2019s fullest potential in every aspect of life. GN <\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" WHAT\u2019S YOUR karate IQ? Is it informed by the wise instructor from \u201cThe Karate Kid,\u201d Mr. Miyagi, or the or the Netflix series \u201cCobra Kai\u2019\u2019? Perhaps you still enjoy reruns of \u201cWalker, Texas Ranger,\u201d and its karate action scenes. Or maybe your mental association of the word \u201ckarate\u201d is to \u201cblack belt.\u201d Television, movies, and […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":23131,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"off","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-23129","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-stories"],"yoast_head":"\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/goodnewsmags.com\/fayetteville\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2024\/09\/2-1-1024x683.png\")
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