By Tom Rohrer
Disciplined, focused and respectful are not normal characteristics for most high school students.
However, all of these traits and more are found in the local teens practicing – and excelling in – martial arts.
Thanks to expert instruction and up-to-date facilities, there are plenty of opportunities in the Thurston County area for children, and adults, to learn a variety of different martial arts disciplines.
Along with learning valuable self-defense lessons, students can apply their martial arts training in other areas of their life, leading to social and academic success.
“I couldn’t have done this without being motivated,” said Hannah Walhmark, a sophomore at Capital High School before her first degree black belt ceremony at World Martial Arts off of Madrona Beach Road in Olympia. “It has helped me stay focused on everything going on in my life and how to appropriately balance my time.”
“I’ve become more outgoing, more confident,” said Rio Faltys-Burr, also a student at Capital, before his first degree black-belt ceremony. “Really, it has helped me in everything and is fun to participate and advance in.”
Run by Gregg and Michelle Loney, World Martial Arts has a variety of programs for students young and old, including Jeet Kune Do, Taekwondo, Hapkido and Krav Maga. The Loney’s witness the transformation of younger students within the program and take the instruction aspect very seriously.
“It’s rewarding to see the kids change as time goes on,” Michelle Loney said. “You see positive changes in both their demeanor, strength and mindset. Obviously, they learn self-defense techniques, but they learn a lot about themselves and that they are capable of anything with hard work.”
“We do not take our responsibility lightly, (and) reinforcing the values parents want instilled in their kids can be a tough balancing act between discipline and fun,” said Gregg Loney, the Chief Instructor and founder of World Martial Arts. “If you’re too strict, they will want to quit and if you are too lenient, they will not reap the benefits of training. We take our self-defense training very seriously and balance most of the fun with the art and sport side of the martial arts.”
The students enjoy the fact that they can keep improving and keep learning new skills and those involved in other extra-curricular activities see the benefits from their training overlap.
“I’m able to reach this black belt level, but I’m excited to keep going,” Faltys-Burr said. “That’s one of the aspects I enjoy, is that I can always learn new things and always improve my strength and technique.”
“It carries over to a certain extent,” said Walhmark, who also plays high school basketball. “You notice just your coordination improving over time and then it sort of hits you.”
Having the ability to personally defend yourself also improves overall confidence.
“They can walk into any setting and situation, and be able to relax somewhat and be confident towards any situation presented,” Michelle Loney said. “They feel more in control.”
“You don’t think you’ll need that peace of mind in Olympia, but it helps to feel prepared,” said Tumwater High School and World Martial Arts student Draevin Luke. “It just helps with confidence in any situation, not just a physically threatening one.”
The training allows students to interact with each other, helping social interaction skills.
“I’ve made a lot of friends through the class and having a similar interest with everyone here,” said Faltys-Burr. “It makes it even more enjoyable to come to class.”
At the black-belt ceremony, Faltys-Burr and Walhmark were both put to the test, as they had to break wooden boards and perform tiring routines in front of the audience and their classmates. The actual black belt testing was far more rigorous than the ceremony, and pushes the individuals to their physical limits.
“With testing, we make sure that the student would be able to pass it and move on to the next level, but it’s still difficult for them,” Michelle Loney said. “That’s why it’s a test and why we do it, so kids have the opportunity to succeed at something they know is challenging.”
Faltys-Burr said that he encourages his classmates to participate in martial arts.
“I’ll talk to kids and they will tell me that it sounds fun,” Faltys-Burr said. “That’s what I say to them, that its challenging and fun. People our age want something fun that’s different and a challenge, and this is the perfect activity.”
For more information visit www.worldmartialarts.us/
