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Teaching With Tae Kwon Do
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Bullies. Bad grades. Focus problems. These can be serious challenges for children, but one program in Texas has found a unique way to combat them…by teaching combat, sort of. Teachers see fewer fights and higher grades – so something must be working. Reed Galin reports. |
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SCRIPT:
(Locator: Crystal Beach, Texas)
There’s an ocean view, but not a lot else to keep kids occupied on the
Bolivar peninsula along the Texas coast.
Nat in class: “Hi-yah!”
That gave a local preacher an unusual idea.
Nat in class: “Go!”
Pastor Mark Pederson (peh-duhr-son) of Bay Vue United Methodist Church
gives free lessons in tae kwon do.
Cody van Zandt/11-year-old student: “My first impression was somebody’s
teaching fighting at a church. So, I found out it’s a lot more than
fighting. It’s teaching you lifelong lessons.”
Several dozen children come to the church twice a week after school to
learn “Might for Right,” and how to deal with bullies.
Nat in class: “Three!”
The Rev. Mark Pedersen/Bay Vue United Methodist Church: “The whole point
of martial arts is not to learn how to fight. It’s to learn how to
defend yourself.”
Many of these kids are being raised by their grandparents, and face
special challenges at school.
The Rev. Mark Pedersen/Bay Vue United Methodist Church: “Some of these
children have ADD, ADHD.”
The classes stress respect and discipline…and the value of education.
The Rev. Mark Pedersen/Bay Vue United Methodist Church: “The children
have to maintain a “B” average in order to be involved in the program.”
Ami Millender/11-year-old student: “It makes you feel more confident in
yourself.”
Some students see big improvements in grades…and teachers see fewer
fights.
Dillyon Hoyt/11-year-old student: “I’ve learned to respect my mom and
dad.”
Nat in class: “There’s three kinds of love.”
Might for Right also opens doors for some children who don’t come to
church any other time. The goal being to give young people strength, in
all its forms.
The Rev. Mark Pedersen/Bay Vue United Methodist Church: “Attitude in
life is key. And if that attitude is good, you will have a good life.”
Nat in class: “Thank you, class!” “Thank you, sir!”
TAG:
When students aren’t practicing their tae kwon do moves, volunteers in
the Might for Right program also offer them help with their homework.
For more information, contact Bay Vue United Methodist Church at
409-684-6678.