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Show DAILY 82 HERALD Monday, February 11 2007 Martial arts Continued from Bl the art in a formal environment, or would you rather be in a more relaxed atmosphere? Are you looking to improve your health and physique, or is it more about learning to defend yourself? These are all questions people should ask themselves before schools. looking at martial-art- s "You have to understand what your goal is," Pettit said. "Is it to help (your children) pay attention in school and do their homework, win trophies and compete, or learn life lessons?" Scott Sonnon suggests going as far as writing out a personal vision statement on what you want to accomplish by learning a martial art. "Write down what is most important to you, and then arrange them (from most to least . important)," Sonnon said. Once you know what you hope to get out of learning a martial art, visit a few local schools and see which one is the best fit, Sonnon advised. schools ofMost martial-artfer a free first lesson, or at least will allow potential students to watch before joining. Listen to how the instructors talk to the students, and see if what they say coincides with your goals, Sonnon said. "You can listen to the language that is being used when observing a class and learn a lot," he said. if the class Trust your gut feels wrong or right, it probably is. It is even possible to get a feel for a school before setting a foot through the door. "Who are they trying to market to?' Sonnon said. "There is much you can draw from their of llM ' 111 ) s ' " ' - I ' f - :r, ff h 1 - . : i . f " marketing." For instance, if a school ad- vertises "the ultimate, recently declassified, deadliest U.S. Navy SEALs combat style," it is probably not best for your children, Sonnon said. If the school advertises a "highly formal, traditional dojo designed to teach the ancient art of the samurai," it may not be the best class if you are looking for women's hand-to-han- d sword-fightin- g C.J. Pang, 6, foreground practices his form learn seven fighting styles based on different animals. Still, there is a good chance that taking classes at another kung fu school would be a completely different experience. "The personality of the instructor is a big part of it," Dillard said. "If a person gets along with the instructor, whether the martial-art- s part of it is great or not, the person is going to learn from that instructor." Dillard said he prefers to wouldn't come." teach kung fu as an "applicaThey ended up choosing Tae Kwon Do, tion art," which means teaching where Dennis McCain teaches the moves and applying them to real-lif- e the martial art in a unique situations. During one children's class, way. A pastor of a Modesto Dillard showed the students church, McCain steers clear of meditation or forms of Eastern how to execute a front block. If philosophy sometimes associyour hand is not high enough, ated with martial arts. Though he said, a punch still might land on the side of your head. he doesn't bring religion into When people ask Dillard his lessons, he said he does base how his school is different from his teaching style on a "biblical others, he said the best way to philosophy." know is to take a free lesson. "It doesn't take away or di"If you see what I teach, and minish the power of the style," then you go to other people and McCain said. "Every school's take a lesson, you will have a philosophy is different." At Moore's Martial Arts in better idea about what it is you like," Dillard said. "I always Modesto, instructor Henry teaches shou shu, a form say let the martial art speak for itself." of kung fu in which students When Modesto resident Rae-ly- n Chisamore tried to learn karate, it wasn't any fun because her instructor was intimidating. So when she wanted her daughter, Hailey, to take a martial-art- s class, their priority was to find an instructor who works well with children. "We want her to be comfortable," Chisamore said. "I was afraid of my instructor, and I f . , at Moore's Martial Arts school - DEBBIE NODAModesto Bee in Turlock, Calif. Terms defined JUDO KUNG FU KARATE t What it means: I What it means: "Empty hand" I What it is: A Japanese martial art that combines hard linear punches and kicks, and blocks I Is it for you? Might be good if you are looking to get in shape while learning techniques I What to remember: Some martial arts schools are called karate schools, though they teach different styles. Dil-lar- d "To work with great effort" self-defen- I What it is: The Chinese art tends to than other discibe more dance-lik- e plines. t Is it for you? Can be very complex for children and beginning adults I What it means: "Gentle way" I What It is: A Japanese art that, through throwing and grappling techniques, teaches you how to use an attacker's own force against him. I Is it for you? Someone who doesn't have long arms or legs might enjoy judo. I What you should remember: Kung all for I What you should remember: There is term Chinese the generic martial arts. Different schools teach dif- little to no punching or kicking in judo. ferent styles. fu is T'AI CHI CH'UAN, OR TAI CHI TAE KWON DO AIKIDO I What it means: "The way of the punch and the kick" I What it is: Features linear punches and kicks; often features more acrobatic jumping kicks than karate I Is It for you? Tae kwon do can be physically demanding. It may be good for someone seeking an individual What it means: "The sport. What you should remember: Aikido emphasizes conflict management and I What It means: "Supreme ultimate way of harmoniz- ing with energy" What it is: Originating in Japan, aikido teaches you to use an attacker's own movement to thwart him. Is it for you? Those who want to yell "Kiay!" or compete in tournaments may want to look elsewhere. I What you should remember: Schools can range from family classes to serious, competitive training. fist" I What it Is: Chinese martial art combines deliberate, ritualized movements. Ms It for you? Not a workout; focuses on focus. high-octan- e car-di- o flexibility and I What you should remember: Tai chi is mentally and physically challenging for all ages. peaceful resolution. "Encourage your children to read a newspaper every day. 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