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Show Macchio— erie by friends at the age of 22 in Wisconsin—and she hasn’t looked back since. or got addicted and ae in it,” she said. _ Heber’s own karate Guru packs quite a resume, training under the local Heber resident likes of Tae-kwon-Do master Dr. Sang RUSS RIGGS. out, because Manel iel Ayers Ralph Thornton that would EDITOR Kee Paik in Wisconsin, Hapkido master Isaac Jenkins of Colorado, and Master Ron Reed of Idaho. She’s competed in many local and national Open Sport Karate circuits and has been a nationally ranked point fighter in many associations. Most recently, she was ranked second in the has karate moves make even Mr. Miag blush. socsihdhgsitee ap However, Thornton is doing much more than just “waxing on, waxing off’. Her new Martial Arts program in Heber called the “Fit Stop Karate Club” is teaching kids and adults alike how to become more physically fit through Tae-Kwon-Do and Gen-Jitsu. Thornton has been running karate schools for nearly 20 years, most recently in Heber. at the Mason’s nation for black belt 40 and over point fighting with the International Martial Arts Council and won “Woman of the Year” and a national title in point sparring with the Excell Karate ee in 1999. Currently, hetnton continues her training under Carlos Ferrar in America Sport Karate Club. She has a Bountiful who runs four martial arts centers and is the president of the third-degree black belt in both TaeKwon-Do and Gen-Jitsu, and is excited about the opportunity to work with residents of Wasatch County. coe “Tve been lifting weights (at the Fit Stop) for awhile, then the owner approached me an asked me to run a karate program,” Thornton said. “You need to have someone teaching karate Excell Karate League. ‘I've been associated with Marcia for about 10 years. She’s very intense in competition, and she’s very dedicated to her art,” Ferrar said. “She’ll be a great teacher. It’s more about caring than anything else—we’re mainly teaching discipline. It's a confidence level (students) can transfer into every day living.” According to Thornton: the main reason to learn Karate is for selfesteem and self defense—not brutal | tre tu | el with some credibility, that’s the impor- 46, was intorducedt to oe TTL 1 PHOTO BY RUSS RIGGS” es Marcia Thornton gets a jab in. ads i, ) ~combat—which may come as a surprise to many members of the commu- cla lela eh | == } tant thing these days. So many people will train you, but they don’ know t how the body works.” Thornton, COURIER nity. al “I don’t punch competition Pecanc people have bad experiences. My ceitinns etre Favorite Favorite Favorite Favorite Favorite any sign of bruising in a competition the guilty fighter is automatically disqualified. Points are even for touches, “I love the art of karate. Once you're a blackbelt, you’re in. Even if _and selfesteem,” she said. “ In fact, if blood is drawn or there is Music Group: Tu Pac Movie: Happy Gillmore Movie Star: Britney Spears Athlete: Dan W, Ammon W, Hector A _ Sport: Soccer not punches. “You're going to have wins and fake es in real life—it’s a learning experi-ence,” Thornton said. ‘The Fit Stop Karate Club, which opens May 1, will offer all kinds of classes for different ages and ability levels. In addition to karate, Favorite Sports Team: a Favorite Food: Austin cookies Favorite School Subject: Food’s — Person Who Has Influenced You the Most: Hector Goals for the Future: College, have fun Car You Wish You Had: Toyota Tacoma said. But Thornton i is ee to point out that Karate isn’t always easy. It can be quite challenging at times not only physically but mentally, and takes plenty of hard work and dedication. classes are geared toward self-defense Grade Level: 9 Sports/Activity: Soccer | Other Sport/Activity: Basketball — just totally healthy people. Ldon’ iecare ‘if you can only move one finger, we'll find a program for you,” Thornton Kickboxing and private martial arts tutoring will be offered on a weekly basis. There’s even a special needs class for those with disabilities or unusual circumstances. “Martial arts is for anybody—not you leave for awhile you can always. come back,” she said. “But many kids these days don’t know how to work. It’s Eourotencicking with something.” And, at 46, ie ovcton plans on sticking with karate for as long as she can in some capacity. Whether it’s competing, teaching, or studying the sport— she’s defenitely content being Heber’ S “Karate Kid.” ‘Til compete in karate until ’m too pring eeeoetannrmenanintrt SPORTS ook COUNTY emf WASATCH SPIEmcr ssap Al2 old to talk,” she said. “I may not fight forever, but I would love to teach.” TRACK CLUB GETS RUNNING APRIL 30 | Students between the ages of eight and 16 are invited to participate in Wasatch County Parks and Recreation’s Track Club that will run April 30 through June 20. ‘Track Club will give participants an opportunity to learn about the tates tt ee ee a a : oa © &s hese a2 ue BSB 4 a ue & & 8&8 2 4 4 @& BO a & uw & G&2 2 8 S& 8% & Recreation is spon- Track Meet on June 7. Various other track meets are scheduled-on Saturdays in Salt Registration will take place April 17-27 at Parks and Recreation, 55 1500m, South 500 East in Heber. Cost is $20. track hurdles, meet jong events. jump, high Club. will meet Please call Helen or Amaria at 654on 2/00 ext. 4/5 for more information. ANS fememtiee iPS ee a and a Hershey Experienced coaches will teach them Track ee Parks soring about a variety of events including 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, for _jump, shot put, discus and more. ee a p.m., April 30JJune 20. Lake and Utah Counties in which participants can compete. : condition ee ee Mondays and Wednesdays at the high school track from 4:30 to 5:30 |