It used to be that Edison students had the choice to choose between a gym class, dance or yoga, but due to the fact Martial Arts is being added as a substitute gym class some students are considering that instead of the other options. A variety of gym classes being added to Edison gives students more freedom in how they spend their gym periods, allowing them to explore new opportunities and hobbies.
This new class not only offers students to learn something new but to also meet people who have similar interests as them. The Martial Arts class is for students interested in learning self-defense, discipline, and fitness. In this class, students will learn basic karate techniques. The class will also help improve confidence, focus, teamwork, and physical health. No experience is needed, and all students are welcome to join. This allows you a great way to meet new people and learn something new.
Mr. Jimmy Qu, a physical education teacher who will be teaching the Martial Arts class, is a 3rd black belt and has been teaching taekwondo professionally for over six years. He explains how he wanted to start up the martial arts program again for students.
“I love teaching martial arts, which is why I became a physical education teacher; so when I heard the school used to have a martial arts class a couple years ago, I became interested in teaching it and reviving it,” Mr. Jimmy Qu said.
All students besides freshmen have the opportunity to work with Mr. Qu to learn martial arts. Stephanie Zaraza, a Junior, is very excited for this program and wants to learn self defense with her favorite teacher.
“I want to learn self defense and the person who is teaching it is one of my favorite teachers so i trust him to teach me it. I always been interested in defense, physical combat,” Stephanie Zaraza stated.
Martial arts helps you learn self-defense, discipline, and fitness. Students learn skills such as punches, kicks, blocks, and throws. Many martial arts classes also teach respect, focus, and confidence. Popular styles they might include in this program is Karate, Taekwondo, and Jiu-Jitsu.
Most martial arts use a belt system to show a student’s progress and experience. There are six different belts, which show different levels and skills. A white belt usually means the student is a beginner who is learning basic skills. A yellow belt often shows that the student understands simple techniques and rules. An orange or green belt can mean the student is improving in strength, control, and coordination. A blue or purple belt usually represents higher skill and more advanced training. A brown belt often means the student is close to becoming an expert. A black belt is a sign of strong knowledge, discipline, and years of practice.
The students can enjoy learning exciting moves and seeing themselves improve over time. This program can help students stay active and healthy through exercise and movement. Martial arts can also help improve your balance, flexibility, and coordination. Many students will feel confident and brave after learning self-defense skills. You also get to build a community in this program which is why we suggest everyone sign up.
This program is set to start at the beginning of the new school year and plans to continue to be at Edison for future students. The main focus of the class will be safety and to learn self defense. Lidia Velasquez, A junior, explains how she wants the class to feel welcoming and trusts Mr. Qu to make it a good experience.
“I was really interested in being in a class with a teacher I really like. He’s really helpful in his class. I really want to be able to work on my flexibility and stretching, and pick up on self defense because that’s really good in life,” Lidia Velasquez said.
This overall is a good program for all students who are interested in self defense and martial arts. Edison sophomores, juniors, and seniors can experience something else besides regular gym class, dance, or yoga.
