|
Article Title: "Fighting To Build
Confidence"
 Kari
Neering
The Journal News, August 20, 2002
Eleven barefoot
children dressed in white from head to toe line up at the mat by command
of their teacher, whom they refer to as sensei.
It's 4:50 p.m. at Malandra's
Martial Arts Center, and owner Mike Malandra is leading a series of
exercises that teach his young students how to punch, kick and deliver
the moves with grace and confidence.
The room is large and airy,
with walls painted yellow and mirrors that are twice the height of the
class's average student. Several frames with phrases such as "Quitting
Is Not An Option In Our School" hang on the main wall, opposite a group
of kicking bags.
Malandra is quick to address
his students after each move, making sure they finish in the correct
stance. Though his presence is loud and forceful, Malandra uses
encouraging language and is sure to note his students' strengths. The
5-to 8-year-olds respond respectfully, and try not to fidget or falter.
Malandra says the key to all
his classes, no matter what color belt a student holds, is building
confidence.
"If they don't believe in
themselves, no matter what they try to do in life, it just won't work,"
he says.
Malandra speaks extensively
about bullies and strangers and how to have the confidence to defend
oneself in questionable situations. The students break into two lines
about 5 p.m., and sit facing each other. One by one, they are called
upon to walk down the center and fend off their classmates, who pose as
possible attackers.
"Remember--we don't want to
hurt other people," Malandra tells his students. "We just don't want
them to hurt us."
Some parents stay throughout
the hour-long class and watch from an adjoining room through glass
windows.
Though they are asked to
keep quiet, several mothers talk among themselves or care for their
other children.
Matt Gannon stands away from
the chatter, near the doorway, and observes his son, Patrick, about 5:10
p.m.
Patrick, 7, has been taking
martial arts classes for six months. Gannon said Patrick wants him to
stay during class so he can see first-hand the progress his son has
made.
"He does a lot of sit-ups
and push-ups, and practices his balance a lot at home," says Gannon, of
Sloatsburg. "He told me he wants to get his black belt."
As beginners, the boys and
girls in the class hold white belts, which are wrapped around their
waists. Though it has only been a short while, Patrick says he now knows
how to block punches and has improved his punching and kicking.
When asked after class about
his future in martial arts, Patrick says he has big plans.
"I'm going to be a leader,"
he says.
Reach Kari Neering at
kneering@thejournalnews.com
or call 845-578-2431. |
