LABELLE- Watching The Karate Kid or Teenaged Mutant Ninja Turtles has inspired several generations to pursue hobbies in Martial Arts. Not only is it a great way to distract kids from screen usage, and encourage healthier, more active lifestyles, martial arts training is also a way to teach kids some excellent and important life skills.

“A physical activity that commands respect, focus, and honor, participation in any discipline of martial arts demands focus, respect, and self-restraint,” said Ryan Tompkins, a local Taekwondo enthusiast. “The very name of this discipline refers to putting your fists under your feet, a fancy way of referring to maintaining control, seeking peace, and aiming to stop fights rather than start them.”

“Martial arts definitely kept me out of a trouble as a kid,” added Tompkins. “And as an adult, it has continued to keep me in shape. It’s a great way to meet and make new friends, too.”

Martial arts students are encouraged to set measurable personal goals, which help inspire determination. Most disciplines traditionally use a colored belt system of ranking where each belt represents a certain level of proficiency.

“Seeing other students wearing higher-ranking belts often compels kids to strive for the next level,” said Tompkins. “Not only does the ranking system fuel determination, but the physical demands of martial arts also develop kids’ ability to sweat, strain, and push themselves beyond their limits.”

Locally, LaBelle Martial Arts offers training classes in Taekwondo, self defense, and kickboxing classes. They are currently holding open enrollment for new students ages 3-years-old and up.

Recently, the Hendry-LaBelle Recreation Board has given LaBelle Martial Arts a permanent location for their program. Classes are now held at The James Singleton building, located at 1017 James Singleton Pl. in LaBelle.

For more information about LaBelle Martial Arts and their classes, you may contact the Hendry-LaBelle Recreation Board at (863)675-5347 or Norberto Loan at (321)330-5988.