Taekwondo classes now offered at Lee
All photos by Sydney Pressley.
For the last two decades, Lee University has hosted a martial arts program. What was originially created as a recreational club now includes beginner, intermediate and advanced Taekwondo classes. These accredited classes been approved as part of the physical education department.
Molly Sims, a sophomore graphic design major, joined the class this semester as a way to challenge herself.
“For me, I kind of wanted to get into something I’ve never tried before, and I’ve always thought that mixed martial arts and martial arts is interesting. Plus it would be great to learn to defend myself,” Sims said.
Those who take the class tout its benefits have surpassed their expectations and impacted their physical and mental well-being.
“It has helped me out with my stress management,” said junior health science major, Ashley Morrison. “I [have] enjoyed pushing my body mentally and also physically. You yell and stuff, and it lets out some energy. It also helps me to stay healthy physically and mentally.”
Students learn various skills including sparring and self-defense. These skills help them grow in confidence and self-esteem. The skills are also practical; Morrison recounts an experience of her trip to Malawi, where she was able to use her self-defense skills.
“I was walking down the street in Malawi and this drunk guy was hitting people, and I blocked it, you know. I wasn’t taking any of it,” Morrison said.
Richard Pope, the primary instructor of the program, explains the correlation between martial arts and students gaining awareness of their abilities through the program.
“Confidence is built on knowing. It really is knowledge,” Pope said. “With martial arts, for instance, you know all these skills. You know that it works because you’ve [practiced] it with a partner and target. So now when you walk out to the car [alone], you still have that fear, but knowing that you could do something about it [builds your confidence],” Pope said.
Before beginning the program, Pope advises students to evaluate their reasons for joining.
“You need to see if there is value in this. Is there value in learning to defend yourself? Is there value in learning physical fitness and flexibility? Because as you get older those are the things you want,” Pope said.
After evaluation, Pope challenges interested students to sign up for the class and try it out before fully committing.
“Take the class, try it, and see if you like it. You do have the add & drop option. See what you get out of that first two weeks. If it fits what you like, continue with the program. If it does not, move on to another class,” said Pope.
For more information on this class, students can search for PHED 136 on Portico.
