The regular hustle and bustle of an everyday college student can be taxing. In addition to dealing with classes, we also must ensure that our safety and well-being will not be compromised. A multitude of threats to ourselves and our academic performance spring up often in our lives and occasionally, students need help navigating through them in order to remain unharmed and unafraid to tackle these issues head on.
The Karate class taught by Master David Mitchell of the Kim Soo Karate School of Martial Arts helps students learn techniques in self-defense, relaxation and meditation, and confidence-builders that can be incorporated into their lives and routines. Kim Soo Karate, a school started by world-renowned teacher and martial artist Grandmaster Kim Soo, teaches Chayon-ryu (Korean for “The Natural Way”). The style borrows from other forms such as Japanese karate, taekwondo, and judo/jujitsu to create movements that increase power, health, and safety.
Mitchell, a Salisbury native, had previously studied the Chang Moo Kwan style of martial arts receiving his first-degree black belt in 1968. He relocated to Texas in 1973 to earn his degree in Elementary Education from the University of Houston. As well, the move allowed him to train with Grandmaster Kim Soo, something he had always wanted to do. His return to North Carolina in 1981 brought both education opportunities and opportunities to spread Chayon-ryu by starting the North Carolina branch of the Kim Soo Karate school at Catawba College. In 1993, after over a decade of teaching, Mitchell was promoted to the title of Master by Grandmaster Kim Soo and continued to spread the message and techniques of the art form.
“If you don’t have confidence, you won’t be successful,” says Master Mitchell. Having first-hand experience in the class and speaking with Master Mitchell, I can assure students that they will enjoy the class. Not only will the class bring educational benefits but the class also enriches one’s own life and gives college students helpful tools and advice to use when it comes to their protection and improving their confidence levels. “I want Catawba students to experience an authentic martial arts class,” he said during our conversation as we discussed his goals for the classes he teaches. I encourage students who want to learn more about karate and pick up great life lessons along the way to take this course and see for themselves how much it can change their lives.
Interested students should note that the class will be offered during the day (12:00-12:50 PM) and when registering be sure to use the CRN of PER117. For more information please check out: http://www.kimsookaratenc.com/
