South Eastern Karate :: Recent News

RECENT NEWS FROM
SOUTH EASTERN KARATE ASSOCIATION

Three martial artists from Liberty
receive black belts in September

SILER CITY — Wednesday, October 22, 2008 — Three martial artists from Liberty received black belts last month, when South Eastern Karate Association held its fall promotion tests.

Kim Garrett, Logan Bristow and Rory Suits were awarded their belts and ranks by Master Instructor Peggy Jolly, a seventh-degree black belt, or 7th Dan, who has led the school since it was established in 1982.

All three new black belts train in Liberty under School Head Instructor Mark Ellington, a fifth-degree black belt, who began training under Master Jolly when he was 16. The Liberty school celebrated its 10th anniversary last year.

Kim Garrett received the rank of 1st Dan, or first-degree black belt. The 38-year-old developed an interest in martial arts by watching Bruce Lee movies, and when her nephew decided to begin training, Garrett decided to jump in, too.

"It's a lot different than what you see in the movies," she says. "They always make it look a lot easier than it really is."

Garrett's greatest challenge has been refining jump turning kicks, though she says the long process is rewarding. She not only enjoys the exercise, but appreciates the confidence she gets from working on techniques and seeing them improve — and from knowing she can defend herself in difficult situations.

Bristow, the nephew who inspired Garrett to begin training, also received his black belt and the rank of 1st Dan Junior, a designation awarded to new black belts under the age of 18. Now 7 years old, Bristow was much younger when his mother took him to watch a class and he became hooked.

There aren't many venues where youngsters assume a leadership role with older students, but martial arts is one. Bristow has always enjoyed practicing forms — choreographed patterns of karate techniques used in training — and recently has been responsible for teaching them to other students.

Still, he never misses a chance to look ahead and see what new forms are on his own horizon. "It's fun getting to watch the upper black belts," he admits. "I know I'm going to have to do them in a couple of years."

Suits, 8, also was awarded the rank of 1st Dan Junior and becomes the third member of his family to earn a black belt from South Eastern Karate — joining his father, Keith, and brother, William.

Like Bristow, Suits enjoys practicing forms, though he's had to work hard to develop good balance and memorize the scores of individual techniques and dozens of moves packed into some of the more intricate forms.

In the end, he says, the reward is knowing he can protect himself and keeping in shape from all the exercise — including the pushups he likes and the situps that, he says, are more difficult.

All three new black belts continue to train, which is encouraging to Master Jolly, who studied under International Grandmaster Young Taek Yu in Greensboro.

"It takes at least three years, and often more, for any new student to earn the black belt," she says. "That means students like Logan and Rory have been training almost half of their lives. The fact that they've continued, even though some leave after earning their belts, shows the students and their families have gained something from the training.

"You can see it in all three, not only in their technique, but in their sense of confidence and self-discipline. These are important lessons we try to teach, and it's good to know they're taking them to heart."

South Eastern Karate, which celebrated its 25th anniversary last year, teaches Korean martial arts to adults and children, men and women, at schools in Siler City and Liberty. Students range from 5-year-old white belts, or beginners, to new students and high-ranking black belts of retirement age. The schools' instruction in self-defense also emphasizes confidence, physical fitness and self-discipline.

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Martial Artists from Liberty Earn Black Belt Ranks (1.3M JPEG)
Three martial artists from Liberty received their black belts in a September ceremony at South Eastern Karate Association in Siler City. Master Instructor Peggy Jolly (back row, left) presented belts and certificates to Kim Garrett and juniors (front row, from left) Logan Bristow and Rory Suits.

Seven martial artists receive
black belts in summer ceremony

SILER CITY — Wednesday, September 20, 2008 — Seven area martial artists were awarded black belts earlier this summer, when South Eastern Karate Association held its quarterly promotion tests.

Belts and ranks were presented by Master Instructor Peggy Jolly, a seventh-degree black belt, or 7th Dan, who trained under International Grandmaster Young Taek Yu in Greensboro and has been teaching in Siler City for more than 25 years.

Kevin Trotter of Pittsboro received the rank of 1st Dan, or first-degree black belt. The 35-year-old first walked into the karate school after his daughter decided to enroll. For a while, he watched. Then, acting on an interest he developed as a child, he decided to give martial arts a try.

Over four years of training, Trotter overcame some initial concerns about being too old and lacking the stamina to begin training. "The barriers that can't be overcome are those you set out for yourself," he says now. "I don't see challenges as road blocks any more. They're challenges that can be overcome."

Training in martial arts also has been a unifying force in his family. Trotter trains with his wife, two sons and the daughter who was the first to enroll. And his daughter, Anna, received her black belt the same day.

Karate looked fun, says Anna, who, along with the other students, received the rank of 1st Dan Junior, the designation awarded to black belts under the age of 18. The 7-year-old found it hard to remember her forms — choreographed patterns of karate techniques used in training — but improved the more she practiced.

She says she'd encourage her friends to try karate. "You can take it as long as you want, and I get to learn things in class I haven't learned yet," Anna says. "I never want to stop."

The father-daughter combo received belts with four other students training in Siler City and another based at the South Eastern Karate school in Liberty.

Tristan Bland, one of those training in Siler City, says he's learned to be more focused — both mentally and physically — during years of training. At first, the 8-year-old living in Pittsboro found it difficult to stay in some stances for an extended period of time.

He's improved that skill and developed others. Bland says he particularly enjoys jumping over boxes and practicing jump kicks. "It's fun being up in the air," he says.

Alec Brewer may be a kindred spirit. After his mother suggested giving karate a try, Brewer, another 8-year-old black belt, agreed. Now, the technique he enjoys most is the flying side kick because "you jump really high."

He also has worked hard to be able to protect himself. "It teaches me how to defend myself," says the Siler City resident. "Sometimes, I see my friends get bullied."

Rachel Spoon, 12, also appreciates the ability to defend herself — along with the sense of respect and discipline she's developed through her training. Respect, she says, for other people and for the art, itself.

"It's so much more than what people believe," says the Pittsboro resident, who revels in learning details that help generate power in each technique. "I get asked questions, and people don't understand all of the hard work."

At age 13, D.J. Martin was the oldest junior from Siler City to receive his black belt. Though it's been many months ago, he still remembers his favorite moment in karate — jumping over three adult black belts, through a hoop and breaking boards with a flying side kick.

He began martial arts to use his natural athletic talent, but has learned more along the way than he expected. "It's gotten me stronger," he says. "And, I've learned to give 100 percent effort and to never give up."

Jalen Nettles of Staley represented the Liberty school among the latest group of black belts. The 11-year-old says he began training to develop self-discipline and grew to enjoy forms and kicks.

It was while practicing the sweeping kick that Nettles had to apply one central tenet of the art — never to give up. "I tried to do it and fell — a few times," he says. "But I got back up and kept trying."

Master Instructor Jolly was pleased with the large number of students receiving their black belts in the most recent ceremony — and what they've learned.

"People see the kicks and the punches, but that's not all of the martial arts," she explains. "We also teach students lessons that apply beyond karate. Things like respecting themselves, their parents and their teachers, and giving 100-percent effort in everything they do."

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Martial Artists Earn Black Belt Ranks (1.3M JPEG)
Several martial artists received black belts this summer from South Eastern Karate Association. Master Instructor Peggy Jolly (back row from left) presented certificates to Rachel Spoon, Kevin Trotter and D.J. Martin. Also (front row from left), Anna Trotter, Tristan Bland and Alec Brewer. Jalen Nettles also received the rank.

Pulido receives black belt in
unusually-timed ceremony

SILER CITY — Tuesday, April 29, 2008 — Rolando Pulido of Siler City was awarded the rank of 1st Dan, or first-degree black belt, in a ceremony held Apr. 17 by the South Eastern Karate Association.

He wanted to learn some basics of self defense when he began his journey in martial arts, Pulido says, and had his eye on earning a red belt, one step below black. But when he got there, the 28-year-old realized he was slightly more than one year away from a more lofty goal.

After being challenged by Master Instructor Peggy Petty Jolly to continue, he made the commitment and couldn't be happier. Karate, he says, keeps your body in shape, but training so hard for years with other students also can help you think differently."It shows you how to respect different people," Pulido says, giving just one example. "Sometimes you're different and just don't care. But after a while, you start respecting everyone."

Though black belts are generally awarded when the South Eastern Karate's three schools meet for quarterly promotion exams, this presentation was a little different. Because of Pulido's unusually-volatile work schedule and family plans, Jolly held the brief ceremony after a Thursday night training session.

Jolly, a seventh-degree black belt who has taught the Moo Duk Kwan style of Korean martial arts locally for more than 25 years, said it was an unusual situation. In similar cases, belts and certificates can be mailed to students.

"But Rolando has worked extremely hard and is well respected by everyone in the school," she says. "Given the circumstances, it was important to present this belt when we could, with everyone here."

South Eastern Karate, which celebrated its 25th anniversary last year, teaches Korean martial arts to adults and children, men and women, at schools in Siler City, Liberty and Sanford. Students range from 5-year-old white belts, or beginners, to new students and high-ranking black belts of retirement age. The schools' instruction in self-defense also emphasizes confidence, physical fitness and self-discipline.

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Pulido Receives Black Belt (681K JPEG)
Rolando Pulido of Siler City received his black belt earlier this month from Master Instructor Peggy Jolly.

Martial artists from Julian,
Liberty awarded black belts

SILER CITY — Friday, March 21, 2008 — Two martial artists from Julian and one from Liberty were awarded black belts on Mar. 15, when South Eastern Karate Association held its quarterly promotion tests.

Jeff Morgan of Liberty received the rank of 1st Dan, or first-degree black belt, while siblings Emily and Daniel Scotton of Julian received the rank of 1st Dan Junior. The junior designation is used for black belts under age 18.

Certificates and belts were presented by Master Instructor Peggy Petty Jolly, a seventh-degree black belt who has taught the Moo Duk Kwan style of Korean martial arts locally for more than 25 years. Students from South Eastern Karate schools in Siler City, Liberty and Sanford attended, along with parents and guests.

Though he began training mainly for the exercise, Morgan got much more than a workout and an occasional escape from his pressure-packed job as pastor. Training made clear the important truth that you can accomplish great things when you don't give up.

"That was brought home one night, when we were practicing kicks," says Morgan. "When I first started and I was an orange belt, I couldn't get my legs high enough to kick over the back of the chair. As a blue belt, we did it again and I was kicking several inches over. That's when I saw I was making progress.

"It's not about being perfect. It's about doing your best and achieving your potential. No matter who you are or what kind of shape you're in, you can achieve something."

Having received his black belt, the 46-year-old has no plans to slow down. In fact, he enjoys passing along those life lessons — and the techniques he's learned — to younger students.

Daniel, now 9 years old, began training when he was in kindergarten to spend more time with his father, who also holds a black belt. He particularly enjoys practicing spinning and flying kicks, but says he's learned more than physical skills alone.

He's able to concentrate better — even if someone's trying to distract you, he says — and to deal with the unexpected as well. Both come in handy on promotion tests.

"Even though you can get scared," Daniel explains, "it's a thrill to stand up before everyone who's waiting to see how you can do."

Emily, 15, would watch other family members practice at home and even count for them to practice forms, choreographed patterns of techniques used in training. Over time, her interest grew in martial arts and she wanted to learn how to defend herself.

So, Emily jumped right in. "Forms got me hooked, but one of my favorite things to do in karate is self defense," she says. "Because of the techniques I've learned, I feel confident that I will be able to defend myself if I am ever attacked."

As a result of training, Emily says, her self-confidence has grown and she's much more comfortable in front of large groups.

All three new black belts train under School Head Instructor Mark Ellington at South Eastern Karate's school in downtown Liberty. Master Instructor Jolly credited Ellington and other black belt instructors at the school for their students' success.

"All three have worked hard for their belts, and they should be proud of what they've accomplished," says Jolly. "Not many students are dedicated enough any more to work so hard over the three or four years it takes to earn the black belt.

"One reason they've been so successful is that Mr. Ellington has several adult black belts in the Liberty school — people like Michael Snider, Justin Miller and Keith Suits — who make it their personal responsibility to help students achieve their potential."

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Three Martial Artists Earn Black Belt Ranks (1.6M JPEG)
Three students training at South Eastern Karate Association's Liberty school received black belts earlier this month from Master Instructor Peggy Jolly. Pictured are (back row, from left) Master Instructor Jolly, Jeff Morgan (1st Dan), Liberty School Head Instructor Mark Ellington, (front row, from left) Daniel Scotton (1st Dan Junior) and Emily Scotton (1st Dan Junior).

Six martial artists from Chatham,
Randolph receive black belt ranks

SILER CITY — Monday, January 7, 2008 — Six martial artists from Chatham and Randolph counties received black belt ranks on Dec. 15, when South Eastern Karate held its winter promotion tests.

Certificates and belts were presented by Master Instructor Peggy Jolly, a seventh-degree black belt who has taught martial arts locally for more than 25 years. Other students from the three South Eastern Karate schools attended, along with parents and guests.

William "Chip" Pate, 45, of Pittsboro was awarded the rank of 2nd Dan Instructor, achieving his second-degree status about three years after receiving the black belt. Over the last few years, Pate said, he's spent more time teaching martial arts, which has been a real challenge.

"Being responsible for developing students means you've got to learn all sorts of details that aren't all that obvious at first," he explains. "And then, sometimes it's hard to find just the right way to teach and motivate such a wide range of people — whether they're adults or juniors, beginners or even higher-ranking students who have been training for decades longer that I've been training."

Other students received the rank of 1st Dan, or first-degree black belt.

Scott Suits of Liberty began working toward his black belt after making a new year's resolution to join his brother in karate training. The 45-year-old says there have been plenty of benefits along the way — confidence, physical conditioning and fellowship among them — but, like all martial artists, he's also had to deal with his share of frustrations.

"Most challenging is realizing that I'm not going to do everything perfectly or as well as I'd like to," he says. "There'll be certain kicks that you won't get, that my body won't do, at least not to my satisfaction. But you just keep trying.

"Many people have a misconception that when you're a black belt, you're like Superman. But that's not so. You do some things well and some things not as well. In reality, you're just starting to learn."

Cathy Sinclair, 58, studied a different martial arts style several years ago in California, but resumed her training about three years ago — largely to spend time with her son, Robbie Nancarrow, who received his own black belt during the came ceremony.

The Silk Hope resident has changed "a million ways" during her training, as she puts it — enhancing her stamina and cultivating a sense of confidence from the mindset and physical skills she's developed. "The challenge was amazing," she says. "I've done things I never thought I could do, and that's been a real personal accomplishment."

Nancarrow, her son who now holds the rank of 1st Dan Junior — the rank generally awarded to all new black belts under the age of 18 — also studied karate briefly before relocating to Chatham County. He was attracted by the physical challenge, and the benefits of his training became obvious not long ago, when the 16-year-old broke his ankle skateboarding and faced a difficult recovery.

"Getting back to karate was hard, because my muscles had deteriorated and were so weak," he says. "But since I was in karate, I could work out and build my leg muscles up. If I didn't have that, it would have taken a lot longer to recuperate."

Blade Burke of Ramseur began his training after being impressed by martial artists on television. The 15-year-old wanted to imitate their high kicks and learn to protect himself. He soon learned that real martial arts can be different than what's produced in Hollywood. There's a lot to learn beyond the jumps and kicks, he says, including protocols and traditions that are still strictly observed.

But that hasn't stopped him from enjoying the flashier portions of his training — breaking boards with punches, elbow strikes and kicks. And sparring. "I like the contact and having to be on your toes," he says. "That's what I thought karate would be."

David Brewer, 9, began training mainly to get out of the house and has particularly enjoyed working on kicks. The Siler City resident says his favorite and best is the "front jump front," a two-kick combination requiring a high jump after the initial kick.

But the most difficult part of his training so far has been learning ten distinct forms — patterns of blocks, kicks and hand attacks used in training — some with several dozen separate techniques. "It's a lot of hard work," Brewer says, "because you have to memorize all of the moves. But, it pays off."

Master Jolly says she's been impressed that all of her new black belts have continued training since the ranks were awarded. Often, students stop after receiving their black belts, but that means they never enjoy many benefits of their hard work.

"Master Young Yu, my teacher in Greensboro, used to say that when you're a white belt, a beginner, you learn white belt things, and when you're a black belt, you learn black belt things," she explains. "Once students get to this point, that's when we can start to teach them the kind of advanced techniques they're ready to learn. I'm glad that all of these students will get this training and knowledge."

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Six Martial Artists Earn Black Belt Ranks (745K JPEG)
Students from Chatham and Randolph counties received black belt ranks during a promotion ceremony held Dec. 15 at the South Eastern Karate Association's flagship school in Siler City. Pictured with Master Instructor Peggy Petty Jolly are adult students (top row from left) Scott Suits, Jolly, Chip Pate and Cathy Sinclair; along with junior students (bottom row from left) Robert Nancarrow, Blade Burke and David Brewer.

Two martial artists from Liberty
awarded black belt ranks

SILER CITY — Wednesday, June 6, 2007 — Justin Miller and John Teague, both of Liberty, were awarded black belt ranks on June 2, when South Eastern Karate Association held its most recent promotion tests.

Certificates and belts were presented by Master Instructor Peggy Jolly, a seventh-degree black belt who has taught martial arts locally for more than 25 years. Students from four South Eastern Karate schools in the area, along with parents and guests, attended the ceremony.

One of the first students to enter when the Liberty school opened its doors one decade ago, Miller took a break after receiving his black belt, but returned to training years later and was awarded the rank of Second Dan, or second-degree black belt.

Recapturing his motivation to train was one challenge the 21-year-old faced after his return, though he quickly found an inner drive by focusing on improving his techniques one step at a time.

Another challenge was teaching classes, something he didn't do often as a younger student. "The reward from teaching others is a positive thing," Miller says. "You need to find different ways of thinking about and explaining things, and when I have to think, it helps my own technique.

"Training is probably the greatest decision I've ever made. It's helped me in every way possible."

Teague, 11, received his black belt and was awarded the rank of First Dan Junior. The junior rank is conferred on martial arts under the age of 18.

He became interested in karate, Teague says, after watching martial arts on television. The new black belt was just eight years old when he started classes during one summer vacation and immediately enjoyed practicing kicks and learning new forms, the term used to describe patterns of choreographed techniques used in training.

But punches and kicks are just part of his training. "Respect and self control are two big things I've learned," he says.

School Head Instructor Mark Ellington, who trains under Jolly and teaches the two black belts at South Eastern Karate's school in Liberty, says both are dedicated martial artists who set solid examples for other students.

"Justin is a leader who has worked hard and demonstrates strong integrity and respect for the art, and John is very inquisitive and has shown great determination to achieve his black belt at such an early age," says Ellington. "It's an honor to teach them, and I look forward to more great accomplishments from both."

South Eastern Karate, which celebrated its 25th anniversary earlier this year, teaches Korean martial arts to adults and children, men and women, at schools in Siler City, Liberty and Sanford. Students range from 5-year-old white belts, or beginners, to new students and high-ranking black belts of retirement age. The schools' instruction in self-defense also emphasizes confidence, physical fitness and self-discipline.

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Two Martial Artists Earn Black Belt Ranks (1.5M JPEG)
John Teague (left) and Justin Miller of Liberty (third from left), both from Liberty, celebrate their achievements with Master Instructor Peggy Jolly and School Head Instructor Mark Ellington after a promotion ceremony held June 2 at South Eastern Karate's flagship school in Siler City.

Public open house to mark 25th
anniversary of South Eastern Karate

SILER CITY — Sunday, April 22, 2007 — South Eastern Karate will celebrate its 25th anniversary on Saturday, May 5, with an open house featuring a magic show by black belt Gary Blankenship.

The 90-minute celebration begins at 3 p.m., and the public is invited to attend.

Founded in 1982 as the Siler City branch of Young Yu Tae Kwon Do, a school based in Greensboro, it became independent years later. Despite the name change, Master Instructor Peggy Petty Jolly has remained its guiding force for a quarter century.

In addition to the magic show, the open house includes "Forms of Entertainment," a lighthearted parody on choreographed karate forms by junior red belt student Rachel Spoon, and a few other surprises.

Refreshments will be served, and a special exhibit by junior students will be on display. The exhibit, "Saving Master Jolly," features the students' answers to the question, "If you saw someone hurting Master Jolly, what would you do?"

Mark Ellington, a fifth-degree black belt who is leading the celebration, says the open house is geared largely toward youth, but has been planned with adults in mind.

"In some ways, this is our primary anniversary celebration for our junior students," he explains. "But the magic show is designed for adults, too. We hope people will come by, enjoy the show and learn more about the karate school.

"We also hope anyone who's had some association with the school over the last 25 years will stop by for a visit and get a chance to see Master Jolly again."

Reunion news is available on the school Web site at southeasternkarate.com/reunion.htm. The anniversary celebration also includes an evening reunion open to invited guests.

South Eastern Karate, which celebrates its 25th anniversary in May, teaches Korean martial arts to adults and children, men and women, at schools in Siler City, Liberty and Sanford. Students range from 5-year-old white belts, or beginners, to new students and high-ranking black belts of retirement age. The schools' instruction in self-defense also emphasizes confidence, physical fitness and self-discipline.

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School to mark 25th anniversary
with open house and reunion

SILER CITY — Monday, March 12, 2007 — When Peggy Petty Jolly opened South Eastern Karate a quarter-century ago, few people gave the fledgling operation any real chance of surviving. There were as many reasons tossed around as there were critics.

Karate was relatively new in the area, some claimed, and locals wouldn't understand what it was all about. The school would struggle in a small town, others said, because the number of potential students was too limited. Many doubted whether a woman could succeed anywhere as head instructor.

There are no doubters any more. South Eastern Karate has not only survived, but thrived. It has since expanded to four schools — in Siler City, Liberty, Pittsboro and Sanford — and plans to celebrate its silver anniversary on May 5 with an afternoon open house for junior students and the community, followed by an evening reunion for actively training adult students and invited guests.

"Looking back, I guess there were a lot of obstacles, but we never thought about them too much at the time," says Master Instructor Jolly, who now holds a seventh-degree black belt and is widely recognized as one of the more accomplished instructors in the region.

"I just relied on the teaching from Master Yu, my own instructor, and passed that knowledge down to students in this area," she says. "The community responded and has supported the school from the very beginning. I think it's largely due to what I learned from Master Yu and the positive example our students have set in the community."

Anniversary festivities begin at 3 p.m. with a 90-minute open house featuring a magic show by Gary Blankenship, who is among the scores of black belts trained by Master Jolly at South Eastern Karate. Refreshments will be served.

The celebration continues at 6 p.m. with the reunion welcoming International Grandmaster Young Taek Yu of Young Yu Tae Kwon Do in Greensboro, who helped establish South Eastern Karate in 1982, originally as a branch of his own school.

A native of Seoul, South Korea, Grandmaster Yu came to the United States in 1972 to teach the Moo Duk Kwan style of Tae Kwon Do, having served previously as instructor at Hang Yang University and the Tae Kwon Do Main School, both in Seoul.

He earned the title of Korean Welterweight Champion in 1971 and served as a delegate from the U.S. Tae Kwon Do Union to the 1988 Summer Olympic Games in Korea, where the art was unveiled, originally as a demonstration sport.

Both events will be held at the flagship school in Siler City.

Reunion news is available on the school Web site at southeasternkarate.com/reunion.htm. South Eastern Karate adult black belts who have not received an invitation by mail are asked to contact reunion organizers at 919-542-5298 or reunion@southeasternkarate.com.

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