South Eastern Karate :: Recent News

RECENT NEWS FROM
SOUTH EASTERN KARATE ASSOCIATION

Liberty student awarded
black belt in winter ceremony

SILER CITY, N.C. — Wednesday, January 4, 2012—Logan Rodriguez of Staley was awarded a black belt last month, when South Eastern Karate Association held its quarterly promotion exams.

The belt and certificate were presented by Master Instructor Peggy Jolly, a seventh-degree black belt, or Seventh Dan, who owns the school and has been teaching martial arts in Siler City for three decades.

Rodriguez, a 13-year-old who trains at the branch school in Liberty, received the rank of First Dan Junior, a designation for new black belts under age 18. It's a training process that lasts almost four years and teaches essential skills for self-defense.

Once students become black belts, their training continues, shifting from learning new kicks and punches to using those basic skills more effectively in various situations.

Training for all students, no matter what their rank, includes forms — choreographed patterns of techniques that help martial artists develop their skills, including balance and mental focus. Rodriguez says he particularly enjoys practicing forms — though he has no favorite — as well as the crescent-jump-crescent kick, one kick followed by a jump, turn and second kick while still in the air.

But physical skills aren't the only thing students learn on their way to a black belt. Rodriguez says he's also developed self-discipline, something that helps him at school. It takes many forms, from something as simple as saying "yes, ma'am" to maintaining mental focus and control of your body in a busy setting.

Master Jolly says parents and school teachers appreciate the self-discipline and respect for manners that martial arts teaches. On the other hand, it's not something that can be developed in just a few hours of karate each week.

"It has to be a team effort with the student, karate instructor and parents working together," Jolly explains. "As a karate school, we try to encourage the parents to learn all they can about martial arts discipline and how important it is for their children to train regularly.

"Over time, our students improve and excel in martial arts and in school. But it's most effective when parents and students understand that martial arts training is a discipline, not merely an exercise class."

Classes are held in Siler City on Tuesdays and Thursdays — with one class primarily for children from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. and another class primarily for adults from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Liberty classes are Mondays and Thursdays from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Details are available at southeasternkarate.com.

South Eastern Karate Association has taught Korean martial arts in central North Carolina since 1982 to men and women from 5-years-old to well past retirement age. Schools in Siler City and Liberty feature instruction in self-defense and emphasize confidence, physical fitness and self-discipline.

Two young students awarded
black belts in fall ceremony

SILER CITY, N.C. — Wednesday, November 30, 2011 — Samantha Zarate of Siler City and Morgan Crutchfield of Pittsboro, both 10-year-old karate students training in Siler City, were awarded black belts when South Eastern Karate Association held its promotion exams earlier this fall.

Belts and certificates were presented by Mark Ellington, a sixth-degree black belt and head instructor of South Eastern Karate's school in Liberty. Ellington conducted the test and presented belts as part of his own training under Master Instructor Peggy Jolly, a seventh-degree black belt who has taught in Siler City for nearly three decades.

Zarate trained at another martial arts school before moving to South Eastern Karate. It took her a little while to make the adjustment, but she liked the new style — especially free-sparring and the jumping 270 kick, a jumping and turning kick taught after about a year and a half of training.

Sparring, kicking and techniques like breaking a board with an elbow strike, something Zarate did on a promotion test, help young students learn to defend themselves. It's a point Zarate makes with her friends who ask about martial arts. "It's for self defense," she says. "Especially for girls, when somebody wants to attack them."

Crutchfield followed a similar path, beginning at another school and taking a particular interest in kicks. Her favorite kick, the crescent-jump crescent, is a combination of two kicks that also requires jumping and turning.

But karate is more than just physical techniques. Among other things, it teaches discipline and respect for yourself and others. Crutchfield discovered that truth as she learned to say "yes, ma'am" and "yes, sir" during training — and in life outside the karate school.

"It's important everywhere," she says. "If you say that, it tells a person you respect them and you heard what they're saying."

Master Jolly says she is proud of her young students and glad to see them absorb important lessons beyond kicking and punching. It's something that makes martial arts a life-changing activity.

"Even in the best childhood activities, there's usually a lack of seriousness," Jolly says. "We're hoping to maintain that seriousness and a dedication to studying the art that carries over into other parts of life, as well. Karate also is a good way to develop discipline, respect and a sense of responsibility."

Classes are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays in Siler City — with a class primarily for children from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. and another class primarily for adults from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Liberty classes are Mondays and Thursdays from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Details are available at southeasternkarate.com.

Two black belt ranks awarded,
including rare sixth degree

SILER CITY, N.C. — Friday, July 15, 2011 — Mark Ellington, a resident of Siler City and head instructor of South Eastern Karate's school in Liberty, was awarded the rank of Sixth Dan Instructor last month, when South Eastern Karate Association held its quarterly promotion exams.

Sixth Dan, or sixth-degree black belt, is a very rare rank in martial arts. To qualify, students train a minimum of 24 years, but usually far longer. Not only must they demonstrate technical skill, but all are required to contribute significantly to preserving the art and serving the school through teaching, directing projects and providing leadership.

Master Instructor Peggy Jolly, a seventh-degree black belt who has been teaching martial arts in Siler City for almost three decades, says few people ever reach the rank and it's the first time a sixth-degree black belt has been awarded in Siler City.

Like many youth at the time, Ellington, now 47, began training after watching martial arts TV shows, which were still fairly new and exotic to American audiences in the '70s. His interest was sealed when his parents gave him a karate book one Christmas.

"I read it until I read the front and back cover off of it," he recalls. "There were no schools to train in over here at that time, so I just had a fascination."

Eventually, he did find a school in Greensboro and enrolled as a shy teenager. When a new branch opened in Siler City, Ellington began training closer to home. The smaller classes, he says, brought him out of his shell and helped his technique improve.

What he didn't know at the time was that the local school would eventually become independent and be run by Master Jolly as South Eastern Karate — or that he would eventually operate one of South Eastern Karate's own branch schools in Liberty.

Many people train just a few years. Others want to earn the black belt and leave after achieving their goal. Some even continue to train as black belts. But few ever attain the sixth-degree rank.

Ellington says he continued for so long because the school remains true to the core values and traditional technique that has survived the test of time — and because of his teacher.

"Master Jolly cares about students and cares about them on an individual level," he says. "She wants people to grow as persons. She's outlasted many schools over the years. How was she able to do that? It's because she honestly cares. It's not about the money; it's about the people — the students."

Despite reaching rarefied air, Ellington has no plans to slow down. He's trying to take the lessons he's learned from his teacher and instill them in his own students. One of those lessons is that there's a lot to learn from the martial arts other than kicking and punching.

A lot of people don't understand that martial arts train both the body and the mind. Developing confidence and an inner strength helps people overcome difficulties as well as mental and physical barriers. "We have barriers in life that we need to push through," he says, "and how you deal with those is a reflection of you as a martial artist."

It was an unusual awards presentation for other reasons, as well.

Daniel Francis of Liberty received the rank of First Dan after previously earning a first-degree black belt in jujitsu and a second-degree black belt in judo. He even operated a school before having to close it several years ago.

He was in Liberty one night when he saw students in uniform headed to the karate school. That's all the urging he needed. "I rushed home, got my old uniform and belt and showed up at class," he says. "Mr. Ellington asked if I would have any problem starting all over. I said, 'Absolutely not.' I'm in martial arts for the passion."

Some black belts might have scoffed at the idea, but Francis, 55, said he expected to begin anew and was honored to begin his training. His expertise in jujitsu and judo helped at times. But those styles, which emphasize trapping and takedowns, also use a different approach that occasionally complicated learning the more-direct Korean style.

He doesn't regret the decision. "I wanted to do something different and broaden my martial arts experience," he says. "I love it. I'm committed to it."

Just to round out the atypical presentation, a special award was presented to Tristan Bland of Pittsboro as Most Improved. Special awards also are rarely presented in the school, but Master Jolly says the 11-year-old, who earned his Second Dan Junior rank in March, has trained with the adults and worked especially hard to refine his skills.

Not all students reach the black belt level, but that doesn't mean karate can't help. Master Jolly says some of the school's proudest moments come from taking younger students who wouldn't even participate in class at first and watching them learn and achieve.

"It shows what karate can do for people," she says. "One day, you have children who won't do anything but lie on the floor during class and eventually you see them start to get involved. Some end up as leaders."

Students from Liberty, Pittsboro
are awarded black belt ranks

SILER CITY, N.C. — Tuesday, May 10, 2011 — Lucy Williams of Liberty was awarded a black belt and two other martial artists received higher black belt ranks when South Eastern Karate Association held its most recent promotion exams.

Belts and certificates were presented by Master Instructor Peggy Jolly, a seventh-degree black belt, or Seventh Dan, who has been teaching martial arts in Siler City for almost three decades.

Williams, awarded the rank of First Dan, began training more than four years ago after seeing a karate tournament on the news and wanting to learn to do what she was watching. Not only did she learn many of the techniques, but she also developed a sense of persistence that applies to life beyond the art.

"You have to be willing to stick with something and not just give up when you feel like it," says the 16-year-old black belt. "It takes sweat, persistence and the will to do something over time. You can't drop it and you can't slack off when you don't feel like showing up."

That was important when Williams broke her arm soon after beginning her training. She was out for two months and didn't want to return. But she did and is happy with the decision. It also was important while learning women's self-defense techniques, something she didn't like at first.

Again, her perspective changed. "Now, I think it's the thing I do best," she says, "I will just throw myself in there and go at them!"

David Scotton, 47, received the rank of Second Dan. He started training with his son about eight years ago and still enjoys the physical exercise and health benefits.

He particularly enjoys practicing forms — choreographed patterns of techniques used in training — because there are so many fine details needed to execute each one properly. Whether it was through forms or other elements of training, the Liberty resident gained an appreciation for mental exercise as well.

"I have started to learn how hard it can be to control your body and your mind at the same time," he says. "Training in karate helps you to stay calm and control your emotions while your body does what is necessary for self defense."

Tristan Bland of Pittsboro was awarded the rank of Second Dan Junior, a designation used for younger students. Over the last two years, the 11-year-old discovered that once you earn a black belt, expectations increase.

He works on his stamina by running around his yard every afternoon and has become even more determined to improve during every class session — working, for example, on the same details in forms that Scotton also enjoys.

Those details take a long time to learn, he says, but they're important because you never know when someone might attack you.

Master Jolly is encouraged when students begin to understand why things like working on details and developing self-discipline are so important in training.

"That's something we stress to students and parents," she explains. "A lot of time people don't understand some of the rules we have. They may see them as just tradition or something that's not as important as learning a kick or a punch.

"But our students are learning to control their minds and their bodies, and they're learning to respect other people and themselves. In self-defense, those can be just as important."

Eighteen area martial artists
awarded black belt ranks

SILER CITY — Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2011 — Eighteen area martial arts students received black belt ranks last month in two ceremonies held by South Eastern Karate Association.

Master Instructor Peggy Jolly presented first-degree black belts to seven students during South Eastern Karate's quarterly promotion exam on Dec. 11, while 11 black belt martial artists were promoted to a higher rank during a separate ceremony held one week earlier.

Family was the theme for the new black belts, with ranks awarded to two father-child pairs, one set of brothers and a son whose black-belt father had been assisting during the exam before belts were presented.

Frank Jackson and his daughter, Brianna, of Sanford were one of the parent-child pairs. Frank studied martial arts in junior high school but gave it up when he joined the U.S. Navy. He resumed more than three years ago with Brianna and other members of his family.

The return was a challenge for the 40-year-old, mainly trying to get his body to do what he thought it should. But the process gave him both a sense of confidence and humility.

"Martial arts is a great skill," he says. "It gives you exercise. It gives you discipline. It gives you confidence in yourself and your abilities. Those things can help in all areas of your life."

Brianna, 14, joined in because it was something interesting and new. In addition to finding her niche in kicks and sparring, Brianna also appreciates the confidence she found while leading class.

"You have to know what you're doing and explain it well enough so people can know what they're doing," she says. "Speaking in front of people has helped for presentations in school."

Kevin and John Thomas "J.T." Kirkman II, the other father-child duo from Sanford, started training together about four years ago. Kevin, the 48-year-old father, has particularly enjoyed sharing training time with his son.

Learning forms, choreographed patterns of techniques used in training, was challenging at times but also taught lessons that extend beyond class. Developing control of the movements and being able to concentrate on what you're doing, Kevin says, are among the important lessons he's learned.

For J.T., 11, forms also were a challenge — especially Ba Sai, one of the more complicated ones required for the black belt. But his focus has been on learning to defend himself, which is why he especially enjoys sparring.

Brothers Hayden and Carter Willett of Bear Creek began martial arts when they encountered bullying in other venues.

Hayden, who enjoys jumping and lunging kicks, believes learning self-defense is important. "I'm better prepared because I've been training hard," says the 12-year-old. "This helps you out when someone tries to hurt you."

Carter, 10, agrees about working hard and being prepared to help yourself or others in a difficult situation. He had other personal motivation for training, as well. "My grandfather died and he fought his sickness for a long time," he explains. "I want to be like him — strong and determined."

John Suits received his black belt with his father also on the training floor. When he was just five, John got tired of watching his father and brother training alone. So, he walked into the office and asked Head School Instructor Mark Ellington if he could begin training, too.

"I didn't want to sit in the audience and watch," explains John, now 8. "I thought it looked like fun."

Apparently it was, because the Liberty resident has worked hard to learn challenging kicks, especially jump turning kicks that require students to remain in the air long enough to complete the technique.

Parents were awarded the rank of First Dan, or first-degree black belt, while the children were awarded the rank of First Dan Junior, a designation used by South Eastern Karate Association for martial artists under the age of 18.

Upper black belt ranks awarded during the earlier ceremony were:

• Michael Snider, Liberty, 4th Dan Instructor
• Wendy Page Taylor, Carthage, 4th Dan
• William "Chip" Pate, Pittsboro, 3rd Dan Instructor
• Justin Miller, Liberty, 3rd Dan
• Keith Suits, Liberty, 3rd Dan
• Shelby McCoy, Pittsboro, 2nd Dan
• Brian Walshaw, Sanford, 2nd Dan
• Rachel Spoon, Pittsboro, 2nd Dan Junior
• Kay Spoon, Pittsboro, 2nd Dan
• Lacy Petty, Siler City, 2nd Dan
• Kim Garrett, Liberty, 2nd Dan

Master Jolly says it's extremely unusual for this many students to receive black belt ranks. "Usually, we have two or three students receiving one of these ranks," she says. "But it's a testimony to the students' dedication that so many have continued to train and work hard."

Siler City, Liberty students
awarded black belts

SILER CITY — Friday, Nov. 19, 2010 —Mary Neal of Liberty and Jaime Jiminez of Siler City were awarded black belts when South Eastern Karate Association held its fall promotion exams.

Belts and certificates were presented by Master Instructor Peggy Jolly, a seventh-degree black belt, or Seventh Dan, who has been teaching martial arts in Siler City for more than 28 years.

Neal, who received the rank of First Dan, wasn't necessarily thinking about training at first. But when she saw her brother's first promotion exam, she thought it might be fun and looked like a good way to get exercise.

She got everything she hoped for — and more.

"I've learned that I can do a lot of things I didn't think I could do," Neal says. "I had to jump through a hoop and break a board with a side kick. It took me a long time, but it happened. There are things that you say, 'I'll never do that.' But, eventually, you do."

The 17-year-old especially recommends karate to female friends. Many people don't think women can be as strong as a man, she explains, but it's important to have the knowledge you need to defend yourself.

That knowledge comes from instructors and other higher-ranked students, who are always ready to help lower-belt students improve. Neal says she appreciates all of the people who contributed to her success.

Jiminez was awarded the rank of First Dan Junior, a designation used for younger students, generally below the age of 17 or 18. The 10-year-old started taking karate at an early age to learn self-defense — something he believes everyone should know.

He enjoys breaking boards — one of his favorite breaks was a flying side kick performed after jumping over a box — but he has worked particularly hard on forms, choreographed patterns of techniques used in training.

"They're hard because you have to memorize them, and it takes a lot of practice," Jiminez says. "I sometimes practice at home, and I practice hard in class."

That hard work has made an impression. He plans to keep training as a black belt and has a lofty goal in mind. "I want to become better and become a master like Ms. Peggy," he says. "It's hard, but I know I can make it."

Two other black belt ranks were awarded during a summer promotion ceremony held earlier this year.

Kirby Pate of Pittsboro received the rank of 3rd Dan Junior and Crystal Powell of Liberty received the rank of 2nd Dan.

It generally takes at least three years to earn the black belt. After that, it takes an increasingly longer time to achieve each higher black belt rank, where the invitation to take the promotion test depends on the many factors, including how often and consistently the student trains.

Master Jolly says students are accepted at any time, and anyone considering karate is invited to watch class one or two nights before deciding whether to begin.

"We get a lot of calls asking when new classes start," she says. "But are classes are ongoing; we don't have individual sessions. You can begin any time you want."

Sanford, Pittsboro students
receive black belt ranks

SILER CITY — Wednesday, May 5, 2010 — Terry Gilland of Sanford and brothers Trevor and Austin Phillips of Pittsboro received black belt ranks recently, when South Eastern Karate Association held its spring promotion exams.

Belts and certificates were presented by Master Instructor Peggy Jolly, a seventh-degree black belt, or Seventh Dan, who has been teaching martial arts in Siler City for more than 28 years.

Gilland, who received the rank of First Dan, has enjoyed everything he's experienced in training, particularly working on forms — choreographed patterns of karate techniques used in training. He works hard to integrate details into each move and perform techniques with power.

Some of the important lessons he's learned in martial arts, says the 32-year-old black belt, go well beyond routine punches and kicks. They include more universal lessons in virtues like practice and patience.

"For me, I think the most challenging part of training has been learning to not feel this self-imposed sense of urgency with learning some techniques," he says, reflecting on more than three years of training. "I used to worry if I wasn't doing something just right at first. Things take time. Learning patience with myself has proven to be one of the biggest lessons."

Gilland credits the supportive atmosphere of the school with helping him reach his initial goal. It feels like a family, he says, with everyone else wanting you to succeed as much as you do.

Trevor Phillips, 13, was awarded the rank of First Dan Junior, a designation for students under 18 years of age. He began training to deal better with concerns at school. Learning how to gain self-control in all areas of life, Trevor says, was a real challenge. But his continued effort has been rewarded with success.

"It was hard to begin with, but was easier the more I trained," Trevor explains. "After so many times being there with Miss Peggy and listening to her, it's helped me do better in school. If you listen to other people, you might learn something."

Trevor says he really enjoys karate, especially the excitement of earning higher belts and even the "nerve-racking" challenge of his black belt exam. "If you actually stick to it," he says, "it's a lot of fun."

Austin Phillips, 10, also was awarded the rank of First Dan Junior. He thought would be "cool" to do martial arts, so he gave it a try and credits Master Jolly for teaching him things he couldn't have learned any other way.

That includes techniques like the jump back kick and the Ba Sai form — two of his favorites — as well as personal skills like respect.

"I've learned how to respect elders and how to defend myself and other people," Austin explains. "It's made my life better because I've learned to not get into a bunch of fights and to control my anger."

Though it may be surprising that so many young people have learned important lessons so early in life, Master Jolly isn't shocked at all. Though self-defense is the ultimate goal for any martial arts student, part of self-defense can be how you carry yourself — and learning these more-universal lessons can be a key to success in techniques as well.

"Karate doesn't work miracles," she says. "But for anyone who trains seriously, it can improve your life, physically and mentally, and it does show how important these virtues can be. That goes for our young students as well as our older ones."

South Eastern Karate Association has taught Korean martial arts in central North Carolina since 1982 to men and women from 5-years-old to well past retirement age. Schools in Siler City and Liberty feature instruction in self-defense, and emphasize confidence, physical fitness and self-discipline.

Ramseur, Siler City students
receive black belt ranks

SILER CITY — Friday, June 12, 2009 — Dorsey Chamblee of Ramseur and Colby Lee of Siler City received black belt ranks on June 5, when South Eastern Karate Association held its quarterly promotion exams.

Belts and certificates were presented by Master Instructor Peggy Jolly, a seventh-degree black belt, or Seventh Dan, who has been teaching martial arts in Siler City for more than 27 years.

Chamblee received the rank of Third Dan Instructor, recognizing more than a decade of training and his growing role as a teacher and leader in the local school.

When the 52-year-old began training, it was merely for physical fitness. Since then, his goals have changed. He still enjoys the workout, but now appreciates how his martial arts training has enriched all areas of life.

He's a much calmer person now, Chamblee says, more in control of himself. And he's learned a lot about how other people learn and act by helping them master techniques. But the process hasn't always been easy.

"I taught the children's class by myself one night. A real challenge," he says. "I taught one night when everyone was told not to follow my instructions. A real challenge. I've taught forms, kicks and hand techniques, and sometimes, I've learned more while teaching than when I was being taught.

"But I've received so much from this school that anything I've contributed is trivial in comparison to what I've received."

Lee, 12, has just started his journey as a black belt, receiving the rank of First Dan Junior, or first-degree junior black belt. The junior rank is a designation for martial artists under about 18 years of age.

His parents introduced Lee to karate when he was just 9 years old, and he liked everything about it from the moment he walked into the training hall. He particularly enjoys working on kicks and even looks forward to promotion tests.

"You get to show off what you've learned and get to break boards," he says.

Even at his young age, Lee understands that he's learning much more than kicks and punches. "I've learned about respect and discipline," he says. "It lets me calm down and think about what I'm going to do. If I get mad at my sister, I can calm down and not do anything."

Hearing that kind of insight and self-control from one of her young students has kept Master Jolly energized for so many years.

And it's one reason she's kept training fees so low — half to a third of what most schools charge — so more people and families can afford to train in a martial arts style that emphasizes self defense, fitness and self-discipline, rather than competitive fighting.

"With all of the mixed martial arts on television, it can be hard for people to understand the differences in martial arts," she explains. "What we do here is teach a traditional style designed to help everyone improve their own lives and skills, no matter how they are when they walk in the door."

South Eastern Karate Association has taught Korean martial arts in central North Carolina since 1982 to men and women from 5-years-old to well past retirement age. Schools in Siler City and Liberty feature instruction in self-defense, and emphasize confidence, physical fitness and self-discipline.

Spoon receives black belt
in March ceremony

SILER CITY — Sunday, April 5, 2009 — Kay Spoon of Pittsboro was awarded a black belt and the rank of First Dan on Mar. 21, when South Eastern Karate Association held its quarterly promotion exams.

The belt and certificate were presented by Master Instructor Peggy Jolly, a seventh-degree black belt, or Seventh Dan, just three months after the school awarded eight other black belt ranks.

When Spoon first walked into the karate school, she never intended to take classes. Still affected by a dangerous episode earlier in life, she merely wanted her daughter, Rachel, to have the tools to deal with a similar situation, if it ever arose.

"When I was working my way through college, a gentleman came in our office late one evening and had a psychotic break," she recalls. "He threatened my director and tried to get out of the building with me. It was a traumatic experience, and it really stayed with me.

"As Rachel started getting up in age, I thought about that and wanted to help her keep a calm head and develop the mental and physical discipline to deal with something like that."

While the daughter trained, Mom watched. Then, Master Instructor Jolly began urging Mom — "cajoling" is how Spoon puts it — to join Rachel in class. The teacher was so relentless that Spoon decided to put a uniform on, if only to prove that there was no way a woman in her late 40s could do martial arts.

The only problem: Spoon was wrong. The mother did learn, and after nearly four years of work, the 49-year-old received her black belt. In a particularly meaningful moment after the promotion ceremony ended, black belt Rachel Spoon tied on her mother's black belt for the first time.

Master Jolly says there many reasons why a lot of parents have trained with their children during the 27 years she's taught martial arts in Siler City. It's one of the few activities the family can do together. It opens up important lines of communication, especially during teenage years. And the experience is almost always good for the entire family.

"You might not realize it, but children take a great deal of pride in their parents, particularly when they watch Mom or Dad struggle to learn new skills and achieve their goals," Master Jolly explains. "And that gives children a stronger motivation that goes beyond the martial arts. It's an example that shows children it's important to keep working to get better at whatever they do and never give up."

The Spoons continue to train. As black belts, they're honing techniques they've already practiced and are learning how to use them in difficult situations. Mom says she sees the black belt as a beginning, not the ultimate goal, because there's so much more to learn.

She's done pretty well already. "Training has probably helped me more than you have room to print," she says. "The big thing is confidence, the way I carry myself and the way I approach the tragedy and hardships that come in life.

"There's more strength there — not just a physical strength, but confidence and a mental strength to deal with things I might not have been able to deal with before."

South Eastern Karate Association has taught Korean martial arts in central North Carolina since 1982 to men and women from 5-years-old to well past retirement age. Schools in Siler City and Liberty feature instruction in self-defense, and emphasize confidence, physical fitness and self-discipline.