Mr. Brandhorst spoke about “Stranger-Danger” and how to reflect a more confident appearance when around bullies at school and play grounds. “Bullies are self-conscious and are looking for someone that they can pick on to make themselves feel better or stronger than others, so it is important to be confident and hold your head up when you walk and talk.” Even though this particular meeting was given to specifically a group of young men, Taekwondo is not a male only sport. It is taught to both genders and all races.

What do you get when you cross two groups who already instill in their teachings such things as: Respect, Human Values, Leadership and Courage? You get the first ever meeting of the Oakland, Tennessee ATA Martial Arts School and Boy Scouts of America, Troop 133, talking about “Personal Awareness and Safety”.

The methods that Mr. Brandhorst teaches are shared with many kids and adults as he travels to area schools and talks to many of the kids about these same ideals. He also goes into ‘corrective schools,’ where kids have been placed because of their poor behavior; are repeatedly caught in fights or have other issues with authority figures, to talk with them about how to control their anger and focus on

being productive members of society.

Many of the problems kids get

themselves into is because they will

not think about what they are doing

before doing it. “Don’t do stupid

things!” cries Mr. Brandhorst! “If

someone offers you a Playstation or

an iPhone for free- if you’ll just step

over to my car… Think about it! Use

some common sense! No one will

give away something so valuable for

free unless they are trying to lure

you away!”

Another choice that kids can make that may get them into trouble is ‘going along for the ride’. Often, juveniles will be stuck with jail time, just because they were riding in the same car as other teens when they decided to break the law. It is important to choose companions carefully.

   In one section of his safety talk to the Boy Scouts, Mr. Brandhorst asks for

     volunteers to step forward and ‘show what they’ve got’. After many in the room step

     forward, a point is made that the young men who stepped forward when called are

                  the ones the others should be looking up to as their leaders. “Leaders will

                  step forward when called upon,” says Mr. Brandhorst.

Everyone who attended the event was given a token, good for a visit to the Oakland ATA for an opportunity to attend a free class at the gym. “I have always been impressed when I visit there. The kids that come to class bow at the door out of respect and address everyone as ‘sir’ and ‘ma’am’. The classes appear to be fun and eventful. Members will work to develop the skills necessary to ‘rank up’ in their competency levels and

                                                                 area-wide tournaments are

                                                                 frequent”. The tournaments are

                                                                 an opportunity for the

                                                                           participants to compete

                                                                           and see how they rate

                                                                           against others who are

                                                                           taking the training.

Being respectful and showing humility toward others is an excellent way to treat people. Since the younger generation is often associated with immaturity and lack of respect, it is very beneficial for them to learn these things at an age when they are pliable. Taekwondo teaches a culture of humility and confidence to teens and preteens that empowers them to grow past their age and present a more mature appearance

to those around them.

The Korean word 'Taekwondo' is translated: Tae- “To strike with the fist”, Kwon or Kwan- “To strike, crush or stomp with the foot, and Do- “Way, method or art”. The fundamentals of personal safety,

                          leadership skills, respect and

                            confidence is taught along with the

                             proper technique in posture and

                              self-defense. The youngsters

                                were asked to take a pledge not

                                to use the methods that they

                                 were learning as a means of

                                  bullying others.

Take a look at my other graduate class work