Archives > Little Elm Journal > News
Print
E-mail
Comment
Rate
RSS
Share
Little Elm's own karate kid
Submitted photo - Black belt David Green ends his Introduction to Martial Arts Class as a team. David teaches his class from 4:30 to 5 p.m. every Tuesday at the Little Elm Public Library. The class is free to join.
By Emily Hill, ehill@acnpapers.com
The earliest form of Martial Arts, which stretches back to 50 B.C., has nothing on one 10-year-old Little Elm youth.
From 4:30 to 5 p.m. every Tuesday, Tae Kwon Do black belt and Brazilian Jiujutsu yellow belt David Green spends his evening teaching Introduction to Martial Arts to students ages five to 15 years old at the Little Elm Public Library.
Class begins with stretches, pushups and crunches before moving onto practicing punches, kids and "combos," a mix of both. Students of David's class learn the proper techniques how to hit the mats and break boards without hurting themselves. There is no physical contact between students.
David started teaching the class as part of his requirements for reaching the next level. He must give 75 hours of community service in order to move up.
"It's been a great learning tool for him and for anybody," Jeff Green, his father, said.
He began teaching in late February of this year. On average, 10 to 15 students show up for his class.
"It's a refreshment on what I've been learning through the years," Grayson Childers, one of David's students, said. "It's a chance to show my strength."
David's favorite part about the class is teaching his students not to get a "big head." He also enjoys teaching them about board breaking.
"You get to see the kids get to do something challenging and it's fun," David said.
David gives out a reward system to students through colored keychains. When students advance, they get the next level of keychain, similar to belts.
One of the biggest challenges David has faced with the class is the lack of space within the library. David spoke to residents and town staff in favor of more space during the recent public hearing about the upcoming Library Renovation Project.
The Introduction to Martial Arts Class has been also invited to join the President's Challenge Physical Activity and Fitness Awards Program. The class and program promotes living a healthy, active lifestyle.
David started training in Martial Arts in early 2006. He was going out to eat with his father when he saw a class of people participating in Martial Arts at a local school. Two weeks later he signed up with the school.
Over the course of a few years, David graduated to the black belt class in 2008 after testing 10 times to receive his black belt, which consisted mostly of Brazilian Jujitsu, Tae Kwon Do and Board Breaking. David currently practices Brazilian Jujitsu, which he has a yellow belt in. He hopes to someday get a Black Belt in Brazilian Jujitsu.
"That would be a lifetime reward," David said.
Some of the most important things taught first included how to tie a belt and arriving to class on time. He learned self-esteem, assertiveness and pride during his training as well as weight control, strength, and flexibility and coordination.
Today, David trains at the North Texas MMA in Flower Mound. David says he writes all the new techniques he learns in a red journal after each class. He also writes down and checks back at what he needs to improve on.
"I feel really excited," David said. "I can't even believe how much I've accomplished."
David has received numerous trophies, medals, certificates and even a Samurai Sword in multiple tournaments. Most recently, David took home two first place medals at the 2011 Europa World Grappling Championships.
David has had to defend himself in the past when a fellow peer gets "high-headed" after learning he is a black belt. He said he tells them not to mess with him, but he does defend himself if need be.
"I hate when it comes to that," David said.
David's favorite move is the "Chicken Wing," and he has been known to be able to defend himself against 16-year-olds in events. He said if Brazilian Jujitsu becomes an Olympic sport, he plans to participate in the event.
To join the class, parents must sign a waiver. No food or drink is allowed in the class. It is not a babysitting environment, but an educational one. It builds self-confidence, leadership skills and promotes anti-bullying.
To join, contact the library at 214-975-0430.
The following are comments from the readers.
In no way do they represent the view of Starlocalnews.com
In no way do they represent the view of Starlocalnews.com
You must register with a valid email to post comments.
Only your Member ID will be posted with the comments.
Only your Member ID will be posted with the comments.
Registered users sign in here:
Become a Registered User
- Return to: News «
- Home «
- Top of Page ^
