Monday, March 23, 2009

tae kuando



Here are some pictures of Isa doing her Tae Kwando. I think this is one great, yet very strange, program to have up here in the tundra. Some Tae Kwando instructor in Nome got a grant to bring 6 college age black belts from Korea here to this area of Alaska and station them at little villages around Norton Sound.

Can you imagine what it must have been like for these young men to show up here in December! All of the instructors are from the big city and they were just dumped, each one in a separate village. They had no idea what they were getting into.!



I am a strong believer in martial arts training especially for the girls. It is so good for them. This culture has a high incidence of violence toward women, sexual and domestic assault. In the Tae Kwando classes over half of the students are girls.



The instructor is also teaching mental discipline. Children as young as 5 are taught to sit straight with hands on knee, eyes front. They also must meditate for at least 5 minuets before class. We could all use that sort of discipline.

2 comments:

Jacqui Barker, graduate student, Gonzaga University said...

Isa,
What a beautiful little lady you're becoming! I hope you are enjoying Tae Kwan Do and all the adventures you and your family experience. Although we've never met, I think of you all often and hope you are well. I can't wait to see you all someday!
All our love.
Jacqui, James, Gage & Jenna

Anonymous said...

You have really captured her inner discipline in your photos! We will be starting our son in Tae Kwon Do, or something similar in the fall when he is 6. Blessings!