17-year-old Hope Clark practices her kicks during her karate class held at White Wolf Karate in McMinnville. Clark considers herself a formerly troubled youth, but feels she has gained confidence and self esteem through her karate.
Marcus Larson/News-Register
Exerpted
[i]Getting their kicks from martial arts
Published: June 17, 2005
By RAENELLE KWOCK
Of the News-Register
Winning is not important. Personal growth is more important in the White Wolf Martial Arts Academy, Inc., which provides a family atmosphere.
“The philosophy behind the school is we’re family,” said Kancho James Rosenweig, head instructor, 5th degree black belt. “It’s a great group of people. We accept people from all walks of life.”
The studio, at 1030 N.E. First Street, features seven different styles. There are around 125 students at the McMinnville studio, which is the national headquarters for the White Wolf Martial Arts Corporation, which has studios from Florida to California.
Turning it around
Richard Dilkes moved from Maine to McMinnville when he was 11. He’s been with the school for the last three years. He received his black belt on Oct. 30.
Dilkes said he was looking for something to do, came to the school and has been a part of it ever since.
“I fell in love with it pretty quickly,” said Dilkes.
Dilkes said the community aspect stands out.
“It’s almost like a community within a community,” said Dilkes. “Everyone knows each other. We hang out with each other after class in the lobby talking.”
Dilkes said when he first started at the school, his dream was to get a black belt. However, as time passed and as he looks back at taking his black belt test, he said it is about being a part of this community.
“It’s a family away from your family,” Dilkes said. “Some kids that are on the streets right now, a lot of them have the option of going around and getting involved in things they shouldn’t get involved with. We have this. Kids come here. I see a lot of kids get turned around. I’m one of them.”
Teresa Severson, mother of three children, tested for her black belt two weeks ago on May 28.
“I passed,” said Severson, laughing and smiling.
Severson, who lives in Yamhill, has been involved with the school for two years. Her children have been involved for three years.
“Actually, when I first started I just wanted an exercise class, but after I got in here, I started building my confidence and had more self esteem,” Severson said.
“I’m a very bashful person, so it helped me come out of my shell,” she said, laughing.
Severson’s son Ryder, who is now seven, started when he was 4-years-old. Severson’s daughter Emily is 11. Teresa said Emily became interested after seeing Ryder in classes.
Emily said martial arts helps her in ballet.
“It helps me with my flexibility,” she said.
Teresa’s youngest son turned 4-years-old and was in the Wolf Cubs since December.
“It’s very family oriented,” Teresa said. “You feel welcomed.” [/i]
Full boring article at
http://www.newsregister.com/news/story.cfm?story_no=195017
Another ‘getting your kicks lol’ article title…