Kirk Wolfe, pastor at Bridgeville Evangelical Congregational Church, teaches karate for several reasons, but one stands out. "The children are my favorite (students) because they think they can't break a board," said Wolfe. "They just need to be trained ... and when they break a board, you should see their faces ... and their confidence goes sky high. That is really fun to watch."
Wolfe and his assistant, Japanese exchange student Natsuki Tsuruyama, will hold martial arts techniques at a free demonstration to be held at Bridgeville Evangelical Church, 5971 Division Highway, Narvon, on Saturday, March 9, beginning at 4 p.m. The event will include 40 minutes of demonstration, followed by a 20-minute question-and-answer period. Area residents of all ages are welcome.
"We will be demonstrating all the things the students will be able to learn to do as they progress through their belt ranks," explained Wolfe, who added that Okinawan karate, which includes the weapons; Korean taekwondo; kendo, which involves a sword; jiu-jitsu; and judo will all be demonstrated. Tsuruyama will demonstrate kendo and jiu-itsu, and Wolfe and some of his students will break boards. "Breaking teaches focus to be able to hit a specific spot, and it shows power," said Wolfe.
Wolfe added that the weapons that will be demonstrated will include the bo staff and the sai, which is like a large fork. "Most people are familiar with these weapons (because) the 'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles' (characters) use them," Wolfe said.
In addition, Wolfe will demonstrate open-hand forms. "These are a series of movements like a dance, (and) you can use the dance to defend yourself," he said, noting that engaging in combat is not necessary for those who learn the discipline. "A lot of people look at the sport and think, 'I will have to fight,' but in Okinawa, they teach forms that are like a dance in elementary schools as part of their heritage. There's a rhythm, but (each series includes) other kinds of (karate) movements, instead of just dance movements."
Wolfe, who is originally from Lititz, honed his skills in karate when he was stationed in Okinawa in the Air Force from 1990 to 1993. "We were homeschooling and looking for a gym for (our daughters)," explained Wolfe, who found Master Chotoku Makabe at the United Services Organization (USO). "I studied with him and enjoyed it, and I went to second-degree black belt in Okinawa," said Wolfe, who has taught in the U.S. and taken part in demonstrations in Australia and Mexico. "I go back to Okinawa and continue testing, and I take students there to experience what it is like to be there at the roots of the (sport)."
Wolfe's other credits include serving as martial arts director for a Manheim sports complex and winning gold, silver, and bronze medals in the Oklahoma State Games and Pennsylvania's Keystone Games. He was also a silver medalist at the United States Taekwondo Union (USTU) national event, where he represented Oklahoma. As a teacher at the U.S. Air Force Security Police Academy, he taught physical apprehension and restraint techniques, and he currently serves as a police officer with the Quarryville police department, and as a negotiator for the Lancaster County Special Emergency Response Team. He teaches martial arts lessons with the Police Athletic League in Lancaster city, and he was an adjunct taekwondo instructor for Rose State College on Oklahoma City.
Following the demonstration, Wolfe plans to hold year-round weekly free classes at the church on Sundays from 2 to 5 p.m., beginning on March 17. Classes will be divided based on interest. Interested individuals may sign up following the demonstration or register by calling the church at 717-354-8459.
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