After 5: Professionals find youth, strength in martial arts

Community Hospices of America counselor Kole Carter was a wrestler in high school and thought he'd never again be as physically fit as he was then. Then he discovered martial arts.

A huge added bonus is that he really enjoys the workout.

"I can't wait to go," he says. "It's like, 'All right, it's Monday, I get to go to the gym tonight.'"

Participating in martial arts isn't just about fitness. Ingrained within its practice are the foundational aspects of respect, confidence, mental concentration and preparedness, according to its participants. Such characteristics make the sport applicable to everyday life, leadership, team building and basic communication, they say.

Welcome distractions

Randy Austin, co-owner and operator of Austin's Body Shop in Springfield, started practicing martial arts three years ago out of curiosity. A former marathon runner, the 44-year-old Austin discovered the fitness aspects of martial arts.

"My overall fitness, strength, flexibility - total body fitness -- is as good as or better than it's ever been," he says.

Carter, 47, considers his mixed martial arts workouts that include kick boxing, wrestling and jiujitsu to be something of a fountain of youth.

"When I leave the gym," he says, "I feel 10 years younger every time."

As a counselor for terminally ill patients, Carter appreciates the outlet to relieve stress at the end of a tough day.

Dynamic Edge Martial Arts owner/operator Theron Sturgess, a fifth-degree black belt in American Kenpo, emphasizes the stress benefit.

"Not only are you working out, but you really have to try and learn some new movements," he says. "And that takes a lot of concentration."

Such physical exertion helps to release tension, Sturgess says. "Psychologists have told us that striking things and running - all those things you would do in an adrenaline situation ... all relieve stress," he adds.

All in the family

The martial arts provide fitness for all ages. Richard Harman, a sixth-degree black belt and master instructor in tae kwon do, is the owner/operator with his wife, Kelly, of ATA Springfield. Their programs reflect a family-oriented focus.

"One of the big things right now is for families to be involved in something together that's positive and family-oriented," Richard Harman says. "People are coming in for some confidence and self-discipline for their kids. The adults are coming in because they want to feel better about themselves, and they want to get into shape."

Carter's 13-year old son is involved with mixed martial arts and Austin's 5-year old takes a class that includes basics of character building such as respect and listening skills.

It's also an individual sport with a social aspect. While participating in a class and often working with a partner, students are free to move at their own paces, says Pam Burton, owner/operator of The Edge Martial Arts in Springfield.

"If you are a fast learner, you can pick up quickly and move on. If you're a little bit slower, you have that freedom to go at a slower pace," says the first-degree black belt in tae kwon do.

"Everybody gets to play, whatever level they're at. They're all judged on an individual basis."[[In-content Ad]]