New Karate Kids
Sandra T. Molina. Whittier Daily News. Whittier, Calif.: Aug 31, 2007.
SOUTH WHITTIER - Sensei Gary Mendez wasn't sure whether he was up to the task of teaching a summer karate class at Mayberry Park, let alone if any students would attend. What he got were 50 applications the first week, and two weeks later the total was 150.
"I am overwhelmed at the response of the community," Mendez, 37, said Friday, the last day of the free 12-week program.
The day was spent handing out certificates of completion to the 50 students on hand and demonstrating their skills.
It's been about six years since the Santa Fe Springs resident has taught a karate class, and then, it was only two or three students.
And how did it feel to teach again before such a large class? "I loved it," he said. "It reminded me how much I love karate, and I enjoyed introducing so many kids to the sport, as well as their parents."
Karate is not about fighting, but discipline, self-defense, self-esteem and other life skills, Mendez said.
He said the kids, with the support of their parents and the park staff, far exceeded his expectations.
"They showed me they have it in them to excel, and not only in karate," said Mendez, a public and political affairs consultant in Los Angeles County.
One of those students, 11-year-old Cindy Mora, who is autistic, said she had a lot of fun. She named some of the skills, like stances and kicks, as some of the things she liked best.
Cindy's parents, Ernesto Mora, 33, and Maria Gonzalez, 36, said they enrolled their daughter in the program to improve her motor skills.
What they got was much more.
"The class improved her motor skills and her social skills," Moreno said. "We've seen such a big difference in her."
Gonzalez said she was surprised how well Cindy did memorizing the movements.
"Learning karate has given her more confidence, and shows her she can be like everyone else," said the proud mom.
For 5-year-old Nathan Guerrero, his mom, Sandra Espinoza, 25, said her son has learned to be more patient and more safety conscious.
"He used to run and open the door whenever there was someone knocking on it," she said. "Now, he knows to take his time and let a grown-up answer the door."
And Aaron Navarrete, 11, said the meditation and sense of discipline were the best parts of the class. "I learned to focus on things I am doing, and when I get stressed, I have a way to relax," said the very serious young man, who plans on attending more classes if they are available.
If Mendez and a group of parents have their say, the class will be offered again.
The group is planning to meet with Supervisor Gloria Molina to request she once again give financial support to the class.
"She was so responsive and positive when I approached her a year ago about this program," Mendez said.
Now with the parents behind him, and Molina's dedication to young people, Mendez said he is sure he'll be back, and sooner than next summer.
"There's such a need for programs like this in the area," he said. "We'll be back again for the kids."
sandra.molina@sgvn.com
(562) 698-0955, Ext. 3028
Copyright © 2008 ProQuest LLC. All rights reserved.
People: Mendez, Gary, Mora, Cindy
Author(s): Sandra T. Molina
Section: News
Publication title: Whittier Daily News. Whittier, Calif.: Aug 31, 2007.
Source type: Newspaper
ISSN: 10692819
ProQuest document ID: 1328885151
Text Word Count 557
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