| Lawrence Dow works with the student on blocking. |
Just what does it take to be a karate kid? Accoring to Lawrence Dow Jr. it takes a lot of hard work and dedication. He is teaching a different style of martial arts called Tang Soo Do. It is a self defense, striking and kicking technique which teaches students to break away from the bad guy. They are also taught throws, flipping their opponent and other self defense moves. “My youngest student is 5 years old and I have adults in classes as well. For now, I teach classes on Tuesday and Thursday from 7-8 p.m. and on Saturday mornings from 10-11 a.m. Our classes are held in Larae’s Dance Studio in Huntington and are open to people of all ages.
“I have spent 13 years in the martial arts and have been teaching for nine years. I have been a black belt since 1996 and a second degree black belt since 1999, which is just another rank higher than a black belt. I had a broken leg awhile back, and was in a bit of pain. I lost some flexibility, but I think being fit really helped me to get better faster. I recommend this sport to everyone. The sport really keeps you in good shape and is a good cardio workout and the kicking is quite a workout. We always begin with stretching to prevent injuries and to teach the students flexibility.
“I like to get down on the student’s level and teach the techniques. I have worked with a master in Michigan for six years who is a fifth degree black belt and a grand master who is an eighth degree black belt. I learned so much from their intense instruction.
“The martial arts teach confidence, respect and discipline, there are a lot of kids lacking in these areas. They lack confidence and respect for other people. My grand master stressed humbleness, he encouraged us to walk away from a fight and not use force unless there was no other choice in order to protect yourself.
“My brother passed away two years ago and he lived here in Emery County, so I decided to move here to be close to my Dad and family. I felt like he needed his sons with him. My wife, Ruth, and my sons Rick, 21, Nick, 15, and daughter Kristina, 18, moved to Clawson where my Mom and Dad live.
| Lawrence Dow loves teaching children Tang Soo Do. |
“I like to see the responses of the kids as they learn the techniques and what they will do. I like teaching them how to be able to get away from someone. I love to teach the kids and the adults and pass on the knowledge that I have. The knowledge is a gift which should be passed on.
“I hope to take the students to some competitions and my grand master is going to come out here from Michigan and do some seminars and he is looking forward to that. This is the first Tang Soo Do school in the state. We wish to pass on the traditional ways as they were passed on to me.
“I want the kids to have fun as they are learning and I hope they develop the dedication which is needed. That dedication comes from what they have inside. I have the kids best interest at heart,” said Dow.
Dow can be reached at 384-3114 if you would like more information.