Martial Arts

 

This after school martial arts program is being offered for the second time at Westbriar Elementary School for the 2012 Spring season (starting March 20, 2012).  Depending on the interest level and program success, continuing sessions will be offered on an ongoing basis.

REGISTRATION FOR 2012 SPRING SESSION OPENS FEBRUARY 27, 2012

If you attempt to register and the class is already full, please contact Mr. David Teitelbaum directly to be placed on a waiting list. If an enrolled student cancels, you will be contacted on a first-come, first-served basis.

Click here to register.

Objective: To develop each student’s physical, mental and social skills. To train each student in how to develop self-discipline, self-esteem and self-confidence. The goal is not to give these qualities to the students, as qualities are not things that can be given from one person to another. The goal is to train the students in how to develop these qualities in themselves. The vehicle for such training is traditional techniques of self-defense.

Schedule: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 5:00-5:50 pm. PARENTS ARE STILL RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR CHILDREN UNTIL THE START OF CLASS!

Location: Westbriar Elementary Gymnasium

Dates: March 20, 2012 – June 7, 2012 (11 weeks)

 

Program Fee: $125 ($120 PTA-member discount).  This fee includes a uniform.

 

Participants: Any Westbriar student, Grades K – 6. No minimum enrollment, maximum enrollment: 30.

Instructor: This program is taught through the volunteer services of a Westbriar parent who is a certified 4th Degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do.  Please click here to learn more about Mr. David Teitelbaum's credentials and background.

Volunteers: Parent volunteers are desperately needed to assist with student sign-out at each session.  If there are no parent volunteers for this important role, then this program will not be offered.  Please contact Mr. David Teitelbaum to volunteer for any or multiple dates.

Parent volunteers to assist during classes would also be most welcome.

Program Summary: The program consists of a systematic progression of techniques, the acquisition of which will develop in the student exceptional physical coordination, strength, flexibility, endurance, balance and relaxation. Techniques include blocks, strikes, kicks, falls and throws, stretching, yoga, meditation and calisthenics. Students who take this class will improve performance in any other sport they choose to participate in later.  Students who participate over longer periods will show improvements in academic performance and in social behavior. Students are closely supervised at all times. Roughhousing or dangerous behavior is not allowed.

Class Structure: Classes will consist of large group exercises, small group activities, and individual practice. The typical class structure will be as follows:

  1. Opening ceremony (3 minutes): line-up, greetings, meditation, recitation of the tenets of martial arts training:
    • Courtesy – be polite
    • Integrity – be honest
    • Perseverance – keep trying
    • Self-Control – don’t do what you shouldn’t do
    • Strong Spirit – do your best
  2. Goal-setting for the class (2 minutes): Instructor lecture and demonstration of the day’s assignment
  3. Calisthenics (5-8 minutes): gross-motor skills development and muscle warm up (jump rope, footwork drills, jumping drills, etc.)
  4. Stretching (8-10 minutes): full-body stretch routine
  5. Martial Arts Technique (24-30 minutes): blocks, kicks, strikes,
  6. Closing ceremony (2-3 minutes): recap of the day’s accomplishments; meditation; exit.

Uniforms: Program fee includes plain white uniforms, which will be worn during classes. Students are encouraged to put their uniforms on prior to class. Shorts and t-shirts may be worn underneath, to facilitate helping the younger students to get dressed without fully stripping down to their underwear. However, this is not ideal, as the extra clothes may be cumbersome, not to mention hot. Parents are welcome and encouraged to purchase an extra uniform, at their own cost, to help lessen the laundry burden. Teaching students to respect their uniform and take pride in their appearance is another aspect of the teaching methodology to develop self-discipline and self-respect.

Promotion Testing: Mr. Teitelbaum will conduct a promotional belt testing opportunity toward the conclusion of each session. Those students who are promoted to the next level will be given new and more complex assignments. Those students who are not ready for promotion will continue to work at their level until they are ready for promotion. The judgment as to who is ready and who is not is a subjective one and will be made by Mr. Teitelbaum based on his discretion and experience, and always with the student’s best interest at heart.

Waiver: Parents will be asked to agree to/sign this waiver upon registration:

I understand that by signing this agreement, I am enrolling my child in a martial arts class, and that participation in this activity entails risks similar to those in any sports activity.  If this is for a minor or dependent child, my signature(or e-signature) grants permission for their participation in this class. In the event of injury or illness arising during participation of my child in any Westbriar PTA after-school martial arts classes/ activities, I the undersigned parent/guardian/self, do hereby give permission for my child/ward to receive the emergency medical treatment deemed necessary by the designated family physician or by another qualified, licensed physician who is available (doctor, dentist, emergency medical person).  I acknowledge, understand and agree that this authorization is to be used only in emergency situations when I cannot be contacted or when I am able to be contacted but cannot be present. I assume all risks and hazards incidental to such participation including transportation to and from activities. I, the undersigned, further do hereby, for myself, heirs, and assigns, release and hold harmless Class Instructor David Teitelbaum, as well as Westbriar Elementary School, the Westbriar PTA, and the Fairfax County Public Schools, including, but not limited to, their  officers, employees and instructors, heirs and assigns, for any damages or injury sustained or caused as a result of participation in any class, event or special promotion held as part of this activity, whether the result of negligence or for any other cause. I understand that this is a non-profit activity and grant permission to use my/my child’s likeness in photo or video during these activities for promotional materials.

         

 

 

Questions?  Please contact David Teitelbaum

 

 

 

 
 
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