By Robert Hudson

The Selma Times-Journal

 

A young group from Selma-Dallas County recently put its martial arts skills on display, competing and finding success at a national tournament.

Students from Karate World, located in the Selma Mall, finished in first and second place in a pair of categories at the American Taekwondo Foundation National Tournament in Montgomery.

“We participated in a national tournament, with competitors all over the United States, and they (the students of Karate World) placed first place, second place in sparring and form competition for the males and females,” said Lee Green, master and chief instructor at Karate World.

Green said it feels great to see the children learn and compete.

“I feel great because I can see that the kids I’m working with are actually enjoying it and getting something out of it,” Green said. “It’s not about the money, it’s about actually seeing the kids grow. We’ve been doing this for 23 years and there are a good bunch of kids in Dallas County, and they represented that.”

Green teaches students age 4 years old and up, and he said what they learn is not about the fighting.

“Our main focus is on discipline,” Green said. “A lot of people think because we’re here punching and kicking, it’s about fighting. It’s not about fighting. It’s about courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self control and indomitable spirit.”

Green said the things his students learn carry over into other parts of their lives and helps build self confidence.
“We focus on self control a lot because a lot of the activities that’s going on now, and we focus on self discipline,” Green said. “It helps enhance their ability to learn. B and C students are now making A’s and B’s. It gives them self confidence.”