Feature Article

     On a beautiful day on campus during lunch, a group of friends were talking, laughing, and having fun. While they were having a good time, they noticed a crowd forming to their side. When they checked what all the fuss was about, the friends shook their heads and told each other, "Here we go." Two kids were in a stance ready to fight. Just when everyone thought there would be a violent altercation, a man, ponytail flowing in the wind, came right in time to separate the two and get them to walk away in opposite directions. The man defending the reputation and integrity of the school is Dario, a student of the school and a young martial artist.

    Dario has been practicing martial arts for five years, learning a range of different styles. The ones he has the most experience in are Tae Kwon Do, Karate, Dutch Kickboxing, Wrestling, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and Krav Maga. While he is a well rounded fighter, he says his favorite style that he relies on the most is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. "It doesn't matter what size you are in it", he explains, "you can still win."

    Most people get into martial arts for one of three reasons: (1. for self-defense (2. for the competitions, or (3. for the fitness and discipline. For Dario, the initial drive was for self-defense. Now, however, he has come to love the competition aspect as well. He has done a kickboxing expedition match and won second place in a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu tournament. The discipline is also another thing he loves about his training. When asked if martial arts has made him a better person, he answered, "Yes, it helped me mentally and physically to become a better person by giving me challenges on the mat so that challenges in the real world were not as difficult."

    His advice to beginners of martial arts: "If they want to compete, take it slow and don't rush into it. If you want it for self defense, learn as much as you can and try to practice wherever you can while still taking it slow." He also recommends to start with Brazilian Jiu Jitsu because it is a grappling art and many striking arts can leave an unconditioned body bruised and battered. Dario's favorite quote is "Don't give up and keep going", another great piece of advice for beginners.

    When asked if he will keep learning and practicing martial arts as he goes on through life, Dario answered confidently and with a smile, "definitely". He wants to be a diesel mechanic later on. In ten years, he wants to be close to an early retirement with his own mechanic shop and achieve a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.