A third-degree black belt preparing to test for his fourth-degree black belt, American karate master Michael Lovell shared with Mineral Wells Rotary Club members on Wednesday his approach to teaching the martial art form.
No matter the age, Lovell begins with teaching manners and respect, followed by other life skills such as saying "Yes ma'am" or "No sir."
For Lovell karate is a multi-discipline martial art that requires self-control and focus, something he said he had to learn as a quick-tempered kid growing up.
Then comes learning how to become skilled in karate and learning self defense, how to deal with bullies and even tactics to use in stranger danger situations. Lovell said two children he taught were able to escape a potentially dangerous situation when a stranger approached and tried to grab them.
Along with attitude, self-discipline and respect, karate provides a number of benefits such as a way to get in, and then stay in, shape. It is also a great way, Lovell said, to learn balance and coordination and help prepares oneself to participate in other sports.
Lovell said especially with women he can within a couple of classes teach a number of self-defense techniques in the event they are approached or grabbed and to help them become more aware of their surroundings and how to avoid potentially dangerous situations.
With one of students, gold belt Stewart Miller, Lovell showed Rotarians some of the defense techniques he teaches. Lovell said karate does not require someone of great size or strength to protect and defend and protect themselves or others.
He explained American karate is a generic term that combines some of several various martial art forms that teaches self defense and allows for competition and sport through katas, or forms, and sparring. It allows someone to learn basic karate, or carry it as far as they wish.
Lovell said he recommends people attend two classes a week, and more often for those who wish to become advanced learners and acquire higher degrees of knowledge, skills and belts.
Lovell teaches American karate to youth and adults in classes at First United Methodist Church, 301 N.E. 1st St., in Mineral Wells. Youth classes are 6-6:40 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays. Adult classes are 7-8 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays. He also offers a class on Saturdays at 2 p.m. The first class attended is free.
For more information, visit Lovell's American Karate page on Facebook, email michael.lovell89@yahoo.com or call 940-445-0624.
Below, Lovell (second from left) is pictured with Wednesday's program chair Rev. Eric Douglas, left, Miller and club President David Cairone, far right.
