Martial Arts, More Than ‘Wax On-Wax Off’ — Bangor Parks & Rec Offers Class

My interest in martial arts started way back in the early 70's. Bruce Lee was a household name, and many of us kids never missed one of his movies at the Braden Theater in Presque Isle, Maine.

Inevitably, after every movie we'd make our way home in our bell-bottoms, wide collar shirts, and big hair, all the while throwing
punches, chops, and kicks at one another as we emulated what we saw on the big screen. At the same time we never lost sight of the seriousness and sacredness of the martial art known as Karate'.

Oh sure, we went through the phase of making our own Nunchuku's and various sundries like faux throwing stars and the like--which by the way we often injured ourselves flinging that stuff around--but we all desired to take a class from someone who really knew what they were doing.

(Fast forward 12 years)--It was in the mid eighties that my dear friend and black belt holder, Mike McKnight, introduced me to the Moo Duk Kwan style of Tae Kwon Do. The class happened on Broadway in Bangor. Mike Clark, Sabumnim (teacher), was as serious as they got. My son's and I learned so much, and because of the physical demands, I was in the best shape of my life.

Now, don't think you have to become a Bruce Lee, Chuck Norris, or fill-in-the-blank martial artist to benefit from the art. You just have to be willing to participate, learn, and enjoy.

And it just so happens that Bangor Parks and Rec offers a Tae Kwon Do class this month for ages 7 and up. And check this out, the instructor was in the same class as me back in eighties! His name is Mike Wilson. Believe me, Sabumnim Wilson won't have you waxing cars or painting fences as part of your training.

If you want to find out how more, click the pic: