The fall semester of martial arts by Champion Force Athletics (CFA) started on Wednesday, September 20 at Cherry Creek Elementary School in the cafeteria. But it’s not too late to start classes. Experienced students will return and new ones are invited to start classes. Lowell’s First Look wrote about the program before the previous semester began but an updated curriculum and structure is new this fall, resulting in class times full of additional learning and information.
More than Moves
CFA is based in Wyoming, MI but offers classes across the state. Instructors, or coaches, come from various backgrounds in martial arts. A shared philosophy of teaching runs through each class but depending which coach is leading the class, there are opportunities for students to learn different styles. Coach Simeon Koning teaches classes in Lowell. He has trained in Kung Fu and brings 18 years of experience to the classroom
New students start off as a white belt. Within this belt there are various steps, or white belts with different colored stripes, toward earning a yellow belt, which is the next solid color in the series. Each belt color has multiple steps so students can be rewarded for hard work and accomplishments even if they are not ready to move up a full color. Steps within a belt color can be skipped if an instructor sees a student knows enough information and skills to advance. In order to test at the end of a semester a student must have perfect attendance. Missed classes can be made up by taking two in one night (paying for both) as more than one class is offered each night.
In addition to learning kicks, punches, and moves CFA includes safety as an important part of their teachings. Younger kids learn how to get away from someone who may be looking to harm them while older students learn how to use their martial arts skills to fight back in the process of fleeing. Weekly safety lessons are taught and information sheets can be found online at the CFA webpage for parents to review and discuss with their child(ren).
Leading to Tournament
Near the end of each semester a tournament is held for all Michigan CFA students. Coaches from around the state serve as judges in the four-event competition. While the event is a competition, it’s more competing against yourself to do your best. Sometimes your best may not be as good as a peer and that’s okay. It’s good to participate to win but equally important to learn how to not place.
For some the thought of a karate tournament brings back memories from Karate Kid where Daniel and Mr. Miyagi take on the Cobra Kai in a fight style inside a ring. CFA tournaments are about showing off skills learned throughout the semester. Students are put in divisions based on rank and age. Everyone is a recognized in some way. Participation trophies are handed out to each student as well as ribbons in each of the four events if he or she did not place.
Parents and family members are encouraged to watch their child(ren) as they participate in each event cheering, not coaching, them on. While a presentation about a parents’ role in student athletics was given at Lowell High School the lessons learned apply any time a parent has a student involved in an extracurricular activity.
Building Confidence Through Teamwork
During class, students work together to practice skills. They learn that they’re all on the same team and should encourage each other. Yet through this, individual students learn confidence and respect. In fact, one of the tournament events is called Walking with Confidence. And the Student Creed, which is said at the end of every class states, “I will respect myself and my parents. I will respect my classmates and my teachers. I will never misuse what I learn in this class.
Students must be at least four years of age to begin taking classes. Older students are also encouraged to start as a white belt. It’s likely they will advance to a higher ranking more quickly, ending up in a class with students of a similar age.
Basic Information to Know
A slightly new class and fee structure starts this semester for those familiar with the program.
White belts start at 5:30pm for 45 minutes. Cost per class is $7
Yellow belts start at 6:15pm for 45 minutes. Cost per class is $7
Green-Purple belts start at 7pm for 60 minutes. Cost per class is $9
Brown-Black belts start at 7pm for 90 minutes. Cost per class is $12.
There is a $10 registration fee the first week of participation in addition to the class cost. This is the last week for a paid in full semester special. The price includes the registration fee. If the entire semester is paid in full the student will receive either $17.50 off a uniform ($35 for beginner and intermediate students) OR two free weeks of class. Otherwise classes may be paid for each week or a few weeks at a time. There is also an additional $10 fee for testing at the end of the semester. The semester finishes in mid-January with another semester beginning after a week break.
Paid in full with uniform is as follows.
White and Yellow belts paid in full is $132.50.
Green-Purple belts paid in full is $178.50.
Brown-Black belts paid in full is $207.50.
Paid in full with two free class is as follows.
White and Yellow belts paid in full is $101.00.
Green-Purple belts paid in full is $141.00.
Brown-Black belts paid in full is $166.00.
Parents are invited to sit in on the first class but then a closed classroom policy is in effect. Unless you are a parent volunteer for the evening inside the class family members must wait outside the cafeteria. Parents are encouraged to volunteer. Tasks include helping students line up in class, hall monitor, and more.
Martial arts through CFA is a fun and rewarding experience for all those involved. Coach Sim is looking forward to the start of a new semester with old students and welcoming new ones.
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