Pasco karate kids see past fists

LAND O'LAKES

There doesn't necessarily have to be a bully.

That is the stereotypical reason kids take up karate, but not every student has a tormentor lurking. Though most at the Isshinryu Karate Do classes at the Land O'Lakes Recreation Center are at least there for one thing.

"A lot of kids don't seem to come in for that bully who picks on them," said Sensei Marty Betts, 57, who has been studying Isshinryu since 1977. "What we see is a lot of parents bringing in girls, and boys, as well, before they go to middle school so they don't get jumped or beat up or whatever. That way, they have more confidence and self esteem headed into that new stage."

Betts offers two classes: one for 6- to 12-year-olds and an "adult" class for 13 and up. He has been teaching karate in Land O'Lakes for 20 years, in Hudson for 18, has just started at New Port Richey Recreation Complex and Aquatic Center, and has been training in Isshinryu since 1986. Betts is what's called a Go Dan, which, in Japanese, means a fifth-degree black belt.

Isshinryu is a form of Okinawan karate founded by Tatsuo Shimabuku, and the name literally translates to "one heart method." There are 336 branches of Isshinryu throughout the world, most in the United States.

Kids may head into a tougher part of school, but don't expect them to be throwing punches in the schoolyard.

"I want them to learn discipline, good behavior and not getting in trouble in school," Betts said. "I also don't want them to be using this karate at school either, because this is about making them feel good about themselves, to get them to stay focused.

"I do get a lot of kids with ADD (attention-deficit disorder), and they've been told that they need something to do, to burn the energy, and it really does help. Though its not a cure-all. The kids have to take to it, so it really has to stay fun."

For more info on the classes, call (813) 929-1220.