Austin, 13, demonstrates his ability to perform a sequence of moves on
demand for instructor Mike Armbrust during a tae kwon do skills test
at Blazer Learning Center. Austin earned a yellow belt during the test.
Looking on are fellow classmates, Chris, 14, and Megan, 12.
Brandon, 11, a sixth-grader at Bloomfield Middle School, leaps to break
a board held by Austin and Alex during a tae kwon do skills test
Feb. 24. Behind them are instructor Mike Armbrust, center, from
Bardstown Fitness Center, assisted by Bret, 13, at left. Brandon
earned a yellow belt during the skills test. Tae kwon do is one of
several enrichment activities available after school through Blazer
Learning Center.
BMS students “belt” out tae kwon do success
Story by Tom Dekle
Communications Director
Photos by Kim Goff
Blazer Learning Center promoted 10 students during a tae kwon do skills test on Feb. 24. Parents and family members attended the event as students demonstrated their skills.
Tae kwon do is offered as an enrichment activity during the after-school program at Bloomfield Middle School. The instructor, Mike Armbrust from Bardstown Fitness Center, comes to BMS twice a week to work with about 20 students.
Students earning promotions include Austin and Alex – green belt; Megan, Kristian, Tyler and Anthony – orange belt; Brandon, Austin, Farrah and Dalton –yellow belt.
Belt colors are an indication of the skill level and progress over ten levels from white to black. BMS students tested up to green, about a third of the way to the black belt, Armbrust said.
Tae kwon do is a “modern” martial art noted for its high speed, powerful kicking and striking style, Armbrust said. An Olympic sport, tae kwon do originated in Korea about 2,000 years ago but has continued to develop over the centuries.
Tae kwon do training offers both physical and mental benefits for students, Blazer Learning Center coordinator Kim Goff said. Students learn respect for themselves and others while increasing their skills of concentration, self-discipline and self-control.
Blazer Learning Center is funded through a 21st Century Community Learning Center program grant awarded to Bloomfield Middle School last year by the U.S. Department of Education.
Blazer Learning Center has provided service to 275 students since the center opened last July and about 40-60 students stay after school each day for enrichment activities and help with their homework. Activities are designed to promote youth development, including physical activity, technology training, leadership development, community service and art education. In addition to homework help, students can chose between a wide variety of activities, including drama, 4-H, archery, baking, quilting, scrapbooking, aerospace rocketry and government.
The center will also offer programming during spring and summer break.
Posted on March 7, 2010
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