Summer sports are heading into full swing and for kids who haven't found their niche yet, parents might consider martial arts.

"So martial arts is associated with self defense. but its so much more, taekwondo especially," said Katarina Ybanez, Co-Owner of Martial Movement. "It's a sport, just like a kid going out and trying out for soccer. It's an Olympic sport. Its just fun to kick stuff, and punch stuff, just to be able to do something cool."

May 1st marks the grand opening of Martial Movement. Co-owners Katarina & Glenn Ybanez are offering classes that range from traditional martial arts to more over all fitness.

"I was using martial arts as a way to stay healthy through my pregnancies," said Katarina. "But it wasn't enough as it's own. I had to add other exercises to it."

The couple is eager to create a space that offers a niche work out environment. Personalizing a dojo's style is a common theme in martial arts studios.

"Everybody has their own style, teaches their own way," said Katarina. "And after working with so many people you realize that you're doing it a different way. and you want to share the way that you're doing it with other people."

Across town, Millcreek Karate places an emphasis on increasing focus and mobility for students of all abilities.

"A lot of times people stigmatize others," said Jason Wokutch, owner of Millcreek Karate. "Like this person has special needs, this person has trouble with their back, this person has trouble being able to focus. But whenever their in the classroom setting, everybody is individual and everybody is treated the same."

"Everybody here is able to work together no matter what kinds of strengths they have or what kind of strengths their working towards," said Wokutch.

There are over 15 martial arts studios in the greater Erie area offering not just variety in teaching styles, but skills and types of martial arts. For new business owners Katarina & Glenn, they look forward to building community.

"We want you to come to everything and participate in everything and feel that your always welcome," said Glenn. "And if you ever have problems you can talk to us. Kind of the traditional martial arts style. You come to your master to talk with them. We always make sure we're all okay. Like a family."

 

 

Culture Consistency: Bully Intervention

While every martial arts studio or dojo sports its own unique environment and skills, a few trends are consistent through all martial arts culture. That is bullying as an incentive to join the sport.

"Martial arts has changed a lot," said Glenn Ybanez, co-owner of Martial Movement. "It used to be all about self defense. But I've seen since the early 2000s and on, bullying has become a big issue."

"Martial arts has really become a way to help relieve that tension especially through youth," said Glenn.

20% of students in the United States report being bullied, according to a U.S. Department of Education study from 2019.  Several academic studies have confirmed martial arts as an effective intervention method for bullying.

"People don't understand how to approach being able to protect themselves in confrontation physically, or defend themselves verbally," said Wokutch. The Millcreek Karate master prioritizes building confidence in his students as preparation for bullying interactions.

"We start by being able to have the confidence to talk in front of a group. Then we also work on how to project their voice, being able to have a good attitude," said Wokutch. "After that, we also talk about how to develop that confidence through achieving goals."

Wukotch pairs this confidence building with conversations about how to respond to bullies, as well as having the courage to talk to trusted adults.

Most martial arts studios prioritize skills and character traits that help students in bullying situations, regardless of if the topic is explicitly discussed. 

"This is really a great outlet for them to not only just relieve that stress and anxiety and anger, but it also helps them learn discipline and respect for each other," said Glenn. "And they become more humble once they feel empowered by knowing martial arts."