Small Town News

Mt. Zion Resident Shares Love Of Martial Arts With Kids

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Flying sidekicks, front shoulder rolls, roundhouse kicks. Twice a week at Salem Baptist Church you can find people of all ages practicing karate.

In 2004, John Morthland of Mt. Zion started the Salem Academy of Martial Arts also known as SAMA. There is no charge for the lessons but participants must attend church during the week.

Many of those that attend are bussed in from the inner city areas of Decatur and would otherwise not have the opportunity for martial arts lessons. Those students and adults that attend have been involved with the academy anywhere from less than 6 months to five years.

One student who has been with SAMA for several years is Bethany Binkley of Decatur. Binkley is close to testing for her black belt. "I've learned to have attitude, discipline and respect," Binkley said "Participating in this program has helped improve my grades and helped me respect my parents more."

Another student is Pete Pucek, who takes lessons at SAMA with his son. "I've been involved with various forms of martial arts for 10 years," Pucek said "I'm here to learn with my son and I appreciate the teaching style of Sensei Morthland."

Students are tested about every 3 months through Devore Academy. Sensei Morthland and several other people volunteer their time every week to the academy.

One of those volunteers is Dean Jones, associate pastor of Salem Baptist Church. Jones says that he has seen the program positively affect those involved in it helping them develop respect for themselves and others as well as positive attitudes. "He teaches them how to defend themselves and fight, so they don't have to," Jones said.



Copyright 2009 Mt. Zion Region News, Mt. Zion, Illinois. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from SmallTownPapers, Inc.

© 2010 Mt. Zion Region News Mt. Zion, Illinois. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.

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