Learning the fine art of respect at Kuk Sool Won

By Wilma Young
WILLIAMSON, March 4 – Kids were working in small groups, some rolling their arms swirling around in their black uniforms in front of mirrors going through the motions and positions, speaking in chanted voices: “one sir, two sir, three sir, four sir.”
Teacher Jessie Evarts was in charge. “Try it this way,” she instructed three young boys, “What I do is this…turn and chop…it’s a lot easier.”
This is the second year that Jessie has been instructing children at her father’s martial arts school starting the kids’ after school program in September 2008. “I wanted to start my own class to help the school out, but I also look forward to coming to work every day. I have fun with the kids and I feel like they are learning things that they will use outside of the Kuk Sool School,” Evarts shared. “I feel like we’re really getting them ready for the rest of their lives.”
While the students were busy, she proudly pointed out the poster on the wall that spelled out, in large letters, the Kuk Sool Creed: I will develop myself in a positive manner and avoid anything that would reduce my mental growth or physical health.
Parents were observing the progress from seats near the front door. Nancy LePell was watching her nine year old son Nathaniel. It was his second year attending the school. Nathaniel attends two times a week while WCS is in session. It is something he really wanted to do and Nancy supported his decision to go to Kuk Sool School.
“It has taught him respect…he is more focused and patient…and he also gets a good physical workout,” Nancy said. “Jessie is great. She is definitely someone for the kids to look up to.”
Joy Secor sat next to Nancy LePell waiting for her son Dustin, also nine, going through his routine. “If we have a situation (problem or discipline), at home we can address it with the instructors here at Kuk Sool and they can address it here with them,” Joy added. “Jessie is wonderful with the kids, not just here at school but outside too. Whenever she sees them, she gives them a great big hug. We’ll miss her when she goes off to college next year.”
On the other side of the room Jared Kinley, also a senior at Williamson High School is also working with a group of students. Jared is a 1st Degree Black Belt. Jessie has been doing Kuk Sool since she was three years old and earned her Black Belt at age nine; she’s been teaching her peers since nine as well.
“I like that I can teach to others what I have learned my whole life. What I have learned helps me in real life situations,” Jessie said and smiled. “The number one rule at Kuk Sool is respect. We expect our students to respond using good etiquette…with a yes ma’m or a yes sir. At school we learn quiet reflection. In school you know you will get more respect if you give respect.”
All too soon class was over. Students closed with a bow to each side of the room. Waiting parents smiled as their kids quietly put on their shoes and then reached for their jackets. It was Thursday and class was over for another week. You could see on their faces how much they enjoyed their time together. Parents rounded up their charges and headed for the door. It was an afternoon spent involved in self improvement and fun. It was about confidence, respect and fitness yet the kids were having so much fun.
The primary focus of the Kuk Sool Won after school program is to teach children life skills in a fun, safe and highly supervised environment. Classes are divided into beginner belts (white, yellow and blue), and advanced belts (red and up). Kuk Sool classes challenge students in ways that will grow their mind, body and spirit. For news, updates, a schedule of classes and detailed information about Kuk Sool Won, visit their website: www.KUKSOOLGREATERROCHESTER.com
The Williamson school can be reached at 315-589-4066, Webster school at 585-216-2122, or Wolcott School at 315-594-8891.