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MARTIAL ARTS: Armstrong Elementary School students learn lessons from Tyron Woodley, martial arts instructor. Woodley is a parent at Armstrong.
(Posted April 12, 2011)
Lessons in self-discipline, self-control, confidence and respect are influential in helping children make better choices about behavior. At Armstrong Elementary School in the Hazelwood School District, a martial arts program called K.I.C.C – Kicking Inappropriate Choices to the Curb – is a lesson in reinforcement.
For six-weeks, a small group of kindergarten, first and second-grade students attended K.I.C.C. after school in the gym under the direction of Tyron Woodley, a martial arts instructor and welterweight fighter, and teachers Tammy Roberts, third grade, and Kimberly Reese, first grade. Woodley is also a parent at Armstrong.
Twice a week, for an hour at a time, students engaged in warm up exercises such as jumping jacks, squats, pushups and lunges, followed by a series of punches and kicks with Woodley using pads for protection. The students worked in teams to compete in relays focused on different drills. As the relays take place, students encourage each other to follow directions, listen, behave and show respect.
“Listen with your eyes and ears,” directs Woodley as drills begin.
At the end of the session, the students get an encouraging pep talk from Woodley about being disciplined, listening to their teachers, being respectful and making good choices.
Roberts and Reese helped develop K.I.C.C. through support from the District’s Safe Schools-Healthy Students Initiative. The physical aspect of the program developed skills in balance, strength, coordination and fitness. The mental aspects focused on the values of respect, discipline, positive attitudes and persistence to help students “lead happy and fulfilling lives.”
When the program began, Reese said the students were “excited and couldn’t wait to tell their friends about K.I.C.C.”
As the program continued, she noticed more awareness among the students related to their behavior. Some students would be upset if they could not participate.
“If a student knew he wasn’t off to a good start, he would often stop me in the hallway and ask if he would be able to participate,” said Reese. “If students were having a good day, they would be very excited to let me know, too.”
Reese said the program is important because it’s “a tool in helping to model and shape student behavior.” She hopes the program instilled lessons of self-control that the children will remember.
As they plan for the future, Reese and Roberts will consider some changes to the program, such as behavior charts for students to complete each day, more equipment, opening the program to other children and scheduling more sessions.
On the last day of K.I.C.C, students received a certificate, a drawstring backpack and two paperback books on martial arts and character-building.

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