Thursday, May 24, 2012

Martial Arts Demo at the Library

Daniel Wittler explains ”I don't train to fight – I train not to have to fight.” Dan is a Martial Arts teacher who will demonstrate his skills and that of his students on June 1 from 5:00 to 6:00 at the Greenville Public Library's First Friday event. Come and enjoy watching the art and choreography of self-defense, forms & kicks, and the team dragon demo!

Daniel and his wife Jackie are the owners & operators of Wittler's Black Belt Academy which is now situated at 325 Martin Street but will soon move to 638-A Wagner Avenue where they will have two gyms. “We've outgrown our present location,“ states Daniel. “We expanded quickly because we emphasize tradition, history, and art form in a family, Christian-based environment.”

Daniel was inspired by his idol Bruce Lee to start classes in August 1995 in Georgia. He holds a “First Dan” Black Belt in Sport Taekwondo and a “Second Dan” in Traditional Taekwondo. He also teaches Judo, Jujitsu, Aikido, and Kung Fu. He strongly states he is not associated with the MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) or UFC (Ultimate Fighting Champions) organizations. “They've perverted martial arts and made it into a blood sport.” True martial arts prevent violence. “I've never been in a fight in my life.”

The academy is also an official chapter of the anti-bullying alliance “Be A Star” which was co-founded by the Creative Coalition and the WWE (World Wrestling Enterprises). On July 16, Daniel will give a talk “Don't Be a Bully; Be a Friend” about bullying and self esteem. He tries to help kids to do what he did. “Martial Arts turned my life around. I've had teachers who taught me about life. One was like a father to me.”

The Academy accepts students from ages 4 and up (4 to 6 year-olds are called Little Dragons) and from any fitness level. “We do not make students conform to our style. We conform the style to them. All I insist on is good form.” One gentleman started at age 65 and became a fourth degree black belt at age 79. “I also encourage students to participate in the area tournaments. We go to 8-10 a year.”

For more information about the Academy go to www.wbba.vze.com and come to enjoy the demonstration at the Library!

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