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Youth Sport acquires karate program—————————————— By Spc. STEVE MEL Inside the Turret sports editor —————————————— The Independent Karate Federation is coming home, although it never actually left After a three-year absence, the IKF is once again coming under Youth Sports affiliation Aug. 31. It had become a private organization on post soon after its instructor departed for Saudi Arabia in. 1989. The program had been based in the old Arts and Crafts Center tar on Seventh Avenue. But earlier this year it was informed that its home was being condemned. "We managed to get a reprieve in May to hold us until July," said instructor John Harris, an 18-year karate veteran. "We’ve been looking for a place to go ever since, and Youth Sports just happened to accommodate us." According to Youth Sports Director Mark Wicker, the Federation’s move should signal increased popularity in the program. "We’ve got a demand for a program," Wicker said. "And we have the open apace. It diversifies the overall program even more. I think there’s a demand for self-defense out there now, not only among kids, but adults as well. Its a sport that is growing in popularity, and it is another individualized sport that we can offer. Youth Sports has been without a karate program for about six months. Its volunteer instructor, Carlos Pizzaro, left when he converted his organization into a private association earlier this year. "Our intent all along was to provide another program," Wicker said. "We contract instructors, and we’ve had trouble getting a contractor on board. When these instructors get a contract, they have to meet stringent specifications even from their qualifications as a black belt to knowing CPR and first aid. "When we acquire a program (in the same manner as the Federation), we know we’re getting a qualified instructor. (Obtaining the IKF) will help our program because they’re already established. That makes it easy for us, and our problem is solved." Harris, who began his karate career in 1975 as a Youth Sports student, is optimistic about the program’s future. "Right now we have (about 35 students)," he said. ‘With the increased exposure we’ll be getting, our program should double or even triple." Harris was an instructor with the Elizabethtown Karate Federation when the IKF broke from Youth Sports in ‘89. He was friends with the former IKF instructor and wanted to combine the two programs. But he was uncertain if he would have the time to teach a significantly larger group. So Harris made time and quit his job. It turned out to be a good career move. "I had been there 15 years, so I wasn’t about to give it up for nothing," he said. "It turns out that rye been much hap pier doing what I feel I’ve been born to do." Wicker feels that type of enthusiasm will make the IKF a hit. "I think It going to be very popular," Wicker said. "Even when (our other) program was in here, and it was free, he had at least 50 or 80. When a bunch of kids come in a see other kids (in karate), they’re going to express an interest, too. It will really grow. The IKF will hold three separate classes every Monday. Wednesday, and Friday, beginning at 5 p.m. Monthly fees are $20 per member and $10 for each additional family member. "It not going to hamper anything," Harris said. ‘When people pay money, they expect to get something out of it. You get what you pay for." |
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