Local academy engages students in ancient martial art

A way to learn self-defense, build confidence and increase self-esteem is housed in a traditional form of Korean martial art being taught in Marquette, called Soo Bahk Do.

Founded in 2008 by Master Carl Vonck, Marquette Soo Bahk Do Academy was created as a place for this ancient form of training to be shared with the people of Marquette.

Four internationally certified instructors lead about 40 students ages four to 59 in a variety of classes and levels of ability at the academy.

Giving the people of Marquette a chance to be involved in soo bahk do was important, said Vonck.

"I started training as a child and the benefits I gained from it, along with the experiences I had, pushed me to make sure others had the same opportunities I did," said Vonck.

This style of martial arts spans the world and is more than just a name.

"The art we do, soo bahk do, has a national organization that is tied into a worldwide organization that ensures standardization of curriculum and technique. Although teaching styles may be different, a student from Marquette could go train in Korea and receive the same instruction," said Vonck.

The academy is certified by the U.S. Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan Federation. Being part of this federation was an important step in creating the academy, said Vonck. To become certified he not only had to get consent from two nearby soo bahk do schools but also had to be accepted by the four-state regional examiner. Throughout the process, Vonck had to prove to the federation that the academy’s building was appropriate for this type of martial art. He also had to show that he was a capable instructor by becoming certified.

Many enrolled in classes here are under the age of 15 and are enrolled by their parents, for various reasons including self-defense and willpower, said Vonck.

"We push self-defense past learning an actual punch or kick, and try to help students grow a high self-esteem," said Vonck. "A student with higher self-esteem is less likely to be picked on or bullied and more likely to have many friends and a drive to succeed in everything they do."

One thing many students strive for at soo bahk do is the dan status, which is similar to a black belt status in other forms of martial arts. So far, 13 students have reached this prestigious level since the studio opened.

The studio also offers a class for the little ones: called Moo Do Mites. Designed for children ages four to six, this class helps children get a background in fundamentals related with the art including self-control, self-awareness and respect.

For those who want to increase flexibility through stretching, the academy offers a stretching class weekly taught by a physical therapist. Not only does it help students become more flexible, it also helps with balancing which can help in everyday life.

"It is beneficial for absolutely everyone, regardless of their age or body type," said Vonck. "An athlete may want to improve flexibility or balance for jumping higher, running faster or things of that nature. An adult may want to work on their flexibility and balance to help reduce joint pain. Or perhaps someone living in the U.P. may want to improve balance to help them in the icy winters."

Besides their typical classes, the academy also likes to host fun events for its students, including a Bay Cliff summer camp and a "breaking party" where students can break boards in a variety of ways.

"It is a chance for them to see the tangible power of their technique, as we do not make contact with partners," said Vonck.

Vonck hopes that everyone who has an interest in trying soo bahk do will do so. Everyone is welcome, he said. Families have even joined together, working through the belt levels as a group.

"It is a great way to make friends, bond with family, while exercising, learning self-defense and improving overall health," said Vonck.

Marquette Soo Bahk Do Academy is located at 1200 S. Front St. in Marquette. They can be reached at 235-6142.

Julia Woehrer is a freelance writer and photographer. She attended the School of Art and Design at Northern Michigan University where she concentrated in photography and minored in journalism. She volunteers at a local no-kill cat shelter and enjoys spending time with her cats, Bella and Macy.