Letter: Martial arts training can be fascinating

Dear Editor:

I enjoyed reading Canda Harbaugh’s piece about the Libby Dae Myung Tae Kwon Do club in The Western News (“Getting in their kicks: Tae Kwon Do becomes popular activity for family,” March 5 edition, page 1). It’s nice to see a program that has been serving children and families in Libby for nearly 30 years get some richly deserved attention.

Having been involved in Tae Kwon Do myself since 1983 as a student and instructor, I can reiterate that Tae Kwon Do and martial arts training are outstanding activities for young people (as well as teens and adults).

In addition to all the character building attributes Ms. Harbaugh describes, Tae Kwon Do is also one of the few sports or athletic activities that family members of all ages and ability can do as a family. These days I think it’s more important than ever for families to find ways to learn and have fun together.

I’ve been involved in Montana Tae Kwon Do for many, many years and also served as executive director for the Montana Taekwondo Association. I know that Mr. Spencer and Mr. Rose have fine reputations as Tae Kwon Do teachers among their peers in the state.

Now that I have moved back to Libby (I was born and raised here), I am also trying to establish my own similar family martial arts program through the local Montana Athletic Club; nevertheless, I would sincerely like to encourage people to check out and support their program. They’ve earned the support of the community, and (regardless of whose program you might join – I believe there is also a Judo club in Libby these days), I’m confident that you will find training in the martial arts to be a fascinating and life-changing endeavor.

Scott Becker, Libby