FORT SILL, Okla.-- Nidan Nettie Felder, a second-degree black belt, teaches children the Tensho Goju Karate system through the SKIESUnlimited program.
Felder, who has been teaching the SKIESUnlimited classes for almost a year, said she likes teaching classes to the children.
"I enjoy giving the children different parables and making a difference with the children," said Felder, who has been involved in martial arts since 1999. "The Tensho Goju discipline teaches students self-protection and self-defense. We are never the attacker. It teaches them self-esteem, self-confidence and classes help the younger children with their balance and coordination. There are multiple ways the classes benefit students."
She said one of her students told her "one of your teachings in karate struck me and made me strive to make straight A's in class. I have never made straight A's before but I do now."
"That was amazing to me. It really made me feel good because you don't always know the difference you make in someone else's life until something like this happens," said Felder.
Children ages 3-5 are taught karate Mondays at Building 2874 and those ages 6 and up Mondays and Wednesdays at the Graham Resiliency Training Campus.
SKIESUnlimited, a ground breaking instructional programs initiative, is provided by Fort Sill Child, Youth and School Services. The Army Family Covenant agreement now allows eligible patrons to participate in a specific number of classes at no charge.
Currently, CYSS offers martial arts, ballet, bowling, golf, reading tutoring, swim lessons, babysitting courses, science and art classes through the program, said Sam Gregory, SKIESUnlimited director.
"We hope to offer more variety to our classes in the near future including cheerleading, online drivers education and tumbling. We are looking for instructors and experts for these programs."
Anyone interested in becoming an instructor should contact CYSS at 442-4831 for more information or email samantha.r.gregory2.naf@mail.mil.
The name SKIESUnlimited combines the acronym for "Schools of Knowledge, Inspiration, Exploration and Skills" with the word "Unlimited" for the unlimited learning possibilities this initiative offers Army children and youths.
"When involved in instructional programs during the critical hours of 3 to 8 p.m., young children are more likely to engage in positive activities which will likely lead to constructive activities," said Gregory. "
Children and youths participate in instructional programs for a variety of reasons: to explore new skills, to pursue and nurture personal interests, interact socially with others, obtain a new skill, increase current abilities or foster relationships with caring, knowledgeable adults outside the home."
Gregory said the instructional programs foster the development of critical life, leadership and social skills. The latest educational research confirms that student involvement in after-school instructional programs is beneficial on all levels. Instructional programs have been shown to promote the intellectual development of children and youths.
For more information about SKIESUnlimited, available classes, registration or becoming an instructor, call CYSS at 442-4831/3927 from 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.
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