FORT WAINWRIGHT, Alaska - Blessed be the LORD my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight: my goodness, and my fortress; my high tower, and my deliverer; my shield, and he in whom I trust; who subdueth my people under me. (Psalms 144:1-2)
Martial arts training sessions do not typically open with a bible verse, but a lot of things are different about the Martial Arts and Praise program sponsored by the Fort Wainwright Chapel.
"We start with a prayer and end with a prayer. Our focus is not just on karate, it is also on the Lord in this program," said Staff Sgt. Stephen Hadder, a chaplain's assistant with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 16th Combat Aviation Brigade. He is a 3rd degree black belt in and teaches isshinryu, an Okinawan form of karate.
In addition to a prayer, there is devotion each night, which rotates between Hadder, and Garrison Chaplain (Lt. Col.) David Vanderjagt and Chaplain (Capt.) Brian Tung, 5th Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division. Both chaplains hold black belts in different forms of taekwondo.
The class is a mixture of adults and children, some whom come as a family and others who come by themselves. Hadder said that the class is open to anyone who works or lives on Fort Wainwright.
For the Vanderjagts, it is a family activity. Faith, 11, and Jonathon, 13, come with their parents. They had done martial arts as a family activity at other installations and enjoyed it so much that they continue the practice here."It's exercise with a purpose," Theresa Vanderjagt said. She said it teaches not just self defense, but team building as well.
Matthew Clare, 16, son of Milton and Louisa Clare, said the class teaches him self control and allows him to build his body and develop emotionally and spiritually as well.
"The Lord is our strength, he is where we get our ability to fight from. Through him, we have the strength to go out and face the world and face adversity." Hadder said.
The martial arts and praise class meets Monday and Wednesday night at the Southern Lights Chapel. For more information call 353-907-750-7216
Social Sharing