Gym class at the VCS for the young men is no ordinary gym class with a few laps around the field and a couple push ups here and there. No way! Gym class at the VCS is used for the practice of Shoulin Kempo. Shoulin Kempo is a type of martial arts used for self defense and practiced not only for the reason of learning how to protect yourself, but also to teach respect and honor. Martial arts is defined as any of several techniques taught in a manner to teach discipline, honor, and respect, for yourself and others. Our gym class is taught by Sensei Gary Newdick, a man who teaches just that. In our class, we are learning many types of blocking techniques, striking, and maneuvering techniques.

These maneuvers are fun to practice, and if you get one wrong, Sensei will easily explain to you and show how to do it and what you did wrong. Martial arts is very fun; we, as a class, are also learning to use sticks which represent swords or any other assortment of weapon that may come to bear. We are practicing with short rubber dowels at the moment, learning all sorts of striking angles and blocking angles. Soon Sensei will bring in wooden ones to train for a presentation that we are planning to show our school and any visitors who wish to come.