Cadet Self Defense Martial Arts Program

The AFJROTC unit at Wharton High School is proud to offer a FREE cadet self defense and martial arts program.  Cadets who wish to participate in this activity must provide a hold harmless agreement signed by the parent/guardian (located on the Parent Release Forms page).  The self defense program is open to all cadets regardless of physical limitations.  Cadets must bring school appropriate athletic attire (or their PT uniform) to participate.  Due to safety concerns, cadets will not be allowed to participate if they do not have appropriate athletic attire.

The cadet self defense program is led by Chief Slacum who holds a black belt in Kuk Sool Won.

Here are some reasons for (and benefits of) joining this program:

1.  Cardiovascular health

Meeting the physical activity guidelines of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention can be difficult. According to their research, only one in five adults actually meets their suggested amount of exercise. Cardiovascular health, in particular, is very important to manage, as it is closely linked to heart health. Especially during training, drills can really help ramp up one’s heart rate, helping you build cardiovascular endurance and increasing the positive impact of your aerobic exercise.

2. Muscle tone

Students of martial arts can increase muscle mass and help them become more toned over all. Punching and kicking requires a lot of strength, demanding the muscles in your arms, legs, and core work hard. Muscle mass and metabolism are connected, as the more muscle mass you have, the higher your metabolic demands become. This means that your body will burn more calories, even while your body is at rest.

3. Weight loss

As previously mentioned, improving your muscle mass and tone can help improve your metabolism, which can contribute to weight loss.  Martial arts is a great form of exercise, especially if you practice two to three times each week.  The CDC recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week (roughly 2.5 hours).

4. Reflexes

Fast reflexes are required of good martial artists.  Whether it's sparring or fighting in a competition, blocking and dosging the attacks of your opponent is important to every martial artist.  Through repetition, your reflexes will improve and you'll notice faster reaction times in all parts of your life.

5. Mobility

Many martial arts disciplines require mobility and agility. Practicing martial arts is a terrific way to improve your body's ability to move faster and more efficiently.

6. Strength and power

While form is important for an effective punch or kick, strength is also required to ensure that your attack is powerful.  Conversely, practicing martial arts will provide you with the opportunity to train your body to become stronger and more formidable.

7. Flexibility

Executing such things as high kicks or dodging attatcks requires a lot of flexibility.  In addition to that, having a more pliable body can help reduce the likelihood of injury, making flexibility important for any athlete.

8. Stability and coordination

Every martial art requires its students to have good stability and coordination.  When it comes to both executing moves and blocking or avoiding attacks, you need a certain amount of awareness and stability to succeed.  With practice, you will quickly improve both qualities, paticularly during sparring.

9. Blood pressure

Most types of martial arts require rigorous training that contributes to improved fitness.  One of the benefits of engaging in any martial arts practice is improve blood pressure.  During training, repetive movements can behave like high intensity interval training (HIIT).  This type of training will improve your cardiovascular strength, slowing down your resting heart rate and lowering your blood pressure.

10. Stress relief

Martial arts can help relieve you of your daily stressors and help you focus on your task at hand, providing you with the opportunity to get rid of distractions.  Keeping you active will also trigger your body to release endorphins, reducing the risks of premature death.  Many martial arts come with certain philosophies that help students learn more about themselves, further promoting self-discipline, healthy competition, and goal-setting.

11. Increased confidence

Practicing, improving, and succeeding at a skill improves self-image and gives participants confidence that they can be successful in other areas and ventures.  Students who participate in martial arts programs show improved confidence and even better performance in school.

12. Improved social skills

Martial arts helps develop and improve social skills.  Since martial arts is a team environment, you'll work alongside peiole with the same goals as you, learning ang growing together.

13. Develop self-discipline

By participating in a martial arts program you will become accustomed to direction and structure.  In this type of environment you must pay attention to the task at hand and rid your mind of distrations.  By learning and practicing these skills, you will be able to apply them in all other areas of your life.