Champions in Motion holding low-cost classes for youth at Lake Kennedy Center
Cheerleading and martial arts sessions available
A non-profit organization that offers low-cost classes for youth in the realm of martial arts and cheerleading is beginning its fall session this week in Cape Coral.
Champions in Motion, which offers youth-oriented programs across five states, will host classes at the Lake Kennedy Center each week now through December. Youngsters can take each 45-minute class, whether for cheerleading or karate, for $12 each session.
“We provide affordable, high-quality cheerleading and tumbling programs for youth in our community — many of whom would not otherwise have the opportunity to participate due to financial barriers,” said Champions in Motion Lead Martial Arts Instructor Aaron Fulwood. “Our mission is to make the sport accessible and empowering for all children, no matter their background.”
Champions in Motion offers programs in more than 50 cities across five states. All Champions in Motion instructors/coaches are hired locally within the community where the classes are being held. All instructors/coaches are screened for extensive background and reference checks. They then attend in-house training sessions to learn Champions in Motion safety procedures, rules and regulations, teaching techniques and curriculum.
Classes for both karate and cheerleading are broken into three sessions, with karate being based on skill level, and cheerleading based on age.
Those in the cheer program participate in competitions on top of being part of classes, and those taking martial arts can work up the ranks and earn higher belt levels, with plans for participating in competitions in the works.
Fulwood, who is a second-degree black belt and sensei, said working with the youth is rewarding.
“I feel like these kids keep me coming back every week,” Fulwood said. “You do it for them. It’s nice to see what they pick up on. They’re so smart. We’re learning more and adding to the curriculum each week.”
Champions in Motion officials state they take pride in offering the highest quality youth programs at the lowest possible cost while giving back to the communities they serve.
On providing low-cost classes, Fulwood said, “It’s important. There are a lot of activities that are not accessible to everyone in the community. There’s a lot more people that would get their kids into activities if they were a little bit more affordable.”
Fulwood said the skill of martial arts is something especially important for youth.
“I focus on self defense a lot,” Fulwood said. “It’s really important for these kids to know how to defend themselves. We talk about the situation of a bad guy trying to take (them) away. That’s the worst thing I can imagine. It’s really my main focus that if somebody were to ever try to harm one of these kids that they would be able to defend themselves.”
Fulwood said the class also stresses the importance of using martial arts in the appropriate settings.
“I make it very clear this is not to rough house with your siblings or to pick a fight with someone at school,” Fulwood said. “This is for self defense only. For the most part, the kids do a really wonderful job, and are what keeps me going and what keeps the classes going.
“It’s nice to see them grow and see what they can do. We just tested, and I was really impressed with what they did with the material.
“Through our program, students don’t just learn skills — they build confidence, friendships and compete in events ranging from local showcases to national championships.”
The fall sessions for cheer and karate run from August to December, and then after a holiday break, resume with another session. Champions in Motion runs classes for both disciplines year-round. There is a one-time membership fee of $15, which runs for a six-month term.
More information and to register for classes – click on the “classes & events” tab.
Lake Kennedy Center is at 400 Santa Barbara Blvd. The parking lot at Lake Kennedy Center is currently being redone, parking can be found at the Special Populations Center at 410 Santa Barbara Blvd.