Learn Self-Mastery With Maritial Arts
The Marquette Soo Bahk Do Academy specializes in teaching self-mastery and much more!
Nora Barch warms up with her Soo Bahk Do class in Marquette, MI on Saturday, February 1, 2014. (Marquette Magazine photo by Soullenz Photography)
Marquette, MI – Are you wondering yet what exactly is Soo Bahk Do? Seems like there has been an explosion of different martial arts disciplines now throughout the world as more and more people discover the benefits of practicing martial arts; Kung Fu, Karate, Aikido, Tae Kwon Do, Judo… the list goes on. With a desire to understand the growing popularity of this trend we ventured out to explore a local studio here in Marquette and see what they have to offer.
Students of the Marquette Soo Bahk Do Academy warm up with blocking exercises during class on Saturday February 1, 2014. (Marquette Magazine photo by Soullenz Photography)
The Marquette Soo Bahk Do Academy (MSBDA). Soo Bahk Do is a traditional style of martial arts from S. Korea. Due to frequent attacks in ancient times on each side from China and Japan it was influenced by Chinese Kung Fu and Japanese Aikido styles. It utilizes lots of kicking, punching, blocking, joint locks, and throws.
James Barch of the Marquette Soo Bahk Do Academy practices his punches during class on Saturday, February 1, 2014. (Marquette Magazine photo by Soullenz Photography)
The name Soo Bahk Do translates literally as “Hand Striking Way”. However, there is much more to the art form than defensive techniques. The deeper all encompassing translation is meant to guide practitioners towards discovery of their full potential. According to Soo Bahk Do philosophy this journey of self-discovery can only be done through focused physical and mental training, this being a common thread amongst most longstanding martial arts traditions.
Priscilla Ware and Luke Lintula of the Marquette Soo Bahk Do Academy practice sparring in celebration of his birthday at the end of class on Saturday February 1, 2014. (Marquette Magazine photo by Soullenz Photography)
So is there a definitive factor that makes Soo Bahk Do different from other martial arts disciplines? One could say it is the versatility of the style which evolved in order to defend against attackers from both Chinese and Japanese styles. Something I hadn’t heard before was their concept of attaining a “Midnight Blue” belt instead of a “black belt” upon achieving mastery. This is meant as a symbol that one can never quite achieve perfection. They also place much importance on staying true to the roots of their discipline all the way back to the original Grand Master in 1945.
Students of the Marquette Soo Bahk Do Academy warm up during class on Saturday February 1, 2014. (Marquette Magazine photo by Soullenz Photography)
The Marquette Soo Bahk Do Academy
“We want to reach out to as many people as possible. This isn’t just a place we go to do punches and kicks. We create a family environment here that helps build positive self-esteem and confidence in themselves that they can really go out and do anything!” – Master Vonck of the Marquette Soo Bahk Do Academy
Carl Vonck owner and head instructor of the Marquette Soo Bahk Do Academy demonstrates a jumping kick at the Marquette Soo Bahk Do Academy. (Marquette Magazine photo by Soullenz Photography)
Master Vonck shows new student Nick Beaudry how to tie his belt during class on Saturday February 1, 2014. (Marquette Magazine photo by Soullenz Photography)
Having just celebrated it’s 6th year of existence here in town, the Marquette Soo Bahk Do Academy is run by Carl Vonck who himself is a “midnight blue” Soo Bahk Do master at the young age of 25. Master Vonck was introduced to Soo Bahk Do at the age of six when his parents placed him in martial arts training because he didn’t have much self-control. (sound like anyone you know?) Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Power Rangers were still popular kid’s shows at that time so he was more than excited to learn techniques like those of his favorite tv characters.
Master Vonck helps student Fiona Barch during class on Saturday February 1, 2014. (Marquette Magazine photo by Soullenz Photography)
At this point my first question was “how do you approach martial arts with children that are reluctant, shy, or stubborn? (sounds like someone I know!) His advice was not to pressure them too much. Instead, to let them come watch and be excited by seeing others having fun. One of their goals at MSBDA which they are very successful at is creating a comfortable positive environment where kids can feel relaxed. I can’t imagine that it would take long for a young one to get involved especially, if that training is reinforced by parents who also participate.
Shaylyn Eggleston practices martial arts techniques with Fiona Barch during class in Marquette, MI. (Marquette Magazine photo by Soullenz Photography)
Chris Plourde has been studying for the past 4 years with her 12 year old daughter Shaylyn Eggleston. Chris explains that practicing Soo Bahk Do is invigorating and has helped her to get in better shape, improved her balance, and strengthened her softball skills. Says Chris, “Since being in Soo Bahk Do I’ve gained a family, good friends, satisfaction, fun, and a great feeling of being part of something that is worldwide. Best of all a special bond with my daughter.” As for her daughter Shaylyn she enjoys the extended family style community and feels she has gained self-discipline and respect both for herself and for others.
Matthew Ware of the Marquette Soo Bahk Do Academy practices his kicks during class on Saturday morning February 1, 2014. (Marquette Magazine photo by Soullenz Photography)
A natural side-effect of practicing Soo Bahk Do is an increase of confidence, self-esteem, and improved health which we can all benefit from! In fact when speaking with some of the students practicing there we heard nothing but positive testimonials from all ages. Three siblings Pricsilla (11), Matthew (13), and Jackie Ware (14) who attend the school stated that the positive benefits they have gained are: better focus in school, courage, staying fit, and as 14 year old Jackie Ware so elequently put it, “It teaches you a lot of values that you can use outside of Soo Bahk Do that don’t just help in your training but also in your everyday life.”
Priscilla Ware does a jump kick as Ja’che Beaudry holds a target for her during class at the Marquette Soo Bahk Do Academy. (Marquette Magazine photo by Soullenz Photography)
Thank you to The Marquette Soo Bahk Do Academy for sharing some insight into your martial arts discipline! The school has many options to find classes that fit your schedule for both kids and adults and is located in South Marquette at 1200 S. Front St. (across form the Huron Mountain Bakery). Get more info from their website at MQTSBD.com or call 906-235-6142.
Students of all belt levels practice no-contact sparring at the end of class on February 1, 2014. (Marquette Magazine photo by Soullenz Photography)
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