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Li'l Dragons Learn Self-Confidence and Life Lessons at Contemporary Martial Arts in Hartwell
(Published Oct 19, 2007)
Li’l Dragons have invaded Hartwell and vicinity, but there’s no need to contact animal control.
Students of Contemporary Martial Arts’ pre-karate program, these beneficial dragons learn discipline, manners, respect and self-confidence through instructor Chuck Cawthon’s innovative “edutainment” curriculum. The family-owned studio in Hartwell is operated by Cawthon and his wife, Carolina, who is head fitness instructor.
“Edutainment means fun while learning,” says Cawthon, who founded the martial arts school in the mid-90s and now has 275 youth and adult students. “They’re having so much fun, they don’t realize they’re getting great exercise, as well as learning important lessons in values and respect that build character and help to shape how they view the world around them.”
In addition to the popular Li'l Dragons program, which is available for kindergarten-age children and up, the studio has a range of other programs for all ages and skill levels. The junior curriculum stresses the same disciplines and tenets as Li'l Dragons, but with the added dimension of equipping students with sound self-defense skills. “We teach our students to avoid confrontation,” explains the sensei, “but if the need arises, your children can be secure in their knowledge of how to defend themselves from physical harm. This is the power derived from the martial arts.”
The studio also offers a class designed for adults to earn Black Belts in traditional Japanese karate. “This class teaches valuable self-defense skills that will enhance your daily activities,” says Ms. Cawthon. “The program promotes better fitness, flexibility and muscle tone, as well as increased stamina and energy levels.” Karate also helps reduce stress and tension and improves self-esteem and mental focus, she adds.
Classes in fitness kick boxing and full contact kick boxing are also popular. “Fitness kick boxing is a great way to get in shape, stay in shape, or just have fun!” Cawthon says of fitness kick boxing, which has no contact between participants. Combining boxing and leg kicks, full contact kick boxing is ideal for persons interested in learning self-defense without having to advance through a belt program, according to Cawthon. He plans to add a sixteen-by-sixteen foot boxing ring in the near future.
Submission grappling, a class utilizing wrestling take downs, throws and ground fighting, grew out of Cawthon’s tutelage under some of the sport’s heavyweights, including Eddie Bravo, Royce Gracie, Mike Swain and Frank Shamrock. Twice a month, Cawthon visits Athens, GA to train with Mixed Martial Arts masters Adam and Rory Singer.
A Hartwell native, Cawthon’s martial arts training began in 1983 with Tae Kwon Do lessons at the Hartwell Recreation Department. His instructor was John Cleveland, former Hart County school superintendent. He earned his black belt from David Prather in 1993, also through the recreation department. Cawthon later trained with Bruce Lee disciple Dan Inosanto, who became a leading proponent of Jeet Kune Do – the martial arts system developed by Lee – following the legendary icon’s death. “I’ve always idolized Bruce Lee and was fortunate enough to train with his number one guy,” Cawthon says.
Recognized by the National Blackbelt League as one of the top 25 sport karate schools in the world in 1998, 2002 and 2004, Contemporary Martial Arts is located at 99 Nancy Drive in Hartwell. For more information on class availability, call 706-376-5544. On the web: www.contemporarymartialarts.com
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