Tang So Do class at Rec Center offers benefits for body and mind

By Staff
Scot Beard
For centuries mankind has been mystified by the relationship between the mind and body and both philosophy and science have been unable to answer all of the questions raised by this relationship.
Tom Jones does not have all the answers either, but he does know something that can help fine tune both the body and the mind.
"For a 53-year-old, I think I'm in good shape," Jones said. "With Tang So Do, you can burn extra calories and get in shape."
Jones is an instructor with Young Tang So Do and teaches the classes at the Russellville Recreation Center. Tang So Do is a Korean style karate.
The training students go through as they work their way from a white belt until they earn their black belt is full of plenty of physical activity. The kicks, punches, blocks, forms, one-steps, free sparring, rolls and falls the students endure not only help shed a few pounds, but they also help improve strength, flexibility and cardiovascular function.
Jones also touts the benefits the mind goes through during the training.
"The younger students do better in school. They learn attention and control," Jones said. "They also perform better on tests because they are use to the pressure."
Paulette Cowan backs up Jones' claim that Tang So Do is good for the mind.
She has been taking Jones' adult class for 3.5 years and said learning the forms required to be successful has improved her memory function. The class has also relieved quite a bit of stress for Cowan- her husband is in Iraq.
"I'm able to come in here and forget about everything," Cowan said. "I go home feeling good about myself."
Cowan, a blue belt, began taking Tang So Do lessons at the Russellville studio after her son, Jake, became involved. She said she has enjoyed the bonding experience with her son.
"It has given us something to talk about," Paulette Cowan said. "We have always been close, but this makes us so much closer. He is so much better than me at this, it is something he can teach me."
The Cowans live in Colbert County, but drive to the Russellville studio because they enjoy the instruction Jones provides, and said the studio has become a second home to them.
Jake, who is a black belt, said he has benefited quiet a bit from the training.
"I have more focus and respect," he said. "It taught me how to present myself."
Jake's new look on life comes not only from the physical training, but also from the five codes – loyalty to country, obedience to parents, honor of friendships, no retreat in battle and when fighting, choose with sense and honor – Jones teaches in the studio.
Perhaps one of the best things about the Tang So Do class at the Russellville Recreation Center is its affordability.
The first two classes are free. After that, participants can continue in the program for only $35 per month with classes meeting every Tuesday and Thursday.
Jones said he tries to achieve three main goals through his teaching.
The first is self-defense.
"We focus on self-defense," Jones said. "The best way to win a battle is not to be in the battle. We learn to defend ourselves in case somebody grabs you."
The second thing Jones tries to achieve is promoting good health. While the students burn calories during training, Jones does not allow the students to beat each other up while sparring.
"We are not a full-contact studio," Jones said. "We do sparring and compete in tournaments, but the scoring is based on points not contact. It is scored like in the Olympics."
The final thing Jones teaches is becoming a better person through endurance and hard work.
Jones said progressing through Tang So Do's ranks requires dedication and when he meets another practitioner of Tang So Do, he knows a lot about that person without ever saying a word.
While there is hard work involved, Jones wants people who are considering joining the class to know any person in any shape and of any skill level can come and work at their own pace.
"This is your class, it is not a boot camp," Jones said. "I want you to feel welcomed and challenged. If you can't do 50 sit ups or jumping jacks the first day, that is OK."
Jake Cowan said one of the reasons he likes the Russellville studio so much is the sense of community the instructor and the students have built.
"The experience of (taking the classes) if great," Jake Cowan said. "It is the feeling of being part of something. It is kind of like a fraternity or sorority."
The studio finished its testing cycle last Thursday and will train for three months before the next round of testing.
Jones said anybody interested in joining should feel free to come at any time.
Paulette Cowan admitted she was hesitant to start the class, but everybody made her feel welcomed and they are great to work with.
"There is an old saying that a journey of 1,000 miles begins with a single step," Jones said.
After Paulette Cowan took the plunge, she said she noticed an improvement in both her stamina and self esteem.
"I would say it brought me out of my shyness," she said. Jones said if he does not feel a student is ready to test, he will not allow the student to take the exam.
"If you're not ready, it is better to wait," Jones said. "It is positive reinforcement. I don't want anybody to feel like they have failed."
For more information on the Tang So Do classes, contact the Russellville Recreation Center at (256) 332-8717 or Young Tang So Do at (256) 768-1676.