Breaking bricks and boards is no problem for Mark Radunz of Clarkston.
Radunz is a sixth degree black belt in Isshin-ryu Karate and has practiced at the Waterford CAI for many years. Even so, he has found breaking through the negative stigma attached to learning martial arts to be the hardest challenge.
‘I believe most adults view martial arts training as an activity for kids,? said Radunz, pointing out that many parents like the idea of giving their children an opportunity to exercise and learn discipline as well as self-defense. ‘So if it’s so good for the kids, why do most adults either drop their kids off for the class, or sit on the sidelines and watch??
Radunz attributes adult apprehension about learning martial arts to several factors, including the idea that one has to be in great shape before attempting martial arts or feeling uncomfortable being an adult practicing with children.
‘Excuses like ‘I’m too old or it’s too difficult? don’t hold water,? said Radunz, adding there is no cutoff age for starting martial art practice. ‘The adults that currently practice do so well into their 80’s and 90’s and are some of the most vital people you’ll ever meet.?
Likewise, Radunz said some people are uncomfortable with ‘free sparring,? practicing by fighting another student with set movements.
‘While free sparring has it’s positive aspects, it is more geared to the competitive sport side of the martial arts,? said Radunz. ‘Martial arts were not originally developed as a sport and were not practiced as one. This is a fairly recent development and should be optional.?
Though many lessons require working with a partner, Radunz stressed that the key lesson behind everything he teaches is practical self-defense techniques.
‘My greatest peeve is watching people train at something that is totally impractical and ineffective, wearing lots of rank and patches that have created a false sense of security. When given the chance of fight or flight, the choice is made to fight, only to find out the hard way they should have chosen the alternative,? Radunz said, adding that for all his experience and training, he has never had to use his skills in a fight.
Nonetheless, Radunz continues to train and work with his students, hoping to instill in them skills they can use outside the dojo, whether they be for self-defense or increased confidence.
Anyone interested in participating can contact Radunz at 248-625-3433 for information.