Mandell JCC Promotes Self Confidence & Self Defense with Launch of Karate School for Fall 2013

Martial Arts Director, Dave LaPorte, began the new season of the Mandell JCC Karate School this fall at the Mandell JCC, Zachs Campus, 335 Bloomfield Avenue, West Hartford, CT. The school focuses on promoting children’s self-confidence, wellbeing, and self-defense skills. Registration is currently open, and the program is ongoing year-round.

Instructor Dave LaPorte has been teaching karate at the Mandell JCC for five years. He holds a 3rd degree black belt, and brings over 20 years of martial arts experience to the program. His method includes teaching children the ‘ABC’s of Conflict Avoidance’ – Avoid dangerous situation and create safe habits, Be calm, Communicate with confidence, and Don’t make it worse by arguing or fighting. Karate students will also learn safety and defense through his methods of ‘Stranger Alert,’ ‘Rules of Personal Safety,’ and a child’s ability to trust their own intuition.

The Mandell JCC Karate School consists of Little Ninjas for children 3 years of age; Tiny Tigers, ages 4-5 years; Little Dragons, children grades K-1; and Junior Kempo for grades 2-6. A teen/adult karate program is also offered on an ongoing yearly schedule.

For more information on the Mandell JCC Karate School, contact Martial Arts Director, Dave LaPorte at 860-231-6338 or dlaporte@mandelljcc.org. To register, contact the Member Services Center, 860-236-4571, or visit www.mandelljcc.org.

The Mandell Jewish Community Center is open to everyone and supported by funds raised by the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford, a recipient of funding from the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Hartford, and a member of the JCC Association of North America. For updates, follow the Mandell JCC on Facebook and Twitter. All dates and programs subject to change.