TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) – One local organization is proving that it’s never too early to learn to defend yourself.
The Tucson Police Department has received an average of 15,000 calls every year related to domestic violence.
January is self-defense awareness month, and a martial arts school in midtown Tucson has been empowering young people through Kung Fu for more than tow decades.
The Shaolin Kung Fu Academy hosts a class called “Girl Power” which caters to young girls six to 12 years old.
“It helps motivate me, like even if I’m feeling down, it really energizes me, and I feel better,” said Katie, a student with the program.
Birdie, another student, said, “The teachers are really nice, and we get to learn things and whenever I get out of class, I’m always happy.”
Parents who enrolled their daughters say it has helped in their child’s confidence, while others said they want their child to be prepared for anything.
“Just from our personal experience, having witnessed a violent incident, it helps kids feel more empowered, more ready in case, God forbid, anything were to happen,” Giada Gallo-Quiroz, a parent of a student, said.
Shaolin Kung Fu opened in 1999, and one of the first students was Blue Norush, who currently owns the studio.
“When the opportunity came for my turn to run it, there was only one option for me, which was ‘yes,’” Norush said. “I cannot imagine this community without this place.”
Norush said every part of life has been influenced by the kung fu lessons, and even on the difficult days, the school has become a safe haven.
“As soon as I walk through the doors, I see the kids, and I see my fellow teachers and my fellow Shaolin siblings, I’m just overcome with ‘Oh, never mind, I have energy again,’” Norush added. “It’s like a breath of fresh air.”
Norush’s first teacher, Robert Firestine began the program to empower those who felt powerless, especially after he and his mother endured years of abuse from his stepfather.
“It was such a huge blessing on my life because it was like I was going the wrong way, and when I found martial arts, I turned and it helped me find myself, it helped me to discipline myself,” Firestine said.
Firestine is a father to four daughters. He wanted to ensure through the program that no young girl had to go through what he and his mother went through.
“I was so passionate about (the program), so passionate about empowering girls, teaching them to defend themselves, but also to defend themselves psychologically,” he said.
Shaolin Kung Fu expanded its programs to cater to people of all ages, so if you’re interested in joining or attending a class, contact [email protected] or call 520-548-7090.
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