Eatonville tries out martial arts classes

If you have a child in the Eatonville School District you may have noticed an advertisement that went out to parents last spring about the starting of a martial arts class at Weyerhaeuser Elementary School for kids and adults.

Many parents brought their children to try the class because there was no contract required and the first class was free.

No one knew exactly what it would be like but many anticipated a great experience and maybe some additional exercise for their youngsters. The families who have continued to take their children to the Eatonville Martial Arts class every Tuesday and Thursday evening have seen the wonders of martial arts change their children in different ways.

Caleb Young is the founder of Eatonville Martial Arts.

Sensei Caleb, as his students call him, is not originally from Washington. He met his wife, married her and moved to Ashford because that is where she lived. Sensei Caleb earned his first degree black belt when he was only thirteen years old and second degree black belt only four years later.  Caleb is employed by the ESD in facilities maintenance.

“I want to pass along something to the next generation that helped me in my life,” Young said.

He went on to explain that martial arts had a huge impact in his life and that his martial arts teacher was his mentor and allowed him to teach classes at a rather young age.

“I was nervous because there are other martial arts classes in the area that are very aggressive,” said Shauntae Dunn, homeschool parent of two boys in Caleb’s class. She went on to say “Caleb’s class is child friendly, he is stern with discipline but gives them room to be kids and makes it fun.”

Dunn explained that her youngest son is shy but she wanted him to have something he could be proud of and be more focused.

In response to comments about aggressiveness in other karate schools Sensei Caleb stated, “everyone does karate class differently, I’m here to teach the kids.” His goal is to maintain order.  He expects the kids to do their best and “as long as everyone is learning and progressing, it’s fine.”

An adult class is also offered right after the kids class at 6:30 p.m.

“Part of it is a weekly cardio workout, another part is self defense,” said Sensi Caleb, when speaking of his class for adults. He is currently developing a curriculum to use karate in real world scenarios. Adults are at a different stage in life, not just defending themselves but also defending family.

Classes are currently being held in the Eatonville Middle School commons. The kids class starts at 5:30 p.m. and the adult class begins at 6:30 p.m. each Tuesday and Thursday evening.

If you or your child want to try it out just show up. In the words of Sensei Caleb, “You never know until you try it, the first class is free! It can benefit everyone.”