Nicasa students learn about health and wellness
Nicasa submission
On June 15, Round Lake middle and high school students from Nicasa Behavioral Health Services summer program were treated to a full day of activities donated entirely by local business owners.
The event was designed to promote health and wellness and included a self-defense and violence prevention class hosted by Joey Diehl with Team Curran of Curran MMA, yoga work shop from Philip Keith of Knottyman yoga, and a healthy smoothie workshop hosted by Amy Kinzie of Arts of Health.
Joey Diehl, a black belt in Gracie Jujitsu under Jeff "Big Frog" Curran of Curran MMA in Crystal Lake, led the self-defense class. He was assisted by trained marital artists Tim Kubat and Ender Kongkaeow, also from Team Curran.
Diehl stressed the importance of situational awareness and gave the students practical advice such as how to talk to a bully, tactics to diffuse a dangerous situation, how to ask and who to tell if they need help.
Students were led through a series of self-defense demonstrations with in depth explanation of different escape techniques. Under careful supervision, students had the opportunity to practice what they learned with a partner.
"If you ever get in trouble, fighting is a last resort, but if you are threatened you want to know how to get away," Diehl said.
Diehl also emphasized the benefits of practicing martial arts or yoga.
"Not only can it help to improve body awareness, strength, and mobility, but it can also improve your mind as well. Learning a technique and practicing it over and over requires mental stamina. You also develop confidence and self-esteem. Kids and adults who train Jujitsu, or MMA, see benefits both on and off the mat."
"The kids were so focused all day. Activities such as these, marital arts, yoga, they really improve concentration. It would be so great if we could do more of this," said Dr. Charla Waxman, after school program director.
The Nicasa program serves many children with special needs, but is open to any middle school or high school in the Round Lake School District. Students receive after school snacks, homework assistance, STEM, leadership, math, language arts, and social and emotional skill development opportunities.
The students also are involved in community service and appreciate the importance of giving back to the community.
The Nicasa after school program is part of the not-for-profit behavioral health organization providing assistance for at-risk children, adults and families in Lake County and Northern Illinois. For information about the program, to make a donation or volunteer, visit www.nicasa.org /get-involved/donate.
For information about youth and adult MMA classes, visit www.teamcurran.com.
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