Martial arts instructor highlights Career Day

Kim's Black Belt Academy of Huntley was one of the many local businesses asked to present at the Algonquin Westfield Middle School Career Day on April 18.

"It is a great opportunity working with the future leaders of our schools and communities. The accomplishments, achievements, and developing the appropriate attitude through the martial arts provides the chance to learn about ourselves," said Rick Bjorkquist, chief instructor at Kim's Black Belt Academy of Huntley.

"Each student creates their own ability to actualize their true potential."

At 9:20 a.m., a classroom full of eighth-graders are all sitting quietly in their chairs listening intently to the person standing in front. Sound like a fairy tale in today's world?

This was the scene at the Algonquin school's Career Day.

"They had great questions," Bjorkquist said. "It shows that many of them were truly interested in learning about teaching the martial arts, and that it could actually be a career path for any one of them."

Bjorkquist gave presentations and answered questions for two career classes. At the end of each class, the students learned a simple, safe, and practical self-defense technique that anyone can use, regardless of size.

"It is important to realize that traditional martial arts are not what is seen in the popular media these days," Bjorkquist said.

"Those individuals are the elite athletes in a sport martial art. A traditional martial art focuses on the development of each individual student, and a sport martial arts focuses on winning and losing through competition."

For information on how the traditional martial art of Kyuki-Do can facilitate change in one's life, call Kim's Black Belt Academy of Huntley at (847) 669-6030, see the Web site, www.BuildConfidentKids. com., or visit the academy at 10993 Ruth Road in Huntley.