File photo.
A martial arts course for kids will be taught at Emmet O’Neal this October.
Eric Cottingham started studying martial arts at age 14, and at age 32 and as a second degree blackbelt, he is bringing his knowledge to students at Emmet O’Neal Library.
Cottingham, or Sensei Eric, will teach a SNaP Martial Arts program on Oct. 27 from 3:30-4:30 p.m. While Cottingham did not begin officially practicing martial arts until 14, he said he still remembers his first martial arts experience. An instructor visited his elementary school and taught a few basic moves, something Cottingham said stuck with him over the years.
“It [martial arts] was the first thing that gave me real confidence and self-discipline,” he said.
Because he has so many positive associations with martial arts, Cottingham said he hopes to pass that along to students through the SNaP program.
The one-hour program will include time for stretching and brief instruction on some of the basic principles of martial arts. Cottingham plans to include lessons on balance and mindfulness, as well as the note that martial arts is not something to be used to pick a fight.
Martial arts should be used “only to defend yourself or defend someone who can’t defend themselves,” Cottingham said, reiterating the lessons he was taught.
Participants will also learn a few basic positions and take turns doing punch and kick drills as well as target striking with their hands and feet. Cottingham said there is no dress code, but students should wear something that is secure and in which they are comfortable moving.
The martial arts program will be held in the meeting room on the first floor of Emmet O’Neal Library, and it is open to students in third through sixth grade. For more information, go to the library’s website at eolib.org.
