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An innovative program at Stuart High School is demonstrating that Traditional Karate and conflict resolution are not only complementary but together they have the power to address issues that young people are faced with today. Stuart High School is a Fairfax County public school.
This year, for the first time, Stuart High is offering students an opportunity to participate in a Traditional Karate school team. Traditional Karate is the original karate as practiced in Japan, an art of self-defense that develops the whole person while benefitting the mental and emotional states. Its ultimate goal is the total development of the human character so that fighting is no longer necessary. The Stuart program is based on the idea that with greater access and experiences to conflict resolution methods, young people can gain the necessary tools to become agents of change. Concepts within conflict resolution—such as peacebuilding, leadership, critical thinking, emotional stability, and mindfulness—are exercised and tested through Traditional Karate training.
The program initiators, George Mason University (GMU) School for Conflict Analysis and Resolution Ph.D. candidate Soolmaz Abooali, a nine-time U.S. National Champion and world medalist in Traditional Karate, and FCPS music teacher and member of the USA Traditional Karate team member Cassandra Haynes, define Traditional Karate as an educational system that, through its practice, enables practitioners to develop quality human assets necessary to become responsible and productive members of society. Subsequently, and in addition to learning self-defense skills, the program’s motto is that life is not defined by natural choices because each individual possesses decision-making abilities.
The Stuart team is a recognized club in Fairfax County, consisting of 30 students of differing gender, religion, backgrounds, ages, and language proficiencies. Currently, the team has a waiting list of interested students who want to participate.
In addition to a practice curriculum, Traditional Karate practitioners at Stuart High are also provided with opportunities to give back to society through meeting with and participating in dialogues with athletes from various sports and cultural backgrounds. In collaboration with SportsUnited (part of the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs) and other partners such as the World Learning Organization, University of Tennessee, GMU, and the Japanese Shotokan Karate Association International, athletes have made several visits to Stuart to work with students. Most notably, groups of sports administrators from Colombia and female martial artists from Tajikistan have watched the Traditional Karate class in action and participated in discussions focusing on teaching, empowerment, leadership, teamwork, emotions, and gender.
Stuart principal Prosperanta Calhoun, Fairfax County’s Conflict Resolution specialist Kristen Woodward, and Danielle Davis from Fairfax County’s Peer Mediation office, have also participated in these programs by sharing their personal and professional experiences.
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Note: For more information, contact Tharon Washington at 703-824-3952 or [email protected].
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