Two words for a life-changing weekend

Pine Forest Camp, Pa. -— The words, “gung ho,” describe not only the theme of the United Martial Arts Centers’ Warrior Weekend from June 4 to 6 at Pine Forest Camp in Pennsylvania, but also the attitude of the 175 students who attended. The annual event wove the practical philosophy of Gung Ho, the business management book by Ken Blanchard and Sheldon Bowles, into two and a half days of intense martial arts training, physical challenges, and special activities for young people. A number of participants added two more words to the description, “life-changing.” Led by the master instructors of the six-location United Martial Arts Centers, students at all levels of experience deepened their knowledge in the elements of the Korean martial art of Taekwondo. Masters Anthony Melella, of Carmel, and Joseph Preria, of Harriman, taught sparring. Masters Edmund Ciarfella and Teresa Ciarfella, of Warwick, led the group in meditation and flexibility training. Master Paul Melella, of Carmel, conducted a seminar for adults imparting mind-body-spirit techniques for living each day with high energy, while Master Chris Berlow, of Briarcliff Manor, led the children through a program combining creativity and teamwork, culminating in a special presentation for cheering adults. Guest Master David Herbert, of New York City, an internationally recognized expert in the art of Hapkido, taught students how to defend against knife attacks. All the masters and instructors worked with students on forms. In addition to teaching martial arts techniques, each seminar helped students to understand the principles made famous by Gung Ho. Organized into teams, adults and children alike discovered the power of teamwork, mutual support, and encouragement through “The Secret of the Squirrel,” “The Way of the Beaver,” and “The Gift of the Goose.” “Taekwondo is about more than punching and kicking,” said Ciarfella, president of the martial arts group. “It’s about being a winner in life.” Dozens of participants of all ages gave heartfelt testimony about their experiences when they gathered around a bonfire on Saturday night. For many of the students and their families, the high point of the weekend was Sunday morning’s black belt graduation, where 75 students demonstrated their mastery of the curriculum and were awarded first, second, and third degree black belts. Advanced students also earned certification as instructors and senior instructors, taking on responsibility to teach and spread the centers’ approach to success in martial arts and in life. For information about classes, visit www.umacenters.com.