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Volume 40, Issue 14
May 6, 2003
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May 6, 2003
Afro-Asiatic technique
By Susana
Santa Cruz
Mesa Legend
Martial arts is more than
just punching and kicking butt, it is the art of learning how to fight
with the power of your mind. Donovan Lamar an MCC martial arts teacher
teaches a class called Afro-Asiatic Indonesian and Southern Style which
is made up of a ‘big multicultural mix,” said Lamar. The name
of the style itself is to, “Give respect to the different cultures
that are taught in it.”
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PHOTO
BY MATT REED/
MESA LEGEND |
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Instructor Donovan Lamar with student
Lico Rodriguez.
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Donovan Lamar has been practicing martial
arts for over 20 years after being introduced to it by Master Philip H.
Selmon. Lamar credits Selmon for teaching him the science of martial arts.
Lamar focuses on a traditional way of teaching the class. It does not
focus on tournaments, and even though self-defense techniques are taught,
the class teaches Southern styles of Tai Chi Gung Fu martial and healing
arts as well as breathing exercises and wellness education.
“It is designed to challenge the thought process,” said Lamar,
and helps the “mind and body function as one unit.”
Oliver Fields a student of Lamar’s said, “I play soccer, so
the class helps me control my breathing and develop my speed.”
This is a “lifetime routine,” said Shae Ali a student. “It’s
just not a movement class, there is breathing and meditation. It helps
deal with stress health” and “I plan on going all the way with
it.”
Hollywood tends to portray martial arts as tough, quick rapid kicks and
movements but in reality it is an art of leaning how to do the opposite
and defeat with your mind.
The Afro-Asiatic Indonesian and Southern Style class is a “Total
package,” said Lamar. It teaches moves designed specifically to protect
the body from not only physical problems but from illness and stress as
well.
The class has had a great response from students.“I didn’t know
what this class was about but now I plan on taking more classes,”said
Emily Meimke.
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