THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, August 26, 1994 TAG: 9408240155
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 3B EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY PAM STARR, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 82 lines
Students from Wind & Sea Taekwondo gave new meaning to activity hour at an assisted living facility when they kicked, punched and broke boards during a spirited karate demonstration last week.
A typical scheduled activity in Kings Grant House might consist of arts and crafts, a musical performance or a sing-along. But karate?
``We never had a karate demonstration before,'' said activities director Teresa Hagins. ``But we thought it would be something different for the residents. They really liked it.''
The demonstration came about because two young brothers wanted to do something special for their grandfather, Bennett Salasky, who practiced optometry in Norfolk for 65 years. Salasky, who will admit to being over 90, lived with Daniel and Andrew Siegel and their parents, Kenneth and Marilyn Siegel, until he moved into Kings Grant House a few months ago.
Both boys have been students of tae kwon do for a couple of years and approached their instructor, John Schwaebler, about holding a karate demonstration.
``I thought it would be fun for the residents to watch us break boards,'' said Daniel, 11, who is testing for his black belt this month.
``I thought it would be stimulating,'' added Andrew, 8, a red belt. Both boys are students at Baylake Pines. ``He (Salasky) likes it here - we thought it would be nice.''
Schwaebler said that he thought it was a great idea after talking with the boys. ``One thing they're taught in the class is respect for seniors,'' he said. ``The older people love children. This is giving back to the community.''
On the day of the demonstration, the residents couldn't help but enjoy watching youthful energy in action. Fifteen of the facility's 39 residents, most of them in wheelchairs, waited patiently in the dining room for the students to begin. Salasky sat as close to the action as possible, attired in a gray sportcoat and brown suede hat.
After the students lined up and recited the oath, Schwaebler called pairs to the front to perform the various katas, or poomses as they are known in Korea. A poomse is a pre-arranged scenario of forms, and each colored belt has a different one that students are required to learn and master before testing for the next level.
The residents oohed and aahed as the children expertly kicked and punched their way through the poomses. Then Schwaebler called Daniel up to free spar with another student, Craig Roberts. Mouthpieces in place, the two boys punched and kicked at each other quickly, narrowly missing their targets - until they both decided to perform the same kick. Marilyn Siegel gasped in horror when she saw their feet collide and heard the ``thwack!''
``Oh, I can never watch this,'' said Siegel, shielding her face.
The boys stopped, asked each other if he was all right, apologized and then resumed sparring.
Next came the board-breaking. After Andrew broke a board clean through with a step side kick, Daniel demonstrated a jump side kick. One of the students crouched down on the floor right in front of the board, which was held by assistant instructor Todd Megenity. Daniel positioned himself at the far end of the room. He took off with lightning-quick speed and sailed through the air, missing the student and cleanly striking the board clear through.
The delighted residents cheered and clapped. After the demonstration, Salasky rose from his chair and addressed the gathering.
``This is a very special time for me,'' said Salasky. ``I saw the Japanese almost take over the world, but after watching these boys I feel safe now!''
Everyone laughed and his two grandsons came over for hugs and conversation. Marilyn Siegel watched the loving interaction between the two generations and smiled.
``As corny as it sounds, my husband and I really believe if you're given many gifts, it's your responsibility to give back,'' said Siegel. ``That's what we've tried to instill in our sons. I'm so proud of them - they have good hearts.'' ILLUSTRATION: Photo by PETER D. SUNDBERG
Craig Roberts, left, and Daniel Siegel put on a karate demonstration
for Kings Grant House residents.
by CNB