Women’s Tae kwon do works for all skill levels, enroll any time Published Aug. 8, 2007 By Sheila Rupp Nucleus Staff KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, New Mexico -- The Youth Center has a new class designed for women that isn't just about fitness; it's also about self-defense and is for all ability levels. The women's tae kwon do and self-defense course gives women the opportunity to begin or improve martial arts skills and learn to defend themselves should the need arise. The class is held Mondays and Wednesdays from 5-6 p.m. and is taught by 4th degree black belt Sharon Suan. "Ms. Suan is a wonderful instructor. She brings great experience and is carrying on a family tradition of practicing and teaching tae kwon do," said Mona Hamilton, youth director of the Youth Center. Ms. Suan's entire family practices the sport. She taught classes with her parents while her father was stationed overseas. Tae kwon do is a martial art and form of self-defense that originated in Korea. Tae kwon do builds strength and stamina and uses the entire body for active characteristic movements, but it does more than build physical strength and fighting skills for those practicing the sport. Tae kwon do involves a discipline that shows ways of enhancing the spirit and lifestyle by training the mind and body together. The sport involves many foot skills, including kicking. Tae kwon do also stresses the importance of unity, including between mind and body and unity in an individual's life. The sport is a form of defense only when it is needed for survival in an extremely antagonistic situation; according to principles of the sport it should never be used as a form of attack. The classes are $45 a month and have been offered since the beginning of July. Ms. Hamilton said that registration can be done at any time because the class is ongoing. There are approximately five students already enrolled in the class. To register for classes, call the Youth Center at 853-5437.