SCPA Martial Arts is one of the few Martial Arts Programs offered for Physical Education credit in middle or high school here in California.  It is a special and unique program.

PROGRAM HISTORY

SCPA teacher and martial artist Jim Sullivan founded the Program in the early 1990’s.  Back in 1991, Mr. Sullivan organized an after-school program for teaching the Korean martial art of Taekwon-do. Right away the program attracted a large number of SCPA students who were interested in learning self-defense.  With this kind of response, then acting Principal Florence Johnson saw the need to incorporate Teakwon-do into the regular PE program and in 1992 one section of Taekwon-do was offered at SCPA. The class had over 45 students enrolled and the following year another section was added.  From the small group of SCPA students who met one day a week after-school, the program quickly grew to be a regular offering at SCPA with beginning, intermediate and advanced class offerings.  Currently. There are 7 sections of Martial Arts offered at SCPA that provides martial arts instruction to over 250 SCPA students. 

PROGRAM OVERVIEW. 

The main goal of the SCPA Martial Arts Program is to introduce SCPA students to the benefits a well-structured Martial Arts Program can have in personal fitness and self-defense. In addition, hopefully create “lifelong” learners of martial arts. Ultimately, students will improve overall health and level of fitness in a non-traditional Physical Education environment

    The Program uses techniques from a variety of martial arts styles along with techniques current sports and fitness training.  The core art taught in the SCPA Martial Arts Program is Taekwon-do, or the “Art of Hand and Foot Fighting”.  Taekwon-do was introduced in to the United States in the mid-50’s and is one of the most popular martial arts systems in the world.  The key characteristic of this art, which makes it different from other martial arts, is the emphasis on powerful kicks especially to the upper torso and head.  In addition, lethal open hand strikes to vial body areas.  Concepts from other martial arts: Kung-Fu, Kickboxing, boxing, Jiu-jitsu, Kali and Karate are also incorporated in the Program.  The Program incorporates a belt rank system divided into: Beginning (White/Yellow), Intermediate (Blue-Red) Advanced Novice Black/Black.  See Belt Promotion Requirements Section for specifics on each rank.  In addition, all SCPA Martial Arts students are encouraged to train outside SCPA in the style of martial arts they enjoy the most.  We are fortunate to live in a city where the diversity of martial arts has something to offer everyone. We want SCPA to be the beginning of a martial arts journey that will last a lifetime.