You have seen Jet Li beat the bad guys senseless with flying kicks, battle cries and mighty chops, but, you may ask, how can these acts of violence teach your child anything worthwhile? Martial Arts are much more than what you see on TV; the training is actually based on non-violence. Martial Arts can teach your child responsibility, patience, self-control and respect.

If you're ready to try Martial Arts out, look no further. The M.A.C. hosts a Martial Arts after-school program every Thursday from 3:45 to 4:45 p.m. Members can join anytime. An additional class may be added from 4:45 to 5:45 p.m., depending on interest.

Instructor Dan Moriarty, a sixth degree black belt, uses a unique character development process called, Mountain Thinking, to teach kids the skills necessary to succeed in life. A former physical education teacher, Moriarty has taught more than 20,000 students in the St. Louis Public Schools. His high-quality instruction includes parent meetings, belt ranking, one-on-one attention, written exercises and a board breaking ceremony on performance day.

Help your child learn the tools that are needed to succeed in all areas of life. The Martial Arts classes are $80 a month and held in West's Fitness Room once a week. For more information or to sign up, please call Instructor Moriarty at 314-280-9850.

Instructor Dan Moriarty: Founder of Martial Arts Connections and Moving with Character
• Parkway School District Elementary Physical Education Teacher, 10 years
• 20,000 students trained in Moving with Character programs
• 32-year veteran of Martial Arts: Jeet Kune Do, Kali, (Filipino Martial Art) Boxing, kickboxing, Wing Chun, Jiu-jitsu, Chuan Fa, and Grappling 26-year self-defense expert and trainer
• 24 year Jeet Kune do Instructor (Bruce Lees Concepts)
• Sixth degree black belt, 14 certified black belts