By Cheri Carpenter
Karate has great physical benefits for your body, but it also has many other benefits. Karate teaches discipline, focus, respect, and self-confidence.
Zack Burns credits martial arts as being the only thing that helped him focus as a kid. Zack, now a Grand Master, started New World Karate (NWK) when he was just 17 years old, and his passion for martial arts is obvious. He shared his love of the sport with Penny and Corey Derenzy, husband and wife, who started as Zack’s students six years ago. They have now begun teaching at NWK.
At 50 years old, Penny was diagnosed with early onset Parkinson’s and turned to Karate as a way to slow its progression.
“I messaged Master Zack and said, I’m 50 years old, I have Parkinsons, are you willing to take me on as a student? And he said yes.” Corey came along for the ride as her support system, and they’ve never looked back.
“It (karate) changes your life on the mats and off the mats” says Corey. Both are now black belts, but more importantly, they have become part of a family. The students they teach have become an important part of their lives.
Luke Rombach (14) started taking classes at NWK seven years ago and is now a black belt as well.
“He’s got kicks you wouldn’t believe!” said Penny. Luke, an incredibly polite and respectful young man, enjoys teaching some of the younger students and plans to continue teaching as he grows.
NWK has recently become a non-profit and is hoping to raise funds to help people who want to learn Karate, but don’t have the financial resources to pay for classes, uniforms, or tournaments. They are currently looking for sponsors and have some fundraisers planned for the near future.
They are looking for sponsors to make sure everyone has a chance to try it. If someone can’t afford to come to all the classes, they will try to help cover the cost.
NWK is hosting a free Self Defense Class on Sun., May 4 at 4 p.m. at the NWK Dojo, located at 5897 Rosemary Lane in Grayling. The class is more suitable for ages 13 and up, but everyone is welcome.
Additionally, NWK is interested in reaching out to other martial artists in the surrounding communities to collaborate on events and classes in the future.
If you would like more information about classes, collaborating, or becoming a sponsor, contact Penny at 989-390-0202, nwkgrayling@gmail.com or visit www.team-nwk.com.
