|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
University of St.Thomas Students Help Young People Improve Grades
2/6/2009
 University of St. Thomas Jujitsu Club and adult students from TNT Jujitsu Center gathered with the youth and teen students from TNT for a special event on
Jan. 24. Instead of practicing martial arts, the teens and youths came equipped with their school books and homework to get help in math, history, reading and sciences. Everyone came together for the TNT Jujitsu Study Party which is open to anyone requiring help with their school work and academics.
The teen and youth students at TNT Jujitsu were as diverse as their tutors: there were children from English and Spanish-speaking households paired with undergraduate students, technical writers, chemical engineers, doctoral students and members of law enforcement.
UST Freshman Phillip MacArthur tutored a young man in mathematics. “I feel that he really wanted to understand how a certain problem worked, but hadn't previously had enough explanation. I'm pleased to know that I was able to give him the extra explanation, and help him.”
Laura Laidlaw, a UST Mathematics Department administrative assistant, said youngsters’ reaction to receiving help: “Now they know that there are people outside their school and home who care about their well-being, and we know that we are making a difference in someone’s life.”
The students really seemed to enjoy the event. Jennifer, an 8th-grader, said, “I liked the Study Party because it helped me understand things [in school] that I was having trouble with.”
Sensei James Jackson is the assistant instructor at TNT Jujitsu and a 2007 graduate of UST. “One of the primary goals of TNT Jujitsu is to touch people’s lives and help everyone associated with the school understand the true nature and value of traditional martial arts,” said Jackson. “An event like the Study Party allows adults to help young people be more compassionate and disciplined human beings and positively contribute to the community by improving their grades and their confidence. In this event, both groups are left empowered.”
TNT Jujitsu emphasizes more than martial arts and self-defense; the school also focuses on all students leading a life with more focus, compassion and discipline. “Academics and conduct are a big part of the discipline component for youth and teens. “They are not allowed to receive their next belt ranking if they have poor grades or conduct problems,” said Jackson.
The UST Martial Arts Club is very active on campus. They offer ladies training courses, and practice many forms of traditional Japanese jujitsu at an off campus location.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
