Approximately 12 students are participating in an exciting six-week introductory course in Karate.
Lessons are given by McCoy’s Action Karate every Monday after school. Two instructors provide
lessons for all interested 5th and 6th grade students who learn fundamental mental and physical
skills of karate.

     Paul and Anne McCoy are the owners and instructors who provided their instruction time free of
charge to Oxford Middle School. They both hold black belts. All 5th and 6th graders participated
in an introductory Karate course held during two assemblies. Students will be participating in taking
their “stripe” test. This test involved both mental and physical activities.

     Students also had requirements to fulfill for the month such as displaying “responsible behavior at
home” and “responsible behavior and passing grades at school” just to name a couple. An exciting
graduation ceremony will take place some time in June at McCoy’s Action Karate in Auburn.

     According to Mr. McCoy the school teaches students to be “responsible and make the right choices”
when confronted with bullies and other trials of everyday life. Respect plays a major role in karate
class as students are always expected to respond respectfully and confidently to their instructors.
Mr. McCoy believes that a positive, respectful attitude increases a child’s academic performance.
He believes that attitude today plays the largest part to any student’s success. Being able to
“stand up, handle, and resist danger” are essential. Karate gives students the skills to defend
themselves and most of all, to avoid a fight. Mr. McCoy believes that teaching confidence,
perseverance, and attitude are essential components in the training.

     This noncompetitive activity is part of the “Healthy Choices” program at Oxford Middle School.
“Healthy Choices” encourages young people to adopt a healthy lifestyle by using a simple 5-2-1
message: eat 5 or more fruits and vegetables a day, spend 2 hours or less in front of a TV or
computer each day, and engage in 1 hour or more of vigorous physical activity a day.