Charles Water's Hwang Karate Studio received a very special invitation from Peter O'Hanolan of Garden City. Peter is a student at Stratford Avenue School Elementary School as well as student at Master Charles Water's Hwang Karate Studio in Williston Park.

Peter asked Ms. Quintano, one of his instructors, to come to his school and teach a class. Ms. Quintano, of Williston Park, is a 2nd Degree Black Belt and a certified instructor.

The topic that the teachers wanted us to emphasize was the importance of self-esteem, the "Don't Bully Me" aspect of the martial arts. Peter's third grade class and his brother Kevin's second grade class joined the event.

Ms. Quintano, with the help of Peter O'Hanolan, surprised these second and third graders when they learned that the martial arts are not all about punching and kicking. Martial arts is about having the confidence to say no, the confidence to walk away and the discipline to believe in yourself. Yes, a student that trains in our martial art can protect and defend themselves, however that is something you know, not something you boast about.

Special thanks from Hwang Karate Studio to Peter O'Hanolon, Mrs. Priest and Mrs. Eshmann for setting this up. The studio says these workshops are designed to instill character development, and give children the tools they need to achieve their goals.

Charles Water and the school's instructors teach classes to all age groups with no fee involved. This is one of the ways, according to Cheryl Water, that the school has an opportunity to give something to the communities that have supported their efforts for over 11 years. Workshops available include: stranger danger, bully awareness, self-defense, goal training, and the power of positive thinking.