Confidence through Karate

Zach Breland's real appreciation for the power of the ancient art of Karate began after he was attacked by a group of kids while riding on the New York City subway.

According to this 15-year-old Fresh Meadows resident, if it hadn't been for his knowledge of Karate, he might have gotten badly hurt that day.

"It was the only time in my life since I've been practicing Karate that I had to use it on somebody," Zach said while at Karate practice Thursday night at the Samuel Field Y in Little Neck. "They were throwing punches at me and it was all I could do to defend myself."

However, Zach says he doesn't advocate using the highly advanced martial art on just anybody.

"I have been practicing Karate for nine years. It is something I do for exercise and it has really helped with my self confidence," he said. "It is good to know that I have it if I'm ever in a situation like I was where fighting is my only option. But it is not something I want to have to use on other people."

Sensei Elyssa Pascarella agrees with that sentiment. "We don't want fighting. My feeling is if you're in a bad situation try to get out of it before things get physical. The more you linger around the worse things are going to be for yourself and the other people involved."

The art of Karate teaches five main components: respect, discipline, partnership, cooperation and, most of all, according to participants at the Y, friendship. "Here in the dojo we are all friends," Pascarella said.

The five students who make up the Thursday night class include Zach, his two younger brothers, Jeremy and Seth, Christopher Seth and Justin Keszthelyn.

They spend 45 minutes listening to their Sensei's instructions and practicing their Kata, a martial art involving a series of choreographed movements.

"I love coming here for Karate," Jeremy said. "I like practicing the movements and it has also helped with my confidence."

All of the boys are Junior Brown Belts, one division lower than a Black Belt.

On Sunday, Nov. 21 they will be showing off their skills at a tournament in Westbury, Long Island.

At the event, the students will perform the different self-defense techniques they have acquired, as well as the correct Kata movements.

"This is something we practice for all year," Pascarella said. "We are all looking forward to it."