RAF Lakenheath offers martial arts classes Published Aug. 7, 2008 By Airman 1st Class Kristopher Levasseur 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs ROYA L AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- The Air Force suggests to many Airmen that the key to maintaining a balanced life is balancing physical, mental and spiritual fitness. One way for Liberty Warriors and their families to do that is to take the Kuk Sool Won martial arts class at the Liberty Fitness Center. The class offered at the fitness center, which is taught by Master Instructor Darren Hart, is a combination of the three traditional branches of Korean martial arts, SahDoh MuSool, BoolKyo MuSool, and KoongJoong MuSool. According to Mr. Hart, the martial arts class has become an important aspect of RAF Lakenheath. "It is a great way to teach discipline to our children and helps improve the physical fitness of everyone who takes the class." Classes are separated into children's and adult's classes. The class days and times are: Tuesday - adults from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday - children from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. and adults from 7:30 to 8:45 p.m. Sunday - children from 5 to 6 p.m. and adults from 6:15 to 7:45 p.m. The martial arts class not only holds three classes a week, but also competes in the European Championship every year. "We took 45 members of our martial arts school to compete against more than 60 other schools in the European Championship," said Mr. Hart. "This was the second year in a row that we placed 1st in the championships." This year, the martial arts class also won the British championships. "The class is a good experience to stay in shape and network with other people," said Nida Lopez, University of Phoenix employee. "I started the class while my husband was deployed because I was new to the base and figured it would be a good thing to get involved in to keep me distracted." The martial arts class has members that range from 5 years old to 50 and teaches a variety of martial arts components including cardio exercise, flexibility exercises, self defense training, weapons training and sparring training. "I think the class is great," said Mrs. Lopez. "The class is full of people from all different age groups and fitness levels. Participating in the class is a great way to represent the base and an awesome activity for the whole family." For more information, call the fitness center at 226-3607.