South Campus offers a way to learn culture and respect through the martial arts club that meets Mondays and Wednesdays during fall and spring semesters.

Larry LaLanne, center for academic success instructional associate, has taught martial arts for four years on South and has studied it for 30 years.

He holds a fifth-degree black belt in taekwondo and hapkido.

“The majority of the students who get involved in martial arts want to improve in life,” he said. “In the class we teach taekwondo, which is a Korean art of kicking and punching; Hapkido, which involves joint locks and throws; and judo, which is similar to wrestling.”

Anyone attending for the first time, LaLanne would like to interview first. His goal is to produce quality students.

“They will learn respect and honor to brisk through the martial arts ranks,” he said. “We let them know in the interview that it will take time and sweat to meet their goals. Self-discipline, self-confidence and self-respect are a few of the qualities they will learn in martial arts.”

Each semester, about 10-30 students participate. Those interested in learning more can contact LaLanne at 817-515-4258.

—Missy Irvin