Page 25 - Martial Science Magazine April 2017

“Tayari Casel Martial Arts Academy is its

dedication to community development,

health, self defense and well being in all

areas: Physically, Mentally, Spiritually

and Financially.”

What are the main activities of the with the District of Columbia Govern-
Tayari Casel Martial Arts Academy, INC? ment’s Department of Human Services
at group homes for youth involved in
Whenever I am asked about my the juvenile justice system. In addition,
work….. I always say one of the stron- I worked as a consultant to CASA Com-
gest aspects of the Tayari Casel Mar- munity Health (Baltimore), a national
tial Arts Academy is its dedication to prevention project focused on public
community development, health, self housing developments funded by the
defense and well being in all areas: National Center on Addiction and Sub-
Physically, Mentally, Spiritually stance Abuse (CASA) at Columbia Uni-
and Financially. Isn’t that what versity. Working with those young peo-
we Need to survive as a peo- ple was truly gratifying…They showed
ple? Yes for sure! So I, with that with dedicated support they could
so many wonderful students demonstrate their best and achieve
have contributed to our com- more than what was expected of them.
munities’ growth for many I was so happy to be part of their lives
years. As an instructor and and their progressive positive devel-
guest speaker at several ele- opment! Simultaneously teaching for
mentary and high schools in over 23 years at Howard University’s
the DC /MD/VA metropoli- Early Learning Programs for 3,4,5 year
tan area. For several decades olds I must admit every day is fulfilling.
there has been acknowledge-
ments for my outreach pro- I offer this information because it is
grams. Some people do not what I was taught by my instructors
know that starting in 1991, to do for community. Martial Arts are
I worked as consultant for a supposed to help people. Anyone who
newly formed federal program thinks it is only about kicking and
with the Department of Justice punching miss the true purpose. We
operating with the Department of are supposed to serve others and help
Corrections at the Lorton Prison, them to be better, stronger, wiser and
Correctional Treatment Facilities as kind. My experience in and out of com-
well as half way houses for those re- petition has helped me develop the
leased to the community. Tai Chi and awareness that martial arts and culture
other martial arts life principles for the must be applied as vehicles for physical,
men and women under that program mental and spiritual transformation.
were taught. Following that program
I served as a Primary Substance Abuse You were chosen in 1975 by Chuck Norris
Counselor for another related federal to represent the U.S. in team fights. What
program at a juvenile maximum-se- can you tell us about that?
curity prison. And continued working

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