Students in Rossland have been learning to kickbox over the last two weeks.
The gym at Rossland Summit School (RSS) has looked more like a training dojo over the past couple of weeks as students in Grades 7-10 have been learning to kickbox during gym class. Mike Vanness, vice principal, and Bryar Wood, a teacher of late French Immersion at RSS, have been teaching the kids how to deliver controlled punches and kicks, using equipment borrowed — focus mitts for punching, and shields and Muay Thai pads for kicking — from Stanley Humphries Secondary School.
Vanness said the students have shown noticeable improvement over the two weeks, and they seem to be enjoying themselves. Students are also getting a lot out of the experience.
“It teaches us life skills for the future,” said Brian Chan, a Grade 9 student. “And self defense,” added Sage Stefani, also a Grade 9 student.
Some students found they enjoyed practicing kicks more than punches, and vice versa. “I like kicking a lot better than punching,” said Faith Pappas, a Grade 7 student. “The kicking is pretty fun, but I think the punching can be a little bit funner,” said Shamus McColl, also in Grade 7.
Students wrapped up the kickboxing unit on Friday, but Vanness said they may do additional kickboxing units in the winter and spring.