Nitasha ‘Tiger’ Half, a purple belt kick boxer currently staying in Virginia Beach in the U.S., will be offering a six-day introduction to kickboxing course at the Saddle Lake youth centre this month.
Half, who is originally from Saddle Lake, started kickboxing back in May of last year while working as youth case worker.
“I work with behavioral problematic youths between the ages of 13 and 16 years old,” she explained during a phone interview last week. “I took up kickboxing, and it has helped me motivate and encourage my clients to have regular fitness and at the same time to help them feel good about themselves in terms of self-esteem.”
Half is currently a full-time Criminal Justice student, and also works as a patrol officer intern and is a team member of Virginia Beach’s search and rescue. “I graduate with my Associate’s degree in June, and plan on pursuing my Bachelor’s degree after,” explained Half.
Students who sign up for the six-day course will learn how to box and block, and will learn an orthodox fighting stance, hand jabs, hooking and a variety of kick techniques. The kickboxing classes take place on Dec. 22, 23, 27, 28, 29 and 30. Half will offer an hour-long youth introductory class starting at 5 p.m., followed by an hour-long adult introductory class at 6 p.m.
“This program can prepare a person to defend themselves, and will also teach them self-discipline, increase their endurance and strength in a short period of time,” explained Half in regards to what students will take away from the course, in an e-mail to the Journal.
Half said that she plans to continue to compete in kickboxing tournaments. “This sport is my second passion,” she said, adding, “And having said that, I want to share my knowledge and training with people of all ages.”
For more information or to register for the upcoming six-day introductory course to kickboxing, contact Mr. Ali at the Saddle Lake Youth Centre at (780) 726-4170.