Mount Vernon Optic-Herald

As part of their writing lessons at Saltillo Elementary, Mrs. Lawrence’s Fourth Grade Class was able to participate in a martial arts seminar led by Saltillo Music teacher and Tae Kwon Do instructor Daron Bilyeu.  Mr. Bilyeu is a Second Degree Black Belt and co-owner of Sulphur Springs ATA Martial Arts.  Mr. Bilyeu demonstrated his State Championship winning sword form as well as other weapons of his art.  He then showed some basic self-defense and instructed on how to escape a potential abductor. Finally, Mr. Bilyeu demonstrated parts of the ATA Child Safety Program “Kidz ‘N Power,” teaching how to stay safe during the summer schedule. The students were then instructed to write an informative paper about the assignment.  (Optic Photo ’09)