TERRORIST ATTACKS More in area have an interest in self-defense instruction

Personal safety has become an issue for everyone, a martial arts instructor says.
By AMANDA C. DAVIS
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
CANFIELD -- His interest in martial arts predates Sept. 11.
But for a Canfield pilot who works out of Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, there was always some reason to put off signing up.
Until now.
The commercial pilot told The Vindicator he has a good reason why he can no longer procrastinate -- his own safety.
Because of company policy of the national airline he works for, he agreed to an interview only if his name was not used.
The 30-something pilot joined Master Park's martial arts studio on state Route 224 in Boardman last week.
"I'm not looking to be a savior as a pilot," he said. "Basically, it's a comfort thing for me and my family."
He starts class next week. Some of his friends who are pilots have also talked of self-defense training in the wake of the Sept.11 attacks.
He said he drove home from Cleveland that day in denial.
Terrorists couldn't have hijacked four planes and crashed them into the World Trade Center towers, the Pentagon and a field south of Pittsburgh, he thought.
The Canfield man said it's strange for him to fly into the New York City area now and see such a big part of the skyline missing.
Enrollment is up: Master Moon S. Park, president and head instructor of Master Park's, said he's seen enrollment increase the last few weeks.
While he can't pinpoint why, one thing he's sure of: personal safety seems to be on everyone's mind.
A.E. Vea, who runs a karate studio on Belmont Avenue in Liberty, said he's seen an increase in enrollment, as well, along with a general curiosity about martial arts in the weeks since the Sept. 11 devastation.
Vea, director and president of the American International Karate Association, said at least 15 people have signed up recently -- an abnormal number in such a short time.
"I hate for something like this to happen in order for people to study martial arts," he said. "But we do need to protect ourselves."
Vea said it's unfortunate that some instructors are trying to capitalize on the public's fears about the attacks.
He noted that some of his students are military reservists who had been training prior to the attacks.
Pat Demko and her husband, Andy, run the Aikido Center on state Route 422 in New Castle, along with their sons, Andrew and Michael.
Pat Demko said many people have approached her and her husband about self-defense, wanting to know how to protect themselves.
Andy Demko said there's been about a 20 percent increase in calls.
"It's unfortunate," he said. "We like to see business increase, but not for these reasons."
The family is offering two, 90-minute classes, accepting only a donation that will be sent to aid the Sept. 11 victims and their families.
Douglas Nybell owns Crystal Dragon in Columbiana, a school that teaches a self-defense discipline called Goshin Jutsu.
Another pilot: He said he hasn't seen an influx in customers looking to protect themselves, but he has instructed a student who is a pilot.
Nybell said the man has expressed concern for his own safety and knows his training could work to his benefit.
One of the planes hijacked Sept. 11 was believed headed for Washington when it crashed south of Pittsburgh, reportedly when a group of passengers tried to overtake terrorists.
Nybell said it's times like these that people realize the importance of being able to physically defend themselves.
"You never know when it will be needed," he said.
davis@vindy.com