For Kris Quintana, it’s martial arts – plus manners

The word of the month is manners. That means the Mighty Mites class will sit in a circle and talk about just what that means. “To me, it’s the most important part of the program, ” says Kris Quintana (pictured far back), who is the owner and chief instructor of Kuk Sool Won of Menlo Park located at Burgess Recreation Center.

Kuk Sool Won™ is a systematic study of all of the traditional fighting arts, which together comprise the martial arts history of Korea. “In our martial arts program, your child will improve their confidence, increase their focus, and develop more self-control,” promises Kris.

This is her seventh year in Menlo Park. She currently has about 100 students, age three to over 50. “My adult students say it’s a great stress reliever and way to stay fit.”

As for the kids: “They’re pretty wonderful. That said, I would never have imagined I’d end up teaching kids. They taught me how to teach them.”

Kris started doing martial arts in her 20s and has garnered awards competitively. She landed at Menlo’s Rec Center because it had space. “People tell me I should move and get my own studio, but I like it here,” she says. “It’s a good space and right outside is a place for kids to play. Plus, I like being part of the community.”