It is not a discipline; it's a martial art.

It is not a physical activity; it's the exploration of a culture.

It is not simply a sport, self-defense training, a form of self-care or a development facilitator; it's Taekwondo.

Kirk Wolfe is not an instructor; he's a master.

"Taekwondo is a Korean term for hands, feet and the way," said Wolfe. "It's a way to use your hands and feet for combat and to defend yourself. People who come are going to learn the language. They're going to learn Korean and a little bit of the culture too."

Wolfe, a part-time officer with the Strasburg Police Department and a member of the Warwick School District's board of education, is heading one of the Lititz recCenter's newest programs, Taekwondo. Those Wolfe-led Taekwondo classes are conducted at the Lititz recCenter, 301 Maple St., every Monday and Wednesday night - from 6:15 to 7:05 p.m. for junior warriors between the ages of 5 and 9 and from 7:15 to 8:05 p.m. for master warriors from age 10 through adults.

There are costs involved with taking the classes.

"We're going to learn the art of Taekwondo as taught by teachers and how it was handed down," said Wolfe. "We'll learn discipline, especially for children. It helps children have a disciplined life and teaches them how to deal with stressful situations. It's about being able to defend yourself as well. They're important skills to have if you ever need them. If you practice Taekwondo enough, when something happens it just comes out naturally."

As a way of introducing the new Taekowndo classes to the community, the Lititz recCenter is hosting a free open house from 6:15 to 7:05 p.m. on Wednesday, May 27. Wolfe will be present to answer questions and provide demonstrations, and refreshments and snacks will be served.

"Taekwondo can help with self-confidence," said Wolfe. "I see people who are bashful and held back, and they can be really good leaders. They'll get limber and learn the ability to stretch. I think it's going to build core strength. Flexibility is important, especially when you get to an older age. It's also a good complement to other sports."

Wolfe's typical Taekwondo classes consist of stretching, basic movements, kicking and punching stations, games, weapons training and optional sparring.

"There's a lot of respect shown in classes, and we hope that respect carries over," said Wolfe, a resident of Brickerville. "People will bow in as respect to the teacher and others. If students show an affinity for it, we ask them to instruct so they can help me in class."

Lititz recCenter began its Wolfe-led Taekwondo classes in April. If Wolfe's commitment is any indication, the future of the program is bright.

"I was in the right place at the right time, and I stepped up," said Wolfe. "My goal is to build a lasting program from the ground up, maybe even get people to compete on the local and state levels. I'm not going anywhere. I think the need is there. I think there are a lot of people interested in the martial arts.

"I'm hoping to reach students who aren't involved in a lot of other things," added Wolfe. "I'm hoping they're people who want to be active and who want to invest in themselves and better themselves. Physical activity is important to your mental health. It changes your outlook on things."

Wolfe was initially introduced to Taekwondo at the Lititz recCenter decades ago when he was a teenager in the Warwick School District. Now a fifth Dan in Taekwondo, Wolfe has been the director of martial arts at Spooky Nook Sports and an instructor for the United States Air Force Law Enforcement Academy.

"I taught in the military, and Taekwondo has just been such a huge part of my life," said Wolfe. "I like the discipline and the regularity of going to class. This is something you can do through the entire year. It's something that really helps me focus. It gives people another outlet to focus on.

"I don't know that people really know about it unless you have a teacher like I did," concluded Wolfe. "I want to pass on my knowledge. I'm looking for someone to take my place."

For additional information, go to https://lititzrec.com/disciplines-programs.