Dan Barnard of Sturgeon Bay takes time to appreciate the benefits that go along with learning and teaching martial arts.  A black belt in Karate and TaeKwonDo through the Door County YMCA, the 42-year-old Barnard received his Tae Kwon Do belt three years ago, and his Karate black belt back in high school.  Barnard experienced other instructors in college and eventually taught Tae Kwon Do at the YMCA.  He says that martial arts can be a very rewarding achievement.

Barnard says it takes discipline and a high level of technique to advance through the ranks.  He adds that the martial arts help with controlling your body while giving you strength and flexibility.  Plans are for Barnard to organize female self-defense courses in the future in Door County.