This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Arts & Entertainment

Wednesday's Woman: Megan Wood

Snellville resident Megan Wood brings skills and confidence to women and children.

About nine years ago, not long after they were married, Megan Wood and her husband, Micah, were asked to become Karate instructors at their church.  What began as a few seminars for some homeschool groups quickly became a two-night per week gig.

While Micah was skilled in Karate, Megan was just a beginner and learning right along with everyone else. Once she conquered a few belt levels, she began helping out and teaching alongside him.

She received her black belt in April of 2009.

Find out what's happening in Snellvillewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

They currently teach a class called Karate for Christ at a homeschool cooperative and are in their fourth year. They teach it as a physical education course once a
week during the school year.  

“There are always between 16-20 kids in class on average and we have tons of fun together,” said Wood.

Find out what's happening in Snellvillewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The class is offered every Tuesday from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. 

The class is laid back but also very focused. In only a year’s time you can potentially work your way through three belt levels and learn self defense, kicks, strikes and blocks. You can also stick fight once a month.

Part of the program includes memorizing scripture since they have a Christian worldview. 

“We teach that we are learning fitness and self defense,” said Wood. “Not how to go out and attack people.”

Wood also teaches science one day a week in the homeschool cooperative for 3rd through 5th graders.

While she enjoys all aspects of teaching, one of the things she enjoys the most is teaching self-defense classes to women.

“It’s something I think is really, really important,” said Wood, “to be confident, to be able to go somewhere without being scared and knowing there is something you could do if you were ever approached or harassed.”

Wood has done seminars for Girl Scout troops, mother/daughter groups, churches and women’s groups.

“I don’t teach anything complicated, I teach real basic stuff," she said. "We try to teach really useful, really easy things to do."

Wood said the point is not to go look for trouble by doing something like walking through an alley alone, but to not feel limited as if you can’t go out and enjoy life.

“What really makes a difference is thinking about a situation before you get into it," she said, "avoiding a situation before it turns into a problem, and worst case scenario knowing what to do if you actually are confronted and in that situation.”

Another thing Wood does in her spare time for fun and to keep in shape is running. So far, she has run about 8 races.  Her most recent accomplishments include a 10K trail run, the Peachtree Road Race and the Muddy Buddy.

The Muddy Buddy is an obstacle course race that her husband and two daughters were able to participate in as well. Not only does her family run together but the whole family participates in Karate together as well.

“It’s a cool way to have something everyone does in common, said Wood. “ I think it helps keep us close.”

If you are interested in knowing more about Karate for Christ or doing a women’s self defense seminar, call 678-390-0018.

The home school cooperative meets at the Lilburn Alliance Church.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?