Charles Waters' Karate and Fitness at 122 Hillside Ave. in Williston Park received a very special invitation from Samara Nelson of Bellmore. Samara, a student at Charles Waters' Karate and Fitness invited her karate teacher to meet her second grade teacher.

Samara asked Ms. Quintano, one of her instructors, to come to her school and teach a class. Ms. Quintano, of Williston Park, is a Third Degree Black Belt and a certified instructor.

The topics that the teachers wanted emphasized were the importance of self-esteem, showing respect to others, and how to increase listening skills.

Ms. Quintano, with the help of Samara, surprised these second graders when they learned that the martial arts are not all about punching and kicking. The martial arts are about having the confidence to say no, the confidence to walk away, and the discipline to believe in yourself.

Special thanks to Samara Nelson for the invitation and to Mrs. Kishner for inviting Charles Waters' Karate and Fitness into the classroom. The goal of these workshops is to instill character development, and give children the tools they need to achieve their own goals.

Charles Water and the school's instructors are available to teach classes to all age groups. Those schools and organizations interested in having Water come in and do a workshop can call Cheryl Water for further information at 742-1770. There is no fee involved. This is one of the ways the school has an opportunity to give something to the communities that have supported their efforts for over 14 years. Workshops available include: stranger danger, bully awareness, self-defense, goal training, and the power of positive thinking.