Cranberry’s Parks & Recreation Department is kicking off 2013 with a new Tae Kwon Do program.

Three eight-week class sessions introducing children ages 5 through 12 to the discipline start in February. The first class is at 6 p.m. Feb. 6 for those registered by Jan. 30.

Each 45-minute session will teach students fundamentals of the Korean martial art.

Tae Kwon Do combines combat techniques, self-defense, sport, exercise and, for more advanced students, meditation and philosophy. For more than 20 years, Tae Kwon Do has been the world’s most popular martial art, according to a news release from the township. It has been an official Olympic event since 2000. 

In Cranberry’s introductory class, the emphasis is on gaining focus, fitness, coordination and a can-do attitude while learning basic kick, punch, strike and blocking moves in a safe environment. 

Students taking the class are required to purchase a $25 uniform at the start of the first session, which will be held in the Senior/Teen Center at the Cranberry Township Municipal Center. 

A $79 program fee for the course—$72 for township residents—is payable at the time of registration. 

Online registration is available at www.cranberrytownship.org/programs starting Jan. 28.

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