Blackwater Community Center Offers New Martial Arts Training Program

A new martial arts school has started at the Blackwater Community Center. Instructors Mark and Wendy Jones have a combined 80 years of training in various martial arts such as traditional Shaolin Kung Fu, Southern Hung Gar Kung Fu, Wing Chun and Qi Gong. They also studied Karate, Judo, traditional Japanese Jujitsu and self-defense.

Mark is an 8th degree black belt in the “Sigung” (style head) of White Dove Kung Fu.

Wendy is a 4th degree Black belt and a full instructor in White Dove Kung Fu. In addition, their son, Chas Jones is a black belt instructor in the school. Chas started his training at the age of 8 some 40 years ago.

Both Mark and Wendy are Keichu Black Belt Hall of Fame members and they have been ranked members of the United States Karate Alliance.

Wendy served the United Methodist Church as the Administrative

Assistant to the Baton Rouge District Superintendent and also served at the Louisiana United Methodist Conference office.

In 1984-1985, Mark worked on the security team for the musical artist Prince during his Purple Rain Tour, along with some of his fellow Kung Fu practitioners.

Mark is a ministry assistant at Blackwater Unted Methodist Church. All of their instructions are in a Christian atmosphere. Mark is a former recipient of the “William T. May” award. This award is given to businessmen of high moral and ethical standards by the Louisiana Moral and Civic Foundation at the Governor’s Prayer Breakfast. 

For more information about the Martial Arts programs, email sigungwhitedovekungfu@gmail.com or just come by during class times.

The newly-remodeled Blackwater Community Center at 10000 Blackwater Road will host a variety of activities for Central and surrounding communities.

During the day, it will have a large homeschool and after school care program with many activities for children. In the evenings, there is volleyball league on Wednesdays and Sundays and Martial Arts every Monday and Thursday. There is also a Qi-Gong (Chinese therapy) class on Wednesday nights in the Blackwater Fellowship Hall at no charge. There will also be basketball, baseball and pickle ball.

It is said that the most wonderful journeys begin with one step. Mark and Wendy invite you to step into The Blackwater Center and begin your journey! For more information, call Blackwater United Methodist Church at 225-261-4646.