Prior to starting his tenure as the principal of Achievement First Amistad High School, experienced education leader Morgan Barth served as the division director for the Connecticut Department of Education’s Turnaround Office. Beyond his work in academics, Morgan Barth founded the Premier Martial Arts Studio, which specializes in children’s and youth classes.

In addition to promoting physical fitness, martial arts courses can help young people develop important interpersonal skills as well as character. Since martial arts programs are highly structured, students must practice patience and persistence as they learn and perfect fighting techniques. Most martial art styles emphasize that progression takes time and everyone develops at their own pace.

For this reason, students are willing to work toward their goals, while acknowledging that others will advance at different rates of progress. As students develop their skills and are recognized for their improved ability, they build confidence. Further, students are encouraged to respect their teachers and be supportive of their classmates.