Pam Belgarde This is Me

 Web References

1. 1. Diabetes Program

   www.indianhealth.com/DiabetesP - [Cached]

   Published on: 2/23/2007   Last Visited: 3/25/2008

   Pam Belgarde is the Physical Activity Specialist at Indian Health Council, Inc. Pam conducts exercise classes on the local reservations and promotes fitness.

2. 2. www.indiancountry.com

   www.indiancountry.com/content. - [Cached]

   Published on: 6/20/2007   Last Visited: 1/29/2008

   PALA, Calif. - When the tiny tots enter Pam Belgarde's tae kwon do class, they are full of laughter and energy, and ready for play.
   
   But when Belgarde, Chippewa, makes a motion to start class, the students, ages 4 - 6, settle down as they try to focus on her instruction. She teaches the Korean martial art to two classes twice a week, and recently added an adult class.
   ...
   Belgarde, physical activities specialist for Rincon Indian Health Council Inc. in Valley Center, is always on the lookout for creative ways to involve Native people in fitness activities.
   
   She has a black belt in tae kwon do, and in January was asked by IHC and the Pala Fitness Center if she was willing to teach tae kwon do after work.
   
   Fueled by her own passion for fitness, Belgarde took on the challenge.
   
   "Indian country really struggles with obesity, diabetes and heart disease, so this is part of a prevention program," she said.
   ...
   Belgarde said that the principles of tae kwon do also parallel widely held Native beliefs. For example, all students must memorize the tenets of tae kwon do: courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control and indomitable spirit.
   
   "It's not just about kicking butt, it's really about kicking butt in life," she said. "I hope that I am not just teaching them physically, but emotionally, mentally and spiritually as well."
   
   At the end of each of her classes, she has the students engage in a highly aerobic activity, which she calls "camouflage fitness."
   ...
   Belgarde, 46, got her start in tae kwon do in 1979 while living in North Dakota, and earned her black belt in 1987 under Grandmaster Moo Yong Yun.

3. 3. IHC Newsletter

   www.indianhealth.com/IHCNewsle - [Cached]

   Published on: 4/1/2007   Last Visited: 1/29/2008

   Pam Belgarde's young Tae Kwon Do students will be testing to achieve their first (yellow) belt in April. "We plan to use this event as an opportunity for a cultural exchange," Pam relates, saying she is planning to have a Grand Master and advanced students from L.A. present a demonstration for the community, and to have birdsingers and dancers demonstrate their traditions. "It should be exciting," she promises. "We want to reciprocate and share the best of our cultures."
   
   KIDS GET A KICK FROM TAE KWON DO
   
   Tae Kwon Do is not just a sport; it's a way of life. Today, many of our area youth are learning this ancient Korean martial art at the Pala Fitness Center, taught by IHC's Physical Activity Specialist Pam Belgarde; herself a black belt.
   ...
   "We invite all youth to attend," Pam says, noting that classes are just $5 per session. For information, please contact Pam at ext. 5263 or call the Pala Fitness Center at 891-3504.