Overbey enjoys teaching his sport to others

Whether flipping hamburgers at McDonald's or simply mowing the yard, most typical teenagers don't enjoy going to work.

Doug Overbey, apparently, is not a typical teenager.

The 18-year-old Notre Dame Regional High School senior loves his job as a karate instructor at Tracy's Kenpo Karate Studio in Cape Girardeau. He teaches six weekly group classes for all ages, and while the task is occasionally difficult, Overbey delights in sharing his talent with the students.

"The kids can be a handful," he said. "But it's a great job and a great experience."

Overbey also teaches individual classes during his 12-hour weeks. His students range from 6 to 60, but he said teaching adults how to fight isn't as awkward as it sounds.

"I felt uncomfortable at first," he said. "But they're all good people. I'm teaching them what to do, and don't smart off like the kids do sometimes. We have fun in there."

Overbey began teaching at 16 after four years of learning techniques and different types of karate at Tracy's.

"It was just another activity to do," he said. "It was mainly for self-defense, but it was also just something to keep me active and to sharpen athletic abilities.

"I was totally envious of everyone's skills at first, but I guess somewhere along the line I got good. It's been cool going from student to instructor and being able to correct mistakes."

While he rarely competes in tournaments, Overbey still practices half an hour every week with another instructor in pursuit of a higher degree of black belt. In the few competitions he has entered, however, Overbey has placed near the top of the standings. He hopes to continue that when he competes March 27 in the Cape Girardeau Karate Classic.

On top of the physical benefits of martial arts, Overbey also has gained experience in interacting with both the old and young. He enjoys the opportunity to teach a sport in which he excels while meeting new people and keeping them under control.

"The main thing I got out of it was discipline," he said, "and that's still one of the main things we focus on and teach to the students, especially the younger ones. Obviously they can't do whatever they want; we tell them what to do. It's a pretty controlled environment.

"Another great thing I get out of it is communication skills and how to deal with people in the most effective way. You can't be completely mean like a drill sergeant, but at the same time you can't be too relaxed and not get the job done."

Overbey plans to remain active in karate beyond high school.

"I want to keep working with it through college and even after college," he said. "I think the kids definitely look up to me, and it's great being able to help them out and help them move on to higher levels. It's an awesome job."