On three evenings each week, six-year-old Brandon Chen practically runs down to his school, PS/IS 217, to attend his karate class. "My mother and sister want me to learn so I can save my family," he says, his eyes shining with the pride of one who knows he is doing something right.

Brandon's teacher, Jesse Acevedo, would be happy to hear this. He, too, believes that karate is all about self-worth and motivation. "Karate creates a positive attitude and what they learn in my class is what they take out to school, to the world outside," says Jesse, the forty-five-year-old modern sensei, or teacher of martial arts, at the Beacon Program.

Jesse has become something of a hero for the students he teaches. "It is one of the most popular classes and Jesse has over ninety per cent attendance," says Hasan Wazani, the Director of the Beacon Program at the school. "He is an experienced instructor who is a great disciplinarian and has the gift of communication. He understands children and his enthusiasm for martial arts has trickled down to them."

Acevedo holds classes for beginners, intermediate and advanced-level students, who are split up into three classes of about fifty each. Watching the class in progress is a great experience. Jesse whistles loudly to get the children's attention and then gives instructions at the top of his voice. They listen with furrowed brows, their bodies poised to perform, their faces taut with concentration. They kick and chop the air, ready to save themselves from their imagined attackers.

By day, Acevedo works as a Supervisor for the New York Housing Department, but every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evening he dons his blue robe, ties a black belt around his waist and teaches children how to trip their opponents using defense techniques. "I've been learning martial arts since I was fifteen years old, and I've been teaching at the Beacon schools since 1979. The glow in the children's eyes and the parental support I get is what drives me to be here. I know that I am getting the best out of them. Kids love to show and tell, and karate helps them realize their abilities," says Jesse. "I have to handle their sensitivities. I have to be careful when I praise or correct someone. If a child makes a mistake and others laugh at him or her, they get hurt. I have to make sure that they feel encouraged but not at the cost of their peers."

Acevedo holds initiative sessions for the children, asking them to discuss what they did without having been told to do it. "These sessions help them get fired up and they feel proud of themselves," he explains. "I look at their report cards and tell them how good they are and where they need to improve. I know all my students' names and discuss their achievements with their parents. I want them to feel that I am their friend and mentor, not just a coach," says Jesse.

He has probably been successful at that, for several parents appreciate his efforts. Marylynn Kalevich, whose 7-year-old son Daniel attends the class, says, "Jesse has a strong presence. He teaches the kids that it is a privilege to be here. Some of the worst-behaved kids are here and they are like putty in his hands. He has created a child's army in this room - disciplined and well-trained. We should have him in the lunchroom."

The students have different reasons for being in the class. Avery Estevez, a perky six-year-old girl, says, "The class is so, so fun. I love it." Romance Barber, an eight-year-old boy, says, "People used to beat me up but, now that I am learning karate, I can defend myself." His friend, Manuel Agramonte, nods in agreement, saying, "I have already defended myself four times." Eleven-year-old Mobada Kabadi says that she is taking the class because she is interested in karate and wants to be able to save herself.

"I am teaching the children that they should be strong. They should think strong. That does not mean that they have to attack people. They should simply be able to protect themselves," declares Jesse.