CLEVELAND -- A local school is teaching its students martial arts, and teachers believe it contributes to better discipline and focus in the classroom, reported NewsChannel5's Tonya Strong.

The International Preparatory School, a charter school serving inner city students from Cleveland, is blending music with martial arts for a different approach to physical education.

"This is actually gym class … what we do here is allow every student to participate to build their respect and courtesy for one another," said principal Dr. Alvin Fulton.

Master Won Chun is a Tae Kwon Do instructor who has martial arts programs in place for individuals and families.

Chun believes that incorporating Tae Kwon Do into the curriculum emphasizes a disciplined life, a valuable lesson for students.

"We try to remind them that you are not just a Tae Kwon Do student part time -- once you are a Tae Kwon Do student, you're always a Tae Kwon Do student," said Chun.

The beating of the drums adds music to the program, another aspect of how the school is addressing culture.

Dwayne Kelly, 16, is a promising student, now realizing an opportunity to travel abroad as part of an educational exchange. This is a big turnaround for a student who says he didn't care much for school in the past.

"Before, I just had no self-esteem, but when I came to Tae Kwon Do, it helped me out a little bit," said Kelly.