Where are you from?

Michigan all my life – Plymouth now.

How long have you studied martial arts?

37 years.

Where have you done your martial arts training?

I have trained here, there and everywhere for a workout or a few months. However, the bulk of my training has been with my father at Kicks Taekwondo in Wayne, and through Elite Jiujitsu under Chris Holmes and Chris Blanke.

What other things besides martial arts do you enjoy?

Anything active or adventurous, hanging out with family (especially my grandma) and traveling with my wife.

What is one thing you would say to someone thinking about starting martial arts?

The hardest part is the first physical step onto the mat. Give it a try. Most people find it a positive life changing experience.

What would you say to a parent thinking about signing their child up?

I would say that signing your child up for martial arts arts is one of the best things you can do for them. They become physically fit and healthier, learn self-defense skills, become confident, more focused, and disciplined and while have a ton of fun with their new found buddies.

Where are you from?

I was born in Columbo, Sir Lanka and live in Livonia, Michigan.

How long have you studied martial arts?

27 continuous years. I started in 1993 at the age of ten.

Where have you done your martial arts training?

I started at the Taylor Recreational Center for about a year in 1993-1994, then studied at Kil’s Taekwondo in Farmington, MI until 2003. I have been with Kick’s Tae Kwon Do and Michigan Academy of Taekwondo ever since.

What other things besides martial arts do you enjoy?

Reading, shopping, going to the gym, hiking with my dogs, baking, and spending time with the family.

Do you have a day-job?

I was a school teacher from 2006 to 2014. Since then I have worked as an Educational Consultant at The DBQ Project.

What is one thing you would say to someone thinking about starting martial arts?

It’s a marathon not a sprint! As adults, it’s hard to be a “beginner”.   Be patient with yourself, stay consistent, and enjoy the journey!

What would you say to a parent thinking about signing their child up?

Martial arts classes are one of the best gifts you can give your children; on top of the self defense aspect, they will learn discipline, respect, hard work, humility, as well as gain confidence and the vital leadership skills necessary for life.  I’m so thankful my parents signed me as a child as it’s impacted every area of my life in a positive way. Now as a parent myself, I enjoy watching my daughter’s own skills and confidence grow.  

Where are you from?

I was born in Coleman, TX and live here in Northville.

How long have you studied martial arts?

40 years.

Where have you done your martial arts training?

I started with Universal Taekwondo Brotherhood, under Grand Master Eugene Humesky for 20 years. Then I trained at Kil’s Taekwondo, under Grand Master Sang Sup Kil for 12 years. I worked with Master Dan Vigil when MAT was still “Dan Vigil’s Academy of Taekwondo” for two years and have been here since.

What other things besides martial arts do you enjoy?

I love to spend time with my family first and foremost.  I also love wood working.  I love spending time with friends.  I’m a technology geak….

Do you have a day-job?

I am an Executive Engineer at Electrical/Electronics.

What is one thing you would say to someone thinking about starting martial arts?

I would say that your health should be your number one priority in life.  Without good health it is difficult to focus on other priorities like family, work or school. Practicing martial arts can play a huge part in the journey to good health, both physically and mentally.  For me, it helps bring a good balance to my life by providing the opportunity to de-stress and be active.  It also has the added benefit of defense skills that really work.

What would you say to a parent thinking about signing their child up?

I started Taekwondo when I was 12 years old.  I remember how it developed my self-confidence not just while in Taekwondo class, but also in school and other parts of my life.  I believe that TKD played a pivotal role in my success both academically and professionally by reinforcing principles of self-discipline, being courteous to others, having integrity, building perseverance and encouraging me to never give up while respecting others always.  These are life skills and principles that a good Taekwondo practitioner will acquire.  Much of Martial Arts are about character building in addition the physical art itself.

Where are you from?

I was born in Peoria, IL and have lived in Northville, MI since 1984.

How long have you studied martial arts?

 17 years.

Where have you done your martial arts training?

AoTKD/MAT since it opened in 2005 and a couple years at Chung do Kwan studio in Ypsilanti in 1983.

Do you have a day-job?

I am a happily retired Ford engineer.

What other things besides martial arts do you enjoy?

Running, Biking, Triathlons, working on bikes, camping/hiking, spending time with my family and friends.

What is one thing you would say to someone thinking about starting martial arts?

The first step is the hardest. Coming to the studio for the first time, or taking the first class can seem so intimidating. You are not alone. Martial arts is a journey of self discovery and self actualization.

What would you say to a parent thinking about signing their child up?

Martial arts is such a great unique activity that teaches life skills in a caring and supportive environment while developing physical fitness and confidence in yourself. Where else can you go to get this?

Where are you from?

I was born in Rochester, Minnesota and live in Novi, Michigan.

How long have you studied martial arts?

14 years and counting.

Where have you done your martial arts training?

I began at First Taekwondo in Reno, Nevada where I trained for six years achieving 1 degree. Then I studied at KICKS Taekwondo in Wayne, Michigan for eight.

Do you have a day-job?

I am a full-time instructor at MAT and a student at the University of Michigan.

What other things besides martial arts do you enjoy?

Genetics (Genes in Disease and Symptoms with U of M, research as well as mentoring high schoolers with miCore), and volunteering with First Step Domestic Violence Shelter.

What is one thing you would say to someone thinking about starting martial arts?

Don’t be afraid of things that seem new and confusing, trying new things can be the best way to get to know yourself and meet new people.

What would you say to a parent thinking about signing their child up?

The martial arts community is one with immense support, friendship, guidance, and love. We welcome all new students with open arms, eager to share our collective knowledge over the course of their personal martial arts journey.