Interview

How are you connected to this topic?

He is a taekwondo master and owns his own taekwondo studio. He is still a competitor, fighter and coach.  

How long have you been doing martial arts? What styles have you learned?

He has been doing martial arts for more than 20 years now and not only competes in taekwondo but also in boxing, Brazilian jiu jitsu, Muay Thai and MMA (mixed marital arts).

What are some things you have obtained from participating in martial arts? Both physical and mental.

He has developed a mind set of never giving up in everything that he does. He has not only learned how to defend himself but also determination and perseverance. He has been on the taekwondo national team multiple times and still wants to continue to fight in other marital arts.  

Do you see your martial arts career as a positive or negative experience?

He see’s it as positive because he learned many things that can help him not only in martial arts but also in life. By being a Master of a studio he is able to help kids reach their goals and help them learn the tools he has learned to help them in their future.

Do you believe martial arts to be good or bad to our society?

He believes is to be good to our society because it promotes and teaches good character and morale.

What are your thoughts on how to improve the problem of marital arts only being seen as violent?

To improve martial arts reputation he believes that instructors and masters should always teach their students the true meaning of taekwondo. To help them realize that it isn’t just fighting but also a way of life. To teach their students to be disciplined, courteous and humble outside of the studio.

What are some of your thoughts on the opposing view that martial arts is violent and has a negative affect on society?

He believes that people only look at martial arts in one way and don’t really see it in the eyes of the fighters. They don’t really understand that reason why martial artist fight.

What does this topic mean to you?

He believes that marital artist should always remember what they have learned and never take advantage of it. That it’s up to them to display to the public the beauty of marital arts.

How do you feel about MMA and UFC?

MMA and UFC are a good way for fighters to showcase their abilities and give them an opportunity to push themselves. Their goals aren’t really to beat someone up but to test themselves and grow as a person. A lot can be learned from overcoming fears and pushing yourself past your limits.

How do you think we can promote martial arts in more of a positive view to the public who have no idea about the teachings and ideas of martial arts?

We can promote martial arts better by educating the public more of the background of martial arts and get them to understand why fighters fight. It is also up to martial artist to live up to those expectations and remember what they have learned and to use it wisely.