Martial Arts Lawrenceville Georgia— I started at Choe’s HapKiDo as a parent like many other adults. My wife and I signed our son up in hopes for him to learn more about discipline, pushing himself to be the best version that he can be, and taking direction from someone other than his Mom and Dad. We found out quickly that we were students just as much as he was. We signed him up in September 2020. That November, I signed myself up and haven’t looked back. I have learned some of the same things that my son was learning. I have experienced many highs and just as many lows. I have learned more about myself and what my limits are as a 36-year-old man. I am definitely not as young as I was once to say the least.
I have had injuries and experienced major weight loss. I started HapKiDo at 360LBS and have dropped well over 60LBS since the beginning of my training. The key is staying at it. I find that my passion for my personal training and helping others is what keeps me going.
I have separated my shoulder, pulled both of my hamstrings and broken multiple toes while training. All of these have taught me Wisdom and Sagacity. They have shown me what my personal limits are and have humbled me really quick. I don’t have to kick the highest or the hardest. It’s all about the technique. Everything else will fall in place. It has taught me that hard work beats talent every day and every time. Under no circumstances should you give it half effort. That last burpee or push up is twice as rewarding on the car ride home, even though you may feel it a little extra the next day.
My favorite parts about HapKiDo include being on the assistant instructor team, having the privilege of training little ninjas, and helping develop my peers and other students. It has completely changed my outlook on my life for the better. I am eager to serve our community and to give back in hopes that it brings in a new wave of students who can experience the love for HapKiDo that my family has.
I will forever be grateful for that time I walked in and asked Instructor Moore if they had classes for adults. I’ll never forget the “First Free Lesson” he gave me. I instantly felt like a member of his family and have never once not felt welcomed when I came into the DoJang. The wisdom, laughs, compassion, camaraderie, and most importantly, the love you feel when you walk in the door or sit down and have a conversation is irreplaceable.
My daughter is currently in little Ninjas. Our youngest son will join when he gets of age. If we could only get my wife out on the mat, we would be well rounded as a family. If you have never thought about jumping in a class while watching, I strongly encourage you to. It will change your life.
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For more Choe’s HapKiDo Success Stories, check out martial arts student, Jack Haydell & Malik!