Demetris Coachman 8-09
Demonstrating Service to others and Great Perseverance to Reach His Goals!
Two simple words sum up Mr. Coachman’s life:
perseverance and service.
And what a set of accomplishments! Here’s just a few:
- 4th degree black belt
- certified instructor
- World Top Ten honors for 10 years in a row
- Various state championships
Mr. “C” began his Taekwondo career in 1996 when Senior Master Babin started classes at the Boeing Helicopter plant in Mesa. Over the last thirteen years, he has trained consistently, earned FOUR black belts, and a WORLD championship. He eventually became the instructor of the classes in which he started!
His professional career in INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY also demonstrates perseverance. He has been helping engineers at Boeing install, test, deploy, and support software for twenty-six years now!
Let’s take a closer look at his thoughts and philosophy. He started training for much the same reasons as many of us: “I liked Bruce Lee, David Carradine, and Chuck Norris. I thought karate was cool. I liked the power of Bruce Lee, and the patience of David Carradine. When SMBabin started classes at Boeing, it was really convenient for me and I wanted to get in shape.”
Looking back over thirteen years of regular exercise, Mr. Coachman says: “I accomplished my goal of staying in shape. I realized that it was based on what I put into it. I realized that the more I put into it, the more I got out of it. And I got a lot out of it!”
Earning first degree black belt was a “real milestone” in his life. He calls it one of his “main accomplishments in life.”st degree black belt—has led to so many great accomplishments in Mr. Coachman’s life. What would he have missed—and certainly what would all of us have missed—if he had seen 1st degree black belt as the END and not as the BEGINNING? And looking back now, all of us can see how perseverance—continuing the discipline of training beyond 1
How did this commitment to service begin? Mr. C remembers: “I was told to come to a meeting. I had no idea why I was there or what I was doing, but I followed directions. By the end of the night, I was invited to join leadership.”
After six years of service to others as an instructor, Mr. Coachman has these comments: “I’m not sure I would have furthered my Taekwondo career if I had not been an instructor. That role helped me in several ways:
- It helped me break out of shyness
- It helped me become a better public speaker
- It gave me more confidence
“I can have a good day at work, and after teaching, I have had an even better day. There’s no way I have ever had a down day after teaching. It has always made me feel better about life in general. I love working with the students, being able to give them something they did not have when they came in to class. Achieving 4th degree does not compare with teaching, because achieving 4th degree only affects me, but teaching affects other people.” This is the Black Belt quality of service to others.
Over the last two years, Mr. Coachman has been “back at school”. Yes, while working full-time AND teaching black belts twice a week, he has been taking intensive college courses in which ONE semester of material is condensed into FIVE WEEKS. Every five weeks for the last two and a half years, he has started a new course. That was a grueling pace and he did have to give up training and some competitions. I asked him about that because he did continue to teach when he could easily have taken a break from that as well. He said simply: “Although I had to give up training for that time, I did not want my college program to interfere with teaching.” So all of you who earned 2nd or 3rd degree in the last
two years, should give him an extra note of gratitude. Mr. Coachman received his B.S. Degree in Management from University of Phoenix on July 17, 2009.
As I mentioned earlier, Mr. Coachman has earned WORLD TOP TEN honors for several years. In 2003, after earning the NUMBER TWO spot in the world, he went to Little Rock with hopes of winning a gold medal in sparring. He was eliminated in the first round. “I was ranked number two in the world, and I was devastated by that loss. I became determined to learn what I had done wrong and I committed to earning that number two spot again.”
And so he set out—not thinking so much of a gold medal, but taking it one week
and one tournament at a time, striving to regain that spot in the WORLD TOP TEN. “I wanted to prove to myself that I was better than what I did in 2003.” He said that he actually did not think about the GOLD MEDAL until after he knew he had qualified for the 2004 Tournament of Champions. That’s taking the goal one small step at a time and persevering!
You might also find it a little strange when he says this about winning a WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP: “It was not about winning. It was about achieving. I remember that journey. I remember all the competitors. Every one of my sparring partners was a part of my gold medal. I said to many of them, ‘I could not have done it without you.’ There’s nothing malicious about competition. I don’t want to win at all costs. I want to win on my own terms and that means winning by skill, with respect and control. At that level, you compete with the same people all year. You become friends. Then you step into the ring and it’s all business, and then when it’s over, we congratulate each other and we are still friends.”
Mr. Coachman’s words prove that many of the next generation of black belt leaders truly do understand Eternal GrandMaster Lee’s philosophy:”to compete is to win.”
In closing, I asked Mr. Coachman what he would say to someone considering joining our program and his comment was brief and clear; “The only bad choice you can make is NOT starting. There’s something in it for everybody.”
Thank you, Mr. Coachman, for showing us what perservance and service are all about!
Abhi Sathish 3-2010
Abhi Sathish
A Real Transformation
If you had videotaped Abhi Sathish two years ago when he transferred to Karate for Kids in Mesa as a blue belt and then watched him earn his black belt just a few weeks ago, you would have been awed by thetransformation. The video tape would have revealed a 5 year old blue belt who had no power or accuracy to break boards, could not focus enough to memorize forms, and was timid in sparring.
But when he tested for black belt, you saw a tiny, 40-lb, 7 year old smash through his green boards with a punch and step reverse side kick, moved through his form (44 movements) with confidence, focus, and power, and kicked and punched with intention in sparring while evading and blocking as well.
And just a few weeks ago at the GATHERING OF EAGLES V tournament, Abhi took 2nd place in sparring, 3rd place in forms, an 3rd place in weapons.
Here’s a success story that really bears close examination.
Originally his parents, Sathish and Viji were looking for something to help their 3 ½ year old son, build focus. They had noticed that he became bored easily and just wanted to move from one activity to another, instead of learning to focus. They wanted him to have “more self discipline—to learn to concentrate on one activity and to build focus, rather than quitting and moving on to something else”. At one point they had him tested for the usual things like ADHD but the tests were negative.
The irony here is that they learned that Abhi was actually gifted and needed a different approach to learning. He needed more of a challenge. “When we came to Babin’s Karate for Kids, we found that challenge. We saw the instructors expecting personal accountability from each student. They make sure the students are doing it right. They even delayed Abhi’s rank advancement for six months. That challenge helped Abhi focus and learn to persevere.”
I asked Viji and Sathish how they feel about teaching their children about struggle, about dealing with disappointment. Dad had these comments: “Abhi would be frustrated and complain if he did not always win or if it was difficult. But now, he controls his emotions and enjoys the moment. He has fun just doing his best. And his overall performance in tournaments is much better. The same is true in piano which he started about the same time as karate. The confidence he has learned in K4K has helped him lots. At first he was tentative and frustrated and wanted to quit piano. With the confidence he has learned here, he is playing wonderfully now and has a recital scheduled for March. Now he is passionate about music.”
Mom adds, “Especially at home, when we give him something to do, he approaches it with the confidence and enthusiasm that he needs to complete it.”
When Abhi first came to our school, he rarely spoke. I remember that he never spoke to any of the instructors. “Now,” Viji says, “his new found confidence has enabled him to communicate better, here in karate, at home and at school. He is very outspoken at school and loves to share his karate stories with his classmates and teachers. He is in 2nd grade now and is excelling the gifted reading and math program.”
Although our instructors have played a big role in Abhi’s transformation, we must emphasize how much Abhi’s parents, Viji and Sathish, have contributed. Last summer, our newsletter featured the article, “SEVEN WAYS TO SUPPORT YOUR CHILD AT KARATE FOR KIDS.” Viji and Sathish have been following those guidelines. Despite the fact that they live 13 miles away and Sathish works in North Scottsdale, they do watch as many classes as possible. Viji even got here work schedule changed to arrange more time to watch class. They reinforce life skills at home, and spend time reading the newsletter as a family. “We ourselves learn a lot from the newsletter. It’s so inspiring.”
They encourage practice at home. Mom and dad quickly established a close relationship with the instructors, always wanting to know how they could best support Abhi at home. And most importantly, they followed those instructions carefully and trusted that guidance. They have erred on the side of commitment, obviously. There is no doubt that Viji and Sathish used the challenges Abhi faced as a “learning opportunity.” To teach Abhi (as we said in the JULY 2009 newsletter) “that achieving anything truly great in life will have periods of routine and repetition. Life is not a video game.” Viji and Sathis have lived the answer to the question, “How hard should you push your child?” Here’s what we said in that newsletter:
Most parents fell they push ‘too hard’ when in reality, they really don’t. I say, “Err on the side of discipline and commitment. For example, a parent recently said, “I don’t push my kids. If he doesn’t want to come to class I don’t take him. This is not a good policy: it goes too far in the other direction. Why? Because it allows a child’s emotional whims to determine their behavior and actions. Imagine if those whims were applied in other areas of his life: what if they didn’t feel like brushing their teeth every night? Or didn’t feel like doing their homework or they didn’t feel like going to college or the didn’t feel like getting a job? Help your child understand that the lessons they are learning now will carry over into their adult life and the sooner they start building their discipline muscles, the easier life will become.
(go to www.billbabin.com and read the entire article, MONTHLY MESSAGE, July 2009)
Viji and Sathish attend tournaments because they know these events help build confidence. And while at tournaments, they have learned to “compete, not compare” Abhi’s performance to other children. AND the result is what we heard earlier, “Abhi controls his emotions and enjoys the moment. He has fun just doing his best.” And his tournament scores have improved too. Isn’t that what you want for your child too?
Indeed, Viji and Sathish have now become black belt parents, and if you are wondering how to make something like this happen in your family, just ask them.
In fact, they are so excited that the entire family is now in class. Shreya, Abhi’s little sister, has been in TINY TIGERS for about 6 months now and mom and dad started in January by using the “family special” we offered. “We enjoy it! it’s great! And now that Abhi’s class is at 7:15 pm, we can easily take class right after him. All of our friends are always asking about it and we tell them, BABIN’S KARATE FOR KIDS is the best thing you can do to help boost confidence and discipline and self control. The kids learn these lessons and then learn to use them everywhere, not just in karate. They learn to deal with emotional struggles in a positive way, instead of whining or complaining.”
Karate for Kids at it’s Best! 2-2010
The average age of the 4 team coaches is 19. The average age of the 14 team members is 12. What can people so young accomplish as a group in a few short months? Plenty! And when you see their performance on Saturday February 6 at the Gathering of Eagles V regional tournament, you’ll see first- hand what can be done with the life skills of Goal Setting, Perseverance, Discipline, Respect, Courage, and Positive Attitude in action.
Back in August of 2009, auditions were held at the academy. More than 45 students tried out—14 made the team. It took courage to face a panel of judges and get put through the paces with technique combinations, weapons patterns, and board breaking.
Parents and students signed an agreement outlining the commitment that was going to be needed to make this a successful team. Birthday parties, movies with friends, and free time would have to be sacrificed in order to grow personally and as a group. They were going to have to persevere to learn new routines, not as individuals (as in their Karate for Kids training) but as a group. It wasn’t going to be easy, they were going to do things that they never thought possible, stretch their physical and mental ability to the limit, and they were going to get tired, frustrated and sometimes overwhelmed.
As the weeks and months went on, something amazing developed. They became more confident and they were reaching new levels of physical skills. They faced many challenges and overcame them. They were getting stronger. They became a TEAM.
Over 50 formal practice sessions (most 2 hours long) plus kids getting together at each others homes for more practice have produced the end product that you will enjoy on February 6.–more than 100 hours of training that will produce a fantastic demonstration and benefit them for a life time.
When you see these young people at the academy or the tournament be sure to congratulate them. They deserve the recognition and the respect.
And let’s not forget about their parents! None of these kids could drive themselves to and from practices. After all, the students could only be committed to excellence because their parents supported and encouraged them. Thanks to all moms and dads.
Another very special thanks go to Vince and Christine Birdwell. They are responsible for the team uniforms fitting properly and everyone looking their best. Sewing and ironing for 14 kids—you are the best!!
Sean Longley
Sean Longley
Consistent Attitude Pays Off!!
Looking for an interesting activity for their 5 year old son, Kyle and Maria Longley came to Karate for Kids four years ago and enrolled Sean. “We didn’t want to put him in team sports at that age and felt that the individual nature of the Karate for Kids Program in Mesa would suit him well and help develop listening skills.”
And from his very first class, Sean has shown a totally consistent attitude. “He never complains about coming. In fact, even though he has friends playing football, Sean has consistently insisted on doing Karate for Kids. It has become a real point of pride for him.” In fact, Sean recently did a demonstration all by himself in front of 800 children at his school. Now that’s Black Belt Attitude!!!
I asked Mr. & Mrs. Longley about the overall impact of Karate for Kids on Sean: “He’s really learned a broader concept of RESPECT. He carries this idea to school. His teachers love him. But he also now understands that he can apply respect everywhere, to all people and also to all things. We’re really pleased with that.”
And every instructor over the past four years has consistently enforced that discipline and respect. “We’ve found that parents can say only just so much when it comes to reinforcing respect and self-control, especially at home. Sean respects his Karate for Kids instructors so much that the weekly progress report was a very useful tool in shaping behavior, like learning to THINK before you SPEAK.”
When Sean began sparring in K4K, mom had some reservations, but she was really impressed how he focused quickly. Now sparring is one of Sean’s favorite things to do.
As with so many families, the Longley’s place high value on persistence and teaching their children to face adversity and struggle through it.
“Sean has always done well at school. But here at karate he faced challenges, like not being ready for every rank promotion. In Karate for Kids, he has learned not to run away from struggle. For example, it was tough enough becoming a black belt, but after earning it, he did not qualify for his first black belt mid term; then he missed another for vacation; and then missed another. But he has totally refocused himself now, passed his first midterm, and is on his way to his 2nd degree black belt. He’s learned that not everything in life will be easy and that he can use his attitude to persist and win. He used this skill recently when he entered the 4th grade ‘advanced learning program’ at Mesquite Elementary. Wow, has it been tough. He actually got failing marks on some papers in the beginning, but again, he has been able to refocus, get back on track, and is doing great now in this challenging program.”
You might wonder what the Longleys would say to others about getting started in Karate for Kids: “We drive a good distance to get here. On that drive we pass 2-3 other karate schools. We’ve been impressed with the quality of instruction here at Babin’s Karate for Kids. The program is challenging and fun, and it reinforces family values. This is the place to go and the activity to do. And with schools cutting back on PE, we know that Sean can make Taekwondo a lifetime activity.”
Here’s what Sean has to say, “I think it’s really fun! I like to tell my friends about it. I like sparring and weapons the best, but really I like everything about it!!”
Zachary Birdwell-a 15 year old with Humility and Self-Control
Zac Birdwell
FOUR BLACK BELTS IN ONE FAMILY!! Mom (Christine) 2nd degree, Dad (Vince) 2nd degree, daughter (Amanda) 4th degree and son (Zac) 3rd degree. Young Winston (age 7) is now a purple belt on his way to Black Belt
For a student of any age, Zac’s accomplishments are impressive. For a 15 year old, they are extraordinary:
- 11 yrs of training at Karate for Kids
- 11 years of classical ballet, tap & dance
- 3rd degree black belt
- 2nd level instructor collar
- 9 state championships
- qualified for WORLD TOP TEN in 4 divisions in the last 2 years
- earned a LEAD ROLE in the NUTCRACKER this season
Zac was 4 when he started at Karate for Kids, and Christine remembers he was a “shy, very emotional child. I knew Zac needed the structure found in Karate for Kids classes.” Zac also remembers that “I was quick to breakdown and cry if the instructor asked me to do something I hadn’t done before.” In other words, he cried a lot.
Sparring was tough, too. “I never liked sparring when I was little. When I moved from Tiny Tigers to K4K I always had to face a big 1st recommended Black Belt kid. He always knocked me down. I got kicked around a lot in class and even in tournaments. I often told my parents I didn’t want to go. Well, all I can say is the guy who knocked me around quit a long time ago, and I’m still here!”
Zac’s comments about how his parents handled the situation are very interesting: “I may have said that I didn’t want to go, but my parents decided I WAS GOING, and I went. It was always their decision to make, not mine. And I probably would still be afraid of free sparring and would have quit if they had let me have my way.”
Zac’s accomplishments and successes are directly related to the fact that his parents supported him and made him follow through and face his challenges instead of running away from them.
Christine’s thoughts on Zac’s accomplishments are: “Because he experienced emotional difficulty when he was young and in Tiny Tigers, he is now sensitive to children like himself. He is sensitive to shy or emotional kids and almost always knows when they are about to cry. Parents have often told me that Zac can read their kids. He sees the emotional breakdown coming and he’s able to head it off.”
“I really think Zac’s greatest accomplishment has been developing a thicker skin, learning to control his emotions, which has lead to success in other things. As a teenager, I think he is more emotionally stable: he can take NO and uses it to make his performance better next time. Competing on a national level in the ATA would have been way out of his comfort zone in the past, but he really does well with it now.”
Zac was a member of the “Demolition Demo Team” that won 2nd place in the world this past June. He performed on stage in an arena with over 15,000 spectators. I would say he is in control of his emotions!
Zac’s view of his own accomplishments is equally interesting: “I think my greatest accomplishment in Taekwondo has been teaching a class by myself. At first in Junior Leadership, I was terrified to get up in front of the class. Over time I got enough confidence to lead a part of the class, but now, I actually lead the entire class. That’s my greatest accomplishment for sure.”
According to Zac, “Leadership is a big- time confidence booster. It gets you prepared to get up in front of an audience. You can’t get that anywhere else. Even my dance / ballet training is not the same. When I’m on stage dancing, I’m not actually speaking to anyone, I’m performing. Usually I can’t even see the audience. And there are other people on stage with me. But in Junior Leadership,
you’re taught to communicate. I can see my audience; I’m physically close to the students. And that’s really different. It’s very difficult. In school, I know that kids who do well making oral presentations get better grades than those who hide behind their papers and mumble. It’s obvious those kids were never taught to speak in public. And that’s the kind of training I got in Junior Leadership. You can’t get that anywhere else.”
All of the Birdwell children compete in lots of tournaments. Here’s what Christine had to say about Zac’s competition career: “He’s the kid that shakes hands with everyone in the ring. He’s there for the camaraderie; he takes it past the competition. I’m thrilled when he wins, but he is the kid with humility and self-control. Other kids jump around and complain about their scores and about how unfair it was that they lost. I’m proud of how Zac competes.”
Zac goes on to say; “I like competition because it helps me get better. I always want to improve myself. Competition is a way to gauge my performance. I like Xtreme competition because it is a way to be creative, to get out there and do something different and unique; not just doing the same form over and over and dance has taught me about understanding rhythm.”
Wow, that’s a way different attitude than when I started out, isn’t it?”
Over the last 11 years while pursuing Taekwondo, Zac has also trained at CAMPBELLS DANCE in Mesa. Over the years, in the annual NUTCRACKER production, he has performed FRITZ, a soldier, a Russian, Faun, Reed Flute, one of the nephews, and this year he will play the lead role. The ballet directors have asked him to include some of his martial arts techniques in this portrayal of the nutcracker!
Christine sums thing up with these comments: “Karate for Kids has made Zac a well-rounded kid. He makes friends easily and he has emotional self-control. Parents of white-orange and yellow belts should be patient. You need to let the instructors teach. Give them the opportunity to find what will work for your child. Even when all a student does is sit in the back of the classroom, progress is being made. Eventually, children go to kindergarten. They might as well learn these lessons of self control at age 3, 4. I often reassure parents that they are not hurting their children by forcing them to get into class. Some kids are not always receptive and need a lot of encouragement, but Karate for Kids is safe and a good thing for them to do. It’s a great opportunity for any child. Instructors constantly encourage them. Karate for Kids prepares kids to face life’s challenges.”
Carl Moore 11-08
Carl Moore
Replacing shyness with confidence!
Carl Moore is the proud father of Olivia Moore, a quiet, 12 year old 2nd degree black belt.
Carl and Olivia’s story starts back when Olivia was in preschool—lots of preschools. Twelve to be exact! “Olivia was kicked out of those preschools because of uncontrollable bad behavior” Carl says. By the time she started kindergarten she wasn’t doing much better. “She was diagnosed with ADHD at age 5 and was put on medication.”
It was great to have the behavior issues under control but she became “withdrawn and shy to the extreme.” She wasn’t interacting with other kids and cried whenever she had to face any new and different situation.
Carl knew he had to do more for Olivia. He enrolled her at Karate for Kids at age 8, with the intention of helping her gain confidence and learn self defense. But now, 4 years later and a 2nd degree black belt, both Carl and Olivia got a whole lot more.
Within the first year of training, several things changed for Olivia. Carl goes on to say, “She was developing confidence. She started to make close friends outside of Karate for Kids”, something she hadn’t done up until this point. “I’m so proud of her!”
Another major turning point for Olivia was when she started to put the life skills taught in class into practice outside of her martial arts training–specifically at school. “The life skill Olivia has benefited from the most is goal setting. She has a chart in her room with her academic goals written down! She writes down due dates on projects, and writes down what she needs to do every night to get it accomplished and turned in on time.” We weren’t surprised when Carl told us that Olivia is a straight “A” student. Well, she does have a “B” this semester, with a goal to make it an “A”. “She interacts with students and teachers and gives oral reports”, something she wasn’t capable of a few years ago!
Another important benefit for Olivia according to Carl is learning to put the life skills of persistence and perseverance into action. Getting to 2nd degree black belt has had it’s challenges and “Olivia has learned to work through tough times and not get frustrated.” This is really important to Carl to see her conquer this obstacle.
You might not expect it, but Olivia loves tournaments. She enters all in-school and regional events, and has even traveled out of state a few times. Sparring is her best event. Carl says that although she has never won a first place, she loves to compete. “Olivia has taken Senior Master Babin’s advice. She always makes a new friend at these events by introducing herself to others” –an exercise we do in leadership class! “And because she has been so friendly over the last few years, she always sees friends at tournaments. I’m pleased at the way she has learned to make friends.”
Olivia may have started school and needed medication as early as age 5, but that’s changed now as well. Carl reports that her medication has been reduced by 75%. “The doctor told me this is unheard of.” Usually, medication needs to be increased as children grow larger and often develop a tolerance for it. So Olivia’s progress is really wonderful!!!!
Carl knows that the KARATE FOR KID LEADERSHIP PROGRAM is helping Olivia “grow into a better adult. I like what I see in the older kids at the academy and I know Olivia will be just like that.”
Let’s all Congratulate Carl Moore On Being our Parent of the Month for November 2008! By Partnering with Karate for Kids and Supporting Olivia Through Tough Challenges, Carl Has Reshaped His Daughter’s Future!
Elijah White
Elijah White
Demonstrating Discipline & Personal Achievement
Four years ago, Ilona and Scott White were looking for an activity to help their son Elijah gain coordination. He was only three years old when they enrolled him in our Tiny Tiger Program, and the rest of the story is about discipline, parenting and achievement.
“He was very uncoordinated as a young child, but the consistent discipline of your instructors sank in very quickly,” Scott said. According to his father, Elijah learned quickly to put the instructor’s commands into action. Whenever he failed to listen carefully, there always was a consistent consequence. “It was a perfect combination of a little negative and a little correction, and lots of encouragement,” Scott said. A few times, Elijah had to sit down for not listening, but Scott said that the consistency of the instructors really helped Elijah learn quickly how to listen.
Not only did his coordination improve but also his focus!
When I asked Scott what UNEXPECTED benefit has resulted from the training, he had a quick answer: “My own mom and dad had a relaxed approach to parenting. By watching the ATA instructors, I learned techniques for reinforcing discipline at home. I was also a little surprised at the large emphasis on respect and the life skills taught. These traditional values have meant a great deal to my wife and I and our children.”
Elijah is now seven, has graduated to the Karate for Kids class, and is fast approaching black belt. His favorite weapon is SWORD and at the tournament in September, he took FIRST PLACE in weapons.
Perhaps the biggest reason for Elijah’s success is that his parents have made such a great effort to get him to class consistently. “Sometimes Elijah complained about having to stop playing and go to class, but the consistency of always going has taught him two things: 1. he always has fun in class, and 2. there are great rewards for consistently working hard.”
To parents considering enrolling, Scott said, “It’s very helpful to see how the instructors consistently apply discipline and guidance. And the Karate Kids traditional values are great. It is not some obscure eastern philosophy. You teach the kids how to use traditional values in very practical and relevant ways. I know that Elijah’s ability to focus, I know that his discipline and his persistence will be really important later in his life, too.
Kayleigh Bauer 1-09
Kayleigh Bauer
Setting and Achieving Goals
“It has been so great for her in many ways. Now, it has simply become a part of her life!” That’s what Valri Bauer says about her daughter, Kayleigh, age 20, who is now celebrating TEN YEARS in our program. Kayleigh graduated from in Red Mountain in 2006, went to COTTEY COLLEGE where she earned her A.A Degree in 2008, and is now pursuing a degree in Sustainability at Arizona State University.
Kayleigh is now a 3rd degree black belt and in the very near future will become a 4th degree and a CERTIFIED INSTURCTOR through the American Taekwondo Association. But let’s look back for a minute at her beginnings as a nine-year-old.
By 1998, Kayleigh had done dance and soccer, and her mom says she really didn’t like either, but Kayleigh’s comment is more interesting: ”I was in dance class but I wasn’t any good at it.”
From the beginning, Valri and Dave (Kayleigh’s dad) liked our positive approach to teaching, but it had a profound impact on Kayliegh: “I remember being a white belt and front kicking a blue target and the instructor said, “good kick,” and that was the first time anything went well for me in a physical activity.”
It doesn’t matter how “good” that first kick really was because the result of that encouraging comment has been 10 years of disciplined training and positive experiences.
Mom and dad also note that Taekwondo has really helped build Kayleigh’s confidence. “When she was younger, she was always the quiet student. By high school, though, the confidence she developed through her training at the academy really helped her with academic decathlon (rigorous academic team competition that involves written tests, interviews, and speeches.) She pursued that goal with a new confidence and strength.” And her team made it to the state competition. “I liked academic decathlon because you get out of it exactly what you put into it. I knew if I studied hard, I would do well, and I did.” Kayleigh said. The same is true in Taekwondo; you get out just what you put into it!
I asked Kayleigh, “What has been your biggest accomplishment in Taekwondo?” and her response was quick and clear: “Clearly my black collar (certification) is my biggest accomplishment.” She goes on to say: “The teaching thing is important. Teachers have always meant a lot to me. I always wanted to be a part of that community that passes on knowledge. At a certain point in Taekwondo, you realize that everything you are learning, you are learning so you can pass it on to someone else. That’s why certification is so important to me. Our little classroom is our ’mountain top’ where we are learning. When people join, they do look for a little of that mythical master/student experience. I want to be a part of that.”
Mom and dad have said that they liked that “Taekwondo develops the whole person, not just one part: It’s not about trophies or titles: it’s about learning self discipline and respect for others; physical and mental control of yourself. And being persistent.”
Kayleigh’s comments confirm that: “I’m stronger physically than if I had not trained. But also I’ve gained inner strength, especially patience. Working with Tiny Tigers, that’s a good way to build patience! Taekwondo gives me a sense of purpose; we all need to know where we are going. In Taekwondo, I always have goals—things to work on—AND people pushing me. It’s great!!”
Considering all that Kayleigh has accomplished, we need to ask you, “What will your 9 year old white belt be doing in 10 years?” When you stick with Taekwondo like the Bauer family has done, the results are profoundly life-enhancing.
McKenna Lohide 2-09
McKenna Lohide
Trains With Focus and Effort!
Two years ago, McKenna went to a birthday party and her life has been more fun ever since. That party took place at Karate for Kids in Chandler and although mom and dad and McKenna were not thinking about martial arts training, the moment McKenna did a little Karate, she was hooked.
“We were not looking for more focus or confidence or discipline. She was doing well at home, at school, and in competitive cheer. But she liked Taekwondo so much we decided to enroll her, thinking it might help with her cheerleading.”
And, once again, LEADERSHIP TRAINING makes a difference. Mrs. Lohide says: “After working in the leadership classes, we did notice that her voice became louder and her presentation in cheer became stronger.”
McKenna’s training went very well, and then suddenly, a year ago, everything changed. “We went to class and the door was locked—the business had closed.” Because McKenna enjoyed Taekwondo so much, Mom and Dad wanted to continue supporting it. They looked around other ATA Academies in the area and when they visited our Academy in Mesa, they knew they found a new Taekwondo home. “Here in Mesa it just felt right,” Mrs. Lohide said.
“And when I talk to parents about martial arts, I tell them to come here (Mesa). We’ve been to other schools and we know there is a difference. In Mesa, the expectations for students are HIGH; the staff and instructors communicate well with parents and kids alike, and I can see a real connection between the things she learns in class day to day, week to week, and month to month.”
McKenna’s favorite TKD activity is breaking: “It makes me feel strong!” And this simple comment sums up two years of focused training: “Taekwondo is exciting. It’s fun!”
Mrs. Lohide also said that another great benefit is the self-defense: “In the beginning, we were not looking for self-defense training, but I AND McKenna have learned so much about safety. It has been a great surprise benefit!”
So if you want to see a student who trains with focus and real effort, someone who is headed
for success as a Black belt, then watch McKenna Lohide.
Jim Slevin
Jim Slevin
Youthful Enthusiasm & Perseverance!
“Batter Up!!” Words that are very familiar to Jim Slevin, our March student of the month. Jim, who comes from Winnipeg, Manitoba, has spent many years playing baseball during the summer and hockey during the winter. “I still have all my teeth,” Jim jokes. In fact, he has been an avid athlete his entire life, and he’s been around 76 years. That’s a lot of baseball and hockey.
Jim was originally trained as an accountant, and worked for years for Ford Corporation in Canada.
He and his wife, Cynthia, have been married for a proud and happy 54 years. They have 4 daughters and 6 grandchildren.
When he was younger, Jim had a friend who was a black belt instructor. Although he was interested back then, his love for baseball and hockey kept him busy with no time for martial arts.
Jim and his wife, have been wintering here in Arizona for many years and three years again, Cynthia bought him an introductory membership here at Babin’s Black Belt Academy for Christmas. (What a gal!!) And he’s been loving ATA Taekwondo ever since. Jim trains with us from November through April, then heads back to Canada for the summer.
But he doesn’t slow down. He works out with his Taekwondo 5 days a week doing squats, front kicks, punches and watches his training DVD to keep up with the forms. And of course, he plays baseball.
Jim expected to learn self defense and improve his conditioning. And he’s quick to answer about the fitness element in our classes: “the workout has been everything I hoped for and more!”
Jim’s comments about FORMS are most interesting. He says that “when I get the form down and can move through it well, I feel that I have really accomplished something.”
When I asked him if there was anything unexpected he has encountered in Taekwondo, he said,”Yeh! Sparring. I did not expect that, but I like it, too. I like the contact, the vigorous workout and the blocking.”
He also mentioned something else unexpected: I”ve always been ‘gung ho.’ And Taekwondo has calmed me down. It’s improved my baseball. And I’m not as quick to yell at the umpire and that’s good.
Jim’s comments to potential students are great: “in Taekwondo you can really develop yourself physically and mentally. It’s a complete development program. It covers just about everything a person could want. And it makes me feel good!”
If you have procrastinated about getting started in Taekwondo, learn a good lesson from Jim. Regardless of age, getting started in something new is beneficial and fun. It will have hidden benefits, enhance your life and keep you feeling young!!!
Jim Slevin is a “kick’n” example of youthful enthusiasm and perseverance, a lesson someone half his age can learn from!!
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