04/23/2024
This April 23rd marks forty years since my very first Taekwondo class; which I can still recall in some degree. It has truly been a Journey filled with many ups and downs, or what I now know as Life Lessons.
This Journey of Martial Arts has been a significant part of who I am today. It is my career, my job, my hobby, my passion, my friends, my vision, my tool, my dreams and my future. A huge majority of the 'Work' I do and the people I know seem to be somehow connected to martial arts.
I am so glad that in the past 40 years, I never even considered quitting. Although, I transitioned within my Martial Arts Life to different departments, as you may call it, I never quit the company.
My humble beginnings were truly humble. I was told by my first instructor that I would quit within a few months, I was told by another instructor of mine that I am not that good, but train anyway. Training in the 80's was not as 'student friendly' as it is now...no mats, no safety equipment, no 'light' contact... tasting my own blood was the norm at the beginning (yes, blocked many with my face). But even with all that, I kept going, taking a leap of faith, somehow knowing that this is my path. Reflecting on those times, it really build character and other life skills that I lacked; but it was done the 'old school' way of sweat, blood, tears and pain. Although, I never materialized my goal to represent Canada on the world stage as an athlete, I did compete at the national level for many years. As a Coach, Team Leader and Pioneer of Para-Taekwondo, I successfully represented Canada and the international community in the work of inclusion of all in Taekwondo.
I am so grateful to all those individuals who have forged me with high heat and a hammer to evolve and grow to the person I am today. I am also most thankful to my 'Masters' of yesteryear. It took me many years to understand why they never praised me, why they always asked only me to clean the school and why they made me stand on my own when I felt I couldn't. Thank You for your Teachings.
I have also been very fortunate to have my passion be my work and my livelihood. The Alchymy has welcomed thousands of people onto the mat to learn and grow via martial arts. We have created and globally pioneered programs to create an inclusive environment at The Alchymy and on the world stage. Many of our students are living their lives now with more confidence, self-esteem and perseverance because of the work that we do every day.
Martial Arts has further given me platforms to travel the World and to share my experiences with others, further cementing my Vision of personal and global alchymy via martial arts. I have lead the Canadian University Taekwondo Team to the international stage as well as bringing Para-Taekwondo to the global Taekwondo leadership where it has become an official Paralympic Sport.
To all of you who have been part of my Journey, regardless if you were there to push me towards my goal or to pull me away, you were extremely instrumental to my successes. I deeply Thank you!
