Thursday, September 4, 2014

Rod Tressel

Fourth Degree
Martial Arts America
August 9, 2014

My Tae Kwon Do experience 

My Tae Kwon Do experience began back in 1999, as my wife and I looked for a way in which we could get our son Andrew involved with Tae Kwon Do, based on a recommendation from my brother, who too has a black belt in Tae Kwon Do. Master Sledge was our instructor and through his encouragement to both me and my son, we achieved our black belts. Through the years, I  have had many opportunities to quit, due to various reasons, but Tae Kwon Do is a part of me – a hidden love that only gets strengthen even more when I'm away.
I have also had a number of opportunities that without my Tae Kwon Do training, would have never happened. The most memorable is Grand Master Jung providing Andrew and I an opportuniity of a lifetime to perform a form that Andrew created at the 2007 North Korean Demo team in Cedar Rapids. I was humbled to be able to do this form at the event and even more pleased to be able to do it with my wife, son and sister watching along with my Tae Kwon Do family from Martial Arts America.
I continue to look forward to the rewards of helping others learn their next form, break their board or sharing a Tae Kwon Do story. I often wish I would have started years ago, but I remind myself of the saying 'when is the best time to plant a tree? 10 years ago. If not then, today'. I try and carry this message to others who mistakenly think they are too old to start.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank those who have been part of my Tae Kwon Do journey.
God: Giving me strength, patience and health to continue not only my own personal journey, but also to  help others with theirs.
Grand Master Jung:  Thank you for providing your time, patience and talents. Your kindness and passion for what  you do is unparalleled.
Grand Master Don Wells:  Thank you for providing me the opportunity to train under your direction. You pushed me in my physical preparation and by challenging me to learn more about myself through mental preparation. You helped me learn that Tae Kwon Do is not always about kicking, punching or breaking boards, but finding my inner self, understanding better who I am and who I could and should be, then paying it forward to the best of my ability. But most of all, providing me an opportunity to continue to build on my self confidence when I need it.
Mrs. Bonnie Wells: Thank you for your knowledge of the art and your willingness to share that knowledge. I appreciate your dedication to the Sunday forms class. I would also like to thank you for  your smile and encouragement – seemingly knowing just the right time when I have needed it  most.
Master Bob Sledge, my  Tae Kwon Do father: Thank you for all  you have done for me from my white belt days to now. I never imagined that I would get this far in this journey and I have achieved things that would not have been possible without your instruction and kindness throughout. I am happy that you will carry on the traditions of Martial Arts America. I also would like to extend my appreciation for the  guidance and kindness to me and my family, both in and outside of class. You are truly a class act.
Mr. Brian Brewer and Mr. Nick Hass: Thank you for  your friendship and for being there on a consistent basis. I appreciate you both for helping start my weekend each and every Saturday morning on a positive note.  I thank you for  your attention to detail and pushing me to be better each day,  not only in class, but in life.
6AM Saturday morning 'Dawn Patrol' class: Thank you to all of you who get up each and every Saturday. We all know how easy it would be to turn that alarm off and sleep in. Class would not be the same without you. A special thanks to Mr. Brewer, Mr. Hass,  Ms Hendershott, Mr. Ostlander, Mr. Hermann, Mrs Cain, Ms Cain, Mr. Tankersly, Mr. Chouder  and the numerous color belts who help keep me fresh. You all have made Saturday mornings a fantastic way to start my weekend.
And last but certainly not least, my family. My wife Kirsten, thank you for your support in making sure I get to class week in and week out.  My daughter Katie, thanks for your long distance support. Andrew thank you for the constant reminder that all things are possible with the right focus on our ABILITIES and attitude toward the challenges that we face each and every day. Last by not least my son Matt – thanks for your sense of humor, love of life and providing me an additional connection with this Korean art form. I do hope someday we can visit Korea.