Kicking, Punching, Thriving
You mean my Instructors have to workout, have standards to adhere to, train, and test in TaeKwonDo also?
Yes, that’s right the Instructors and staff at Lee’s ATA are constantly striving to not only maintain but increase their TaeKwonDo skills and knowledge base. They have goals they are still striving for. When you fully commit to martial arts, it then truly does become a journey, one that continues on long after that first black belt. That is when TaeKwonDo becomes more than just a sport you do, it becomes a lifestyle.
The Actress Laura Spencer said,
No matter how much experience you have, how many degrees you have, or how well known you have become — there is always something new to learn. Don’t rest on your past experiences. If you do nothing to improve your skills, you won’t stay where you are.
This week we have five amazing instructors that will be put to the test at the ATA World Expo. They have been preparing physically and mentally for this moment and this week that preparation will be testing their TaeKwonDo skills. In honor of their hard work and achievements we wanted to share some insights about them and their journey with you ~
Mr. Collin Wilcox
Why/How did you get started in your TaeKwonDo Journey?
I was seven years old when I started my martial arts journey. As a child, I was very shy and never really spoke much to others (my sister did most of the talking for me haha). Because I was so shy, I was also the subject of being bullied. In response, my mother and father wanted to find me an activity that would help me be confident enough to stand up for myself and also make friends. Eventually after trying various other sports, martial arts was the one that I stuck with. I did 6 styles of martial arts and eventually found my home in ATA with TaeKwonDo in 2007.
What is your current rank and what rank are you testing for?
I’m currently a 4th Degree Testing for 5th Degree
How many years did it take for you to get to this point?
I have been currently training for 20 years, with June being my anniversary.
How often do you practice?
I train at least 4 times a week minimum one hour a day.
What does your training consist of?
On Tuesdays and Thursdays, I train with Mr. Landgren and Senior Master Landgren-Lee where we do various cardio workouts along with working on our technique, forms, weapons, self-defense, and board breaks. On Mondays and Wednesdays, I will do 6 rounds of warrior X-Fit and practice my form and weapon. I also swim laps for cardio and hike for the same, and muscle building.
How do you feel about or rise above defeat?
I firmly believe in the quote “if at first you don’t succeed, you try again.” I have always lived by that message and continue to do so everyday. I will also take that message with me to Worlds this year when I test, to remind myself to do my best even when I don’t feel my best.
Who is/are your instructor(s)?
7th Degree Black Belt Senior Master Michelle Landgren-Lee and 5th Degree Black Belt M. Tony Landgren.
Who is your mentor/motivator?
My biggest mentors and motivators are my parents, my instructors, and my best friend Alissa McKersie who got me started on my journey as an instructor and continues to support my training by giving the best advice out there.
What is your biggest inspiration to keep training?
My biggest inspiration to keep training are my students. I remember as a kid going through the ranks and always having someone motivate and guide me to earning my next rank. Now that I am an instructor, I am very fortunate to have the opportunity to give back to the students, and hopefully give them the confidence that I have gained over the years.
I would also like to add one final quote that inspires me,
“Don’t be afraid of failing. Be afraid of giving up and never achieving your goal.”
Ms. Ashley Hill
Why/How did you get started in your TaeKwonDo Journey?
My best friend at the time was a 4th degree instructor and her whole family did tkd so it was something I wanted to do so I could be awesome like them.
What is your current rank and what rank are you testing for?
4th Degree Black Belt to 5th Degree.
How many years did it take for you to get to this point?
2005 until now, so 12 years.
How often do you practice & What does your training consist of?
Taking class 2x per week but individual form and weapon work daily.
Who is/are your instructor(s)?
Sr. Master Landgren Lee and Mr. Landgren. I started and it was Chief Master Mark Kaup Lee and Mr. Nguyen as well with Sr. Master Landgren Lee at the Tempe school on Baseline and Hardy.
Who is your mentor/motivator?
Sr. Master Landgren Lee because she is the example of what a strong woman and role model should be in personal and professional life.
What is your biggest inspiration to keep training?
“As long as we know there is always more to learn, anything is possible,” Grand Master Soon Ho Lee. I want to learn everything!
Mrs. Karra Garcia
Why/How did you get started in your TaeKwonDo Journey?
I started my Martial Arts Journey when I was 9 years old. I started through a karate show n tell in my 3rd grade classroom.
What is your current rank and what rank are you testing for?
I am currently a 5th degree testing for my 6th degree.
How many years did it take for you to get to this point?
I have been training for 20 years! 🙂
How often do you practice & What Does it Consist of?
I train Tuesday morning with Sr. Master Langdren Lee or Mr. Langdren and workout on my own the other days. I try to run a minimum of 3 miles every day, I also love jumping in and out of Kickboxing class as much as possible.
Who is/are your instructor(s)?
My instructor is Sr. Master Langdren Lee 🙂
Who is your mentor/motivator?
My biggest motivators are my Mom and Grandma – They have always supported and encouraged me through everything and have sacrificed SO MUCH to get me where I am today. When I was younger they both trained with me and earned their 2nd Degree Black Belt.
What is your biggest inspiration to keep training?
My biggest inspiration is my husband Master D. Garcia, he is always supportive of me and my dreams.
Mr. Aaron Delgado
How did you get started in your TaeKwonDo Journey?
My story goes way back… My father served in Vietnam in the Army Branch. When I was a kid he used to teach what he called self defense to me. It wasn’t for rank or anything, other than knowing how to protect my self. My earliest recollection of this training was at age 6. As a young teen my father passed away leaving me with many questions including what style martial arts was I training in? This lead me on a journey in which I traveled the streets of california to find out, and bring honor to my father by continuing the training.I trained hard in over 6 different martial arts Including Aikido, Chinese Chi na, Kyokushin Karate, Shotokan Karate, Ninjutsu -Taijutsu, Judo, Japanes ju jitsu, and TaeKwonDo. After years of practice I realized it was possible that what he was teaching was a blend of a few of these martial arts, which is why it included throws, joint locks,high kicks and more. As a growing adult I never stopped training in all of these and even added a few new practices, but due to the poor neighborhood I grew up in and some events I was forced to move to Arizona, however it was also what brought me to ATA. Being a black belt in a style that has no association backing it was tough, so when I got here I asked to start over and prove my value as a martial artist again.
What is your current rank and what rank are you testing for?
3rd degree test for 4th
How often do you practice?
Every day.
Who is your instructor(s)?
Sr Master Landgren- Lee
Who is your mentor/motivator?
Mentor would be Ms. Hill… She pushed me to not settle for less and keep going for the next rank.
What is your biggest inspiration to keep training?
I am a man of honor and that drives me.
Ms. Paige Castela
Why/How did you get started in your TaeKwonDo Journey?
I won a month free and uniform at my elementary school and I went in to the closest Taekwondo school. Mr. Smith, the instructor there looked kind of scary so I told my older brother that he had to join first. My brother signed up first and then I saw how fun it was. The next month was siblings month so I could try a class free all month and by the end of that month I signed up. I was really looking forward to sparring.
What is your current rank and what rank are you testing for?
I’m a 3rd degree black belt and testing for 4th degree black belt.
How many years did it take for you to get to this point?
I have been doing Taekwondo for 12 years now.
How often do you practice?
I practice daily in small segments working on different moves of my forms.
What does your training consist of?
My training consists of working on segments of my form and weapon, sparring class with Mr. Benton, and weight and cardio training at the gym.
How do you feel about or rise above defeat?
Defeat makes you stronger and helps push you to be better next time.
Who is/are your instructor(s)?
Mr. Benton and Senior Master Landgren-Lee.
Who is your mentor/motivator?
My mentors and motivators are my instructors and my parents. Senior Master Landgren-Lee because she is such a strong women, a great role model, and an amazing martial artist. Mr. Benton is one of my other instructors and he pushes us all to always do our best. My parents are also my mentor and motivator because they push me to do better in everything I do, tournaments, school, and work.
What is your biggest inspiration to keep training?
My biggest inspiration to keep training are the students I teach as well as for myself, I want to keep getting better.
Now you get an idea of some of the background and journey of a few of our amazing instructors here at Lee’s ATA. Just like you – They work hard, train, set goals, test, and continue to advance in rank.
They strive to become better, in their personal lives and for the students they instruct, they live by this saying,
Whatever you do for a living, never stop learning how to get better at it ~ Mary Francis-Winters
Let’s show them our support in the comments below!!
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I want to tell each of you that I truly admire each of you and respect your drive and determination to continue your TaeKwonDo Journey. I think it’s awesome that you adhere to the standards set by the ATA and train, just like the students do. Good luck at the World Expo — we are cheering you on from Arizona!!
Good Luck to everyone this week at Worlds!
Mr. Villalobos
I am honored and proud to say that each of these instructors are amazing martial artists and wonderful people, each in theur own unique way. I think they represent the best in what the ATA tries to offer its students. I respect each of them very much and have known each of them for 10, or more, years. I respect and admire them as instructors, and learn from them. I consider each of them friends and remain amazed had the impact they have on the lives around them: on the Lee’s ATA staff and among their students. I will hope to see all of them become Master Instructors.
Mr. Delgado,
You are an inspiration to all of your students, their families, the school and your family! You are an awesome role model. It just brings smiles to my face when I see how your students look up to you. Your amazing and have come a long way. Keep fulfilling your dreams. I know in my heart you will be just fine. I’m sorry I can’t be there with you this time in AR like I was the first time. I am supporting you miles away and I love You! Good Luck in AR at Ata’s World Expo and bring home that 4th Degree Black Belt!!!
Good Luck to all of you testing at the ATA World Expo!
Amazing accomplishments Mr. Delgado. You bring inspiration and commitment in all that you do. You have taught many kids what it takes to stay focused and become a leader of them selves. Thank you for always being a part our lives and showing us what it takes to become a better person.
Amadee and Alexis
Mr. Delgado. The Jones family would like to wish you the best of luck at Worlds this weekend. It has been a honor to first watch you as you taught our son and as a family we all now have the privilege of learning from you. As a parent we look for individuals who can serve as role models for our children. People who can help shape our kids into the kind of human being we all want them to be. This is actually a very difficult talk for us parents to entrust someone else to influence our children. You have been a great influence in our son’s life as well as motivated my wife and I to follow our own Journey on the taekwondo path. Thank you for being who you are and doing what you do for all of us students and parents at the Buckeye ATA.
I’d like to start off by saying good luck to all of our wonderful ATA instructors on your test, you’ve got this! A special shout out to my other half Mr.Delgado… Your an amazingly talented man and I have no doubt in my mind that you will ace your 4th degree black belt test. As you’ve already learned a black belt is not just something you wear it’s something you become. The thousands of hours hours of training, hundreds of classes, years of sweat, countless bumps and bruises and pains have all lead to where you are today. Never give up on your dreams for one day you will hold them in all in your hand.
Love,
Crystal Clark
Great job everyone, it is a privileged to train with you all. – Mrs. Garcia
It was an amazing 5 days of competition and testing in Little Rock, Arkansas this past week with 30+ countries represented and thousands of black belts. This is where you see where your placement is among the world’s finest Taekwondo, Weapons, Sparring, Combat and XMA martial artists. There has never been a prouder moment for me than to witness the performance of these 5 instructors plus an additional 35 who trained, traveled and performed to an elite level. After 33 years of this, there is never a dull moment!! I love the American Taekwondo Association (ATA) and what it stands for. Lives are changed for the better every minute.
Yours in SongAhm,
Sr. Master Michelle Landgren Lee
Ms. Paige Castela is a great instructor. Firm with the kids and helps the stay focused on what they need to do. She gives praises to the children for trying there best. Even if it’s not the right form she gives them creidt for at least trying. She also will give them pointers on the correct form and how it should be.