Tae Kwon Do/Expert Profile

Expertise

We can answer any questions pertaining to Olympic Tae Kwon Do sparring. Questions about fitness and nutrition as relating to TKD training and preparation for tournaments and competition. Specific techniques and tactics while training, weight training and agility, mental toughness and visualization exercises and "day of" preparation.

Experience in the area

I have been in martial arts for over 26 years. I'm a master instructor (4th Dan) in TKD. I also have a black belt in karate. I've competed in Olympic TKD since '91. As and athlete:(highlights) Winning a silver medal at Jr. Olympic nationals ('92), AATU National champion ('94), over 10 GA State Championship and GA Games medals. Won a bronze medal at the U.S. Open (2000). With drew from the Olympic Qualifier in 2004 from a torn ACL. As a coach: (highlights) I've coached a women's TKD team since '99. With over 30 members spanning the eight year history of the team, we have 7 National Championship Gold medals, 2 Silver and 1 Bronze. The team medals at every state and regional tournament they attend. Several members have been undefeated for several years. Our training covers strength and endurance workouts, tactics and strategy, nutrition and supplementation, mental toughness and visualization, and maintaining weight while leading up to competition. I've been a certified personal trainer since "98 and have worked in the fitness and nutrition arena since '94. The team has their own training center that they share with the gym that I own. Trinity Fitness in Atlanta, GA

Organizations

USAT AAU USSSA NSCA

Publications

Atlanta Sports and Fitness Magazine, CBS46 News Atlanta, FOX's Good Day Atlanta, Atlanta Journal and Constitution and in newspapers across the United States, selfgrowth.com, helium.com, trinitybody.com.

Education/Credentials

Personal Training Certificate (School of Fitness and Nutrition) 4th Dan Black Belt (Kukkiwon) USAT Certified Level 2 Coach AAU Certified Coach Former USSSA Certified Coach Member of NSCA

Awards and Honors

Coach of 2001 AS&FM Athlete's of the Year "P.T.S. TKD Team" First runner up 2001 AS&FM Fittest Male of the Year

What do you like about this subject?

I have been in martial arts since the age of nine. It has been a way of life for me. The discipline and self-confidence gained through practice and competition have lead to success in other areas of my life.

What do you still hope to achieve/learn in this field?

The 2010 and 2011 seasons were great for our teams. We brought back 9 Gold, 2 Silver and 4 Bronze medals. You can watch our highlight videos at http://www.youtube.com/user/TrinityFitness?feature=mhee#p/a/u/1/xBafarxPCj4 http://www.youtube.com/user/TrinityFitness?feature=mhee#p/a/u/0/NokPhR_eYEc

Something interesting about this subject that others may not know:

Tae Kwon Do was introduced to the world at the 1988 Olympic Summer Games in Seoul, Korea as a demonstration sport. As of the 2000 Olympics the sport became a full medal sport. It's growing popularity has made it one of the fastest growing martial arts world wide.

Something controversial or provocative about this subject

The Olympic Trial process for TKD has changed every Olympics. Many sports stick to a same system of picking a team every 4 years. However, with several elite coaches pulling the strings, stacking the fighting so the favorite will have a better chance of winning and not allowing adequate time for the TKD community as a whole the opportunity to know the team trial process, it's extremely political.