I started my martial arts career like many boys raised in the 1980’s, the karate movie section of my local video rental store.

Fast forward to my 30’s and I walk into my gym for a workout and notice a sign saying, “Sign up for Muay Thai classes.” By then, I had discovered many other martial arts beyond karate and kung fu movies.

Jump into the future again and my now wife and young son, Daniel, are attending a Koren arts and culture festival in Raleigh where they had Taekwondo demonstrations on stage.

Being innovative and ingenious, Master Houman and Ms. Neshat soon started offering Taekwondo classes in-person inside a local parking deck.

With many years of soccer, martial arts, and other activities under my belt, so to speak, I have seen my fair share of bumps, bruises, gashes, and the occasional broken toe, but practicing taekwondo as a middle-aged man presents new challenges and rewards.

I suppose you can teach a middle-aged dog new tricks because I have learned a few things from being a taekwondo athlete at my age besides keeping tight fists while sparring.

My newfound flexibility and agility were not earned freely; I paid a few costs along the way. I have broken a toe or two over the past 4 ½ years, but I suppose the assorted foot injury comes with the territory for a sport comprised primarily of kicks.

My martial arts journey, like many of life’s epic treks, is not embarked upon alone. I have enjoyed a host of support from all angles throughout my training career, especially today in my current role as Taekwondo Dad. Most importantly, my wife, Vanessa, is the person to whom I owe the largest debt of gratitude for her support over the years.