Staff
	Master Borucki
	Mr. Ogle
	Ms. Bannister
	Ms. Skiles
	Mr. Phillips
	Mr Lancaster
	Ms. Pokorny
	Ms. Rossini
	Mr. Massey

In April of 2002, I suggested to my girlfriend that she needed to take some form of self-defense class to prepare for a four-month trip to the Dominican Republic.  I had no idea that she would decide to sign up for Hapkido here at Global.  I had told her that I would sign up for whatever she chose.  (There was no way I could let her be able to beat me up).  I did, however, have slight personal reservations about doing martial arts.  When I was 13 my right hip was fused to the femur due to a misfortunate event. Although, I have never let my fused hip limit me, the idea of high kicking was nothing more than a dream for me.  I was afraid that I would be cast aside due to this restriction.  The Instructors at Global, however, were very understanding and adjusted techniques to fit me.

My first class was a day that I vividly remember and am still reminded of.  My nervousness turned into fear during basic kicking.  While attempting an outside kick with my left leg, I accidentally kicked Master Borucki, and broke his big toe. Despite that incident, I came back to the next class.  I fell in love with martial arts.  I read every book I could get my hands on; subscribed to Black Belt Magazine; watched every instructional video I could find; and attended as many seminars as I could.  I have trained with Masters such as Dr. He Young Kimm, Bong Soo Han, and Grandmaster J.R. West, to name only a few.  It was not long before I decided that this was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.  In September 2003, after earning my brown belt, I was made an Assistant Instructor.  It was an honor to be invited to Instructor class.  I learned so much more about the art and about how the school is run.  I started helping out in as many classes as I could, developing my own style of teaching.  On Saturdays, I help out in the Little Dragons program, which is such a blast.  The energy that is in the room where the kids are learning life skills as well as martial arts is amazing. I would never have thought that four to six year olds could be that focused and well-behaved.  Nearly a year and a half later, in December 2004, I was awarded my first-degree Black Belt and was officially promoted to Instructor. That test was something I will never forget.  From the nervousness at the beginning, to the pure adrenaline during, to the tears at the end, it was (and still is) a privilege to be studying martial arts with so many wonderful people; whom I now feel are more like family than just friends. 

Since becoming an Instructor, I have learned much more than just techniques. Standing in front of a class full of children or adults waiting for you to make the decisions about the training that will be taking place is an intimidating concept. Despite that, it's also extremely fulfilling to be up there helping students the way I was helped.  Continuing this tradition and trying to be a good role model is a goal I will strive for the rest of my life.

In December of 2008, I tested for my 2^nd Dan. Although it had been three years since my previous test, and you would think I would have been prepared for this next endeavor. I was still pretty nervous. Being tested is never easy, but without it you never know if you are making improvements. Facing and conquering fears is something that my training at Global and my personal training in the art of  Parkour have helped me tremendously.

Martial arts training has done more for me than teach me how to defend myself. My self-confidence has soared, my focus and awareness are much higher, I am in better shape and strive to get in even better shape, and I have found the second love of my life - (my wife being the first!)  Becoming a school owner and Master in my art is a goal I will reach one day.  But, no matter what, martial arts are something I can never leave behind.