I was one of Master Jackson's original student's when he first began teaching at the local Henderson recreation center in 2001. I stayed with "M.J." at first for 5 years, earning the rank all the way up to a "skunk belt." (a black belt with a white stripe down the middle, the belt just before black) I placed silver in the AAU State Championship competition in 2004 in both forms and Olympic sparring, after first breaking 3 bones in my left foot during warm-up practice. I then went to the AAU National Championship competition in 2004, where I won gold for Olympic sparring and silver in forms.
In 2006, after my first daughter was born, I left to pursue my new family life. However, I returned 6 years later, having now 3 children, the third just born. I had missed what I had once come to call home. But, Master Jackson welcomed me back with open arms, offering not only to reteach me what I had forgotten, but a job helping teach some of the classes as well. The kids at the school were amazing! A couple had even heard of me! It made me laugh when one came up to me and said, " I've heard of you, you're tough!" Teaching them was a joy. That lasted for at least another 2 years till another job opportunity peaked my interest.
Though I no longer train at the DoJang, I do still keep up on what I've learned there at home. Every once and a while I find myself thinking of my life there and the family I made with some of the instructors and students, and I keep promising myself to stop by, just to catch up on old times.
So, if you're reading this, please know I do still both miss and love all of you there at the DoJang. Especially, Master Jackson, Matthew Blanken, Dominic Raffinello, Robert Passer-LeMaster, And Celeste Hamner! Thank you all so much. I'll see you soon. 😉
