[KF25] Member Interview: JazzKicker

[Patrick]

For our 25th birthday celebration, we're publishing an interview series with members from our community. 

Member Profile

@JazzKicker (View Profile)

Joined: August 7, 2017

Posts: 222

Where are you from?

Central New Jersey, USA.

Why did you get started in the martial arts?

I was in high school, Kung Fu was on TV, and my brother was trying Chun Do Kwan in college.

Why have you continued to practice them?

All the usual reasons. Health, fitness, self-discipline, confidence, a sense of personal power.

Please briefly describe the styles of martial arts that you have taken.

Judo, Shito-Ryu, Tang Soo Do, Hapkido, MMA, Jeet Kune Do, Tai Chi, Ryu Kyu Kempo, and boxing.

What is your grade or level?

4th Dan Hapkido, 3rd Dan Tang Soo Do, and senior level JKD.

Do you teach?

Not currently. I did teach a TSD class in the past.

What are your first memories from training?

Being sore from karate and being slammed in Judo!

What has been the highlight of your training?

I have been fortunate to learn from many notable masters and teachers, both in regular classes and seminars.

What do you do when you're not training?

I play jazz guitar and trumpet. I cross-train with cycling, running, and yoga. I'm a parent.

What do you do for a living?

I'm a retired electrical engineer.

Who are or were your martial arts heroes?

Among movie stars: Bruce Lee, Chuck Norris, and Jackie Chan. Among the "not famous:" my Hapkido instructor, Frank Woolford, my first karate instructor, Yoshisada Yonezuka, and Tim Tackett from JKD Wednesday Night Group.

What are your favorite martial arts films and/or shows?

My favorite current series is Warrior.

Where do you see yourself going in your martial arts journey in the next few years?

The biggest goal as I get older is to keep training with the club I'm with, staying mobile and healthy. It would be nice to get to 5th Dan before I'm done!

Do you remember how you found KarateForums.com? Why did you join?

Probably a web search. I like forums like this more than Facebook because people here are more mature and respectful.

Why did you stay?

There's a nice and diverse group of contributors here.

You've been a member since August 7, 2017. During this time, how has KarateForums.com changed in your eyes, if at all?

It seems the same, except people have left.

How, if at all, have you used KarateForums.com in your classes or training?

It's good to have an external community that reminds me of the commonality of the martial arts. I can bring up a topic, and there will be people here who "get it."

Are there any members here who have had a particular influence or impact on you?

I would say all the currently active contributors.

Can you share a memorable moment within the community where you received great advice or an experience that really affected you and your martial arts journey?

I would say not so much a moment as a period of time in my life, where I did not have a regular group outlet for training, and I struggled with life issues like work and parenting. Being able to connect with others on a shared passion was a support.

Edited 16 hours ago by Patrick

[Patrick]

Thank you for joining us for this interview series, JazzKicker. Always happy to see a post for you and great to have the chance to get to know you better. I appreciate all of the contributions that you have made over the years.

[bushido_man96]

7 hours ago, Patrick said:

I would say not so much a moment as a period of time in my life, where I did not have a regular group outlet for training, and I struggled with life issues like work and parenting. Being able to connect with others on a shared passion was a support.

It's awesome that KF helped you this way.  That's what's so great about this community.