Martial Arts Revelation

Completely unexpected. Completely humbling.

At the WTSDA Region 1 Championship, I was honored to be named Region 1 Instructor of the Year for 2026.

To say I was surprised would be an understatement.

When I look around our Association, I see instructors, mentors, and leaders who have dedicated years—many of them decades—to serving their students and preserving the values of Tang Soo Do. To be recognized among them is an honor I don’t take lightly.

The truth is, awards like this don’t make me feel accomplished as much as they make me feel grateful.

Grateful for the instructors who continue to challenge, guide, and invest in me.

Grateful for the students who trust me to be part of their martial arts journey.

Grateful for the parents who support their children and make our school community so special.

And grateful for the opportunity to do something I genuinely love every day.

One of the lessons Tang Soo Do has taught me is that growth never ends. There is always another lesson to learn, another skill to refine, and another way to serve others more effectively.

While I am deeply honored by this recognition, I know there is still much to learn and much work left to do.

The journey continues.

Thank you to everyone who has been part of it. I share this recognition with all of you.

One of the most rewarding parts of teaching isn't watching students earn belts—it's watching them become leaders.

This photo is from several years ago when Sierra was still developing her skills as both a martial artist and an instructor. Since then, I've had the privilege of watching her continue to grow in confidence, knowledge, and leadership.

Being an assistant instructor is about much more than demonstrating techniques. It means setting an example, helping newer students succeed, and living the values we strive to teach every day.

The World Tang Soo Do Association teaches that the purpose of Tang Soo Do is not only self-defense, but also to develop a better person and contribute to a more peaceful world. Watching students like Sierra step into leadership roles reminds me that martial arts is about far more than kicks and punches.

It's about helping others.

Thank you, Sierra, for the time, energy, and heart you bring to our school. Martial Arts Revelation is stronger because of leaders like you.

Some moments mean more than words can capture.

This photo was taken moments after my promotion to 3rd Degree Black Belt.

While promotions recognize years of training, what they really represent are the people who help shape us along the way.

Master Ohlson has been an incredible mentor, instructor, and friend throughout my Tang Soo Do journey. Her guidance, patience, encouragement, and example have had a profound impact on both my martial arts training and my growth as a person.

When people see a black belt, they often see the individual.

What they don’t always see are the instructors, mentors, training partners, and family members who helped make that achievement possible.

Tang Soo Do teaches that we never walk the path alone.

I will always be grateful for those who have invested their time, knowledge, and belief in me.

Thank you, Master Ohlson.

The rank may be worn by one person, but the journey belongs to many.

BlackBeltJourney IndomitableSpirit

What people see is the competition.

What they don’t see is the preparation.

The early mornings.
The extra training sessions.
The sore muscles.
The repetitions.
The stretching.

This photo was taken before the 2025 WTSDA Region 1 Championship.

Before stepping onto the floor to compete, I was doing one of the least glamorous parts of martial arts training—preparing my body and mind for the work ahead.

Success in Tang Soo Do isn’t built on tournament day.

It’s built in the days, weeks, and months beforehand through consistent effort and disciplined preparation.

One of the 7 Tenets of Tang Soo Do is Perseverance.

Perseverance isn’t just pushing through challenges. It’s showing up and doing the things that aren’t exciting, knowing they matter.

The trophies may sit on a shelf, but the habits developed through training stay with us for life.

Champions are built long before they are recognized.

Region1 MartialArtsJourney

Big accomplishments come in small packages.

Congratulations to our Tiny Tigers on successfully completing their belt test!

One of the things I love most about teaching young students is watching their confidence grow. What starts as nervousness and uncertainty slowly transforms into focus, discipline, and self-belief.

Every stripe earned, every technique learned, and every challenge overcome helps build a foundation that extends far beyond the training floor.

These students worked hard, listened well, and demonstrated the courage to step up and test their skills.

I’m incredibly proud of each of them and excited to watch them continue their Tang Soo Do journey.

Remember:

Today’s Tiny Tigers become tomorrow’s leaders.

Discipline CharacterDevelopment

It’s amazing how quickly time passes.

I came across this photo from my first World Tang Soo Do Association World Championship after opening my own school.

Back then, the name on my uniform was Anytime Martial Arts. I was still figuring things out as a school owner, instructor, competitor, and leader. What I did know was that I loved Tang Soo Do, believed in my students, and wanted to build something meaningful.

A lot has changed since then.

The school has evolved into Martial Arts Revelation. Students have come and gone. New friendships have been formed. Mentors have guided me. Challenges have shaped me.

But one thing hasn’t changed:

The excitement of walking onto the floor at World Championships.

Every two years, practitioners from around the world gather to compete, learn, reconnect, and celebrate our shared Tang Soo Do journey. It’s one of the most inspiring experiences our Association offers.

And now, it’s almost here again.

World Championships return this July in Chicago, and I can’t wait.

Looking back reminds me how far we’ve come.

Looking forward reminds me how much there is still to learn.

Lineage Growth Perseverance

The test doesn’t end when the scores are recorded.

Some of the most important moments happen afterward.

Questions are asked. Lessons are discussed. Goals are set.

After our last belt test, we took time to reflect on what went well, what can improve, and what comes next.

Because Tang Soo Do isn’t about chasing belts—it’s about continuous growth.

As we prepare for our next test on June 20th, I encourage every student to remember:

Testing is not about proving what you know. It’s about revealing what you’ve learned and identifying what comes next.

Keep training.

Keep asking questions.

Keep growing.

MartialArtsRevelation

The medal is the result. This is the story.

Watching Angelo step onto the floor and compete at the WTSDA Region 1 Championship was one of my favorite moments of the weekend.

Competition has a way of testing more than technique. It tests focus, courage, preparation, and the ability to perform when the pressure is on.

Angelo trained hard for this opportunity. He pushed through the nerves, trusted his training, and stepped outside his comfort zone. That's what makes me proud.

The second-place medal is well deserved, but what I admire most is the growth that happened long before he ever stepped onto the ring.

This is what Perseverance looks like.

Congratulations, Angelo. This is just the beginning.

Growth Confidence

Grateful for the journey—and for the people who help shape it.

The weekend of our WTSDA Region 1 Championship was a special one for me. It was my first time competing in the senior division (35+), and I was honored to earn three first-place medals and be awarded the Senior Men’s Grand Champion Cup.

But accomplishments like this never happen alone.

Master Ohlson has been my instructor for some time now, and her influence on my progress, training, and growth has been tremendous. Her guidance, standards, and encouragement have helped push me to continue improving—not just as a competitor, but as a martial artist.

This is what lineage is all about: learning, growing, and carrying each other forward.

MartialArts Gratitude

Class got a surprise visitor… 🐄

Clo the Cow decided to stop by and interrupt training the other night—and I’m not sure who had more fun, the kids or me 😄

Moments like this are a good reminder that while we train hard and focus on discipline, confidence, and growth… it’s also important to enjoy the process.

Because when students are having fun, they stay engaged.
When they stay engaged, they keep showing up.
And that’s where real progress happens.

Strong fundamentals.
Big smiles.
And a little unexpected fun along the way.

That’s part of the journey.