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Master Instructor Jason J. Yi (6th Dan Black Belt)
Our Sabumnim
Master Jason Yi, a 6th Dan Black Belt, has been doing Tae Kwon Do for most of his life. Born in Seoul, Korea, he comes from a family of black belts. His father is a 3rd Dan black belt and his brother, a second Dan. Master Yi started training in TKD when he was 10 years old in traditional dojang, (no padding), 1½ hours a day, Monday through Saturday. He received his 1st Dan black belt at the age of 12.
Master Yi leads a busy life but feels that exercise always puts him in a better frame of mind. It's relaxing, and gives him energy to finish what needs to be done. He tries to work out at least 3 times a week, by running 3 miles, even when he doesn’t feel like exercising. He also visits a friend that has a dojang to work on his TKD training when he gets the opportunity.
Master Yi, although well rounded in his teachings, likes the forms part of TKD the best. When done correctly, he feels the forms give the student a total body workout. If the student concentrates on doing the stances, blocking, kicks, and breathing correctly, they will feel the benefits from practicing their forms. He feels that TKD teaches children and adults discipline and gives them confidence. When they do well in the dojang, and are rewarded with continuous improvement, this gives them the confidence to see TKD, and everyday aspects in life, in a positive manner.
It is evident when watching him teach his classes that he really enjoys working with the children. He gives them a good measure of discipline, but the fact the children are incredibly pleased to see him underlines that he is a wonderful teacher. He has an understanding of the children and gets on their level when teaching them. He feels that during the lesson, he is able to forget about the responsibility of being and adult, and just remember the basic elements of what makes children happy. The excitement and energy the kids bring to his classes, the potential for watching a child grow in the martial arts are factors that motivate him to teach.
A Martial Arts instructor will eventually run into people that want to challenge his abilities. Master Yi has encountered a few incidents and stresses that although there will be times in a student’s life when they could possibly be in physical harm, it is always important to talk out of a situation first. Using no-nonsense, but forceful words, "I want you to leave me alone"-"I don't want to fight" will sometimes be enough to cause a person to rethink a physical engagement. TKD should always be used only in self-defense, and as a last resort before a physical confrontation
Master Yi has had many highlights in his TKD training. He has competed in numerous tournaments, and won grand-championship trophies for his accomplishments. However, his training and teachings speak for themselves. Master Yi's eyes shine bright when he explains that although his accomplishments in tournaments and his life make him feel proud, nothing really beats teaching. The look of clouds breaking in a child’s eye, the look of "I really understand!!" makes him feel that his accomplishments as a teacher is the highlight of his career as a martial artist.
Master Yi feels that TKD has had a 100% positive effect on his life. That even after the physical part of TKD is gone, the spiritual part - the perseverance, integrity, and the never give up attitude will always be a part of him. He would like for his students to understand that they should never give up. Self confidence gained in training brings confidence throughout your life.
(Written by Laura Stish) |
