Hi, my name is Alexander Hicks and I committed to training in Tang Soo Do in 2004. My experience is that martial arts offer many potential benefits. Tang Soo Do builds self confidence, self reliance, self discipline and it's a system of self defence. As a traditional martial art, taught in a traditional 'non-contact' way Johnson's Tang Soo Do appeals to a wide range of student types.
If you are new to martial arts I recommend you try a class with an open mind. Like me you may be surprised by the outcome, I was and here I am an instructor! now that was a surprise. I still train several times a week to make sure I am fit and effective as an instructor, constantly learning new skills and techniques that I can pass on to my students.
My thoughts on Tang Soo Do are shown below. I hope to see you at one of my classes soon.
Alex

Kids and serious fun

Kids want fun and a challenge for themselves and their parents may want to introduce them to new disciplines and social skills. I work hard to ensure my younger students see the benefits of hard work in a structured environment where there is courtesy and respect. I aim to show them self defence skills although I never forget they are kids with a lifetime of learning ahead. My theme is therefore 'serious fun'. I believe that enjoyment is essential in my classes for students of all ages but the discipline has to be there to make it work well for everyone and ensure that the integrity and traditions of the art are maintained.

Parents

In addition to the benefits described above Tang Soo Do is something that parents and their children can do together. There are many examples where parents and kids have gone all the way to black belt together and take the belt test on the same day. I always encourage parents to give it a try, particularly those who generously give their time to bring their kids along, and find themselves sitting through classes week after week kicking no more than their feet.

Over 40s

When I started training at Johnson's Tang Soo Do '40' was a distant memory. I was an ex footballer, rugby player, squash player, racing sailor, runner. In fact I was an ex most things looking for a new way to get fit that I could do! I did not think Martial Arts was for me at all, I thought that was for special people, not me. I lost 26 pounds in the first two years without any faddy diet and found muscles where I never knew I had them. I have developed teaching systems that meet the needs of older students.

Women

More than half of our black belts are women and there are new ones coming through all the time. Gender is not an issue. Some women want to focus on self defence. This is what Tang Soo Do is about for all students. We prepare students to defend themselves if the occasion arises but we also encourage non-aggression and self control. I believe these are vital issues when teaching martial arts of any kind.

For everyone

Tang Soo Do is for everyone so lads and lasses of all ages, are welcome. I like a class with a complete range of student types best of all. Sometimes the kids and adults train together sometimes separately. The important thing is that we all learn as I do every time I train and every time I teach.

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