TeamUSA.org Profile 

My Taekwondo journey began when I decided to try Taekwondo at Kim’s Martial Arts in Avon Lake at the age of ten.  When the school moved to Avon, a competition team emerged.  I began competing in 2001 and attended my first Jr. Olympics competition in 2003.  I succeeded in winning a gold medal there, and also the next four years.  In 2006 I made the Jr. National Taekwondo Team.  I was able to experience the excitement and responsibility of representing my country at the Jr. World Championship in Vietnam.  This experience was very valuable to me and increased my confidence tremendously.  I became a much better fighter the next year, making the team again in 2007.  Once again I was able to represent the U.S.A. in Florida at the Jr. Pan-American Games.  I achieved my goal of winning a gold medal and standing on the podium as the National Anthem played has been one of the most incredible and rewarding feelings I have ever experienced.  In 2008 I transferred to Kim’s Martial Arts in Fairview and have continued to train hard and to compete at the national and international level.

To view my tournament record click the "read more" link below:

I have been involved in Taekwondo since 2002 but due to unforeseen circumstances I have only actively been participating for a total of three years.  I am now devoted to the Taekwondo way of life to not only keep me physically fit but also to keep my mind and spirit in top shape.  I was run over by a drunk driver in July of '06 and after 2 years of feeling sorry for myself I decided to become serious in my martial arts training again!  John Kim's Martial Arts School has been integral in my recovery process.  I am now in the best all around shape I have ever been in and I am on the verge of turning 40!  I recently competed in the Buffalo National Qualifier and won the Gold Medal thanks to Mr. Kim's training and coaching.  I have also,in the past, competed in two other tournaments, Asian Sun and The North American Challenge, I won the gold medals in those tournaments also.  Although I am proud of those feats I am more proud to say that Taekwondo has changed me outside the school also.  It is a way of life, a structure, that I happily follow.  The discipline and determination that Taekwondo has taught me has made persevering through rougher days much easier!  I believe that I have only touched the iceberg of where Taekwondo can take me!  I am shooting to become the National Champion on every level I can en route to my ultimate goal...Black Belt!!!