Dear Grandmaster Dong, Beginning the study of Tae Kwon Do was the culmination of a thought process that began almost two years ago when my husband and daughter began attending your school. Martial arts were never a goal that I had for myself. When my husband, Alan, and daughter, Shelley, began attending, I started to see a slow, gradual change in them. They looked forward to each class; every day they talked to each other about what they’d learned and they would practice together. I couldn’t understand what all the excitement was about and resented the way Alan would ask me almost daily if I would like to sign up. My answer each time was “no thanks, I’m doing just fine”. I didn’t deny that whatever was happening to them was a good thing. Shelley has had a rough time in school, but after starting karate, she began to settle down into her own rhythm and feel confident in her abilities. I could see the positive changes for both her and for my husband I started wondering why I was resisting the lure of karate if it was such a good experience for the people that I knew. One day, the reason for my resistance finally dawned on me. I resisted out of fear. That 4-letter word has ruled my life for as long as I can remember – fear of change, fear of the unknown, fear of “what will people think of me”. It’s been an albatross that has kept me from truly enjoying life. When I finally figured out why I was saying “no” to karate, it didn’t take me long to realize what I had to do. I pushed through my doubts and said “YES”. I embraced this change and made the commitment to myself that this is the road I need to follow. You and your instructors have lived up to every expectation I’ve had. I have felt encouraged and motivated by the instruction I’ve received so far. Something that Mark told our class one day has had a most profound effect on my outlook. He told us that in order to help ourselves gain the most benefit from our training that we needed to take one technique or movement we have learned from each class and work on that thing until you feel comfortable with it. The reason for this is so that each of us will begin to build the strong foundation necessary to grow in our study of martial arts. Thank you, Grandmaster Dong, for the opportunity to learn and grow int eh ways of a true martial artist. Sincerely, Brenda Hallmark
— Brenda Hallmark

Dear Grandmaster Dong, I have had more fun taking class at your dojang than I ever thought I would! I love the way I feel during class and after. Becoming a black belt is a journey and the fun and lessons have only just begun. As I attend class and earn my belts, I have developed self-confidence and I love it! I feel like a better and happier me. I also want to continue to learn self-defense skills just in case I ever have to use them. Black belt, here I come!
— Berrett Brogden

To: Dong's School, Participating in Tae Kwon Do for the past 11 years has allowed me to build my level of discipline, and permitted me to become stronger physically every. As I have grown up, Tae Kwon Do has built my respect for others and has also allowed me to make some great friends along the way. These amazing people have supported me not only in Tae Kwon Do, but in all of my endeavors. My instructors and other members of my class have supported me academically, and in other things. So far it has been a great experience and has brought me to a new level of discipline in life; I look forward to consistently moving forward in everything I try because of the foundation I have in Tae Kwon Do. By succeeding in Tae Kwon Do at Dong's, I have done better in school, at home and in many others aspects in my life. My grades have improved, and my overall health has improved as well.
— Anonymous

To: Dong's Karate School, As I advance from Black Tip to Bo Dan, I look at what I have gained from Dong's School. My initial interest in Dong's was as an activity that my son Cullen and I could share and enjoy together. However, this initial interest has grown into better mental and physical health for myself as well as it has given me a greater sense of purpose and accomplishment from what I have learned from Grand Master Dong, the instructors and from being able to assist others as a teaching assistant in the classes. Grand Master Dong's School has provided me definite goals (e.g. stress reduction, improved endurance, belt advancement, etc.) and has helped me in achieving these goals. It has also allowed me to meet new people and develop friendships where we work to achieve the same goal of bettering ourselves and helping others. Sincerely, Darrell Purcell
— Darrell Purcell

1973. Bow to the flag when entering and leaving. "Thinking before Acting." Sweep the floors. Forty-five minutes of exercises, one hour of training. "Thinking Before Acting." Sweep floors. Two sessions per night and every Saturday. Sixty miles round trip to class. I was 15 years old then. Three years later I was asked to test for black belt. Twenty-three years later I reflect upon those three years and the impact Grand Master Dong's training had upon me. Before Tae Kwon Do I was a below average student with no goals. Today I am the CEO of a manufacturing firm that I built from nothing. I made over a million dollars after three years in business. Today, I help employ over 50 disabled adults. Since training with Grand Master Dong twenty years ago I have graduated from VMI [Virginia Military Institute], taught martial arts to over 100 students, attended law school, and commanded a combat support Military Police Company of over 270 soldiers. After nine years I left the Army with three Meritorious Service Medals, received another black belt, became a deacon in the church, got a Masters Degree and started my own business. I am financially secure, have been married for 16 years and am the father of two great children. My testimonial is for the young people. At the end of the ninth grade my closest friends took different paths. Drugs, car wrecks, alcoholism, divorce and prison describe their route. I chose to follow a 27 year old Korean master of Tae Kwon Do. He changed my life and his influence continues to guide me many years later. In those days, Grand Master Dong lived in the classroom, literally. We had no training booklets, no tenets, no motto, no program. In retrospect Grand Master Dong was the classroom. We had no mats, no pads, and no air conditioning. We obeyed and respected our Master Instructor who prepared us for life. Wayne Lowery was Grand Master Dong's student/instructor and the man I trained under constantly. Mr. Lowery drove me to class until I was old enough to get my license. Even then he would pick me up on those days when I came home from school exhausted and wanting only to relax and watch TV. Together they taught me to persevere and finish what I started. More was caught than taught. We had no incentives to encourage attendance, participation and good grades. Our character was developed by being around the Master and imitating his ways. He was our manual and embodied the philosophy of Tae Kwon Do. I swept the studio, bowed to him, attended every class, and paid attention because I was fortunate to be his student. Classroom instruction was carried over into my schoolwork and other endeavors. I learned who I was and that knowledge allowed me to easily extend courtesy and respect to others. I started getting all A's and B's in school. I became confident in my physical abilities and this strengthened my mental abilities. I learned that nothing is impossible to a willing mind. Told that I was not college material, I graduated with honors because I learned you may be whatever you resolve to be. Repetition seemed to be the Master's teaching agenda. Repeat everything until it became second nature. Form transcended technique and reaction was cultivated through training: "Thinking before Acting." We had no scheduled testing periods nor did I ever fear passing a test. Grand Master Dong tested you when he knew you were ready for the next level. I learned to trust and be trusted. I didn't always understand, but I knew everything he asked or told me to do was for my benefit. Loyalty became inherent in my relationships. I learned this from Grand Master Dong . In learning to protect myself, I learned to protect and help others. I learned to attack with tenacity and defend with an indomitable spirit. As I reflect on the past 23 years, I am thankful for a man who chose to teach others; to give of himself for the benefit of all. I hope to let his life shine through mine as I share with others as he has shared with me. And always, "Thinking before Acting."
— Scott Sayre

Dear Grandmaster Dong and Instructor Morrisette, I can never thank you enough for everything that I am learning about myself. I know I say it nearly every letter, but it is true. It’s been two years and here I am testing for my brown belt. When I started I wasn’t sure if I would stick with it or not. I just knew that I was in need of some sort of change, some balance in my life. Now I see where my diligence is paying off. Diligence is a most appropriate topic at this level. I think I can truly appreciate the efforts put forth by those who are leading me on my journey and I respect their diligence for continuing on their own. I know that diligence is what is required to accomplish any task properly. It takes constant and determined effort to make relationships with family and friends work out. Differences always get in the way, but it is with persistence and the exertion of our bodies and minds that we make them work. This holds true in all aspects of our lives. Whether it’s school, work, or extra-curricular activities we must show a diligent spirit. At school and work it is the conscientiousness in paying proper attention to a task, and persevering with determination to see it through to the end that proves someone is excelling. This shows others that you are worthy of greater responsibilities, therefore opening more doors for a better advancement in life. There is no room for procrastination when you are trying to be a diligent person. I find it is this same diligent behavior that has helped me in martial arts. I know that if I continue to do my best and strive for excellence I will never feel let down by this program. “It is self- discipline and the setting of goals to be reached that will keep me moving forward. As long as I look for the lessons to be learned from within my mistakes and failures, and don’t give up I know I will persevere. I am willing to risk failure for a worthy goal and with no regrets. This comes from the diligence that has been instilled in my by my parents and nourished by the lessons of life. My wonderful mentors within this very school have fed that same spirit. Benjamin Franklin wrote, “Diligence is the mother of good luck.” I have always felt that we sort of make our own luck, so maybe there is truth in his words after all. Thank you again for everything you have offered me. I will forever be in your debt. Sincerely, Mary C. Farmer
— Mary C. Farmer