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

To Grandmaster Dong:

My name is Dominique Callins and I am a new student at your school. I am writing to explain to you why I am interested in pursuing martial arts at your school. My interest is three-fold: (1) to pursue a recreational activity that I can enjoy with my son; (2) to re-establish myself-confidence and obtain a sense of purpose and accomplishment; (3) to learn self-defense.

I am an over-achieving single mother in a demanding profession and am encountering what I perceive to be significant obstacles in both my personal and professional life. As you can imagine, such circumstances cause a great deal of stress. Initially I came to Dong’s Karate with the purpose of introducing my son to a sport and believed karate would instill in him focus, discipline and respect. I have since become aware, however, that the study of martial arts can also be used as a method for channeling stressful energy, something I need in my life!

I also recognized that I could use some focus and affirmation. Karate provides definite goals and guidance for achieving those goals. Once the goal is reached, there is a tangible, meritorious recognition: belts. There are also intangible rewards, just as valuable: self-respect, confidence, honor, accomplishment, to name a few. 

I am excited that I can share this experience with my son. Though I understand we will be in different classes, we will be learning fundamentals together that can be reinforced at home. I believe this experience will help us form a tighter bond. I can tell he’s also excited that we can learn something fun together! 

I am honored to be studying under the tutelage of such a renowned Master. I look forward to learning all I can.

Sincerely,

Dominique Callins

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