Craig Witt
RANK: 3rd Degree L4
INSTRUCTOR STATUS: Level 1
DOB: 9/14/58
Birthplace: Fullerton, Ca
Favorite Book: Can't decide on one.
Favorite Movie: Any sci-fi action/adventure
Favorite Color: Blue
Favorite Ice Cream: Chocolate Chip
Goal: To be the father of, and role model for, two kind-hearted adults who are happy and independent.
Taekwondo essay:
What is it about this Taekwondo stuff, anyway? By Craig Witt
Seven years ago when my daughter expressed an interest in Taekwondo, my wife was happy to find the conveniently located, going-concern we all know as Westlake Taekwondo Plus. My son and I have now been in the program five years and my family has been to over a dozen tournaments across the country. It’s time for me to reflect and figure out why this particular activity has so captivated the Witt household.
Family Ties Grow Stronger
Through a combination of class attendance, tournaments, testings and travel to/from these events, I have spent almost 1000 Taekwondo-related hours with my kids. We have exercised, struggled, and learned together. We have shared the ups and downs of tournament and testing events. Together we have celebrated success and put defeat in perspective. We have discussed and debated the meaning of the tenets. Taekwondo has made us a closer and stronger family. But wait, there’s more…I’m happy to report my older brother and his wife earned their black belts last year at an ITA Taekwondo school in New Mexico. How great is that?
New Friends
Participation in the ITA program, as a student, Trainee Instructor, and Instructor has brought me new acquaintances and new friends. We share a desire for personal fitness, an admiration of great athleticism, a dedication to self-improvement and a willingness to help others. These are the kinds of folks with whom I can have fun, and whom I can trust as family. How great is that?
Self-Defense, Personal Fitness and Body-Awareness
This was my primary expectation when I joined Taekwondo and I have not been disappointed. The ITA program is specifically designed to challenge and encourage one on an individual basis, paced by one’s own abilities and desire to achieve. I will continue to grow stronger, more coordinated, and more in-tune with how to make my limbs bend and stretch and move like a contortionist (all while managing the aches and pains of my aging body!). My kids and I have experienced personal fitness practices that will serve us well throughout our lives. How great is that?
Always Learning
Learning is what keeps me in the ITA program and what will continue to make it attractive to me. I’ll learn to be a better martial artist and how to achieve and maintain personal fitness. I’ll learn more about Taekwondo and hone my communications skills through the instructor program. I’ll learn all this from the strong instructor community and from fellow students I see every week. As always, I’ll continue to learn from my kids and my family as we work to make this journey continue.
How great is that?
