Don Young

RANK: 1st Degree L3

INSTRUCTOR STATUS: L2 Instructor

DOB: 8/11/61

Birthplace: Queens, NY

Favorite Book: Desert Solitaire

Favorite Movie: Breakfast Club

Favorite Color: Pink

Favorite Ice Cream: Anything but chocolate.

Goal: To be the best father, husband, and friend that I can be.

Taekwondo essay:

My introduction to Tae Kwon Do began approximately 5 years ago when my son Evan joined Westlake Tae Kwon Do. When Evan joined we had no idea what was involved. Evan remained a white belt for approximately 9 months because we brought him to class only once a week, had no idea what the stripes on the belt were all about or even how the strips were earned. I remember the instructors would come out of class and tell us Evan needed to work on something and I would say “okay” but in reality I had no idea what they were talking about. I didn’t know the difference between a back stance and front stance (some people might say I still don’t). Once Evan and the family started to grasp what Tae Kwon Do was all about Evan asked me to join. At that time my main athletic interest was triathlons. The amount of time involved in swimming, biking and running left very little time for additional athletic endeavors. However, as I got older my body couldn’t handle the amount of stress put on it by doing triathlons and I was constantly injured. As a result I had to find another outlet for my competitive urge. I finally gave in to Evan’s consistent urging and joined Tae Kwon Do.

At first I felt out of place. I was one of a few adults in a TKD school where most students were children. When practicing my TKD techniques I discovered I was non-ambidextrous. I could easily complete a technique with my right side and could not even come close with my left side. Practicing my form was the most unnatural thing I have ever done with my body. I felt as if I was dancing and I am the first to admit I have no rhythmic or musical abilities whatsoever. In spite of all this I stuck it out because Evan really enjoyed having me do TKD with him. As time went on the ability to perform equally with both sides of my body had vastly improved and despite what Mr. Einav thinks I believe I have gotten much better with my forms.

I think the best the thing about TKD are the people. I have yet to go to any tournament, seminar or class and not enjoyed interacting with the other people. I mainly think this is true because it takes a certain mindset to stick with TKD and advance to the higher levels. Without this frame of mind it is difficult to continue advancing, training and bettering oneself as a martial artist.

As I continue with TKD I hope to help others enjoy TKD as much as I do, better my self in all aspects of the sport and continue to meet new people. I also continue to challenge myself to achieve the flexibility and kicking abilities of the higher degrees that are much younger than myself.