ATF Phoenix
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The Phoenix Opinion
I have thought a lot about my school ever since last Tuesday night. I wonder how many of us just sit back in our "down time" and think about the level of training we have been given. In my opinion, just because one has a black belt from Chuck Norris, doesn't make you a karate genius. Just because one was taught by Bruce Lee doesn't make you the master of strength and flow. You can be taught by the best and still not use your abilities to learn and think, which will allow your skills to reach their maximum potential. Your dedication to your own training will determine your skill. That being said, we are recieving training that is second to none! Our chief instructor has dedicated his life to learning and teaching Tang Soo Do. While holding to the traditions that make us a Tang Soo Do school, we also use the best practices of Jeet Kun Do which tells us to not be a slave to one style, but to pull from many other styles to develop a style without boundries. We can see it ingrained into our system by taking moves from modern boxing, fencing, JKD, Muay Tai, stand up grappling, and ground fighting. Ever wonder why we can go years wihout attending a competition and still take home the majority of the trophies in each category in each level? I don't. It comes from being taught by the best. Additionaly, Mr Waggoner has had the opportunity to train intensely with some of the best instructors in the world. His dedication and ability speaks for itself in his ability to train others. Not only Rangers and SEALs, but the students of the ATF in Walnut Ridge, AR. Few schools in the country could boast such training...especially for $20. Our black belts bring an aire of serious training and dedication while still maintaining a family atmosphere where younger belts can truly look up to worthy adults. There are fewer and fewer places where children can come a be truly taught not only self defense, but character and self control. Knowing that when they leave they can go out into the world with true ability to defend themselves AND know when it is important to do so. As I said earlier, it is our responsibility to take advantage of this training and bring everything of ourselves into it. If you are scolded by a blackbelt for an action or inaction, you have the option to learn from it or blow it off. The wise student would consider it an opportunity to not only be a better martial artist, but also a better person. By blowing it off, you show immaturity and a lack of discipline. Both of these will limit your ability to be the best all around person and practitioner that you can be. All that to say this: take advantage of training offered, listen to your superiors and take their advice and correction to heart, and bring everything of yourself to every class. At the end of your life will you be happy with mediocre efforts, or will you look back and be able to say with pride that you gave everything, everytime, and you have no regrets? I will strive for the latter! Tang Soo!
***and the next morning***
Oh, and one more thing. If you doubt that ATF is a family, just think about what happened the other night when Mr Gaines got a call from his wife telling him that someone was outside their house. The "tribe" responded by sending three other people to Mr Gaines' house to make sure everything was okay. No hesitation, no thought for self. One of us had an problem, and the others helped to make sure it was fixed! Name another karate school where you can find that kind of total dedication to its students.
Last edited by ATF Phoenix, 10/3/2009, 8:11 am
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10/2/2009, 9:24 pm
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Dragon01
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Re: The Phoenix Opinion
WOW! 
Thanks Tom.
D01
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10/2/2009, 10:44 pm
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ATF Phoenix
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Re: The Phoenix Opinion
sorry for the long rambling. Its just been on my mind all week. 
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10/3/2009, 8:12 am
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Rhino2009
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Re: The Phoenix Opinion
quote:
Our black belts bring an aire of serious training and dedication while still maintaining a family atmosphere where younger belts can truly look up to worthy adults. There are fewer and fewer places where children can come a be truly taught not only self defense, but character and self control. Knowing that when they leave they can go out into the world with true ability to defend themselves AND know when it is important to do so.
I agree with you Tom, and have said the same thing many times. Riley has always had self confidence issues. I had him in therapy for awhile to help him learn how to boost his self esteem. ATF has done more for Riley in a short time than therapy did in over a year. As a matter of fact, therapy did nothing at all for him (and I'm not saying therapy is a bad thing - just it didn't work for him).
Riley is a completely different little boy now. He has confidence and he is not afraid to try new things. I am very proud of the strides he has made and I am very proud of the people my son considers heroes - Mr. Weeks, Mr. R. Weeks, Jason Boggs,Tom, Mike, Mrs. Atkinson, Mrs. Boggs, Mrs Fender, Mr. Fortson, Mr. Waggoner, the list goes on and on. As a parent, I know I made the right decision bringing Riley to ATF. There are very few places, or people for that matter who serve as a moral compass for our youth of today.
I don't think I say it enough - but THANK YOU to my ATF family for all that you do for Riley, myself, and all the other students at our school. What you give to us is priceless.
Tang Soo
Rhino
Last edited by Dragon01, 10/3/2009, 10:50 am
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10/3/2009, 10:21 am
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Dragon01
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Re: The Phoenix Opinion
Careful......I may ask for a raise! 
D01
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10/3/2009, 10:48 am
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Bull1stBB
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Re: The Phoenix Opinion
To the future...
We have and always will be that way, if we maintain a high standard.
Thank you all for the great comments and I might add great truths about the ATF family.
Bull
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10/13/2009, 9:55 am
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Mike Montgomery
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Re: The Phoenix Opinion
I remain proud to be a part of this org. and family. Ill tell you in a nutshell how I feel about it. The joy of my life, my 5 year old Sydney has joined our school. I guarantee you if I didnt think it was a primo deal, she wouldnt be there.
Where will life lead you??? I never guessed I would be pursuing a black belt at age 40 with my 5 year old daughter by my side. What will my next challenge be???????
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10/13/2009, 10:27 pm
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