AMAA Sports Caught up with Tae Kwon Do Master Mike King in Greensboro, NC.
With several Tae Kwon Do programs in Greensboro and hosting a Tae Kwon Do tournament in March, we thought we’d chat with him
Mike King
Greensboro Black Belt Academy
www.gsoblackbelt.com
AMAA: How long have you been studying martial arts?
MASTER
MIKE KING: Thirty-three years. I started training in about 1983. I first started teaching in 1991 and opened my first school in 1992.
AMAA: Where did you begin your training?
MASTER
MIKE KING: I started in Greensboro with a local TAE KWON DO instructor.
AMAA: Who are some of your martial arts influences?
MASTER
MIKE KING: Bruce Lee, of course. I also attended seminars of Professor Wally Jay, Bill “Superfoot Wallace”, Dr. Dr. Jin Bang Yang and Joe Lewis which had a big impact on me. I also trained with Bobby Taboda in private lessons for about six months. Not only did all of these influences teach me great techniques, but they also taught me martial arts philosophy.
AMAA: How long has your school been in existence?
MASTER
MIKE KING: Greensboro Black Belt Academy opened in 1991 – 25 Years.
AMAA: You have several programs throughout Greensboro, is that correct?
MASTER
MIKE KING: Yes, I have six programs: 109-B Pisgah Church Road; Ragsdale YMCA; Bryan YMCA; Spears YMCA; Cross training located at 5000 West Friendly Avenue; and Hayes-Taylor YMCA located at Lee Street.
AMAA: What do you enjoy most about teaching martial arts?
MASTER
MIKE KING: Getting to meet people and helping them to reach their goals.
AMAA: Have you ever had to use the arts to defend yourself?
MASTER
MIKE KING: Yes, a few times and it was very effective. Fortunately, I have never had to hurt anyone.
AMAA: What types of programs do you offer at your school?
MASTER
MIKE KING: Hapkido, tae kwon do, basic weapons and basic ground work. We also have a dedicated special needs class.
AMAA: You are hosting a tae kwon do tournament next month – can you tell us about that?
MASTER
MIKE KING: It is going to be forms only so that kids can get an introduction to competitive martial arts. Even though it is competition, it is more of an internal achievement event where kids can learn by doing. It will be great exposure and an opportunity for students to meet other students from various schools.
AMAA: What are your goals in teaching martial arts?
MASTER
MIKE KING: My basic goal is to introduce martial arts and give people an opportunity to try it out. My main goal is teaching confidence and self discipline. I want to teach young people self discipline and to be their own governor. It is important to accept that you are responsible for your actions – good or bad. I want to instill genuine knowledge of actions and results.
AMAA: What is your rank?
MASTER
MIKE KING: 5th Degree Black Belt.
Interview conducted by: Theresa Williams of AMAA Sports
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