I had played soccer for over 25 years, when the surfaces of the indoor fields I was playing on took a toll on my shins my Orthopedic Dr. suggested trying a new sport.  A few years later, in August of 2010 I found out about Harrison Taekwondo from a flyer in the 4th of July parade.  Martial Arts sounded interesting, but I didn’t want a bunch of “Eastern Philosophy” pushed on me, and schools tended to be on the expensive side.  When I looked into the school I found out that it was free and it was a Christian Outreach, so I called Master Beckman and planned my first visit.

Two Years later I earned my 1st Degree Black Belt in Chung Do Kwan Taekwondo, registered and recognized by the Kukkiwon (World Taekwondo Headquarters in Korea).  Soon after I was awarded my Instructor’s credentials and have assisted Master Beckman with Harrison Taekwondo.  It’s a way of connecting with kids, teens, and adults who might not have a strong desire to try attending church, but they will give Martial Arts a try.  We teach and uphold Christian principles, while building character and confidence through teaching an art form that provides practical self defense.  It’s always funny to watch the look of disbelief in the faces of the newer students when they eventually hear that I’m a preacher.

On August 2, 2014 I successfully passed a 3.5 hour test to gain my school 2nd Degree Black Belt and went before the American Martial Arts Alliance (AMAA) board on September 6, 2014 to earn my AMAA 2nd Degree recognition also to be registered and recognized as a 2nd Degree (2nd Dan) Black Belt by the Kukkiwon in Korea.

As the journey continued, three years later I passed my school test for my 3rd Degree Black Belt on August 25, 2017 and went before the American Martial Arts Alliance board, which is now the Chungdokwan Taekwondo Alliance, on September 9, 2017 to earn my 3rd Degree (3rd Dan) recognition with the Chungdokwan Taekwondo Alliance and to be registered in Korea as a 3rd Dan now, but this time under the World Chungdokwan Taekwondo Federation.

The first half of 2019 I took some time off to explore some back and hip issues that I had been experiencing. We discovered that degenerative disc disease had set in on a few of my discs causing pain and numbness. My doctor and I started putting together a maintenance plan. It was at this time that my instructor, Master Beckman, asked if I could cover class for two months as he worked a job detail out of town. The two months turned into a job offer for him and a good career move. He asked if I would take over Harrison Taekwondo.

I agreed and so at the beginning of 2020 we moved Harrison Taekwondo from Harrison, OH to Miamitown, OH and renamed the school “Miamitown Martial Arts Ministry.” I’m being careful with my back, but I believe this was a “God thing” and so I’m walking in faith.

On March 20, 2021 I tested and earned my Master’s Level, 4th Degree Black Belt with the Chungdokwan Taekwondo Alliance and also certified with the World Chungdokwan Taekwondo Federation. And the story continues…