March '11 - Student of the Month: JASON TRAUGHBER
Current Rank: Brown Belt
About Me:
I am 31 years old and I work as a supervisor for an industrial painting contractor Universal Blastco. I travel all over the country for work but have been blessed to work in the area for the past year. I am recently engaged to an amazing woman and I am getting married at the end of this year in Chile.
How long have you been training in Kuk Sool Won™?
I have been training Kuk Sool Won for one year and three months. I started in January of 2010.
What made you join Kuk Sool Won?
I always wanted to do martial arts but traveled so much I couldnt find one that was fitting to my needs. I searched several schools in the area and found Kuk Sool Won of Kingwood. Kuk Sool Won is a worldwide organization and JDKJN did not discriminate on my size at the time. I was told by other schools that I was "too big" to do martial arts. JDKJN and SBN Hilda helped me out very much and are very supportive. I also like the complexity of Kuk Sool Won, I will always be learning in this art.
What do you like most about Kuk Sool Won™?
There are so many things; JDKJN and the other Instructors are great, the schedule of training per week, the complexity, the cardio, the "soft hard" style, and my fellow students to name a few. Kuk Sool Won of Kingwood has been a life altering experience.
What is your favorite Technique so far – and why?
Joong Geup Sohn Mohk Soo # 5. I like being able to manipulate the arm/elbow into a lock and using my "speed of a backhoe" force against the elbow to immobilize and break the joint.
What is your favorite Form (Hyung) so far – and why?
Dae Geup Hyung. I like the strength, endurance and balance it takes to do this entire hyung. From the inside kick to the jump inside kick then going to a spin kick to a long stance block to a low spin kick takes strength, endurance and most of all balance.
What are your long term goals in Kuk Sool Won™?
My long term goals are to continue to train hard and learn from JDKJN, to stay healthy, to achieve Jo Kyo Nym, and then becoming an instructor for Kuk Sool Won. One other goal is to go to Korea with my Master, Instructors and classmates. I am going to be the best that I can be.
What is/has been your best accomplishment in Kuk Sool Won™?
The best accomplishment has been my weight loss and the ability to keep it down. I have lost 55 lbs and continue to lose weight. I am healthier than I've been in the past 5 years. Every day I arrive and I'm stoked to do Mon Puhl Ki and to start training. I would like to thank JDKJN, SBN Hilda, the other Instructors, classmates and my family. You have been very supportive in this journey that I have begun.