06/2005

L: Tell me a little bit about yourself.

D: I am married with three children. I have lived in the Phoenix area for 22 years. Originally, I went to ASU studying for a Master's Degree in physical geography, but I decided to change and go to land survey school. I graduated, got a job and worked my way up. Now I am a registered land surveyor for the State of Arizona. For a number of years I worked for a large engineering and surveying firm, but now I do independent consulting for ADOT. I enjoy lifting weights; I have a gym set up in my home. I like astronomy. I also have an interest in nutrition and alternative health.

L: What drew you to the study of To-Shin Do?

D: I have had a broad interest in martial arts for a long time. As a young teen I used to watch the original "Kung Fu" series on TV. That got me interested in martial arts. I was partially drawn to the physical aspects but more so to the philosophical aspects of training and life. My son Nick was looking for a martial art and found out about the Phoenix Quest Center from a friend. We tried it out and decided to keep training. I like that To-Shin Do is well-rounded. It covers everything including unarmed self-defense techniques, weapons training and life skills. It has physical, mental and spiritual components.

L: How long have you been training and how often do you train?

D: I have been training at the Phoenix Quest Center twice a week for almost two years. I also sometimes train at home.

L: Other members of your family have trained at the dojo as well. What kind of experiences do you have training at the school as a family?

D: It has been a positive experience. It makes me happy and proud that my kids are doing a positive, useful endeavor. To-Shin Do is also one way that we can spend quality time together.

L: Have you been able to apply some of the skills that you've studied at the dojo in your life at home or at work?

D: I am still relatively new, but as I get more training experience I will incorporate more into my life. In general, To-Shin Do has increased my self-confidence and feelings of inner strength. I am less afraid and I feel more confident that if something dangerous happened, I would have some knowledge of how to defend myself. Perseverance has always been a part of my personality, but those traits of perseverance, endurance and "putting up with" have been reinforced by my training. These skills help me deal with challenging experiences as well as the ongoing stress of leading a busy life. I have always been pretty aware, but To-Shin Do has enhanced my awareness skills. In some social settings, if someone taps me on the shoulder, I don't just turn - I turn and move.

L: What is your favorite part of training?

D: I really enjoy months when there is a "Week 5." It is fun to break away from the curriculum and do something different. I also like weapons training in general. I like the more advanced lessons taught in Black Belt Club and at seminars. Training helps get the energy out when I'm in a bad mood or angry. It helps me turn a negative attitude into a positive one.

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