INTRODUCTION:
For my community connections project, I interview my martial arts instructor Mr. Tam. Mr. Tam works
at a martial arts school called Excel martial arts. He has been practicing martial arts for 17 years and for the past few years he has been teaching martial arts classes. Along with teaching martial arts classes he also teaches leadership classes. In his leadership classes, he teaches skills to build 
confidence and become better role models. In addition to teaching martial arts, he is a college student. He is balancing his school life and work by multi-tasking. I chose to interview him for this project because he inspired me. He inspired me because he is confident and a good role model. He helped me become a better leader by pushing myself and doing the right thing. These leadership qualities not only helped in martial arts but in the real world too. What also inspired me, was that he always overcome challenges with courage. This is why I decided to interview Mr. Tam.
QUESTIONS:
1. Can you explain your roles and responsibilities with your current position?
“My current role is Lead Instructor, and the responsibilities I have are making sure classes run according to plan, maintaining the leadership team, and running the floor in the absence of the Head Instructor.”
2. What obstacles have you faced to get you where you are today?
“The obstacle I faced was my self-esteem. I didn’t have good self confidence. I was very negative about how I viewed myself in terms of my own ability and technique. Had a rough time acknowledging my own strengths.”
3. What advice would you pass on to someone interested in what you are doing?
“Be ready to be challenged and surprised.”
4. Why are you passionate about your job or role?
“I’m passionate because I get the opportunity to teach martial arts, something I love to do, and I get to watch my students grow and become accomplished through their hard work.”
5. What inspired you to become a martial arts instructor?
” I became inspired when I realized I could make a difference in people’s lives by teaching martial arts.”
6. Where do you see yourself going from here?
” I see myself becoming a business owner, running a Martial Arts gym.”
What I learned:
From this interview I learned that you should always follow your passion. Following your passion is important because if you do not you could miss some special opportunities in your life. It also gives you a chance to make new friends and create more memories. I also learned that you need to work hard to overcome your obstacles. When you work hard to overcome obstacles or achieve your goals you learn valuable skills, such as determination, creative problem-solving skills. These skills can then help you become a better and more responsible person.
SOURCES:
- Excel martial arts. (n.d.). [Illustration]. Excel Martial Arts Port Coquitlam. https://marketmusclescdn.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/43/2020/11/18212917/Facebook-page-design.jpg
- Never give up. (2020, November 20). [Illustration]. Pexels. https://images.pexels.com/photos/5961729/pexels-photo-5961729.jpeg?cs=srgb&dl=pexels-thirdman-5961729.jpg&fm=jpg
Great blog! Loved reading it.