I have earned my 4th degree black belt in Tang-Soo-Do, Aikido and Jujitsu melded into a system founded by my master instructor Soke Michael Kinney. (His web site is on my links section) I teach at Gladden Park Community Center on Monday’s and Wednesday nights. I have a children’s class from 6pm-7pm and an adult class from 7pm-8pm. We also have an invitation only “over-time” workout from 8pm-9pm. My school has classes all over Pinellas county throughout the week. I’ve been teaching since I was a black belt candidate, about 7 or 8 years now. I started training at about 13 years old and received my 1st degree black belt in October of 1995 just after I turned 16. At the time was very active in the state-wide tournament circuit “Fame”. I’ve promoted several people to Black Belt although just recently I was able to promote “Super” Dave Wyman to Black Belt as my first start to finish student. As in he was my first student to take from white to black.

Every time I sit down to write about my Martial Arts I find myself terrified that I won’t do it justice. The Art, the students, the teachers…it all becomes a part of who you are, it gets into your blood. The pride I have in my students overwhelms me occasionally. We’ve all managed to form a tightly knit family that provides not only a healthy environment for learning, but also a security and trust that is sadly very hard to find these days. I don’t know where I would be today without my Martial Arts. Well, that’s not true, I know I’d be dead. More than once it has saved my life. It’s more accurate to say that I don’t know where I would be today if it weren’t for the relationships I’ve forged during my martial arts career. The people have had a profound impact on my life and helped me to grow in more than one way. I owe so much to Susan (who teaches at NorthWest Tuesdays and Thursdays) that to try to put it into words seems disrespectful. Additionally Michael Kinney himself has been not only an instructor in the art, but also an instructor in life, honor and wisdom.

Have you ever considered training yourself? It's never to late!

My training has actually saved my life at least twice now. Once at the age of 18 I was set upon by 3 teenage gang members wielding small knives outside a gas station. My training and their intoxication undoubtedly saved my life that night. I did not walk away uninjured, but I did walk away.

Another time a few years later I was in a near car accident. After pulling over to catch my breath the motorist who nearly hit me pulled along side my car and got out. He approached my open window, yelling that I had nearly killed him. I tried to apologize (even though it was he who had nearly caused the crash) but he pulled out a gun and started to point it at me. Reflexively I reached out through the window (thankfully he had gotten close enough) grabbed his wrist and yanked him into a backfist while stripping the gun from his hand. The blow knocked him down and left the gun in my passenger seat.

My heart didn't slow down for about 3 days.

I have no doubt in my mind that had I not been training for so long I would not be among the living now.
-Seth

Have a very merry new year and keep me posted on your daughters tournaments!

15 year old Kerri Hallman