[Leo]

We're off to a good start on the new board! Yay!

My name is Neil "Leo" Seefeldt. I'm 32 (d'oh! I'm getting old!), father of two, and have a pretty tolerant wife (love ya' babe!). My hobbies and interests include martial arts (duh), working on cars, golf, staying up late, hanging out with the family, and trying new things. I'm neither conservative nor liberal but don't let that fool you. Even though I come off quite neutral during "touchy situations," I do have my own opinions... I typically choose to keep them to myself, though. When I'm not goofing off, I'm researching legal matters and preparing myself for my future plans (not goals... plans). My family comes first, then comes my education (collegiately or in martial arts). After that, I work in the field of telecommunications. In this field I've worn many hats... too many to bore you with the details.

I trained at Koguryo Martial Arts Academy from Feb. 06 -- Aug. 06. I left as a "solid" 8th gup (almost up for 7th gup). My most memorable moments were sparring with Jason McCray and when Master Circle told us that he was training us all at "Instructor Level" after a recent tour to Korea. LOL! I got a kick out of that, and I felt pretty good about not passing out on the mat after each warm up! Oh, and who could forget the knot on my shin after Master Circle got ahold of me! Good times!

I absolutely loved training there! I learned something new every class! I was a regular there, in that I always tried to be there 3-4 times a week. Sometimes, I'd come in early (evenings) and sit in with the kiddos. I loved morning classes since a lot of the intermediate and senior students were there (Carlos, Jason, Kivi, Ron, etc...) I used-to hate sparring but Master Circle showed me extremely effective methods to defend myself in a fight. I wasn't much of a aggressor, but I could make a guy get pretty tired chasing me around or trying to land a solid strike!

Oh, if you all are wearing head protection and hand protection during sparring sessions, you can thank me for that! haha! Ron and I collided fists during a session once, and he opened up my knuckle! I bled all over my dobak! Sorry about that!

All pain aside, I learned a lot of priceless things from the school. Comraderie, integrity, loyalty, honor, courage, stamina... you name it. I also watched Master Circle closely on how he worked with all the students. His "knack" for working with the children is what won my heart over. Mainly because I planned on having him train my daughter and son; of course, that went out the door when I moved to Houston, but I digress. When I was a kid, growing up in San Diego, I ran with a crew/gang. My childhood was very disturbing to say the least. My hopes are that my children never have that type of life. Should they run into problems, I'm hoping that they are able to "cautiously and effectively" defend themselves. This is what spawned my newfound love of the art.

Parting is such sweet sorrow... Leaving Central Ohio was a decision that had to be made due to instability in my line of work. I'm not going to chalk it all up to that, though... I also left because I needed a change of environment and I liked the fact that Houston has 2 non-traditional schools that I want to attend (post grad work). It was a bittersweet decision, at the end of the day. I ended up getting deathly ill in December. I'm fine now, but I'm still under constant study by a team of doctors who love having me as a their personal guinea pig.

Master Circle knows me and knows why I love the school as much as I do. Why remain a part of something I'm not attached to anymore? Because I love it! Martial Arts is not something that is learned in a day. It takes a lifetime. Whether you start at 2 or 72, martial arts is beneficial to everyone. Well, that and Master Circle taught me a punch once that almost made me fly backwards and clockwise! LOL!

I currently train under the semi/private instruction of Master Dennis McHenry (aka Master Mac). He's a great teacher and really loves the art of all martial arts. He's proven to be a great teacher and mentor and I'm lucky to have found him! After I get my 8th gup status (yeah... I had to start all over again) I'll be accepted into an organization led by many awesome Korean Martial Arts Masters and Grand Masters. The "big dog" is Grand Master J.R. West out of Jackson, MS. I get to meet him in a couple of weeks at a seminar, which I'm stoked about! I have to take it "very" easy on the training, due to some meds that the doctors have me on but I'm still training.

Koguryo (the school, it's fine instructors, and awesome friends I made there) will always be in my heart. It has changed my life and I hope that everyone out there reading this, that has never tried martial arts, give the school a shot. I know that after taking part in a class and meeting Master Circle and the great group of students he has, you'll never look back!

V/R,
Leo

P.S. Keep coming back to the message board! I have some pretty cool pictures that I'm going to start posting up!

[KristinCircle]

I've heard bits and pieces and seen your posts on the old forum, but its nice to hear more about you, Leo! And thanks so much for putting the forum together. Its echelons above the old one.

[Leo]

[tazemii]

Yes, thanks you for making this forum ^_^

its rocks.


*goes back to reading*
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Skip school start fights...

HitTheLights

[Leo]