Tae Kwon Do - 1st Degree Black Belt - Cho Dan
30 years of martial art interest. 15 years of formal training and teaching include:
Average 1 - 1 1/2 years between ranks (9 formal years of training to obtain his Cho Dan rank and currently 5 years sharing, teaching and studying at Cho Dan rank). Michael's belief is not in the title he holds but in the love of the art he carries and teaches. He currently upholds and lives the 6 principles of a black belt: Modesty, Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self-Control, Indomitable Spirit.
Styles:
- Tae Kwon Do
- Ronin Grappling
- Hapkido
- Aikido
- Judo
- Jujitsu
- Ryu Kyu Kempo
- Tang Soo Do Moo Duk Kwan
- Self Defense, Compliance and Take Down
Weaponry:
- Bo Staff
- Nunchuck
- Sword
- Skrima
- Kama
- Chain Whip
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Martial Art Schools Attended:
Tang Soo Doo Moo Duk Kwan American, Old Bridge, N.J.
White Tiger Martial Arts, Manahawkin, N.J
Ronin Judo and Grappling, Manahawkin, N.J.
Seigido Ryu Kardo Ru Jitsu, Howell, and Old Bridge, N.J.
Karate Success (Mike High Karate), Barnegat, N.J.
Impulse Mixed Martial Arts, Waretown, N.J.
White Tiger Martial Arts participated in:
- Responsible for teaching, guiding and providing teaching support to new instructors.
- Teaching of traditional forms, weaponry, self-defense and basic-advanced martial arts.
- Utilizing my fluent sign language to communicate with hearing impaired students.
- Tournament Team Demonstrations:
- Stafford Township Parades (Founders Day, Pirates Day etc.)
- Local Public Schools, Nursing Homes, Religious Centers, Recreation Centers
- All Martial Art School Tournaments (Home & Visiting)
- Participated in demonstration curriculum, choreography of performances,
designed tournament logo, developed team music and sound editing
for demonstrations.
- Performances included traditional and extreme forms, weaponry, self-defense
and choreographed scenarios.
- Performed sign language to lectures and martial art forms for hearing impaired.
Karate Success (Mike High Karate) participated in:
- Developing and maintaining the original creation of the school in 2007.
- Developing curriculum (lesson plans, drills, mentoring, special events, birthday parties etc.)
- Responsible for teaching, guiding and providing teaching support to new instructors.
- Creating lectures that supported reading materials, character building and high self esteem.
- Developing and organizing testing.
- Teaching of traditional forms, weaponry, self-defense and basic-advanced martial arts.
Impulse Mixed Martial Arts participated in:
- Consultant in curriculum development (lessons, drills, special events, birthday parties etc.)
- Responsible for teaching, guiding and providing teaching support.
- Teaching of traditional forms, weaponry, self-defense, ground fighting and basic-advanced martial arts.
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Honors and Awards:
Medals of Honor:
(In recognition for martial art skill and promotion of the arts)
2002 – Garden State Karate Invitational Games (Placed twice in Sparring and Extreme Forms)
2001 – Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Battle of Columbus World Martial Art Champion
2000 – Arnold Schwarzenegger’s 25th Battle of Columbus 3rd Annual Asian Culture Fair
Barnegat Lighthouse Karate Invitational:
2004 – 2nd place – Weapons – Bo Staff (Woo Shu)
2004 – 2nd place – Extreme Forms (Suk Do Subi)
2004 – 3rd place – Sparring
2002 – 1st place – Extreme Forms (Suk Do Subi)
2002 – 1st place – Sparring
2002 – 3rd place – Traditional Forms (Penuns)
2001 – 1st place – Sparring
2001 – 1st place – Traditional Forms (Tae Guk)
Amerikick Nationals, Atlantic City:
2001 – 1st place – Traditional Forms (Tae Guk)
2001 – 2nd place – Extreme Weapon Forms (Nunchucks)
2nd Tri-State Karate Championships:
1987 – 1st place – Traditional Tang Soo Do Forms
1987 – 3rd place – Sparring
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Parent References & Recommendations:
Mr. Leon;
It has been a pleasure to learn from you. You’re passion and dedication to teach is obvious. You have a very special way to motivate people. Even if I was having a bad day or I didn’t want to continue, you’re words kept me going. We also greatly appreciate your loyalty to our children. We trust you, 100%, with Michael and Zachary. We believe that you have always put their best interests first.
We wish you nothing but the best in the future. We’re sure that no matter what you do, you will succeed.
Sincerely,
Ed and Stephanie Barrett
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Re: Mr. Michael Leon - Martial Arts Instructor
To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing this letter of recommendation on behalf of Mr. Michael Leon. Mr. Leon has been my daughter’s karate instructor for about six months. In this small amount of time he has made a large impact on my daughter, Livannah. Livannah is a shy, but determined girl. It was next to impossible to get her involved in any sport. We tried karate three times and it was not until Mr. Leon entered her life that she truly enjoyed it.
Mr. Leon has consistently provided a positive learning environment. He empowers his students and helps each student to work to the best of their abilities. Mr. Leon has the unique ability to make each child believe that they are truly the best! His teachings are not only aimed at physical attributes, but also at education and self-esteem. He has taught my daughter to be proud of her all of her abilities. He has not only taught, but displayed the core values of karate, Honor, Respect, Integrity, and Discipline.
I am honored to write this letter of recommendation for Mr. Michael Leon. In the amount of time that he has taught my daughter I have had the opportunity to know him on a more personal level. He is a truly optimistic person who sheds his optimism on all those he comes in contact with. He is professional, but at the same time caring. His personality is not only displayed in school, but everywhere. He has a true concern for humanity.
Sincerely,
Lacie Tyger
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Re: Character Recommendation: Michael Leon
To those inquiring about Mr. Leon:
I have known Michael Leon for several years. I find him to be an honest and sincere person. I watched him achieve his black belt in Karate. That gave my children and I inspiration to follow his example. He taught my children and I for the last year. Mr. Leon has the patience to deal with all students, young and old. I felt with his support, I could achieve my goals. He makes all of us feel comfortable and gives us the motivation to succeed. I find Mr. Leon to be calm even in stressful situations, always with a smile on his face and a kind word of encouragement. He works hard and pushes us to our limit but knows when to stop. He creates new methods to keep us interested in Karate while maintaining the basic skills we need to learn.
I am 50 years old and if it wasn’t for Mr. Leon, I probably would have quit a long time ago. I want him to be proud of my children and I when we achieve our Black Belts. With any luck, Mr. Leon will be there to help us.
Sincerely,
Debbie DiGirolamo
