Johnny Nguyen, the master instructor at NB Taekwondo & Fitness Center in Chandler, hopes to be a role model for every student who comes through the studio. (Photo by Anya Magnuson/Special for Cronkite News)
CHANDLER – At a storefront studio in Chandler, taekwondo students of all ages stream through the door, looking to improve their coordination, burn off energy or get in shape.
But they will leave with much more than that, says Johnny Nguyen, the master instructor at NB Taekwondo & Fitness Center.
“I want to be a role model to all of our kids,” he said. “I want to inspire them and show them that it takes hard work, it takes sacrifice, it takes discipline to achieve goals.”
Jorge Castillo said martial arts changed him for the better.
“Boy, I had a horrible temper, and it just changed the type of person I am – the way that I treat people,” said Castillo, who was introduced to the sport when his 6-year-old daughter began training at the studio.
Studio instructor Isaiah Graves said students are taught to live by the principles of black belt: modesty, courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control and indomitable spirit.
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