January 2006 Masters Profile

Grand Master J. C. Shin Profile

Personal Information

Where were you born?

I was born in Waterbury, CT.

Family members involved in Tang Soo Do:

I guess you can say I truly have a Tang Soo Do family. My husband, Master Efrain Valentin, my four boys (Jael is 13 and an E Dan, Kyan, 10 is a Cho Dan Bo and Michael and Aden are both 5 and Red Dragons), my five sister-in-laws (all are black belts and one is testing for masters, one brother-in-law (Sam Dan), many nieces and nephews, and several cousins.

Profession or trade outside of Tang Soo Do:

I am an enthusiastic Kindergarten teacher for the city of Meriden.

Academic accomplishments:

I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Adminstration from Bryant College and a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from Bridgeport University.

Martial Arts Career

When, where and why you started Tang Soo Do?

I started training at the age of 10 with Master Warren Adams at a local dance studio. At the time, I was a tomboy and all my male friends wanted to try karate; therefore, I decided to follow their lead. After a few months, about 10 of us joined Master Adams at his studio Adam's Karate Academy in Waterbury, CT. After one month, there were only 3 of us who continued to train. My two friends and I went through the ranks together. At brown belt level another friend decided to try other sports. At Cho Dan level my last friend quit. There were times when I wanted to stop training. I wanted to try other sports and do other activities with my friends. Fortunately, I had a father who pushed me along during those weak times. My instructor also gave me pep talks. I realized the importance of my martial arts training and how it has improved my life physically and mentally. Despite the tough workouts and getting through being one of two females in the school, I persevered and continued in the World Tang Soo Do way of life. Good thing too - I met my husband at a tournament.

Difference between when you first started training and today?

One major difference is the enrollment of females and children. When I first started, there were only three females and two of us were children. At the Cho Dan level, I was the only teen female training. There was one adult female, very few children, and the rest were adult and teen males. Another difference in training is the development of accepting everyone's personal best. Initially, students trained to have the highest kick or be the quickest as compared to other students. Now, student are training to reach their individual potential and compare to when they first began.

Tang Soo Do Career

What was your master's thesis on, why did you choose it, and what did you learn from it?

My thesis was about teaching benefits of martial arts to children. Being an elementary school teacher I am fortunate to deal with many children with different skills. Many students have limited skills due to lack of parental support, tighten curriculum, and cut back of after school activities. I have seen children who have had limited skills flourish after a few months training in the martial art. While researching for my thesis, I obtained many testimonials on the benefits of martial arts training from parents, students, teachers, and instructors. Several parents particularly commented on goal setting. Their children stayed focused longer periods of time in the dojang and at their grade school. Children are only allowed to test if they do well in all aspects of their life - home, school, and karate. Instructors and parents admire the discipline and tradition held within WTSDA. They compare their children's mental and physical abilities before joining the school and after a few months of training. Most parents see development in focus, health, coordination, balance, and motivation. There is one student who has shown extraordinary progress. He is diagnosed with ADHD and learning disabilities. When he first joined karate, it was a challenge to get him to stay focused for more than one minute. This student continually disrupted class and would not retain any material taught. Now, this individual is the first to compliment students and works steadily through his karate class and is doing well at school. This student and his instructors persevered and he will be testing for Cho Dan next test cycle. There are many stories of success like this student but he is the most improved individual all around. I could go on and on but as martial artists we all ready knew the benefits.

What is your favorite part of Tang Soo Do?

My favorite part of Tang Soo Do is the sense and growth of family. When a students joins the school, it is like raising a child. You give them a lot of attention, praise them, mold their individual talents, discipline them when needed, develop their character traits, and allow them to become independent when the time is right. Each of their accomplishments are that of your own. You stand like a proud parent when they are demonstrating, competing, testing and/or teaching. I will be glowing especially next Dan Test cycle when I have my first 7 Cho Dan Bos testing for Cho Dan. (YEAH!)

What is your favorite hyung and why?

I enjoy Bong Hyung E Bo. I love the fluidness of the figure eights. My instructor loved the Bong and we practiced until it felt natural. As I teach this form, I demonstrate the same respect and admiration for the staff as shown to me by my instructor.

Why do you continue to train and serve in the WTSDA?

It is truly rewarding to watch yourself and your students grow. As a teacher I watch my students grow for a year then they move on. But as a martial arts instructor I have the opportunity to watch my students grow over several years in so many different ways. Tang Soo Do offers so many different avenues for personal growth. Going through the ranks I have learned to focus on the positive and teach through praise and I will continue to touch more lives serving in WTSDA.

Who are some of your role models in and out of TSD?

My role models are the three men in my life who kept me training - my husband (Master Efrain Valentin), my father (Robert Velez), and my instructor (Master Warren Adams). My father, Robert raised my brother and I by himself. He is strong, dedicated, and and always wants the best for us. My instructor, Master Adams is a true technician. He perfects everything he is taught and continues to improve every time I see him. Master Adams trained me to value each technique and its possibilities. My husband, Master Valentin, is my everything. He is wise, humorous, sincere, hard-working, and he values his family. All these men gave me encouragement; a kick in the rear when times were tough; and showed their love and pride for all of my accomplishments.

What are some of your favorite memories of your time in TSD?

My favorite memories deal mainly with all the World Championships. Many students and their families bond with myself and my family during each event. The adults sit by the poolside chatting and the children are playing Marco Polo in the pool. Eventually, we all jump in and throw the kids around in the water. This is usually our nightly ritual.

Master Valentin and her first Cho Dan Bo who will be testing for black belt.

Advice/Words of Wisdom:

Youth, teen and/or adult martial artist:

Smile- It’s Contagious!

Teaching tips or ways you make classes more exciting:

Be sincere and positive when relaying information to your students. Always address each student by the end of their class. Your little touch, smile, thumbs up, and words of wisdom go a long way.