In this article, we will be exploring another amazing school in the Atlantic-Pacific Tang Soo Do Federation: Southbury Academy of Karate & Fitness in Southbury, CT. The school was started in September, 1998 by Master Leif Becker. Master Becker has appeared on numerous television programs such as David Letterman and ESPN. He is an author, renowned motivational speaker and current holder of the martial arts world record for most boards broken in one minute at 487.
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| Author: |
Thank you, Master Becker for giving us some of your time today. Some people reading this article may not realize that you are a certified world record holder in board breaking. At what point did you say to yourself: “Hey! I’m going to try this!”? |
| Becker: |
In 1999, I started to really look into it. I contacted the people at Guinness World Records and started laying the groundwork. My first attempt was in 2003 at Post University (then called Teikyo Post University) in Connecticut. In 2004, I attempted the record at the Mohegan Sun Casino and Resort and later on David Letterman. In 2005, I finally set the world record in Hollywood, CA. |
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| Author: |
That is quite a few attempts before finally reaching your goal. Did you ever find yourself thinking about throwing in the towel? And if so, how did you keep yourself on track? |
| Becker: |
Never. I always kept my drive to continue plus I had the support of my students, family, friends and Team Bergamo with whom I competed and trained. |
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| Author: |
Breaking that many boards in one minute is an impressive feat, almost superhuman, in fact. What can someone that is thinking of martial arts for themselves or their children take from your story? |
| Becker: |
I would want my students to learn to take opportunities to push themselves and overcome the obstacles that are holding them back. For me, the practice of martial arts is about investigating the individual’s true potential. |
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| Author: |
Someone reading this article is now interested in your school. How would you sum up your school’s focus in just a few words? |
| Becker: |
We are dedicated to assisting individuals reach their maximum potential and develop leadership skills in all areas of their lives. We accomplish this through a combination of physical training and traditional Tang Soo Do philosophy. |
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| Author: |
I know that your school has about 140 students with 23 wearing black belts. A school that size provides stability in tough economic times and a diverse student body with which to train. Who do you have helping teach your classes? |
| Becker: |
We have quite a few assistant instructors but the main two are my brother Trevor Becker, who is a 4th Degree Black Belt, and Amanda Bleier, a 2nd Degree Black Belt.
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| Author: |
When did you join the Atlantic-Pacific Tang Soo Do Federation and what benefits have you realized from that decision? |
| Becker: |
I joined the APTSDF in September of 2005. I have enjoyed the great respect and camaraderie between the member schools. And I have personally benefited from the mentoring of Kwan Jang Nim John St. James, President of the organization. |
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| Author: |
You have written a book titled “Breaking Barriers: Your Guide to Personal Master” which is available on Amazon.com and your personal website www.leifbecker.com. You travel all around the country speaking to groups from small schools to Fortune 500 companies. How did you parlay your martial arts experience into motivational speaking and writing success? |
| Becker: |
Along the way to breaking the world record, I learned so much about maximizing my own potential. I decided to sit down and systemize what I had found so that I could share it with others. The approaches that I wrote about and speak about can be used in all facets of life; not just in breaking boards or martial arts. |
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