In this article, we will be interviewing another great school in the Atlantic-Pacific Tang Soo Do Federation: Birmingham Academy of Martial Arts located in Birmingham, Alabama. Birmingham Academy of Martial Arts is operated by the wife and husband team of Master Heather Potter (4th degree black belt) and Will Potter (2nd degree black belt). The school was opened in June 2005.
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| Author: |
Thank you, Master Potter for sharing some of your time today. Let me start by asking how would you sum up your studio’s philosophy or focus?
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| Potter: |
We believe that for martial arts to be truly effective, you must go beyond just physical techniques. To us, a great school is the culmination of a caring, professional staff, a determined student and a structured curriculum based on a revered art.
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| Author: |
How do you put this philosophy or focus into practice in your school?
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| Potter: |
We stress the importance of attitude first, aptitude second. We have many success stories of students who have excelled in our school despite challenges because they were determined to not let those challenges stop them.
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| Author: |
When did you became part of the APTSDF.
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| Potter: |
We joined in February 2007.
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| Author: |
What has been the biggest benefit in joining the Federation?
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| Potter: |
We enjoy the friendships that we have formed within the Federation. Also the assistance that Kwan Jang Nim and Master Jett provide towards helping us grow a successful full time martial arts school is invaluable.
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| Author: |
What other background information do you feel would interest readers?
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| Potter: |
My husband and I actually met through martial arts. Mr. Potter and his daughter Lydia (black belt candidate) started classes at a local school when I was a second degree black belt and instructor. So for us, martial arts is truly a family affair.
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| Author: |
How many instructors do you have?
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| Potter: |
Currently, my husband and I. We also have students enrolled in our Certified Instructor Training (CIT) program.
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| Author: |
Tell me more about your students. Do you have many black belts?
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| Potter: |
We have 4 black belts and 134 non-black belt students.
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| Author: |
What are the age ranges for your classes?
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| Potter: |
We have classes for all ages 4 years old and up (3 ½ year old accepted based on instructor evaluation of maturity)
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| Author: |
In your opinion, what makes martial arts so beneficial to modern individuals and families?
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| Potter: |
Martial arts is a great opportunity for families to do something together that benefits everyone. Skills that are not actively taught in other activities such as focus, discipline, confidence, and goal setting are stressed in class. Also with many families having hectic schedules, martial arts is a wonderful activity that the whole family can share, saving time and money. To top it off, it is a blast!
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| Author: |
Why should a person or parent choose Birmingham Academy of Martial Arts over other options?
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| Potter: |
We have a true family and life-skills focus so we are a leadership academy and not just a place to learn how to fight. We are also one of the few schools to have full time staff, multiple training floors and a dedicated academic classroom/conference room. To accommodate today's busy families, we have an extensive schedule to meet just about any need. The camaraderie shared by the student body makes everyone feel welcome the minute they walk in the door. The instructors are here not to show you how tough we are but to help our students grow.
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| Author: |
Do you have specialized classes or curriculum for young children or other segments of the population with special physical conditions?
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| Potter: |
Our general program is designed for 7 year olds and up. We also have a specialized program for 4 to 6 year olds (3 ½ depending on instructor evaluation) with a curriculum and scheduled geared just for them. We have several students that are taking classes to help them learn to manage ADHD, Acute shyness, aspergers and other social conditions. We currently do not have a separate class for these students as many tend to do well through inclusion with the general student population.
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| Author: |
One last question: What is your vision for your school’s future?
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| Potter: |
We are very proud of what our current students learn and accomplish and want to extend that pride to a larger community. Our current plan is to expand with satellite schools throughout the surrounding neighborhoods so that more people can experience the benefits of what we have to share.
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| Author: |
Master Potter, thank you very much for your time.
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