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April 2, 2009 - By Margaret Zhou
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Osman staggered back but didn't fall and continued to fight. He went on to win the gold medal for the red scorpion tae-kwon-do tournament of 2007. Osman says the fact that he was able to fight successfully with a serious injury and without full consciousness proved to him the value of rigorous training and continuous practice.
Osman began training in tae kwon do when he was eight years old. When his parents encouraged him to join a sport, he first chose to play soccer and then football. Although he liked the heavy contact of football and the athletic talent required to play soccer, Osman wanted to play a sport that was more tactical; something that required fine-tuned technique. This, combined with his fascination with martial arts film stars Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan, inspired Osman to start training in tae-kwon-do.
"I was really young when I first saw them and I was so impressed with their coordination and grace that made me want to join," said Osman.
Tae-kwon-do, the national sport of South Korea, is the world's most popular martial art in terms of number of practitioners. In comparison to other styles, tae-kwon-do heavily emphasizes utilization of high kicks. With the right amount of power and speed, these kicks can be devastating weapons since the legs allow for greater reach and delivery of force than the arms. Often times hand are only used in close combat after countless kicks have been thrown. "Kicks are very important in tae-kwon-do... it is the bases of many offensive, defensive, and counter attacks," said Osman. Tae-kwon-do training also involves a system of blocks, punches, strikes, throws and joint locks. Like most traditional styles of martial arts, tae-kwon-do combines fighting technique with a philosophy of self-betterment and harmony. These qualities have found their way into his personal life.
"When I first started tae-kwon-do I had an urge to fight but after a while I eventually developed self-control and applied [it] to all aspects of my life," said Osman.
In the nine years that Osman has been involved in tae-kown-do, these values have shaped his personality. Osman was awarded his black belt in 2003, a sign of his dedication and quality of training.
"It was probably one of the most memorable moments of my life. It was like a diploma showing my accomplishments and all I have achieved," said Osman.
He is known around school for being friendly and laid back but simultaneously an opinionated hard-worker. And while assisting his sensei in kids classes at the studio where he trains, Osman discovered a new passion: teaching.
"My personality introduced me to tae-kwon-do, and from tae-kwon-do, I began to teach little kids and from that I realized teaching was something I liked, something that fit my personality," Osman said.
Osman plans to continue martial arts training. He is considering practicing new styles, such as Jiu-Jitsu, starting in the summer when his schedule is not weighed down by school.
His plan for the future is to go to college and become an elementary school teacher. But for now, tae-kwon do training combines everything he has a passion for: fighting technique, athletic ability and kids waiting to be taught.
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