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  MASTER PROFILE
Full
Name:
Michael DiPietro
Rank and date of rank:
4th Dan Master, 2002
Region, Studio name and location:
Region 8
East Coast Karate Institute in Glen Mills, PA
East Coast Karate Institute II in Newton Square, PA
Contact Info 610-361-9442
Personal
Information
Full-time Martial Arts Instructor since 1997 and studio owner since 1997
Academic
accomplishments/military service:
Associate Degree in Business from Pierce College. Philadelphia, PA
Martial
Arts Career
When,
where and why you started Tang Soo Do?
When I was 9 years old my parents forced me to start. I had a bad temper
and my parents thought this was a good place for me to learn self control
and discipline. My first instructor was Master John Godwin, who was an
instructor at Grandmaster Shin’s school in Philadelphia at that time.
When
and how did Tang Soo Do become something you wanted instead of something
your parents were forcing you to do?
After I received my red belt my motivation really started to grow, and I
always wanted to learn and practice.
Other
martial arts studied:
Judo and Hapkido
Notable
accomplishments in the martial arts field:
From the time I was a white belt until I became a Master's candidate, I
would compete in many WTSDA sanctioned events and other organization's
open events. I won many medals and trophies and quite a few grand
champion trophies through the years. I believe that competition adds an
extra dimension to an individual's persona. My growth as a technician,
especially, was assisted during that time due to the friendly competition
and training with Brian Fisher, Sal Convento, and many other great martial
artists.
Train
others (police, military, etc.):
Besides Tang Soo Do, I also teach women’s self-defense classes. My staff
and myself make it a point to teach women's self-defense and youth
awareness classes whenever and wherever we can. I believe it is important
we share the knowledge we have with others so that they are better able to
protect themselves.
Tang Soo
Do Career
What is
your favorite part of Tang Soo Do?
My favorite part is teaching children, educating them, trying to help them
become better. The kid’s program at my school is based on my own early
experiences. We try to focus on a child’s mentality especially the
children who do not understand the benefits that a martial arts program
has to offer. My staff and I talk to the children about school, grades,
respecting parents, and not fighting with siblings. It becomes more than
just teaching techniques. Impacting their lives is definitely my favorite
and most enjoyable part of Tang Soo Do.
Has
fatherhood change your approach to teaching and outlook?
Even though I am a master in Tang Soo Do I am a rookie
at being a father, my son just turned
2 years old and I have another on the way.
When
will you have your son/daughter to start their training?
They will
try karate at the age of four as long as their attention span is ready.
Why do
you continue to train and serve in the WTSDA?
I truly believe everyone is a student, no matter what rank they are or how
old they may be. We must continuously strive to learn more and grow.
Along with gathering knowledge, I believe it is just as important to pass
you knowledge along to others. Tang Soo Do has been a part of my life
since day 1 and is something I love. The WTSDA is a great place to share
the knowledge I have gained from Grandmaster Shin and other masters
(especially the ones who have known me since I was a kid and seen me
transition from a cocky teenager to an adult with a family of my own)
Who are
some of your role models in and out of TSD:
Master Godwin, as one of my instructors, for his knowledge, teaching me to
strive to do better. Master Gordon for being wise and being there for
advice. And of course my parents. They have been happily married for more
than 30 years. Although marriage is new to me, they are a great example.
From them I have a better understanding of Um & Yang and the importance of
balance. This balance has become even more important now that I have a
family. Martial arts is important but it has to be balanced with family
and other aspects of everyday life.
What
are some of your favorite memories of your time in TSD?
My
favorite memory is getting my Master’s belt when I was 26 years old. I
hope it shows people that they can accomplish anything if they are
dedicated, hard working and love what they do.
 
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Master DiPietro and Master Fisher and the East Coast Demo Team |
Master
DiPietro receiving his Master Rank |
Teaching
tips or ways you make classes more exciting:
I have found that motivation is the key to teaching anybody. If they’re
motivated they’ll overcome any obstacle placed in their way. At my studio
I use a tip system to motivate students to get from one belt to the
other. Tips are stripes they get on their belt for accomplishing kicks
for their levels, hyungs, one- steps, for their level. Once they get 5
tips on their belt, they are eligible to test for next belt.
Personal comments and your goals for future?
I believe everyone should set high goals and reach for the stars. It
will take hard work to achieve them and you should strive to be the best
you can be in whatever you do. My goals include making my school one of
the best in the WTSDA. I want to have the best family oriented and goal
oriented school in the association. On the personal side, I want to be a
good father and example for my own son.
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