About The Fighting Teacher
I love many things: poetry, nature, animals, books, food, the list goes on. But what I spend the vast majority of my time invested in are three things: teaching, fighting, and traveling.
I love teaching.
Middle school is its own animal, to say the least. When I first decided to change careers from non-profit fundraising to teaching, I first had to decide what grade to teach. Elementary school: not so much. Just the thought of spending my entire day with tiny humans who cannot tie their own shoes or wipe their noses makes me queasy. In hindsight, I should have chosen high school; my sense of humor is a bit dry and sarcastic, which probably would have better lent itself to people whose brains have actually started to conceptualize a grey area. But, alas, I chose middle school, the most hormonal, wonky bunch of weirdos to ever exist on the planet. Nevertheless, I dig them (most of the time). Especially seventh graders. They're not quite babies like sixth graders and aren't jaded like eighth graders. They have moments of intellectual splendor and moments of pure ridiculousness that makes every day a unique experience.
I love fighting.
Getting in a ring is a bit surreal for me. I love martial arts: the discipline, the camaraderie, the respect for fellow athletes, all of it. I initially took a kickboxing class at Higher Vision Studios in 2006 as a way to get in shape. Soon after my coach, Tom Poey, asked me to join the team and compete in the upcoming WKKO East Coast Championships. Sure, why not? Well, I won and the rest is history. I've gone on to compete in the WKA North American Championships, IKF World Championships, and various local events. All in all, my record is 6-3. Not too shabby.
I love traveling.
My wanderlust was sparked over a decade ago when I went on my first trip out of my home state to California. After an eight hour plane ride (which was no picnic, might I add), I landed in Monterey, CA and immediately fell in love with that "wow this place is new!" feeling. Since then, I've been all over the United States to include multiple trips to California, Texas, Arizona, Georgia, West Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, Louisiana, and Florida. Recently, I stretched my wings and traveled abroad to Europe. I spent nineteen days in Ireland, Scotland, Wales and London with 42 middle school students and three other leaders as part of People to People Leadership Tours. It has been, by far, my most favorite traveling experience and I can't wait to chart out my next adventure abroad.
This site is to pay tribute to the sport that keeps me in shape and out of trouble, as well as share all of the interesting places and yummy foods I come across in my travels. Hopefully you will find a place to grub when you're in a city I've visited. Maybe you'll learn something about the art of Muay Thai. Either way, I hope you enjoy your stay.
I love teaching.
Middle school is its own animal, to say the least. When I first decided to change careers from non-profit fundraising to teaching, I first had to decide what grade to teach. Elementary school: not so much. Just the thought of spending my entire day with tiny humans who cannot tie their own shoes or wipe their noses makes me queasy. In hindsight, I should have chosen high school; my sense of humor is a bit dry and sarcastic, which probably would have better lent itself to people whose brains have actually started to conceptualize a grey area. But, alas, I chose middle school, the most hormonal, wonky bunch of weirdos to ever exist on the planet. Nevertheless, I dig them (most of the time). Especially seventh graders. They're not quite babies like sixth graders and aren't jaded like eighth graders. They have moments of intellectual splendor and moments of pure ridiculousness that makes every day a unique experience.
I love fighting.
Getting in a ring is a bit surreal for me. I love martial arts: the discipline, the camaraderie, the respect for fellow athletes, all of it. I initially took a kickboxing class at Higher Vision Studios in 2006 as a way to get in shape. Soon after my coach, Tom Poey, asked me to join the team and compete in the upcoming WKKO East Coast Championships. Sure, why not? Well, I won and the rest is history. I've gone on to compete in the WKA North American Championships, IKF World Championships, and various local events. All in all, my record is 6-3. Not too shabby.
I love traveling.
My wanderlust was sparked over a decade ago when I went on my first trip out of my home state to California. After an eight hour plane ride (which was no picnic, might I add), I landed in Monterey, CA and immediately fell in love with that "wow this place is new!" feeling. Since then, I've been all over the United States to include multiple trips to California, Texas, Arizona, Georgia, West Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, Louisiana, and Florida. Recently, I stretched my wings and traveled abroad to Europe. I spent nineteen days in Ireland, Scotland, Wales and London with 42 middle school students and three other leaders as part of People to People Leadership Tours. It has been, by far, my most favorite traveling experience and I can't wait to chart out my next adventure abroad.
This site is to pay tribute to the sport that keeps me in shape and out of trouble, as well as share all of the interesting places and yummy foods I come across in my travels. Hopefully you will find a place to grub when you're in a city I've visited. Maybe you'll learn something about the art of Muay Thai. Either way, I hope you enjoy your stay.