NATA President

Master Jamie Johnson

In a recent interview with Master Jamie Johnson, she sheds light on her personal path on the martial way and her goals for the NATA in years to come.

When did you begin training?

I began training in 1985 in Seoul, Korea. It's been 22 years since.

Why did you start training?

Destiny. Martial Arts has been a part of my life all along, I just figured it out after awhile.

Why did you choose HJMS/TKD ?

Master Johnson had a lot of influence on me. When we met, he was studying under Grandmaster Myung. I happened to be there as Hoi Jeon Moo Sool was being developed into it's modern form today.

As president of the NATA what do you believe this organization stands for?

Leadership for our branches and standing for leadership in the community. Standing for a true, no frills martial art, providing a real learning experience. Running the NATA is not about money, but about giving people the right understanding about Martial Arts and letting them reflect on that through change. To give them loyalty, pride about themselves, their art, and their school. With loyalty and pride, I get to see the changes, kids grade going up, adults happier in life, more positive and overall changes for the better. This makes me proud. To serve the community with a place to better themselves completely. Pride, trust, organization, unity, respect are all trait one will learn through the NATA.

If there was one thing you could teach to everyone whom steps through that door, what would it be?

To bow. Learning a show of respect. The ability to clear their mind and show a good mentality. Bowing is just as important for the person bowing as the person their showing respect to. It's a show of appreciation. It's not a simple motion. For lower ranks bowing to higher ranks, it's a symbol of trust. For higher ranks bowing to lower ranks, it's a show of love. Bowing is a bridge of communication between people signifying respect. A lot of people don't understand what bowing means. When people understand the meaning, their thoughts and actions change. Bowing is NOT an empty gesture. It's a huge showing of respect.

Going toward the future, what do you want the NATA to become

I want the NATA to keep going strong. No limits. Someday when I step down a student will take care of it. Same tradition, instruction, mentality. Same caring environment.

In your opinion, why is it important to study a martial way in this day and age?

Mentality, self discipline, self defense and most of all, a good physical workout. With this, the mind and body will come together.