Hello, My name is David Paprocki. I am forever grateful that I was terrible at T-Ball when I was 5 years old because that is what led me to give martial arts a shot when I was 6. What was just a hobby to keep me busy then is now something that continues to define me in my 20’s. It defines me no matter where I go because what I learned was more than just kicking, punching or grappling. I learned perseverance, effective goal setting, and charisma. It is never too early or too late in life to learn these traits, and indeed, they can be learned. You do not need to be born with them.
While many great Martial Arts Influencers are full time martial arts instructors and school owners, they do not reflect the silent majority of bivocational martial artists. Sure, I’m passionate about martial arts, but I’m also passionate about my career as an engineer. And Guess What? That is OK. It is perfectly fine and dare I say encouraged to be a multi-faceted young professional in today’s society. I am here to write to the 25 year old 2nd Dan that needs to be challenged, but I am also here to write to the 22 year old new grad that might need some encouragement. Some encouragement to try something new. Some encouragement to set goals. Some encouragement to get healthy! As a young professional and a martial artist your future is limitless, you just need to explore.
It is incredibly toxic yet oh so appetizing to get comfortable, to become ok with your status quo. Sometimes that reflects our technique; Other times that reflects our lives! I encourage you to stay open minded, to honestly take a peek at where you are and where you want to be. That’s what I did, and that is why I am here as a Co-Founder of this blog. That is why I try and experience other martial arts when I have strong roots training and teaching Tang Soo Do.
So as you read through this blog, you need to ask yourself the following questions:
What do I want?
How do I get there?
What support do I need?
If you can answer these questions, great. If not, don’t worry we will get you there!
In my copious amounts of free time, I enjoy taking hikes and taking nature photos. I enjoy any opportunity I can get to see live Jazz, and I am a die hard Chicago Cubs fan.